I’ve been intrigued by private air travel for years thanks in large measure to my friendship with Vince Mickens, founder of Private Air Media Group. My interested was renewed when a client of mine mentioned her experience with JSX, a semi-private air carrier that operates primarily on the west coast. It is in that spirit that I asked Vince to appear on our podcast Affordable Private Air Travel – Here’s How.

Overall, affordable options for flying privately are limited to short distance flights of 500 nautical miles or less. Longer flights will significantly increase the costs and become out of reach except for the well-heeled.

Below is a quick primer courtesy of Vince.

There are essentially two ways to affordably fly a jet-setting style lifestyle.

• Semi-private
• Private flying memberships
• Private group sharing

Semi-private comes in three forms:

• Booking a regional flight with companies like JSX or Surf Air (there are others). You’re on a 30 seat jet; board at a private jet terminal; the cost is competitive to regular airlines without the hassle and varies based on the time you choose to travel and how far in advance you book the flight.
• Booking an empty leg with companies like XO. Empty legs can be very affordable on very nice aircraft with the same privilege of departing from and arriving at private jet terminals. Sometimes though, there are other passengers on the flight with you. Also, you have to be very flexible since empty-legs are available based on aircraft that are repositioning or returning to their home base.
• A little trickier option is booking the entire aircraft, then selling the seats to others interested in the same flight.

Private jet memberships can offer a lot of options:

• Companies like Wheels Up and PlaneSense over reasonable membership packages based on how often you want to fly and what size aircraft you typically will need. Being a member also provides a lot of perks.

Private Group Sharing is a fun one:

• It is good for groups of six or more who want to travel to an activity via a private flight and are willing to share the cost amongst the group.
• Activities can include golf outings, hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, shopping, etc.
• Aircraft can range from a turboprop or small cabin private jet to a large cabin private jet

Important tips and safe practices when going the affordable private air travel route:

• Take the time to confirm that it is a reputable company. Example: Google to see if any accidents have been associated with the company.
• Beware when booking through a private air charter broker. Some of them are only about overcharging and using less than reputable private aircraft operators.
• When you arrive for your flight. Be observant. If you don’t like what you are seeing, cancel the trip.
• Be careful of the ‘bait and switch’. Know all of the applicable fees up front including extra amenities like catering.
• Finally, if it’s too good to be true, question it.

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