Have you ever wanted a private jet, but could not justify (or afford) the expense of buying one? Now, you no longer have to own a jet to have access to one. You can charter a plane to be at your beck and call whenever you need one. What’s more, you can find good deals on them, if you know where to look. Here are five websites that offer affordable private jet charters (in no particular order):
Blue Star Jets
Calling themselves the Uber of private jets, Blue Star Jets’ motto is “Any Jet, Any Time, Any Place.” The company has been in operation for more than 14 years, and they provide cost-effective access to 5,000 private jets worldwide through a fleet of independently owned jets. All planes chartered in the US met Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) standards for security, safety, and service.
JetSmarter
JetSmarter is a membership-based service that offers two ways to charter flights. You can find seats on existing shared charters (for a cost similar to commercial travel), or you can create your flights. If you chose the latter, you can book all seats or allow others to share the expense of the flight. They offer flights in more than 170 countries, and some routes have more than 100 flights per week. Yearly membership fees start at around $5,000, which does not include a $3,000 initiation fee.
SkyJet
Like JetSmarter, SkyJet offers two options for chartering a flight. You can find seats on existing flights at very affordable prices, or you can book an entire plane for a fixed hourly cost through their SkyJet Explorer membership. If you choose the latter, with a $9,500 yearly membership you can book a charter with 10 hours notice. Jet rates then begin at less than $5,000 per hour.
JetSuite
JetSuite, which is a partner of JetBlue, offers seats on private jets for as little as $129. Though destinations are limited to the following southwestern US cities:
- Las Vegas
- Burbank
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Reno
- Concord, CA.
They also offer entire jets that hold anywhere from 4 passengers to 30. Those who join their SuiteKey membership can receive low hourly rates for chartering these jets.
PrivateFly
If you like to fly with your pet, PrivateFly could be a good choice for you, as they specifically offer flights that allow pet travel. Like the other companies listed here, they let you buy free seats on existing flights or book entire plans. While they have access to 7,000 planes worldwide, their main destinations are the following:
- Los Angeles – Las Vegas
- New York – Miami
- New York – Los Angeles
- Miami – Bahamas
- Dallas – Houston
- Los Angeles – Aspen
- London – Paris
They also let you charter helicopters.
