Taking a private plane is pure bliss for every traveler. You don’t need to worry about enough legroom or bland airplane food, which makes the experience truly worth it! However, prepare your wallets for some big spending. Here are 10 exceptional aviation companies that redefine what it means to enjoy the finer things in life on the air.
NetJets
NetJets offers a slice of private jet luxury with its fractional ownership model. For lighter jets, like the Embraer Phenom 300, prices start around $180,000 to $225,000 for 25 hours. As for the mid-sized Bombardier Challenger 350, the cost ranges from $275,000 to $320,000, with hourly rates between $9,000 and $12,500, depending on the program.
Wheels Up
Don’t let the name fool you! Wheels Up keeps you firmly in the clouds. The King Air 350i aircraft presents cozy interiors that feel more like your living room than a plane. With their unique membership model, you can book a flight for $35,000 with as little as 24 hours’ notice and experience lavish travel.
VistaJet
The silver and red Bombardier jets from VistaJet are instantly recognizable in the sky. Inside, you’ll see handcrafted carpets, fine bone china, and a wine list that would make a sommelier swoon. A transatlantic flight on this flying five-star hotel? Get ready to part with around $150,000.
Flexjet
Flexjet takes customization to new heights. The Red Label program lets you handpick your crew and plane. You’ll have a Gulfstream G650, greeted by your favorite pilot, with your go-to meal already prepared. This bespoke experience doesn’t come cheap, so expect to shell out about $40,000 for a cross-country jaunt.
Sentient Jet
What’s Sentient Jet’s claim to fame? A jet card program that allows you to buy flight time in bulk! Challenger aircraft come with plush interiors, fantastic service, and gourmet-level catering. Should you need to hop from New York to LA for a last-minute meeting, Sentient covers you for roughly $30,000.
XOJet
The incredible fleet of Challenger 300 and Citation X aircraft under XOJet are the speed racers of the sky today. They’ll get you to your destination faster than you can say “jetlag.” Depending on demand and timing, a transcontinental flight could cost anywhere between $25,000 to $40,000.
JetSuite
While the Phenom 100 and 300 JetSuite jets might be smaller, they pack a luxurious punch. These “flying sports cars” offer leather chairs, mood lighting, and a well-stocked bar. Perfect for short hops or romantic getaways, a 2-hour flight with JetSuite in these nimble jets is priced at around $8,000.
Clay Lacy Aviation
Clay Lacy’s fleet is like a candy store for aviation enthusiasts. Whether it’s a sleek Learjets or spacious Boeing Business Jets, they’ve got it all. A coast-to-coast flight in one of their mid-size jets could dent your wallet at $35,000, so prepare to spend a pretty penny.
Globe Air
This service specializes in European travel and has a collection of Citation Mustang jets. These compact marvels are ideal for hopping between charming European cities. For almost €4,000 per hour, you can take in the sky view while sipping champagne and relaxing. It’s like a luxury road trip minus the traffic.
VeriJet
Here’s a new kid on the block, but with a lot of promise. VeriJet focuses on short-haul flights with its group of Cirrus SF50 Vision Jets. These single-engine aircraft are recommended for quick business trips or weekenders. A 2-hour hop could cost $3,000, which makes travel more accessible.
