Researching and honing in on the top private jet companies before flying privately for work or leisure is essential. Not every aircraft is suitable for short- and long-distance travel, and not every business can meet your requirements for booking lead times, amenities and flexibility.
Chartering a private jet is a costly investment in maintaining a luxe lifestyle. As such, you’ll want to see a breakdown of these top-of-the-line companies most suitable for personal and professional travel.
What to Look for in the Top Private Jet Companies
There is much to consider when choosing the top private jet companies to accommodate your travel needs. First and foremost, a company should uphold the same safety standards as major aviation carriers. Ensure they maintain certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Charter Safety Foundation and International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations.
Other things to look for include the following:
- Recognition for superior customer service
- Diverse fleet to meet your aircraft requirements, such as for short trips or long-range travel
- Excellent reputation within the private jet industry — review testimonials, awards and the company’s history
- Amenities, perks and the ability to bring pets, if necessary
- Several pricing and membership options
Most private aviation companies offer on-demand services in which flyers pay for flights individually, memberships with prepaid flights at a fixed rate or fractional ownership programs in which you’d own a share of an aircraft with fleet access. It’s important to check the costs for each option and determine if they are flexible.
Those concerned about air transportation’s environmental footprint should also consider a fleet’s sustainability. Many jet companies are exploring sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), a more environmentally safe biofuel aircraft propellant, to reduce emissions.
Industry experts can produce 50-60 billion gallons of low-emission biofuels annually using corn grain, algae, agricultural debris, wood mill waste and oil seeds, among other feedstocks.
Travel in Style With These 9 Private Jet Companies
Once you know your aircraft requirements for easy, enjoyable travel, you can compare the top private jet companies to make a sound decision. Creating a chart can help you determine the differences in benefits, cost structures and fleet options. Consider these nine companies to handle your private aviation transportation.
- GrandView Aviation
GrandView Aviation has much to offer fliers, prioritizing a comfortable and stress-free experience from booking to take-off and landing at your destination. Its Phenom 300 fleet has roomy cabins for eight people and plenty of baggage space, flying in a 2,000 range at over 500 mph.
You can take off from within 300 miles of some of the most popular metropolitan areas in the United States, including Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Boston and Chicago, and travel anywhere across North America.
GrandView allows you to pay for flights individually or join its free or paid membership programs. Members enjoy discounted rates, ground transportation, catering credits and points for every mile flown.
Summer 2024 isn’t over yet for GrandView fliers. The company is offering a special promotion until Sept. 22, allowing clients to enjoy the Altitude Miles Plus Program without a commitment or deposit.
Travelers can save 10% on flight fees, including additional savings of up to 15%. They also receive a $200 catering or transportation credit per flight, plus flexible cancellation.
Fleet: Phenom 300
Memberships: Free Altitudes Miles Program, Altitude Miles Plus Program
Highlights: Pet-friendly, free onboard Wi-Fi, private bathroom, quality cuisine
- XO
Are you looking to travel cross-country or overseas? XO offers generous benefits and access to an extensive, state-of-the-art fleet. Choose between private charters or individual seats on shared flights to major destinations, from South Florida to Las Vegas or Genoa to Zurich.
Pay per flight as a nonmember, or enjoy exclusive perks with an XO membership starting at $995 annually. All members receive expert customer support, are eligible for the referral program and can appoint a representative. They also waive the pay-per-trip fee and get priority seating on all flights.
Fleet: Citation Ultra, Citation XL/XLS, Citation X, Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Challenger 605, Challenger 850, Gulfstream GIV-SP, Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7500
Memberships: Shared Membership, XO Membership, XO Reserve
Highlights: Extensive fleet of over 300 aircraft, XO mobile app for easy booking, ground transportation and concierge services, in-flight Wi-Fi
- VistaJet
Those looking to fly sustainably will find a home among VistaJet aircraft. The company has integrated climate change initiatives into its business model, starting with using SAFs despite costing more than traditional fuel propellants. VistaJet sources SAF made from cooking oil, which the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification recognizes. It also participates in carbon offsetting and transparent environmental impact reporting.
Travelers can participate in one of three membership programs with no prior investment necessary. Each offers numerous benefits with customization options and flexibility.
However, what sets VistaJet apart as one of the top private jet companies is its high-quality global flight experience for fliers. Each cabin boasts a luxurious design and cutting-edge entertainment, whether you want something refined or more family-friendly.
The company also delivers an incredible experience for the pampered pet. VistaJet hostesses are trained in animal first aid and deliver preflight fear-of-flying courses, comfortable sleep mats, and healthy meals and snacks for a safe flight.
Fleet: Bombardier, Gulfstream, Embraer, Cessna, Dassault
Memberships: Program, VJ25, Corporate
Highlights: Private dining, child-friendly, pet-friendly, wellness services
- Verijet
Verijet is another private charter company keen on sustainable air transportation. Its signature Cirrus Vision Jet is ideal for short-distance flights to local airports, wherever you need to be.
The jet can hold up to four adults and two children, with enough space for four to five carry-on bags. You can also bring your pet onboard without service animal certification.
Choose between the 25-hour, 50-hour or 100-hour Verijet JetCard, each delivering various membership benefits, from different cancellation deadlines to flight hour rates and agreement terms. The 100-hour JetCard — also known as the Exclusive Founders Club — has limited availability but no contract expiration.
Verijet has made ambitious sustainability commitments, including fuel efficiency using SAFs, reduced aviation noise and expanding regional travel for fewer flight miles. By 2050, the company hopes to achieve net zero.
