Travel by private plane has surged in popularity, and it’s no longer reserved for only the ultra-wealthy. A recent survey by BestPrivateJet.com found that 31 percent of Americans who have ever flown privately took their first private flight during the pandemic. Whether driven by commercial flight disruptions, COVID-19 safety concerns, or a desire to avoid mask mandates, many who tried private travel want to do it again: three in four first-time private flyers since 2020 say it is “very likely” they will fly privately again.
“We’re increasingly seeing more younger first-time buyers of private jets; in the last five years, the share of our buyers under 45 grew by 20 percent,” said Jahid Fazal-Karim, owner and chairman of Jetcraft, a company that buys, sells and acquires private aircraft. “This age group is also driving the trend for larger aircraft purchases, with an average transaction price of $25 million, around 31 percent more than their 45-plus counterparts.”
Owning a private plane remains out of reach for many, but there are now numerous alternatives that make private or semi-private flying accessible. Mobile booking apps, fractional ownership, memberships and curated luxury itineraries with private jet transport have expanded options. In short, private air travel is in a golden age and more attainable than many expect.
PHOTO: © FLYETS
FLYJETS
FLYJETS aims to increase access to private charters through a mobile booking app that displays real-time aircraft availability and booking options. Features include FLYCalendar, which helps passengers find “in-network empty leg match-ups” and group booking opportunities, and FLYGreen, which rewards customers who buy carbon offsets with additional FLYRewards points. The platform automates charter availability and empty legs globally on a point-to-point basis. Membership is free; pricing starts at approximately $3,000 per hour for very light jets, $5,000–$6,000 per hour for mid-size jets, and $7,500 per hour and up for heavy jets. Empty legs are offered at discounted rates depending on the trip.
FLYING YACHT COMPANY
For travelers who want many of the benefits of private ownership without the full cost, Flying Yacht Company sells shares in private jets and regional aircraft. Shares start around $79,500 and provide a minimum of 45 flight days per year. The company handles crew booking, maintenance and overall management. Unlike traditional fractional ownership that allocates hours, this model provides allocated occupation days per month and year, offering flexibility in departure times and personalized exterior design options.
FLEXJET
Flexjet is a leader in subscription-based private aviation, offering charter services through sister company FXAIR and a private helicopter division. The company is best known for leasing and fractional ownership: share sizes range from 50 to 400 hours, representing a percentage of the 800 annual flight hours available per aircraft. Leasing offers similar benefits with a monthly payment structure. For those flying 25 to 50 hours per year, a jet card acts like a debit account where customers commit to a set number of hours at a fixed rate and draw down the balance as they fly. Flexjet’s Red Label division provides an elevated experience with advanced aircraft, dedicated crews, a single assigned aircraft and bespoke interiors.
PHOTO: © VISTAJET
VISTAJET
VistaJet markets itself as a global private aviation company that serves more than 1,900 airports across a majority of the world’s countries. Membership benefits include fixed hourly rates, guaranteed availability, flexible departure options, global coverage and curated private dining with seasonal and Michelin-starred partners. Members also gain access to travel partners that create exclusive experiences and a wine-in-the-sky program featuring a curated wine list, wine concierge services and itineraries to notable vineyards. For less frequent flyers, the three-year VJ25 plan provides 25–49 hours per year with a partial rollover option for unused hours.
JSX
JSX is a semi-private carrier that operates out of private terminals using 30-seat Embraer jets arranged with business-class legroom. Launched in Dallas in 2016, JSX’s “hop on and go” model lets passengers arrive about 20 minutes before departure, bypassing long security lines. With one-way fares starting around $249, JSX serves dozens of routes across North America and continues to expand. The carrier has begun rolling out Starlink high-speed WiFi and is pursuing FAA approval for onboard video calling. For longer regional flights, JSX offers an enhanced service with a cocktail hour, meal service, hotel towels, snack baskets and other elevated amenities.
WHEELS UP
Wheels Up pairs travelers with appropriate private aircraft using a mobile app and dynamic pricing. Connect Members enter their location to instantly view and book available flights, and community forums help members coordinate shared trips to reduce costs. Membership requires a one-time initiation fee and annual dues, plus flight costs. The fleet ranges from shorter-haul aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air 350i to fast transcontinental jets such as the Cessna Citation X and large-cabin long-range models like the Dassault Falcon 2000. Members can also earn Delta SkyMiles and access exclusive ground experiences through Wheels Up’s Wheels Down program.
BLACK TOMATO
Black Tomato is a luxury travel outfitter that expanded into private air arrangements during the pandemic. Its Space + Time program creates bespoke itineraries with private transport for travelers seeking access to remote destinations or flexible travel for families and groups. Working with private jet operators, Black Tomato arranges exclusive transfers and curated experiences, such as private access to remote luxury properties. Pricing varies widely depending on destination and itinerary choices; sample experiences can include multi-night luxury stays, curated food and wine activities, spa services and optional add-ons like additional nights in island destinations.