8 private and semi-private airlines to consider for your next vacation
For most travelers, the flight is a means to an end — a way to get to your destination but certainly not a highlight of the trip. With long security lines, limited leg room and inconvenient flight times, flying commercial is usually far from luxurious. Alternatively, an ever-growing list of private and semi-private aviation companies are ready to whisk you away on your next vacation. Here’s what you need to know about ditching commercial carriers and choosing a more comfortable, convenient flight. Private aviation vs. semi-private aviation You may hear the terms “private airlines” and “semi-private airlines” used interchangeably, but there are a few important differences between them. Private You charter an aircraft and crew to whisk you and your companions from point A to point B. Private aviation has plenty of perks. Since most operate from smaller airports or FBOs (fixed-base operators), you can arrive just a few minutes before takeoff or relax in a lounge before your flight. Inflight, the only other passengers will be your traveling companions, and you’ll have plenty of space to stretch your legs. The customer service is top notch, too. Of course, flying private doesn’t come cheap. Prices start at between $1,250 and $3,000 per hour of flight time for 4-6 passenger planes, and prices go up from there. Some private jet companies offer memberships, where you pay a flat yearly rate for access to flights with as little as 24 hours' notice (an hourly charge still applies). Semi-private This offers many of the same benefits of flying private, but without quite as much sticker shock. You’ll still enjoy a quick security screening and boarding process, great customer service, and the convenience of flying out of smaller or private terminals. You’ll fly on smaller, often more luxurious aircraft, but unlike private aviation, you’ll be sharing the space with passengers who are not in your party. Semi-private flights are most commonly available for flights of two or three hours or less. Costs vary based on duration and destination, but you can expect to pay more than a commercial flight and quite a bit less than true private air travel. Top private and semi-private aviation companies There are many choices when it comes to flying private or semi-private, and each company structures its offerings a little differently. Here’s what some of the most popular companies offer their travelers. 1. SurfAir Considered one of the more affordable options for semi-private travel, 2. Aero Launched in February 2021, Aero is one of the newest companies on the scene. Similar to SurfAir, Aero offers personalized concierge service, luggage service, a curbside welcome, ground transportation coordination and pet-friendly flights. The planes themselves are works of art, with custom-designed interiors that feature dynamic lighting, professional sound systems and hand-stitched Italian leather seats. 3. FlyExclusive FlyExclusive owns a fleet of over 90 planes, including light jets, mid-size jets and super-mid jets available for both domestic and international trips. 4. JSX 5. Blade With a fleet that includes jets, turboprops, helicopters and seaplanes, 6. NetJets NetJets is one of the best-known carriers in the semi-private and private aviation space, and for good reason. It’s the biggest and oldest private jet operator, founded in 1964, with 700 planes in its fleet from Embraer light jets to 14-seat Bombarbiers. Unlike carriers that pair membership fees with per-hour flight charges, 7. XO With Membership costs vary significantly. For $595 a year, you can purchase individual seats on private jets. This option can be appealing to occasional fliers. Full membership is available with a minimum deposit of $100,000, which you can use to schedule flights and seats on XO’s fleet of over 360 aircraft. The highest tier of membership is available with a minimum deposit of $250,000. It boasts priority access to the fleet, no blackout dates and a price cap for non-peak days. Membership isn’t the only option. You can also fly on demand by searching on their website or the app and choosing from non-member rates. 8. Wheels Up Another big player in the private jet scene, Wheels Up members enjoy a myriad of on-the-ground perks, like invites to exclusive events, the ability to earn Delta miles and elite status, president’s circle status with Hertz, and more. Jet set to your dream second home With private or semi-private air travel access and a second home in your Looking to fly to your second home in style? As a Pacaso owner, you can also enjoy complimentary
