I Flew Business Class and on a Private Jet: Here’s Which Is Better.

And, after several flights, I’ve found there are some cases in which flying business class is a better use of time and money than flying private…

…but it’s fair to say flying private adds a level of convenience and flexibility that airlines simply can’t provide.

First and foremost, private jets operate under different federal regulations, many of which — like on going through security and smoking aboard a flight — are more relaxed than the ones for commercial aviation.

Source: Investopedia

These are aircraft service providers for things like fuel and maintenance, and typically have a lounge area with free snacks and drinks available for travelers.

I either walked directly out to the jet from the small terminal or took a one-minute bus ride. And, I could park my car for free outside — though some people drive right up to the aircraft.

While many business-class tickets come with expedited security and passport control, the need to arrive at the airport early to check bags, traverse checkpoints, walk to the gate, and wait for boarding is still a hassle.

And, although I’m not a smoker, charter companies can allow passengers to smoke tobacco on board assuming it follows FAA regulations for things like ashtrays and signage.

Source: Stratos Jet Charters

For these reasons alone, I can see how the money — for those who have it —is easily worth the hassle-free experience — especially for celebrities who want to avoid the crowds.

For example, a Global 7500 operated by charter company VistaJet ranges from around $12,000 to $20,000 per hour. So, an eight-hour leap from New York to London could cost $96,000 to $160,000 one-way.

Source: Elite Traveler

The same route in mid-April for eight people — VistaJet’s sleeping capacity — in Delta One suites is just over $93,000 roundtrip — or about $11,600 a ticket.

While splitting the Global 7500 among eight people brings the cost per person down, it is still substantially greater than booking roundtrip suites for about $11,600 a pop.

This is why I think the duration of the flight and the number of people onboard are the biggest factors in making private flying worth it.

On one hand, I can argue the luxuries on board private jets far outmatch those in business class…

…especially since the largest aircraft come with double beds, dining rooms, and theaters, creating a more spacious, comfortable atmosphere.

Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned security and smoking rules, private travelers have more food flexibility because they aren’t tied to an airline’s predetermined menu…

…and they can access routes that commercial carriers don’t offer, like Elon Musk’s 12-hour trek from Mykonos, Greece, to Austin, Texas, in July 2022 — a route that would take at least one stop and 30 hours on an airline.

These personal, individualized amenities go beyond what can be offered in business class.

But, on the other hand, some wealthy travelers could see the cost-savings of flying in business class on a transoceanic flight worth ditching a private jet…

…especially since long-haul business typically has lie-flat seats. For example, Singapore Airlines has a large business class lounger on its Airbus A350 that comes with a roomy bed and a flat-screen TV.

By comparison, there are a few places to sleep on VistaJet’s Global 7500, but not all are fully private. These include the double bed in the bedroom…

…as well as the double beds made from the theater couch and dining room seats. The two sets of four swivel chairs also create a pair of single beds.

For eight people to sleep comfortably, six would need to be couples, friends, or family members — it wouldn’t be a great option for colleagues, which VistaJet US President Leona Qi acknowledged during a demo flight in November.

Moreover, I don’t really mind not having as much choice in terms of meals. But, I know a lot of customers have specific needs and wants, which is more easily catered to on a private jet.

All things considered, if I had to choose between Singapore and a crowded Global 7500, I’d choose the former. I wouldn’t have to share a bed or have to fight over the private jet’s main television.