Private aviation has experienced something of a boom in recent decades, with high net-worth individuals and affluent jet-setters making use of the increasing number of companies offering private charters to international destinations. For such travellers, the attractions are three-fold: convenience, speed and luxury, all combining to make private jets a hugely enticing way of traversing the world.
A private jet on the tarmac is given the filter treatment (Photo: Hush Hushvia Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
With private jet companies now dotted across the globe, increased competition has also resulted in prices coming down, helping bring the exclusive form of travel within reach of people who were previously priced out of the market. In the US in particular there are a huge number of jet companies. We’ve looked into them all and picked out 5 of the best based on criteria including range of fleet, flexibility and client reviews.
Since launching in 2006, Fly XO have become one of the industry’s most reputable private aviation companies. From their base in Fort Lauderdale, Florida they offer a variety of membership plans as well as pay-as-you-go options for private jet travellers. The company have their own fleet of planes but will also charter jets to cater to the specific needs of their members. There’s also the chance for charterers to offer up any spare seats to other prospective passengers in order to reduce their costs. Other perks include instant digital booking and flexible cancellation policies.
BLADE is a technology-powered, global urban air mobility platform committed to reducing travel friction by enabling cost-effective air transportation alternatives to some of the most congested ground routes in the U.S. and abroad. With BLADE Anywhere, you can fly privately on a bespoke private charter service. From the moment you book, you’ll experience a level of precision, culture of accommodation and on-the-ground experience that is unmatched. Whether you’re traveling by helicopter, turboprops, seaplane or jet, BLADE is a time-efficient, cost-effective and inspiring way to mitigate urban travel pain points. Their renowned C/X team can staff, prep and cater your aircraft. Whether you’re taking a quick trip to the Hamptons, need to get to Seattle’s San Juan Islands, or are headed to the Caribbean, BLADE can get you there.
A California-based commuter airline, Surf Air offer unlimited flight services across California and Texas for a fixed monthly fee that makes it far more affordable than many of their competitors. By using private aviation facilities and smaller airports, passengers can arrive just 15 minutes before departure, avoid the crowds of larger terminals and take off within minutes, saving valuable time with every trip. Surf Air also further extend the ability of flyers to afford private jet travel with their Surf Air Express service, designed for the less frequent flier, which requires a once-a-year payment and allows you to purchase single seats on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Founded in 2011 by an elite group of private aviation experts, New York-based Priority One Jets arranges jet charter flights at any time of the day in any corner of the globe. The company has access to an approved charter fleet of over 7,000 aircraft around the world, across every size category, allowing you to be wheels up within 4 hours of booking. They also offer “no strings attached” membership, with no upfront fees or long-term commitment required, as well as priding themselves on having the most comprehensive empty leg search capability in the market.
Best known for its commercial airline, Delta have also operated a private jet solution since 1984, offering on-demand charters as well as aircraft management services. With its main base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Delta has its own sizeable fleet of more than 70 WiFi-equipped aircrafts, ensuring something to cater for every traveller’s need. As an added bonus, there’s also a Jet Card product that enables members to purchase private travel with Delta Private Jets as well as commercial travel on Delta Air Lines.
