If you love to travel, chances are good you’ve spent plenty of time in an aeroplane. It’s also likely that most people have spent that time flying commercial. Flying commercial is a way to get from place to place as safely and quickly as possible with as great a level of comfort as you can afford, and by that, I mean the difference between economy, business, and first class. There’s a whole other class of flight experience that exceeds flying commercial on every level: private air travel. Though it might sound like an impractical and unattainable travel solution to some, I will go through all the reasons why upgrading from commercial to private may be worth it for you.

The Differences

When you book a private jet charter, you’ll notice many differences even if you’re used to flying first class on commercial airlines.

• Flying private means that you have the entire cabin to yourself. It’s just you, your party, the pilot, and the cabin crew aboard.
• The food on a private aircraft is significantly better and more thoughtfully prepared than the options on a commercial plane. This could be especially important if you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions, or even if you’re just picky about what you eat.
• You can schedule your flight according to your preferences. Rather than flying at an inconvenient hour on a commercial airline, schedule a takeoff to suit your needs and to give you the most practical landing time possible.
• The comfort level on a private aircraft radically exceeds that of even first-class commercial flights. The seats are larger and more comfortable, there are often couches to create lounge areas, and sometimes, depending on the aircraft, even full bedrooms for long-haul flights.
• The cost will likely be higher on a private airline than a commercial one, but I’ll explain why I think it’s really worth it in a minute!

Why It’s Worth It

1. Prestige

Flying private isn’t something a vast percentage of people get to do, so it’s something to be excited about every time! The prestige of private flight comes from that exclusivity. It’s so nice sometimes to just treat yourself to an experience that makes you feel good, comfortable, and happy, but also to one that will create unforgettable memories. We all deserve something special!

2. Privacy

You don’t appreciate your privacy until it’s gone, do you? I sometimes forget how much it’s worth, but a trip on a crowded commercial flight will remind me quickly. Everything about a private flight protects your privacy and makes you feel slightly less exposed when travelling. You queue alone for your flight or, worst case scenario, there are a few other people in the waiting area by your gate as they are also waiting to board private flights. You don’t have to be concerned that anyone will be going through your luggage (other than TSA, of course!) or breaking your things because the cabin crew handling your bags are some of the best in the business. You board with your party and the cabin crew, and the only people you’ll see or interact with for the entire flight will be your party or the cabin crew.

3. Convenience

At certain times in life and for people of a particular disposition, convenience is worth a price tag. However, everyone is different, so don’t feel weird if that’s not you! A private jet hire provides far more convenience than a commercial flight does. As mentioned above, you set your own takeoff time, and the flight can’t leave without you because it’s your flight. You don’t need to get to the airport hours before departure, so your time is yours. There’s no queueing for a flight with strangers because the flight is just for you. 

There’s no sharing armrests with people who don’t know how to share, and no crying babies unless they belong to you or your party. Once you’re in the air, you can spread out in the cabin since that space is all for you, making a flight much more convenient, especially if you have kids or need to get some work done while flying. 

4. Cost

Private airlines are luxurious and exclusive, and things of that nature often come with a higher price tag. That said, it’s not the case in every case. If you’re flying with a large enough party (obviously, you’ll need to check the capacity of each available jet), it may be a cost equal to flying first class on a private jet. Who would turn down all this comfort and glamour for the same price you’d already be paying to get to your gorgeous vacation?! Especially when it means you get access to all the above perks.

To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade?

I highly recommend upgrading from commercial to private if it’s possible for you. It’s the experience of a lifetime, making flying part of a luxury vacation instead of just a way to get there and back. What’s not to love?