Flying on a private charter flight is significantly more expensive than taking a commercial flight. To get an estimate of the cost for a private flight within the US, you can use this formula:
(Cost of a first-class commercial ticket x 4) x number of seats in the aircraft
For instance, if a first-class ticket costs $500, multiplying by four gives you $2,000. If the aircraft is a light jet that seats six, you then multiply $2,000 by six, resulting in $12,000. It’s important to note that the cost remains the same regardless of the number of passengers.
When flying internationally, the pricing can be more appealing. For example, hiring a 14-seat private jet for a round trip from the US to Europe might cost $130,000. This breaks down to less than $10,000 per person, compared to first-class commercial tickets. Alternatively, for shorter trips, you can find deals such as the Beech 1900 Turboprop which seats 19 people. For two flights, each lasting two hours, the cost might be $16,000—about $900 per person.
Using a turboprop like the Beech 1900 is still pricier than commercial flights but includes added benefits. These may include leather seats, executive configurations for comfort, and potentially an enclosed cabin for sleeping.
However, turboprops can be somewhat rough and noisy, making them more suitable for short island-hopping trips, such as in Greece. The full private jet experience often comes with a higher price tag, but it can be justified for many individuals and businesses. For wealthy business owners, the time saved by flying privately can lead to more meetings, increased business opportunities, and higher earnings, which can offset the higher travel costs.