November 25, 2024
Flying privately no longer has to be an unattainable luxury. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of private aviation at a fraction of the usual cost.
Here’s a detailed guide with practical ways to fly private cheaply, covering platforms, costs, and actionable advice to help you get started.
Empty-leg flights are one of the most affordable ways to access private jets. These flights occur when a private jet needs to return to its base or reposition for its next charter, flying empty if unbooked.
Private jet companies list these routes at steep discounts to offset costs. You pay for the empty leg, not the full trip. Websites like PrivateFly, Victor, and Jettly regularly update empty-leg listings.
Depending on the route and jet type, you can find light jet empty legs for $2,000 to $5,000. For example, an empty-leg flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco on a private aircraft could cost as low as $3,000. These flights are best for travelers with flexible schedules and destinations, as routes and times are pre-set.
Shared charters allow you to book a single seat on a private jet instead of chartering the entire aircraft. This is a great way to access private jet flights at a fraction of the usual cost. Private jet operators or brokers consolidate passengers flying to the same destination, splitting the charter flight cost.
Platforms like JSX, Set Jet, and Blade offer such shared private flight options. Flights with JSX start at $249 per seat for routes like Orange County to Las Vegas. Set Jet requires a $99.95 monthly membership, with flights starting at $560 one way. It's best for travelers who want semi-private flights and don’t mind sharing the aircraft with others.
Private jet membership programs offer cost-efficient access to flights, especially for frequent flyers. These programs often come with perks like guaranteed availability, discounted rates, and access to a fleet of aircraft.
You pay a monthly or annual membership fee to access private aircraft at reduced rates. Many programs include fractional ownership or pre-purchased flight hours. Platforms such as Wheels Up and Surf Air provide popular membership programs.
Wheels Up memberships start at $2,995 per year, with hourly rates of $4,000 for light jets. Surf Air offers unlimited flights within certain regions for $1,995 per month. It is best for frequent travelers who prioritize convenience and don’t want long-term commitments.
Jet cards allow you to prepay for flight hours at fixed hourly rates. They’re an excellent option for travelers who value predictable costs and access to premium private jet charters. You pay upfront for a set number of flight hours, which can be used as needed. Jet cards include fixed rates and guaranteed availability.
NetJets, Sentient Jet, and Magellan Jets are leading jet card providers. A 25-hour light jet card from Sentient Jet starts at $150,000 ($6,000/hour). NetJets offers midsize jet cards starting at $200,000. It is best for business travelers and those who frequently book private jet flights.
An on-demand private jet charter lets you book flights as needed without upfront costs or commitments. This is a flexible solution for occasional travelers. A charter broker or operator connects you with available aircraft. You choose the aircraft type, route, and schedule.
Victor, PrivateFly, and Jettly offer easy booking options for private jet charters. Prices start at $5,000 per hour for light jets and $10,000 for larger aircraft. For instance, a round trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas could cost $12,000 on a light jet. It is best for travelers seeking flexibility and one-time private jet flights.
Fractional ownership involves purchasing a share of a private jet, granting you access to the aircraft without the burden of full ownership. You buy a fraction of an aircraft outright (e.g., 1/16th) and pay a monthly management fee for operations and maintenance.
Flexjet and NetJets are the top fractional ownership providers. A 1/16th share of a light jet can cost $500,000, with a monthly fee of $10,000. Flight hour rates average $2,000 to $4,000. Fractional ownership is ideal for travelers who want ownership benefits without managing the aircraft themselves.
Semi-private flights blend the benefits of private aviation with the affordability of commercial flights. You’ll share the aircraft with a few other passengers. Semi-private airlines operate from private terminals, offering faster boarding and fewer passengers.
JSX, Blade, and Willa Air are well-known providers. Prices start at $250 per seat for routes like Los Angeles to San Francisco. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who value privacy over traditional commercial flights.
Last-minute deals on private jets can offer significant savings for travelers willing to book close to departure. Charter companies advertise unsold flights at discounted rates. You need to act quickly to secure these deals.
Apps like Victor and Jettly showcase last-minute offers. Discounts can reduce prices by up to 50%. A $7,000 flight could cost $3,500 if booked last minute. Flexible travelers who can adjust their schedules to available flights can avail of such opportunities.
Flying private doesn’t always have to mean sky-high costs. By exploring options like empty-leg flights, shared charters, jet cards, and membership programs, you can enjoy private aviation on a budget.
With platforms like Jettly andstrategies like fractional ownership or last-minute deals, there are plenty of ways to access the luxury of flying privately without overspending. Flexibility, research, and the right platform are key to making your private aviation dream a reality.
