FLYING PRIVATE MORE OPTIONS MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER

ONCE A LUXURY RESERVED SOLELY FOR CORPORATE IONS AND THE SUPER-WEALTHY, PRIVATE JET TRAVEL HAS BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE IN RECENT YEARS.

The pandemic years, flight schedule disruptions, crowded airports, and the arrival of newcomers on the private and semi-private jet scene have made the experience both desirable and attainable for a greater number of travelers. The marketplace has evolved at a fast pace, and competition has created more affordable options for a private jet experience.

Memberships, fractional ownership, charters, shared private jets, and scheduled small jet carriers are among the options. While still pricey when compared to commercial airline fares, the cost of a private jet is now within the realm of possibility for more travelers today. And for many, the convenience and benefits make the price difference worthwhile.

The best deals are available from semi-private carriers with published schedules and fares, and if you’re flying one of their routes, you can find prices that compare with first class on commercial airlines.

Doug Gollan, editor in chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer’s guide to comparing private aviation solutions — including fractional ownership, jet cards, memberships, charter, and sharing options — told Travel + Leisure, “There are currently more than a dozen providers offering shared flights using private jet terminals. A growing number, like JSX, XO, Blade, Aero, and Surf Air, sell seats on airplanes that fly on a published schedule. The price for a seat can start as low as $200, although most are $1,500 or