Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.
Today (July 10, 2020): Difference between Private Jet charter and First Class flights.
Most of Europe is out of lockdown and in a few weeks, open travel for business or pleasure will be an option once again. However, no matter how much we wish the situation was completely back to normal, it isn’t and this year will be different. So it’s important to consider your travel plans in a new light and in order to help you make up your mind, here are the advantages and disadvantages of flying by private jet or First Class.
Money matters
Both options require a considerable amount of money allocated from your travel budget but if you can afford it or your business resources will stretch that far consider the following. Private charter jet pricing starts at just over €10,000 for 6 passengers to fly to Nice, while a First Class flight starts at €4,000 for 6 passengers. Actually, you can’t fly from London to Nice First Class, the only option, in this case, is to fly Business Class.
Taking into consideration the fact First Class travel is not available for short trips around Europe, private jet charter seems to be the only option if you want to travel with all the luxury of First Class but with the added advantage that comes with a private hire jet.
Looking at longer flights, London to New York travel starts in First Class at €20,000 for six people including return tickets. Private charter jet costs start in the region of €68,000 one way but you can take between 10-17 passengers on this larger aircraft making the cost of flying at capacity €4,000 each.
Private Charter Jet versus First Class: the experience
First Class flyers have access to exclusive airport lounges but these are often shared with Business Class travellers, yet the gap in cost between first class and business is considerable, that is not reflected in the use of the services. This consideration aside the First Class lounge will include a nap room, comfy seating and luxurious shopping some even include a spa and massage service.
In contrast, private jet passengers are treated to a concierge service, they will deal with your luggage and drive you to the plane just before take-off if you are in a hurry. However, if you have time to spend make use of the luxury fixed based operators (FBO) that offer an extra special service. As time goes on the FBO experience becomes more extravagant. Luxury to include beautiful lounges, multimedia conference rooms, fully fitted with Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
Not to mention showers should you need it and nap rooms, for the longer stay use the on-site hotels and onward car or helicopter transfers are possible, nothing is too much trouble.
Luxurious travel is the name of the game and both offer an experience you will never forget. Considering this is a service industry, top quality customer service comes guaranteed for both options. Delicious food and drink come as standard but this is where the service differs.
Private Charter by nature is bespoke and therefore you can request any specification as long as it’s legal and safe. If you desire a particular type of food, strict vegan, for instance, you can have it. You can even go so far as to request a specific brand of coffee or Champagne and even a personalised birthday cake.
In the First Class, you are restricted to what’s on the menu even if you have submitted your dietary requirements in advance and there is no birthday cake option, sorry!
Private Charter Jet versus First Class: the practicalities
While First Class travel affords its own check-in desk at the airport, flying private charter means boarding via a private terminal away from the general public and this, in turn, means more efficient security controls and faster boarding arrangements.
Commercial airlines can only fly from commercial airports and this may not be a convenient option if you’re not situated close to a major city. Because of the bespoke nature of flying by private jet, you will find a smaller airport more convenient and where privacy is important, smaller and not so well known airports attract less attention.
In these difficult times when economies throughout the world are under pressure, the old adage “time is money” has never been more relevant. Business travellers who are required to visit more than one city or destination a day will find the convenience of charter jet invaluable. The jet is at your disposal and will often wait to take you to your next destination, as they don’t want to fly an empty plane.
If that’s not a good enough reason to consider flying private charter over first-class then consider the additional safety of minors and family members, and even treasured pets who will arrive stress-free will not have to travel in the hold. This for me is a win, win.
Finally, consider the reliability factor, flying first class is only an option if the plane is full, flying commercial on unpopular routes risks cancellation. If your business relies on getting you to your destination on time to seal that deal then the private jet charter is the only reliable option. To celebrate, know that they will have a hot cup of Kopi luwak coffee waiting for you.
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