The New Normal - Traveling by Private Jet

These Covid-era days, fewer people want to sit on a plane literally rubbing elbows with strangers, so they're looking for alternative ways to travel that minimize close contact.

For journeys where driving or taking a train are impractical, there's another alternative that may actually be more accessible than most people think: flying a private jet.

While traveling by private aircraft may still be expensive, it's no longer an exclusive privilege reserved only for the ultrarich and C-Suite business executives.

While chartering a private jet can cost more than flying in first class or business class, the personalized service can be worth the upgrade.

Here's a quick look at what it costs to fly private, the different options available, and the extra benefits you can get.

How to charter a private jet

It's possible to book private charters directly from companies. Through these services, travelers can browse through the various options then submit their details, after which a booking agent will make contact with a quote based on fleet availability.

The charter company may have another flight going to the same destination. So, if the travelers are comfortable flying with strangers, a shared charter or a "book your own seat" reservation can be significantly cheaper than booking an entire private jet.

Another time-saving option for passengers with no loyalty to any particular service is to go through a charter broker who will use a database to see available planes for the passenger's route and travel times.

How much does private jet travel cost

No-frills private travel can cost as little as $100 for a one-hour hop on a business commuter jet or as much as $40,000 to have a plane to yourself for a trip across the United States.

Several variables determine how much flying privately costs, chiefly the size of the plane and the number of hours it's used.

A shared charter service means the cost gets split with other travel parties, making private travel relatively more affordable.

The most expensive option is booking a one-way private charter with exclusive use of the plane. Shared charters might cost $5,000 or less to fly across the United States. Chartering an entire plane can cost $35,000 for the same route.

A third charter option is "booking by the seat" on a small commuter plane that's similar to flying in commercial business class. The seat can cost around $100 for short hops and close to $2,000 for a three-hour flight.

Here's a closer look at how much these various charter flight booking options cost.

Book by the seat

The cheapest option is "booking by the seat" on a scheduled run on a plane that holds up to 30 passengers in a 2x1 seating pattern.

The seat can cost as little as $100 for short-haul flights, like Burbank to Las Vegas. Longer flights, such as New York City to Miami, might start at $2,400.

An upgrade to a premium fare may be needed to reserve a seat in advance and check in multiple bags.

Shared charters and private charters

One way to enjoy a more private experience that can be affordable is by booking a shared charter.

With this option, someone charters a plane and sells the empty seats to reduce their total costs.

It will involve flying with strangers, but there are far fewer passengers than commercial flights and the experience can be more luxurious.

Shared charters cost more than booking by the seat but are cheaper than booking an entire plane.

Shorter one-way charters are not as pricey. Regular fliers may explore membership plans that have upfront charges but reduce incidental costs.

For more information on shared charters and private charters contact Ricky Tyus with Tyus Tours and Travel at 866-547-5362.