With numerous flight cancellations and long lines at the airport, many passengers are looking for alternative options for travel.

One of them is flying private – whether for business or leisure.

According to a report by WingX, demand for business jets in Europe is record high – there was 13% more business flight in the first two weeks of July this year compared to the year before. Global demand is lower than last year but also up 13% compared to July 2019.

If you want to opt for private jet travel keep reading and discover how to charter a jet for the best possible price. There is a common misconception that private jets are only for billionaires or jet-seters – but in reality, many can afford this kind of travel.

This LUXlife Magazine guide aims to help you understand the different benefits of chartering a private jet, providing tips to avoid hidden fees.

How to save on chartering a private jet?

The cost of private jet rental varies depending on consumer needs. When most people think of chartering a private jet, the first thought that comes to mind is the high cost. Here are some ways to save while flying private:

1.    Try different departure dates

Compare the prices of different departure times. Similar to regular flights, private flights also have varying prices depending on the dates. For example, if you’re booking a flight during the holiday season the price is bound to be higher. Peak dates should be avoided at all costs, as you can save a lot of money by simply booking in advance.

2.    Keep an eye on empty legs

An “empty leg” is a flight where a plane returns empty from another charter. These return flights can be very cost-effective, and if they are headed to your desired destination, you should book them instantly. You can browse through different empty-leg flights by a filter while chartering a private jet.

3.    Book wisely and think about additional costs

If you are to stay in a location for a short while, Try booking two separate charter flights instead of a round-trip flight. This is because most private jet companies charge for the time spent while waiting on the ground.

Check with your charter company about all possible flight expenses like cleaning and de-icing or fuel surcharge. These extra costs could add up from $1000 to $15000 to your flight expenses.

One more important thing to check is Wi-Fi since it can cost from $3.00 to $8.5 per megabyte.

4.    Use Crypto to minimise transaction costs

Paying digitally can cause users to incur large transaction costs. However, most individuals are unaware of the possibility of booking a private jet with crypto. This helps minimize transaction costs, saving users a lot of money. Transaction confirmations are also made very quickly, making the entire process seamless.

5.    Choose the right aircraft size and type

There are several types of aircraft, ranging from large jets to very small jets. Consider your requirements such as expected capacity and other amenities.

The primary factors defining the cost of your flight are the size and type of aircraft. Keep in mind that if you opt for larger planes, the cost can rise exponentially. You can decide the size based on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage you wish to carry.

For example, light jets can carry up to four passengers and can cost around $3500 per hour, whereas large jets such as the Bombardier Challenger 850 can carry up to 16 passengers and can cost up to $11,000 per hour.

Each aircraft has a specific range that they can travel. For example, the Bombardier Global 5000 can travel up to 9,630km depending on weather conditions. Some planes can complete long-route international flights while others can only go between domestic regions. Speed is also important as it decides when you will be arriving at your destination and for how long the flight will be.

Takeaway

According to a report by The Business Research Company, the private jet market grew from $45.07 billion to $48.83 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This is a strong indicator of the rising demand for private jets.

The main reason for that is the convenience and multiple benefits of a booking private jet charter instead of a commercial airliner. Each aspect of the trip can be customized to the individual’s needs – from in-flight catering to well-equipped in-built conference rooms for business use.

You can fly whenever you’d like to any destination and the charter company takes care of everything. Flying privately provides luxury and ultimate comfort to passengers and it guarantees your maximum privacy.

Having all that in mind – think about chartering a private jet for your next trip.