Flying on a private jet can be seen as an unattainable extravagance and a luxurious treat often out of reach. And for the most part, it still is. However, business aviation has become increasingly popular in recent times.Due to the heightened demand for flying private, the increase of new private aviation charter companies in the market has spurred a decrease in cost, making the once unattainable luxury a bit more accessible to the broader public.And although it may seem like an oxymoron to fly cheaply on a private jet, it is possible to find a reasonably affordable price for private jet-like experiences. Here is a breakdown of some private jet charter companies and fees for flying private or semi-private in the cheapest ways possible.
JSX
Founded in 2016, JSX is a semi-private jet charter based in Dallas, Texas, in the United States. ​​JSX provides a cost-effective private aviation experience with its fleet of Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 jets, featuring 30 seats, removed overhead bins, and in-row power for a more spacious experience.
According to the most recent information outlined on the company website, the price of a one-way flight between Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) starts at as low as $149. Meanwhile, the lowest price for longer flights between DAL airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is $399.
Although routes are limited only within the United States, JSX offers a hassle-free way to board the plane without stepping onto the commercial airport terminal.
The charter company operates scheduled service between cities in the US, including Burbank, California (BUR), Las Vegas (LAS), Oakland, California (OAK), California (SNA), Phoenix (PHX), Reno-Tahoe (RNO), Dallas (DAL), Houston (HOU), and more.
According to ch-aviation.com data, JSX has 42 aircraft in its fleet, including 26 Embraer ERJ-145LRs, 14 Embraer ERJ-135LRs, and two Embraer ERJ-135ER jets.
Set Jet
Founded in 2014, Set Jet currently offers routes between US cities, including Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Scottsdale, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Francisco.
This membership-based program offers members access to the private aviation experience for a low monthly membership fee of $99, with one-way flights starting at $750. All Set Jet members are pre-screened and approved before flying, and there are never any extensive check-in requirements or security delays.
Set Jet allows you to make travel plans up to four months in advance or hop on a flight up to 30 minutes before departure. According to ch-aviation.com, the company operates a fleet of seven Bombardier jets, including four Challenger 850s, one Challenger 800, one CRJ200XR, and a CRJ200ER jet.
It is worth noting that Set Jet also plans to expand its route network by adding flights between New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, West Palm Beach, and more.
Aero
Launched in 2021, Aero is a reasonably new player in the industry. The US-based executive jet airline offers premium seating on direct flights between private terminals. According to its official website, the prices for one-way flights start from $1,000. Although the route network is limited, the company offers short to medium-haul flights in both North America and Europe.
Aero operates service between North American cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Los Cabos, San Francisco, Sun Valley, and Aspen. In Europe, it operates services between London, Geneva, Ibiza, Sion, and Nice.
Aero has a fleet of Embraer ERJ-135 and Legacy 600 jets. The Embraer ERJ-135s are configured to have a layout of 16 seats. The jets feature first-class-only seat configuration, generous leg space, and a 43-inch (102 cm) seat pitch. Meanwhile, Aero’s Legacy 600 boasts a spacious cabin in a 13-seat layout and a four-person adjustable table.
The charter airline also offers dedicated concierge service, including for pre- and post-flight travel.
Surf Air
Los Angeles-based Surf Air offers members access to private charter flights for a fixed monthly fee. The service provides frequent flights between California and Texas in the United States, similar to those of a commercial airline but with the luxurious atmosphere and amenities of private travel.
Passengers can book their trips through the Surf Air mobile app, allowing them to arrive at the airport just 20 minutes before departure without the hassle of waiting in long lines.
Membership starts from $199 per month for their Pay-As-You-Fly Access membership, which allows access to all flights on a per-seat basis.
Wheels Up
Established in 2013, Wheels Up was one of the first companies to revolutionize the private aviation industry, pioneering a new way for individuals to experience air travel.
Like Set Jet, Wheels Up has a membership program that allows users to access a network of private planes for travel. With Wheels Up, members pay an initial and yearly fee to join the network and have access to hourly rates for flights. Wheels Up has multiple membership plans. However, the cheapest option is Wheels Up Connect membership with a $2,995 initiation fee plus annual dues of $2,495.
In addition to its extensive network, the company provides access to over 1,500 aircraft, with a fleet that includes executive jets such as the King Air 350i, ​​Cessna Citation Excel/XLS, and Citation X.
Initially, the company operated on a membership-only basis. However, they now enable anyone to book scheduled charter flights through their app.
XO
One of the longest-existing companies across the private aviation sector, XO offers passengers private charters and the ability to purchase individual seats on shared flights and a fixed-price membership program.
XO has multiple memberships, the cheapest being XO Shared Membership, with a yearly fee of $595. This membership program is for flyers who wish to purchase an individual seat on private jets. However, on top of the membership fee, there is an extra fee starting at $995 on each trip you book.
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If you are not a member of XO, you can still book either a private jet charter or a seat on a private jet charter. According to its website, the cost of a seat on a mid-sized jet between Dallas and Los Angeles is $6,390.
XO Members and clients can request flights on over 2,400 aircraft worldwide, including Cessna Citation XL/XLS, Hawker 800XP, and Cessna Citation Ultra.
Sources: Planespotters.net, ch-aviation.com