Top Reasons to Fly Private Instead of Commercial

Private jet travel grows more popular every year. In fact, the number of miles flown by private jets grew 53% between 2019 and 2023. 

Why are so many people opting for private flights? It’s a superior way to travel. A private flight is more convenient, private, and comfortable than a commercial trip. Private flyers also benefit from shorter wait times and reduced baggage restrictions.

Private Jet vs. Commercial Flight: Comparison Table 

Private jets differ from their counterparts in several ways. Cost is among them, as private trips are more expensive than shared commercial flights. However, the benefits associated with private flights can make the added expense worthwhile.

feature	Private jet	commerical airline
Cost	Higher	Lower
Convenience	Very convenient, as travelers can set their schedules and avoid layovers	Less convenient, as schedules are fixed and often include layovers
Airports used	Smaller, private airports	Major commercial airports
Check-in and security	No long lines and minimal wait times	Long security lines, check-in process required
Privacy	Extensive, as the cabin is not shared with other passengers	Low, as the aircraft is shared with hundreds of travelers
Comfort	Spacious cabins, luxury seating, personalized service	Limited legroom, varying service quality
Baggage	No restrictions on luggage weight or quantity	Fees for extra bags with size and weight restrictions
Flight time	Direct flights with no unnecessary stopovers	Potential layovers and air traffic delays
Productivity	Private workspace and Wi-Fi for confidential meetings and focused work	Limited privacy and variable Wi-Fi make working more difficult
Safety and security	High, as these trips involve controlled environments with fewer passenger interactions	Moderate, as standardized security procedures limit attack potentials, but larger crowds are common
Best for	Business executives, luxury travelers, and groups needing flexibility	Budget-conscious travelers and those with flexible schedules

Cost Comparisons 

Private jets are more expensive than commercial flights, as you’re not sharing the travel costs with hundreds of other people. The price differences are especially stark when comparing budget travel seats against small private jets.

Here’s a quick breakdown of those cost differences:

• Private jets: Costs can vary dramatically by ownership type, length of trip, and more. In general, however, private jet trips cost between $1,200 to more than $10,000 per flight hour. 
• Commercial airlines: Commercial flight costs can also vary dramatically by the type of seat chosen, length of trip, and more. In general, these flights are much less expensive than private jets, especially for those who select economy seats. 
• Hidden costs: While private jets may seem more expensive on the surface, a commercial flight can come with hidden fees. It’s common for airlines to charge more for luggage, seat selection, pets, and meals. Travelers also spend excess time in line and waiting for flight delays to resolve.

Convenience & Flexibility 

Americans spend about 37 billion hours every year waiting in line. In surveys, people associate these waits with feelings like boredom, frustration, and annoyance. Private jet travel can eliminate these long wait times almost entirely. 

Private Jets 

A private flight departs from a smaller airport with a streamlined check-in. That means no waiting in line with hundreds of other people. Since you book your custom flight, you can also eliminate waits associated with layovers and plane changes. 

Commercial Flights 

Commercial airlines have fixed schedules that allow hundreds of people to grab a seat. Long wait times to pass through security and board/exit the plane are common. 

Worst of all, some travelers repeat these steps multiple times during layovers. If a connecting flight is canceled, the wait can be even longer. 

Comfort & Privacy 

Modern life requires sharing space with others. However, researchers say our need for personal space and privacy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Private jets offer much more space than commercial flights. They’re also much more comfortable. 

Private Jets 

A private jet holds fewer passengers than a commercial flight. This means you can stretch out and relax. 

Aircraft are usually outfitted with leather seats, and some have sleeping quarters for long flights. Luxury amenities like gourmet meals and drinks are often available as well. 

Commercial Airlines

Commercial airplanes are designed to move a lot of people at once. Even first-class seating offers little more than a few square feet of space. 

You can’t walk or stretch during a typical flight, and your amenities are typically limited. In economy seats, you may not even get a meal. 

Security & Safety 

Both commercial and private flights are incredibly safe. The injury rate for airline passengers in the United States is close to 0 per 100 million passenger miles. However, how private jets and commercial flights enforce safety is very different. 

Private Jets

Private jets are bound by the same safety regulations as commercial flights. That means pilots must have a license, undergo extensive training, and gain flight experience before they can serve you. 

Private jets might be safer than commercial flights as they are smaller. With fewer passengers, you are less likely to deal with threats that could be present on a commercial flight. 

Commercial Flights 

Commercial airlines keep passengers safe through standard TSA screening processes. That leads to long lines and plenty of hassles, including baggage checks and intrusive pat-downs. 

Added passengers can also lead to increased safety risks while in the air. Passive-aggressive behavior from seatmates or angry outbursts about the rules can lead to safety risks. 

Flight Experience 

Traveling by private jet is completely different than flying on a commercial plane. While both modes of travel can get you to a destination, the experience you’ll have is worlds apart. 

Private Jets 

You’ll notice the difference from the moment you arrive at the airport. You’ll have an individual screening and check-in process and step onto your plane in moments. 

You’ll have a crew dedicated to making only you happy during the flight, and you’ll tap into amenities like gourmet meals, entertainment, and comfortable seating. 

Commercial Flights

Since you’re sharing the aircraft with many others, your scheduling options are limited. Once you arrive, you’ll stand in several lines to check in, move through security, and board the plane. 

Once onboard, your service quality will vary by ticket type. In general, you’ll have small spaces and limited choices. 

Suitability for Different Travelers 

Every day, more than 2 million people fly in and out of American airports. Every passenger has different priorities, budgets, and goals. For many, flying private is the right way to go. 

Business Travelers 

Corporate trips often require flexibility and customization. Whether you need to hold an in-person meeting to close a sale or reassure a nervous client, a private jet trip could be a wise investment. 

Private flights also allow business executives to hold sensitive meetings without pesky eavesdroppers. Secure Wi-Fi connectivity also means losing no productive time while you’re in the air. 

Leisure Travelers 

Vacations are even better when they start with private jet flights. The whole family (including pets) can ride together in a private cabin and share amenities and a relaxing ambiance. 

But for families on a budget, commercial flights can be a better choice. The trip might be a little less comfortable, but it will cost less too. 

Families & Groups 

Private jets can hold a group of people, including families and work colleagues. Everyone on the flight has access to the same amenities and experiences, so the flight can become a bonding experience. Flying together while skipping the hassles of an airport is another core perk. 

Families can also consider commercial flights to save money. A trip like this takes longer and is less comfortable, but it is also less expensive. When money is tight, this can be a good option.

Learn More About Element Aviation’s Jet Charter Services

There are all sorts of exceptional reasons to book your next flight on a private jet.

At Element Aviation, we make this easy. Our jet charter services ensure that you get the experience you deserve at the right price. Book your next flight.