Travel has changed a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Besides the additional processes travelers need to undergo and requirements they must complete, health protocols and public safety warnings have instilled a certain degree of apprehension and fear in people.

No matter what they say, people are scared. And fear can sometimes affect how they behave, intentionally or not. This is one of the most likely reasons behind the rise in the demand for private jet charters.

Still, with or without a pandemic, having a personal jet to fly you on-demand wherever you need to go has its perks. You just have to know what situations are best suited for private air travel so you can make a smart decision.

Private Charters vs. First Class: 4 Key Differences

Before moving on to the best situations to use personal jets, you must first understand what makes this kind of transportation different from first-class flights.

While both translate to a significant cost and come with certain privileges, the two modes of air travel are not the same.

There are distinct differences in these two options, particularly in terms of:

1. Travel Time and Availability

Personal jets and private charters support speedy travel time while minimizing the hours spent waiting for a flight. On the other hand, first-class trips still leave you at the mercy of commercial airline schedules and routes.

Available on-demand, private charters also let travelers set their own flight schedules and timetables. Unlike when traveling first class, they don’t have to deal with flight changes and layovers and can even make last-minute changes to the flight schedule.

2. Convenience

Chartered jets also have the advantage of great luxury and unparalleled convenience. Because they cater to a smaller number of passengers at a time, travelers can avoid crowds that are quite common in commercial airlines.

Security is tight for both air travel modes, though private jets have the added convenience of having fewer protocols observed due to the exclusivity of the service.

On the other hand, first-class flights come with additional amenities offered only to a select few. These include the chance to skip the lines and get first priority in boarding the commercial plane.

3. Comfort

Once on board, a private jet passenger can expect a bespoke travel experience. Some of the amenities provided in these flights include catered meals, top-notch entertainment, and unhindered access to technology for better productivity.

And since there are fewer people on the plane, private jet passengers can move more freely in the cabin throughout the flight.

Meanwhile, first-class passengers have their own reserved section. Take note that this isn’t an exclusive area for one client alone, which means travelers still need to share the area with other first-class travelers. Other additional perks include free meals and beverages, more legroom, and bigger seats, among others.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Because they practically “rent out” the entire plane to passengers, private charters can be more expensive than first class, especially for solo travelers.

However, private planes are much more economical for people who travel in groups as well as individuals whose time is equivalent to money.

5 Situations that Merit a Trip on a Private Jet

Now that you understand the distinguishing aspects of a private charter jet, the next part is to know the right time to use them. Air Charter International, an aviation services provider based here in Dubai shares five examples of the best situations to use a private jet:

1. Time-sensitive trips

Since they guarantee the availability of flights, private charters offer priceless peace of mind to passengers who may need to go on time-sensitive trips. This particular advantage has become more appealing in the wake of COVID-19 travel restrictions, which explains the increase in private charter demand.

This flight mode also lets you take control of your take-off and landing times. This means they can be moved up or pushed later, even at very short notice, to accommodate any unexpected changes in your plans, due to things like meeting extensions and the sudden need for face-to-face negotiations.

Since flexibility is maximal, private jet passengers can find a solution to every travel-related dilemma at the last minute.

2. Customized travel

Many travelers have unique requirements that commercial flights cannot accommodate. This includes departure and arrival time, pre-boarding and in-flight experiences, and so on.

With private jet services, you have more control over the entire travel environment. You can set the course, decide when to depart, and even reduce your exposure to other people (which can be quite appealing for many travelers post-COVID).

In fact, many private charter companies also have facilities and policies to ensure that you get the best travel experience for you and your co-travelers.

3. Traveling to remote places

Because they can access more places across the world than commercial airlines, private charters make traveling to remote areas easier. Compared to their first-class commercial counterpart, private jets provide point-to-point travel, which is both time-saving and convenient.

4. Humanitarian efforts

Private charter flights engage in humanitarian efforts year after year. Besides expediting the distribution of COVID-19 testing kits, private jets continue to help in the battle against the virus by assisting in the transport of vaccines all over the world.

Pre-COVID, these air travel solution companies also respond to disasters that made international headlines, including typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and even the aftermath of violent wars. During these humanitarian efforts, private companies hire aid and relief cargo charter to bring help wherever it is needed.

Personal planes can also be used to help move donated organs and reunite families. Some even have the proper equipment for critical patient transfer and medical evacuation services.

5. Traveling with family

On most commercial flights, you won’t be able to reserve seats next to your family members, especially if you’re traveling in a big group. You may also not get the level of privacy, comfort, and entertainment you desire.

This is where private flights are most helpful. Because you’re basically paying for the entire aircraft, you can rest assured that your family will have the best possible experience as you travel the skies to your desired destination.

And because you won’t have to go through long lines of security checks and crowded airports, you won’t have to worry about potentially exposing your family to the COVID-19.

There’s no need to sacrifice once-in-a-lifetime experiences, rare family reunions, holidays, and special occasions. Just book a private jet, and spend quality time with your loved ones no matter where you go.

The Perks of Hiring a Personal Jet

If you’re flying first class often, you might want to consider hiring your personal jet for maximum comfort and convenience. Having this type of travel option at your fingertips will prove to be quite useful, so make sure you use the resources you have wisely.