Flying private or semi-private sounds like an absolute dream. You won’t have to go through long security lines, wait in crowded terminals, or be annoyed with babies crying in the seat behind you. We often see celebrities and mega-influencers flying private and may wish to be in their shoes for a brief moment. But who says you have to be rich to fly private? The good news is, flying semi-private isn’t unattainable.
Here are five ways you can fly semi-private without going broke.
JSX
JSX recently rebranded from JetSuiteX and prides itself on being a “hop-on jet service.” You can reserve flights via their app with prices ranging from $100 – $200 one way on a 30-seat Embraer 135s. All of the flights depart from private airport terminals and you can expect to receive free snacks and drinks, two free checked bags, lots of legroom and free Wi-Fi starting this year.
Surf Air
This company has been in business in California and Texas for the past five years. You can choose from all-you-can-fly monthly plans which start at $2,000. You can also opt for Surf Air Express which allows you to pay $2,500 for annual dues and $450 per flight on a Pilatus PC-12.
Hudson Andrews, Surf Air’s chief marketing officer tells CN Traveler that all passengers go through a background check prior to flying. “We save you two hours each way in airport screening and waiting alone,” says Andrews.
Blackbird
This start-up is based in San Francisco and connects 5,000 small airports across the U.S. to single-engine planes for under $100. Each flight has a capacity of four to nine passengers and you can book flights through the Blackbird app. The app even allows you to choose the plane, pilot, destination, and number of fliers.
Rudd Davis, CEO and founder of Blackbird tells CN Traveler, “We are simply looking at using planes as an alternative to driving.”
Blackbird has launched flights to hotspots like the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
It’s a good idea to book your semi-private flight in advance for the best prices.
XO
XO, formerly JetSmarter, allows you to instantly book an entire charter or single seats on private jets around the world. They offer three ways to fly, by booking the entire plane, chartering a plane, or booking by seats, and they offer two ways to pay, by monthly subscription (pay a monthly fee and fly for free) or pay as you go. They also offer an app so you can keep an eye on flight routes they’re offering.
Wheels Up
Delta Air Lines recently partnered with Wheels Up, a service that offsets the costs of flying private by allowing you to book empty leg flights. It’s ideal for the first time or occasional private flyer with flexible availability. With a single phone call, or using the Wheels Up app, members can search and request flight options from a real-time inventory.