News
10 Popular Myths About Flying Private Jets
There are many myths people hold true about the private jet market of the aviation sector.
Mostly, most people assume private jet travel is too expensive, and that only the richest 0.1% of the population can afford to travel in this way.
That is just one of the many misconceptions that most people have about flying privately. The truth is that jet you just saw is most likely on its way to a business trip, and it probably is not owned by a rock star or super athlete.
However, the truth just might surprise you. Not only can regular fliers enjoy private jet, but they can do so by taking advantage of deals, memberships and group travels.
The fact is that many jets are chartered, not privately owned by a business mogul or celebrity, and they are mostly used for business, not lavish vacations.
In fact, it is probably not owned by the passengers on it at all, as most private jets are chartered.
Anyway, here are some of the most common myth’s about flying on a private jet.
1. You need to be a Billionaire to fly in a private jet.
Of course, if you are a billionaire, its easy to own a Boeing 757 in executive configuration. However, you don’t have to be a billionaire or even a multi-millionaire to charter a private jet.
There are ways that one can fly a private jet without breaking the bank.
2. If bad weather forces commercial flights to delay or cancel, then private jets have to do so as well
This is also not always true, and again, it has much to do with the ability to fly in and out of airports that commercial flights cannot. Since private jets have so many more options of where they can land, they often can fly around storms that ground commercial flights can’t.
3. Private jets are not as safe as big commercial airlines
There is a common misconception that private jets are somehow less safe than commercial flights. Nothing could be further from the truth. Statistically speaking, there have been more passenger fatalities on commercial flights than private flights, but realistically, both are very safe ways to travel. However, flying privately in some ways may even be safer than flying commercial, because many of the aircraft are newer and better maintained, and operators engage in safety and security protocols that often go beyond the kind of screenings that are done for commercial flights.
4. 40% of Private Jets in the Sky Fly Empty
Unlike commercial carriers, once a private jet reaches its destination, it usually makes the return trip as an empty flight. This is called an empty leg, and happens an estimated 40% of the time, which means almost half the fuel, and payroll hours spent on flying jets is wasted on an empty vessel.
5. It Can Be Cheaper than Flying Business Class
Believe it or not, chartering a jet on its empty leg could cost less than flying business class on a commercial flight.
6. Celebs Fly their Own Jets
There are many celebrities who own private jets, like Oprah Winfrey, Tony Elumelu, John Travolta and Michael Jordan, Bishop Oyedepo, etc. This comes as a surprise to no one. But what many people don’t know is that some celebrities give up the luxury and comfort of the passenger seat to fly their jets themselves. Some celebs who do this include Jimmy Buffett, Tom Cruise, and John Travolta.
7. Commercial airlines fly faster than private jets.
This is another common mistake made by a lot of people, they think that since a large commercial airliner has such bigger engines, the can achieve higher speeds than private jets. That is simply not true, the fastest planes in the sky are private jets. Think of it as the difference between a Ferrari and a semi-truck, which is bigger, but which is faster?
Also, because of the lack of security hassles, the less time it takes to board and deplane, and the ability to get you closer to your ultimate destination, overall, portal-to-portal, traveling to the exact same destination will probably be a lot shorter trip on a private jet, than on a commercial flight.
8. The destinations private jets travel to are limited
This is another common myth that is very far removed from the reality of flying privately. Private jets actually have MORE travel options than commercial, since the number of airports they can fly into are much greater. Private jets of course can fly in and out of any airport that commercial jets can, but also, they have access to fixed base operators, more commonly known as FBO’s, which are private jet terminals located at airports. FBO’s offer a number of services and provide access to destinations that commercial flights may not be able to fly to. Many times, private jets can actually get you closer to your ultimate destination!
9. You still have to go through airport security check when you fly private
No you absolutely do not! And that is probably one of the biggest advantages of flying on a private jet. You completely avoid the hassles of long security lines, taking off your shoes, and embarrassing pat downs. In fact, when flying private, you usually can arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled boarding time.
10. Passengers experience the same level of comfort as commercial flights
Flying business class on a commercial airline can be a luxurious experience: expansive legroom, comfortable reclining seats, endless Champagne, and expertly prepared airline cuisine. But in a private jet, passengers have an unparalleled experience.
Instead of a few extra inches of legroom, private jets offer the entire space for you to relax and spread out. Plus, the food menu is up to you.
Also, flying private gives you a level of privacy that is unmatched by commercial airline travel.
