5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Private Jets
Private jets are typically associated with the rich and famous. Since their inception in the 1960s, flying on a private jet plane was a symbol of status and wealth — and films like the James Bond franchise added to the folklore of these luxury jet planes.
Today, private jets are a far more realistic travel option — not just for the super-rich, but for the rest of us too. In a world that prioritises and values time and convenience, private travel by jet plane has ticked many boxes for business trips and family holidays. This article demystifies these magnificent jet planes, and highlights 5 things you probably didn’t know about private jets.
Dressing The Part
The interiors of private jet planes showcase some of the best interior design in the world. The limited space makes the levels of luxury all the more impressive. Style and design are integral parts of the jet plane experience. This trend continues for the passengers as well.
Nicole Pollard Bayme outlines a general dress code etiquette for travelling on a private jet: while you don’t need to wear your most formal attire, there is an unwritten rule to put in effort if you’re travelling with others. The luxury and convenience of the flight will also let you rest assured that you look your best when you arrive at your destination.
Pets Included
When it comes to airplane travel, the quality of flight that our pets experience tends to go unnoticed. A study by Forbes found that up to 4% of private jet flights included pets. For some, the thought of their pet being locked in a cage for the duration of the flight is inconceivable, but travelling by private jet is a guaranteed way to make sure your fur babies get to get to spend the entire flight with you in the lap of luxury.
The same study found that the average age of passengers is 41 years old, with 14% of passengers being under 16 years old. A pattern is certainly emerging that private jet travel is a viable travel option for family holidays.
Fastest International Flight
Private jets are often associated with business trips for executives, due to the speed and convenience of jet planes and the ability to arrive fresh and relaxed for meetings. A great example of this speed and convenience is the flight from Altenrhein, Switzerland to Friedrichshafen, Germany. The length of the international flight? 8 minutes.
The flight has subsequently been grounded due to profitability reasons, but the record has been set. It also highlights another key convenience of flying with private jets. There are hundreds more airports available to use than there are with commercial flights. This means that you can land and depart closer to your desired locations.
The Indispensable
When Warren Buffet bought his private jet, he called it ‘The Indefensible’. This was alluding to the belief at that time that private jets were purely luxury items. After understanding how powerful private jets can be for business trips and even business meetings, he renamed it ‘The Indispensable’.
Buffet is not alone in acknowledging the business potential of private jet planes. Sports stars and actors like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Jim Carrey, Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey all own private jets. Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise and John Travolta have even learnt to fly their private jets.
The Real Price
While we see the rich and famous flying in their beautifully fitted jet planes, it is by no means a transport reserved for celebrities. Modern technology and the push for better use of time has meant that private jet planes have become increasingly affordable.
Private jets are often booked and charged for by the trip, not necessarily per passenger. Booking in advance, and travelling with others, means that you can book the most affordable jet planes and split the fare amongst your colleagues or family. In this way, you could, in fact, pay less than travelling private or business class. However, it’s always wise to request a quote to understand what it would cost for your flight when planning a future trip.
Private jet charter has become an increasingly effective and affordable way to fly. The convenience and time-saving factors mean that is will only become more relevant to business trips and family holidays. In the next few years, we could see an increasing amount of people experiencing personalised luxury in the air, breaking through the myth that it is only for the rich and famous.