For most people, flying by private jet is considered as the ultimate luxury in life. Perception is that sipping cold champagne whilst eating fresh smoked salmon sandwiches at 45,000ft is normally confined to the rich and famous. But that’s simply not true. Your own slice of high-altitude luxury is more attainable than you may think.
Now obviously, daily flights on private jets are not possible for the majority, but we’re talking about the off one-way flight for a special occasion. Perhaps you’re going to Barcelona for your 25th wedding anniversary, or you’re the best man planning a stag party for your best mate to Ibiza. If you want to make the occasion truly memorable, your own private jet experience would certainly be unforgettable.
The Private Jet Experience
So what’s private jet flying all about? Well firstly, the aircraft doesn’t go without you. So if you’re running a few minutes late, you’re unlikely to miss your flight. When you book, you’re in charge of when and where you want your flight to go.
You don’t need to fly from a large international airport, so you can go from a smaller one near your house! Most airports have their own private jet terminal. On arrival, you’ll be met by one of your flight crew who will escort you out to your waiting aircraft. No check-in, no bag-drop and certainly no queue to board the plane.
In the air you can expect complimentary drinks and snacks, and some operators even provide catering on board. But – you can ask your private jet company to provide anything you want; hot bacon rolls, Veuve Clicquot champagne or smooth Tropicana orange juice. But be careful though – you may get charged for some of the more extravagant requests.
On arrival you’ll either be met directly by your taxi or car at the aircraft, or you’ll have a short minibus ride to your onward travel. Private jet travel really is that easy – and it’s not just confined to the rich and famous.
Empty Legs
When someone books a one-way flight they normally leave behind an ‘empty leg’. This is the aircraft returning back to base empty. Private jet operators sell these empty legs at a reduced price because there’s no point flying the aircraft empty. It’s better to make a little bit of money than no money!
There are a few issues with empty legs though – they generally are for a specified day on a specified route. That said – there may be some flexibility but be prepared to pay for any route or schedule changes.
The Cost
Ok – so how much are we talking? Well – the prices vary greatly.
Expect to pay approximately £2.500 for an empty leg from London to Palma. Now that may seem expensive, but split between 5 people that’s about £500/ head. Put it another way - 5 comparable flexible tickets on EasyJet will cost nearly £1,250. So flying private jet, without all the airport hassle, queuing and catering/bar included is only double the price of EasyJet. And that’s before you’ve managed to haggle a better price.
Just think of all the extra hours spent in Ibiza and not in the airport!
How To Book?
You can book directly with private jet operators. One such operator is Centreline Air Charter, and they list all their empty legs and prices online, which can be found here. Booking directly with operators is likely to get you a better price, but you will likely have less options on schedules as you’re only liaising with that one company. Think of this as booking a taxi directly with the taxi driver – he can offer you a discount but only if he’s available.
Another option is to use a broker, such as Fly Victor. They have access to lots of private jet companies and can find you the aircraft most suited for your needs, and can also provide a comparison on prices between companies. However, expect to pay slightly more for this service as the broker will take a fee.
However you do it, hiring a private jet is for many a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. As always, check you are covered on your travel insurance policy should you choose to take a private flight, as most standard insurers will not cover this.
Happy flying :-)
