9 Benefits of Flying Private vs. First Class

Chartering private aircraft is about more than just luxury and comfort. It can save you time and make you more productive, while offering enhanced security and privacy.
Benefits of Flying Private

Chartering a flight is almost always more expensive than taking a first-class commercial flight. So why choose to charter?

Whether you’re an executive looking to maximize your productivity, a family seeking a more comfortable journey, or a public figure who values privacy, charter flights offer distinct benefits that justify the higher price.

#1. Get In the Air Faster

Flying private eliminates long security lines, tedious check-in processes, and time wasted at gates. With a chartered flight, you can arrive as little as 10 to 30 minutes before takeoff and depart on your schedule. And if youโ€™re running late, your plane wonโ€™t leave without you โ€” after all, itโ€™s chartered for your exclusive use. (Of course, being late will increase your costs). 

When arriving at the airport for a chartered flight, youโ€™ll typically check in at the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) area, which offers an expedited check-in, security and boarding process for charter flight passengers โ€” along with dedicated lounges, eating areas, restrooms, and other amenities (depending on the airport).

#2. Set Your Own Schedule

Private flights allow you to plan around your schedule, not the airlineโ€™s. This is especially relevant when youโ€™re flying between two smaller or more obscure locations; airlines may only offer transit between them a few times a month or seasonally, and many routes require multiple or lengthy layovers. 

When you book a charter flight, youโ€™ll tell your provider when and where you want to travel, and theyโ€™ll coordinate the plane and crew around your needs.

#3. Access More Airports

One perk of private jets is that they can access a greater number of airports. This includes rural, out-of-the-way and exclusive locations, as well as airports with runways too short for large jets.

Private jets offer direct flights to almost any destination, avoiding layovers, delays and long connections. And because you can get to your exact destination rather than a nearby hub, flying privately means you save time and money on ground transportation after your flight.

This can save hours and even days of travel time. 

For instance, say the Regional Vice President of a retail chain needs to travel to three stores in their region: Rock Springs, WY; Spokane, WA; and Great Falls, MT. 

Even with first-class commercial travel, this trip would take three full because of the multiple legs and overnight layovers required to access these less-populous destinations.ย 

By using a private jet, the executive could easily visit all three locations in the same day and be back in their own bed that night.

#4. Work At Any Altitudeย 

Private cabins offer a quiet environment thatโ€™s perfect for getting work done uninterrupted, or even collaborating with colleagues while youโ€™re 30,000 feet up. Many aircraft now have onboard WiFi, which can allow you to make phone calls with Voice Over WiFi technology โ€” something thatโ€™s not permitted on commercial flights.

#5. Personalized Service

Flying private means the experience is tailored to you. From custom catering to preferred cabin configurations and attentive crew members, every detail is designed to meet your needs and preferences. 

Many charter companies even offer concierge services, which can arrange for ground transportation, hotel reservations and other special requests. And whatever in-flight entertainment or business audiovisual capabilities you need can be accommodated. 

#6. Unmatched Comfort

Multiple hours is a long time to sit cramped on a commercial flight. Getting up to stretch your legs is difficult, and even in first class, there isnโ€™t much room. Private jets provide a spacious, customizable cabin with luxury seating and plenty of legroom. Some models offer high-end private restrooms and even beds to let you sleep on the flight. 

Private flights also feature personalized service and high-quality catering โ€” a boon to passengers with strict dietary or allergy requirements. A chartered private flight offers an experience that goes beyond that of first-class commercial flights. 

#7. Reduced Travel Stress

With no crowds, delays or unpredictable events at major airports, private jet travel reduces the stress and uncertainty often associated with flying commercially. Your luggage canโ€™t get lost, youโ€™ll never get bumped off your flight, you wonโ€™t miss your connection, and you wonโ€™t be stuck next to crying children or chatty neighbors.

Plus, your charter provider can handle all the details of your trip, including ground transportation to and from the airport. Private charter is by far the most stress-free way to fly.

#8. Enhanced Privacy and Security

Whether youโ€™re a business executive, celebrity, or simply someone seeking discretion, chartered jets offer complete privacy and enhanced security, both on the ground and in the air. Thereโ€™s no need to navigate a crowded terminal, as you can go directly to the FBO and take off. Some airports even allow you to drive right up to the tarmac (once the car passes through security).

With private charters, youโ€™ll also have the choice to depart from a smaller airport rather than a major hub. Youโ€™ll have a more private check-in and security experience, free from any unwanted public attention.

#9. Bring Your Pets In the Cabin

Bringing fur babies can be complicated on commercial flights if your pet is not a service animal. Flying private means your pets can sit next to you instead of being confined to a cargo area. On a chartered flight, all family members can enjoy quality time together without distractions or stress.

Ready to Skip the Commercial Flight Grind?

The team here at AvSky is ready to book your perfect private flight. With access to more than 12,000 aircraft and a network of more than 4,000 providers, weโ€™ll find the ideal aircraft to maximize your comfort at the best possible price. Call our Venice, Florida-based team at 800-541-0381 to get started, or take two minutes to fill out our simple quote request form.

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