Airline Costs vs. Private Jets - A Case Study

Rethinking Commercial Airline Costs vs. Private Jets - A Case Study (JustLuxe)

(May 12, 2010) - Think you can’t afford to take a family of four (4) on vacation flying on a private jet? Think again. When doing a cost comparison between flying privately and flying first-class commercially you’ll find that flying privately may not cost much more than a first-class commercial flight and might actually cost less when taking into account various travel scenarios.  Plus, the cost of eliminating the headaches and hassle associated with commercial travel: priceless.

Scenario:

In 2009, two families of four (4 adults, 4 children) flew from Los Angeles, CA to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a four night-long vacation.  They were able to travel on a private aircraft each way by purchasing two empty legs (where they were not charged hangar fees, overnights, or ferry fees for the planes to return to their origin).  Each family had one carry-on bag, at least three pieces of checked luggage and two golf bags each.  Additionally, they used a private jet broker who not only located the best aircraft at the best possible price, but the broker also negotiated non-air travel deals and arranged for additional services, i.e. ground transportation, hotel accommodations, golf/spa packages, and the like.  A broker can be an invaluable resource to make your entire travel experience as worry-free as possible.

Let’s compare:

	Private Jet	Commercial Airline	Difference
Tickets/airfare for 4 adults and 4 children (roundtrip/first-class)	$9,500*	$9,600	$100
Baggage fees	N/A	$300 (1 carry-on and first 2 checked bags free; $50 each for the 3rd-6th checked bag)	$300
Hotel accommodations (2 suites at an all-inclusive resort)	$2,500/ 4 nights	$4,480/4 nights	$1,980
Ground transportation	$25	$40	$15
Golf	$90	$180	$90
Wait time prior to departure	Arrive 15 min. prior to departure each way, drive up directly to aircraft and board.  On return home, remain on aircraft while customs officer boards the aircraft to check on passports (25 min.). Total wait time:  55 min.	Arrive two hours prior to departure each way, wait in terminal before boarding aircraft.  On return home, go through customs, security, etc. (1-2 hrs.). Total wait time:  5-6 hrs.)	Private jet flyers spend 82% less time in the international flight process. **
Safety concerns	All passengers scrubbed through the TSA list prior to booking.	Potential for unsavory passengers and potential criminal activity on board aircraft.

*This cost is based on the parties purchasing two separate one-ways for each leg. In the event that a true one-way is unavailable on either departure or return date, the broker will negotiate the best possible deal to obtain another aircraft, most likely adding approximately 30-35% to the overall cost stated above. Nevertheless, the total sum still remains very comparable to the commercial alternative.

**The international flight process includes arrival and wait time prior to each departure, customs process in both countries. This computation excludes additional time spent waiting for luggage, ground transportation, etc.

Although it is difficult to consistently locate true one-ways on the exact departure /return dates and times specified, with patience and flexibility a vacationing party can realize not only the convenience and comforts of a private jet, but also give the commercial airlines a true run for their money. This scenario can happen and does happen with the assistance of a quality, experienced private jet broker. Making this happen is not a question of "if," but rather a solution of dollars and "sense."