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Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Which Private Jet Is Best for You?

by Business Traveler

September 1, 2022

A comparison of some of the top aviation companies

flyExclusive

Starting Price

Begins at $3,950 with Exclusive Club Membership, $4,650 with Fly Club Membership

Perks and Amenities

Two pilots and cabin attendants on Gulfstream GIV aircraft, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies and dedicated representatives to assist with trip coordination

Fleet Options

More than 85 aircraft, and the second-largest operator of Cessna Citation. Seven Gulfstream GIV-SP aircraft available for long-range flights

Routes

Can be flown out of locations across the country

Advantages

With no daily or segment minimums, it’s the ideal choice for those with multiple stops in a single day. Services include a fractional program with opportunities to purchase shares in a brand-new Cessna Citation CJ3+

FXAIR

Starting Price

Hourly pricing starts at $7,000 and fluctuates based on aircraft availability

Perks and Amenities

Passengers can work directly with an experienced aviation advisor to perfect trip details. Complimentary catering, aircraft upgrades when available, and preferred access to aircraft on peak travel days

Fleet Options

Gulfstream, Embraer, Bombardier and Cessna models. From light jets to large-cabin ultra-long-range aircraft

Routes

More than 5,000 airports across the U.S., including busy hubs like Teterboro, West Palm Beach, Dallas and Van Nuys

Advantages

Specializes in concierge planning for longer flights, comfortably accommodating more than four passengers

JSX

Starting Price

From around $199 per seat

Perks and Amenities

Passengers may arrive up to 20 minutes before departure at a JSX private terminal. High speed onboard Wi-Fi

Fleet Options

Mostly 30-seat Embraer ERJ aircraft with eliminated overhead bins and middle seats

Routes

Domestic hubs in California, Texas, Nevada and Arizona. East Coast travel available from New York to Miami

Advantages

Frictionless security and scheduled private flights provide efficiency and seamless day trips

NetJets

Starting Price

Entry-level 25-hour lease option is $240,000 per year for a minimum commitment of 36 months. Rates depend on ownership agreements, commitment levels and aircraft

Perks and Amenities

Luxury brands provide added leisure and comfort for family-friendly flights. Artisanal in-flight cuisine focuses on regional and fresh ingredients

Fleet Options

More than 800 aircraft options available, including Embraer Phenom 300E, Cessna Citation XLS, Sovereign, Latitude, Longitude, Bombardier Challenger 350 and 650 and Bombardier Global 5500-7500

Routes

Access to more than 5,000 airports across more than 200 countries and territories

Advantages

A popular choice for those flying more than 50 hours per year: Roughly 20 percent of private business-jet departures in the U.S. involve a NetJets aircraft

Qatar Executive

Starting Price

Block Hour Agreement grants 50 hours of flight time with fixed rates and guaranteed availability. Recent reports include a chartered flight from New York to London on a Gulfstream G500 for $160,000

Perks and Amenities

Eight lie-flat seats, storage of 13 pieces of luggage weighing up to 70 pounds, luxury linens and tableware, chef-driven personal catering, and option to smoke onboard

Fleet Options

Gulfstream G650ER, Global 5000 and Global Express XRS with two pilots

Routes

Floating fleet is available at more than 400 airports around the globe

Advantages

Operates the world’s largest fleet of ultra-long-haul Gulfstream G650ERS

VistaJet

Starting Price

Fliers pay $12,000 to $20,000 per hour. Subscription plans are tailored to clients’ travel requirements. Prices vary depending on aircraft and membership tier

Perks and Amenities

Elevated concierge services include dedicated private dining team, wine and caviar at altitude, luxury amenity packs with cashmere eye pads, and cabin stewards trained in children’s behavior

Fleet Options

Bombardier Challenger 350-850 and Global 5000-7500

Routes

Floating fleet with more than 70 branded jets and two global operational hubs

Advantages

Customizable from takeoff to landing. Members can access villas, ski lodges, private islands and exceptional estates

Wheels Up

Starting Price

$5,000 per hour (varies based on aircraft type and booking demand)

Perks and Amenities

Memberships unlock access to a variety of private events and benefits, President’s Circle status with Hertz, and more perks valued at more than $35,000

Fleet Options

King Air 350i, Citation Excel/XLS, Citation X, Citation Encore+, Hawker 400XP, Falcon 2000, Challenger 604, Gulfstream GIV-SP and Gulfstream G450

Routes

Brand’s recent acquisition of charter service Air Partner expanded access to locations across four continents, including Europe, North America and Asia

Advantages

Membership guarantees booking up to 24 hours in advance, flights with other members at reduced cost, and access to partnered luxury vacation getaways

XO

Starting Price

Recent reports list a flight from Santa Barbara to the Hamptons at $4,395 per seat, and from Seattle to Cape Cod at $3,895 per seat. On average, members and clients save up to 10 times by booking a seat versus a private jet charter

Perks and Amenities

Prearranged black car transfers and personal assistance at private jet terminals. Passengers may arrive up to 15 minutes prior to departure. In-flight Wi-Fi and concierge service available on larger aircraft

Fleet Options

Citation Ultra, Citation Excel/XLS, Cessna Citation X, Bombardier and Challenger 300

Routes

Top domestic routes include New York to Dallas, the Bahamas and Washington, D.C.

Advantages

Mobile app and website allow booking for individual seats and private charters. Fewer than three passengers aboard on average