The majority of people have never traveled on a private jet. This means that most of the information people receive on private jet charter is not through experience, but from word of mouth.
Here are the top ten common myths surrounding private jet charter – and the truth behind each one!
Myth #1 – You need to be a millionaire
The most common misconception about private jet charter is that you need to be super-rich in order to hire your own aircraft. This is simply not true.
Of course, most of the world’s elite do travel via private jet. But it can be surprisingly affordable, especially when splitting the cost between a group and making use of every seat on the plane.
If you want to hire an ultra long range jet it’s going to set you back a fair bit. But, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can hire a very light jet for a few hours at a cost that is realistic and achievable.
Myth #2 – Private Jets are unsafe
Many commercial airlines are well-known, but the private sector is much more niche. So, when it comes time to hire a private jet and you haven’t heard of the companies you’re looking into, it can be a little worrying. Can they be trusted? Are they safe?
The fact is that many people consider private jets safer than commercial airlines. The key is to find a broker you can trust. If they have your best interests at heart, the plane and crew will undergo rigorous safety checks which means your flight will be completely safe. And, if they’re confident in their abilities as a broker, you’ll be insured, too.
In addition to employing an in-house Safety Manager, using pre-screened operators and aircraft, Paramount runs third-party safety checks prior to each and every flight. Safety is our #1 priority. Furthermore, here are some of the organizations that Paramount Business Jets voluntary works with to improve safety and passenger experiences:
- Better Business Bureau
- The Air Charter Association
- Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA)
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
- European Business Aviation Association (EBAA)
- ARGUS International
- Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Learn about Paramount Business Jets' accreditations to find out more.
Myth #3 – It’s a headache to book one
You may have heard that hiring a private jet for charter is hard work and it’s easier to simply book a commercial airline flight. Whilst it is probably quicker to book an off-the-rack commercial flight, it can actually be easier to hire a private jet.
Why? Because we have a dedicated team in place to take care of every aspect of your booking. We don’t just mean the flight, either. We’ll make sure you hire the ideal aircraft, with a car waiting to pick you up at your destination, and hotel staff ready and waiting for your arrival. It’s like having a private butler take care of your arrangements, leaving you to simply enjoy the flight.
Myth #4 – Private jets are for select clientele only
Private jet travel has a somewhat elitist image, but this is inaccurate. In recent years we’ve noticed that our typical clientele has expanded massively. Private jet travel is no longer limited to royals, Sheikhs, and A-list celebrities. It’s now a treat for the family, an indulgence for a hard-working team, and a unique romantic getaway for couples seeking something different.
There is no snootiness at PBJ. Each client is treated with equal importance and respect. However, we understand that first-time flyers can have some reservations, which is why we created an in-depth FAQ section. It will answer many of your questions and help allay your fears. Or you can check out our guide on private jet etiquette and feel like a regular on your very first trip!
Myth #5 – Bad weather ruins everything
Have you ever been on the precipice of booking a private jet only for your friend to interject with a concern about bad weather? After all, you wouldn’t want your once-in-a-lifetime trip ruined by some untimely weather issue.
While it’s true that private jets are not immune to bad weather, it’s false that bad weather means your charter flight will definitely be delayed or canceled. There are many instances where bad weather prohibits commercial aircraft from flying but, in the same conditions, a private jet charter can proceed as planned.
Private jets have a much higher degree of flexibility than commercial airlines. This allows them to ascend to heights which allow them to avoid turbulence. They can fly in and out of smaller airports. And the pilot can discuss alternative routes with you to avoid tricky weather – something which is unfathomable for a commercial flight with hundreds of passengers.
Myth #6 – You need to be an expert
There’s no denying it – it can be a daunting prospect booking a private jet for the first time. But this is only because of the myth that you need to be an expert, or that every broker is out to take advantage of you. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
While there are some rotten apples you’ll want to avoid, a reputable broker like PBJ will have plenty of experience speaking with first-time clients. We’ll walk you through the process and explain everything in plain English to help you make an informed decision. We don’t expect you to know everything about private jets – in fact, that’s exactly what we’re here to help with!
Myth #7 – Buying beats hiring
Another fallacy is that buying a private jet represents better value than hiring one. Buying a private jet is an extremely expensive venture which requires a huge amount of work, especially if you want to place the jet for charter rather than have it sitting on a runway redundant.
Private jet charter is extremely common, even among the super-rich and famous. You won’t be charged for ongoing maintenance, you won’t need to hunt down constant customers, and you have a much higher degree of flexibility. For example, you can use different models and different-sized jets depending on the needs of your journey. And you won’t need to wait for your plane to be flown to you (with the added expense of an empty leg). Instead, you can hire a jet located nearby.
Myth #8 – Security takes hours
Two of the most draining things about flying commercially are the endless queues and laborious security checks you’ll go through for every flight. If you have to go through these for private jet charter, it may leave you wondering: what’s the point?
Fortunately, we can bust this myth for you right now. When you use private jet charter you’ll usually fly via a fixed-base operator (FBO) which is located in close proximity to the main airport, but is accessed via a separate entrance. You’ll face no queues and there’ll be no metal detectors. You’ll have to show your passport or identification, but this will usually take just a couple of minutes.
Myth #9 – They’re slow
You may think that flying a smaller model means you travel slower, which in turn would mean that the journey takes longer. This is almost never the case.
For one thing, you’ll board the plane much quicker. You can arrive closer to the flight time than you do with commercial flights, and skip the usual queues. On top of that, the pilot can work with your requirements to fly to the destination in the quickest way possible. And, with over 10,000 private airports in the United States of America alone appose to around 500 commercial airports, the number of airports you can land at is greatly increased. You’ll land closer to your desired destination, making for a quicker door-to-door journey.
Myth #10 – Private jets destroy the environment
Private jet travel is sometimes portrayed as an indulgent practice utilized by people who don’t care about the environment. But that’s completely untrue. For example, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is famous for fighting climate change, yet has used many private jets in the past.
Is this a contradiction? Not necessarily. When you fly via private jet you can actually offset the emissions caused by the flight. At PBJ we’ve developed a system that calculates your carbon footprint. This will help you figure out any damage your flight may cause. If you’re booking with PBJ, we’ll offer to offset your carbon footprint via schemes like providing cleaner energy from wind power, capturing methane from mines, or improving forest management.
Find out how private jet flights can be more eco-friendly.
