Frequent flyers and business travelers often prefer the comfort and convenience of hiring a private jet charter company or flying first class. These two flight options offer focused, personalized, and luxurious service. Flying private or first class helps minimize travel time, giving travelers more opportunities to enjoy their stay at their destination, whether it is for business or pleasure. However, the similarities stop there.
If you’re still trying to decide which way to go, it is essential to know that first-class flights are different from private flights. Flying first-class means you’ll be flying on a commercial airline while flying private means you’ll hire a plane or jet from an aviation charter company. In this area alone, the difference is already significant.
There are some factors you need to consider before determining which option is best for you.
Airport Experience
When you fly first-class, you won’t have to worry about cramped pre-departure areas because you have access to your chosen airline’s exclusive airport lounge. Most of these lounges serve food (real food, not fast food), comfortable nap areas, easy lounge chairs, special treatment such as spa, Jacuzzi, and massage. Some lounges also have smoking areas.
However, since you’re flying on a commercial airline, you’ll still have to endure the long lines at security checks. You are rewarded, though, because unlike non-first class passengers, the screening, check-in, and customs procedures are faster.
If you hire a private jet, you’ll have none of the hassles that first-class passengers go through. You won’t have to worry about crowded airport terminals because charter companies use airport FBOs or First Base Operators and private terminals, where they keep their jets. In most cases, someone is assigned to meet you when you arrive, and he’ll assist you in carrying your luggage through the check-in area, security, and customs process. The whole procedure will take only a couple of minutes, so it won’t be a problem if you get there less than an hour or a few minutes before your flight.
Some FBOs have added services such as concierge, lounges offering free food and drinks, car transfers, nap rooms, shower areas, and even conference/meeting rooms for business travelers.
In-flight Airline Service
First-class passengers are seated in a separate, exclusive area in the airplane. It’s not crowded because there’s a limit to the number of people. The seats are comfortable and spacious. Each passenger has access to a wide range of amenities and services, including various entertainment, cocktail drinks, and hotel-class dishes.
Some airlines offer extra comfort and convenience, such as convertible seats (to beds), sliding doors or dividers, gourmet dining, and bars.
By comparison, there is complete privacy for private jet passengers, especially if it’s only you or you and your family traveling. Food and drinks are customized according to passenger’s preferences, and entertainment is personalized. Private jet cabins have interiors designed by the world’s best designers. Flyers enjoy amenities such as fully equipped staterooms and lounges, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, bar and dining areas, comfortable sofas, and movie screens. Wi-Fi connectivity is also available in most private flights.
Business travelers prefer flying private because they can use the plane’s stateroom facilities, including audio and video equipment. So, if somebody has to do a presentation, all the necessary materials are available.
Chartered jets limit their passengers to a small number, with some accommodating only a maximum of 20 persons. Flying in a private jet is like bringing your favorite hotel with you up in the air.
Travel Time and Destinations
First-class passengers are bound by airline company and airport schedules, so they have no choice but to follow the time frame. Private jet passengers, on the other hand, enjoy the flexibility of chartered flights. Pilots can easily adjust to last-minute changes, such as when you are running late, and the departure time has to be moved later.
Commercial airlines also fly to hundreds of destinations worldwide, but chartered flights can fly to remote destinations, even the ones with small airports. Traveling to multiple destinations is more convenient and time-saving. Instead of waiting for a connecting flight, private jet passengers can be picked up by a helicopter from the airport to fly to their next destination without wasting time.
Safety Protocols in the Time of COVID-19
All airports and airline companies are mandated to strictly implement health and safety protocols to protect passengers, pilots, and crew from COVID-19. First-class passengers are provided with all the necessary protection, such as masks and sanitary kits. They’re also separate from the rest of the passengers, so social distancing is not a problem. Pilots and their crew are likewise required to follow health and safety protocols before, during, and after every flight.
Private jet charter companies, which are smaller than airline companies, also implement health and safety protocols. The procedures start with the pilots, flight crew, and company employees – and well before they board the flight or go to the office. A COVID-19 manual is provided to every employee to make sure that everyone follows protocols.
Passengers are also provided with a travel policy that indicates protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Health and Safety guidelines. Passengers who do not follow the policy will not be allowed to fly. The private jet provider also provides each passenger with health and safety kits.
With its limited passenger and crew count, health and safety protocols are easier to monitor and manage in private jet charter flights.
Now that you know the difference between flying private and flying first class, it’s time to decide. Which one will you choose?
