Quick Links
Whether going on a family vacation, flying to attend business meetings, or honeymooning, many travelers rely on using airplanes more than ever. People who prefer more comfort, security, and personalization opt for flying first class and chartering private jets. Over the years, many tourists and business persons have shifted from flying first class to using private jets. A better explanation for this shift is looking for a more personalized and luxurious travel experience. So, should you charter a private jet or fly first class? Let's find out.
Chartering A Private Jet Vs. Flying First Class: An Overview
Chartering A Private Jet
The USA alone is home to 14,632 private jets. This represents 62% of the total number of private jets in the world. Chartering a private jet is how the wealthy get around, and service is the same as commercial airline, except the charterer pays for the entire plane, including the seats. So, when travelers charter private jets, they don’t have to worry about finding seats or having their luggage checked when onboarding the aircraft. They don’t have to deal with crowds that people using commercial planes have to deal with. Chartering private jets also give vacationers access to the pilot and the satisfaction that their planes are safe.
Chartering a private jet offers a high level of luxury and saves a lot of time. Passengers in these planes can schedule their own flights, giving them the power to decide when the aircraft departs. Private charterers also don’t deal with flight modifications and layovers, unlike commercial planes.
Flying First Class
Like chartering private jets, travelers choosing to fly first class pay more than those buying flights in economy class. Flying first class comes with perks, including boarding the place before everyone else and receiving special treatments like free food and refreshments throughout the journey. This makes it a good choice for families flying first class with kids. They also get larger seats, and in some airlines, passengers flying first class have their seats personalized, including sleeper seats, to offer more luxury and comfort as they travel to their various destinations.
However, chartering a private jet still comes with a higher level of luxury ad personalization than flying first class. Also, first-class flyers must adhere to the plane’s schedules, which means they will have to suffer airport delays, crowding, security, layovers, and longer periods of waiting at the terminal. This could be challenging, especially when flying for the first time and having higher expectations for buying first-class tickets.
Chartering A Private Jet Vs. Flying First Class: Comparing Cost
Cost is the main distinction between chartering a private jet and flying class. The cost of private jets varies, depending on the following circumstances:
- The destination. Chartering a private jet to travel longer distances will cost
- The size of the private jet. Smaller jets that accommodate fewer passengers and don’t travel too far are more affordable than larger planes.
- Amenities. Travelers with higher expectations for amenities will pay more.
The cost of flying first-class depends on the airline, destination, and when the flight ticket is booked. Booking at least three months before traveling is cheaper. The average price of first-class tickets for the United States domestic flights between
International first-class tickets cost between $5,000 and $15,000. But on the very high end, this option could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Investing in Round the World Plane Ticket (RTW) is the best way to fly first class. There are businesses/websites (like kayak.com) that partner with various airlines to sell these tickets as packages or itineraries. Buying tickets this way is cheaper than buying directly through the airlines. They also reduce the stress of doing all the work.
- The hourly cost of chartering a private jet: $1,300 - $3,000 for low-cost jets, $3,000-$5,500 for mid-sized jets and super-sized jets, & $6,000-$10,000 for a large private jet
- The cost of flying first class for domestic flights in the U.S.: $1,300+
- The cost of first-class plane tickets for international flights: $5,000-$15,000+
Chartering A Private Jet Vs. Flying First Class: The Experience
Travelers who opt to charter private jets will have their experience more personalized than those flying first class. They have the power to choose their flight crew and order their catering preferences. Actually, most private planes come with a small kitchen and catering team that cooks and serve the passengers. The type of food they can prepare depends on how long the journey will take. Also, private jet charterers have no limit on the weight of their luggage.
Since the plane has only fewer passengers, travelers have a lot of room to roam around during the trip. There is an additional advantage of traveling with some things that first-class flyers cannot bring on their journey. This includes dogs and larger objects that first-class passengers may find difficult to come with. Private jets are the best option for vacationers with disabilities.
First-class flyers, on the other hand, will have perks that make their journey luxurious and comfortable. But they won’t get the same experience as those flying on chartered private jets.
While first-class passengers have luggage allowances, they are still limited on the weight they can bring. Also, travelers with disabilities or certain injuries may find it challenging to fly on commercial airlines.
Which Transportation Option Is Worth It?
First-class is more affordable than private jets. So, buying first-class tickets is worth it if the tourist is looking for a luxury travel experience but can’t afford the price of chartering a private jet. While first-class flyers pay lesser to reach various destinations, they are missing out on more privacy, amenities, comfort, and the overall luxury experience that come with private jets. So, which one is more worth the cost? It is more convenient to charter a private jet than to fly first class.