Fleet: Cirrus Vision Jet
Memberships: 25-hour, 50-hour or 100-hour Verijet JetCard
Highlights: 100% carbon-neutral flights, pet-friendly, regional airport destinations
- NetJets
NetJets has much to offer its travelers, including a global-bound fleet of 750 aircraft from various sizes and manufacturers. Depending on the jet you choose, it could fly between six and 14 passengers.
NetJets has been around for some time and was the first to adopt the fractional ownership model. This allows individuals and companies to purchase a share of a jet without the full responsibilities and commitment of owning one.
Frequent fliers often notice each aircraft’s luxe comfort, amenities and service, ensuring a superior travel experience. Enjoy gourmet food, in-flight entertainment and concierge services.
Among its different membership offerings, the NetJets 25-Hour Lease is ideal for people traveling fewer than 50 hours annually. With a 24-month agreement, you receive lower hourly rates, fewer peak days and the ability to lease a jet with as little as 24-hour notice.
The NetJets Share or Net-Jets Lease programs may be more suitable for those who fly more than 50 hours. These memberships have varying commitment lengths, flight notice requirements and acquisition fees.
Fleet: Long-range, large, midsize and light jets, including Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer
Memberships: NetJets Share, NetJets Lease, NetJets 25-Hour Lease
Highlights: Pet-friendly, sommelier-selected wines, in-flight entertainment, onboard Wi-Fi
- Wheels Up
Wheels Up makes private aviation more accessible with its unique membership model, guaranteed flight availability and fixed hourly rates. Choose from numerous aircraft in various sizes, manufacturers, and amenities to meet your needs and accommodate passengers.
Most unique is its partnership with Delta Air Lines — for every $100,000 spent as a Wheels Up member during the year, you can receive Delta’s 1 Diamond Medallion Status. You must have a Wheels Up and Delta SkyMiles account to be eligible.
The company’s user-friendly mobile app makes booking private travel easier than ever. Search for the perfect aircraft based on pricing, passengers and other needs, and book right from your phone.
The different memberships also deliver endless perks, such as access to VIP events, special culinary experiences and remote destinations.
Fleet: Global network of jets, including light, ultra-long range and turboprops
Memberships: Individual, Small and Medium Enterprise Solutions, Custom Enterprise Solutions
Highlights: Delta partnership, convenient smartphone booking app, 24/7 customer service
- Airshare
Do you want to fly in style and comfort like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes — a fractional owner at Airshare? Airshare stands out for superior personalized service, from booking your flight to arriving at your destination and even after.
The company makes scheduling easier than ever and can fly you to remote locations or inaccessible airports if necessary. It also ensures all your needs are met during every flight, including gourmet dining — even for those with dietary restrictions — entertainment options and other in-flight amenities.
Airshare offers diverse membership packages. However, you might consider fractional ownership or the EMBARK Jet Card. Become a fractional owner if you fly over 15 days annually and enjoy flying to multiple destinations in a single day with unlimited flight hours. You’ll also save 25% on your hourly rate when flying to and from the same location.
The EMBARK Jet Card is suitable for those who fly seven to 14 days a year. As a Jet Card member, you’ll pay as you go and receive 10 unlimited flight hours. There are no long-term commitments or hidden fees to worry about. Just book a flight and enjoy the ride.
Fleet: Challenger 3500, Phenom 300, Charter Fleet
Memberships: Aircraft Membership, Fractional Ownership, EMBARK Jet Card, Charter Services
Highlights: Unlimited flight hours in a day for EMBARK Jet Card members and fractional owners, 24/7 customer service, pet-friendly
- Flexjet
Flexjet delivers refined aviation with over 1,300 highly trained pilots and crew members. Perhaps most impressive is its 20-plus consecutive FAA Diamond Awards and its ability to maintain the highest rating from ARGUS International — a true measurement of its approach to safety and security.
The company also offers numerous membership options, including fractional ownership for those who fly over 50 hours annually. If you prefer, you could also lease a jet every month with the same perks of fractional ownership. Fractional owners and lease members may add the Unlimited Access enhancement for unrestricted access to the Flexjet fleet. There is also the Helicopter Access add-on with the same superior service you’d receive on a jet.
The Jet Card is a better option for new fliers who want to explore the Flexjet experience without committing to a more extensive membership. With this one-time entry membership, cardholders may fly about 25 hours a year, reserve a jet immediately, tap into inclusive pricing and schedule flights in advance.
Fleet: Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G450, Praeter 600, Challenger 350/3500, Praeter 500, Phenom 300, Sikorsky S-76
Memberships: Fractional, Lease, Jet Card, Unlimited Access, Helicopter Access
Highlights: In-flight Wi-Fi, curated experiences, VIP events, private terminals, partnerships with boutique hotels
- Jet Linx
Jet Linx provides smooth, comfortable travel on its fleet of over 100 aircraft, from light to heavy-size jets. Jet Card members can access several benefits, including guaranteed availability, a set hourly rate, no charge for peak days, and long-distance and round-trip discounts. Pets also fly for free when you become a Jet Card member.
Safety is the cornerstone of everything Jet Linx does. Travelers can rest assured all pilots have undergone extensive training at FlightSafety International and CAE. Likewise, the company has earned top safety ratings from WYVERN Wingman Pro and ARGUS Platinum Elite. It has also been registered with the International Business Aviation Council as a stage 3 operator since 2015.
Fleet: Light, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets, seating seven to 12 people
Memberships: Jet Card, Aircraft Owner
Highlights: Pet-friendly, access to over 5,000 airports, services to over 180 countries, private terminals
Reach Your Destination With the Best Private Jet Company
Those who want to fly in luxury and with ease are not without opportunities and options. The top private jet companies each offer something different for every flier, whether heading to an important conference overseas or your holiday home in Maine. Weigh the pros and cons of each aviation business to make the best decision for private travel.
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