The Best Private Jet Companies in the US
You’ll be able to locate the appropriate company for you here, whether you’re interested in a charter, jet cards, or fractional ownership of a private aircraft.
It is possible to travel via private aircraft in a variety of ways, and the sheer number of companies that operate private planes in the United States may seem daunting. Our ranking of the most reputable private-jet firms in the United States enables us to present you with information regarding the leading service providers in each category of private aviation.
VistaJet
VistaJet, arguably the most opulent private-jet company in existence, is responsible for establishing new benchmarks for the industry. Thomas Flohr, a successful entrepreneur, and the company’s charismatic creator, established VistaJet as a direct result of the horrible experiences he had while chartering private planes. He took into consideration all of the problematic aspects that passengers on private jets face, from the dreaded owner return and last-minute aircraft adjustments to the unpleasant catering that was given in Styrofoam coolers. Ultimately, he came up with a solution that eliminated all of these issues. Then, he rethought the concept of private jet travel by introducing a dependable fleet that is always crewed with at least one flight attendant, superior wine programmes, and delectable cuisine from acclaimed chefs and restaurants such as Nobu. Today, VistaJet manages a fleet of more than seventy silver-and-red Bombardier planes, which includes families such as the Global and Challenger. Flohr’s objective was to design a travel experience that could be replicated in any part of the world, and he succeeded admirably in this endeavour.
There are two types of memberships available with VistaJet: Direct and Program. VistaJet Direct is the best option for infrequent flyers and one-time charterers because it facilitates charters and provides access to vacant legs. Those who fly frequently choose for the Program, which is a flight-hour subscription plan that provides guaranteed access at a predetermined hourly charge. In addition, you will receive access to VistaJet Private World as part of the Program. This is a high-end travel service that will whisk you away from your private jet and deliver you to a curated collection of locations all over the world. We are especially fond of the VistaJet-to-Yacht service because it removes a significant amount of the fuss that is typically associated with chartering a yacht.
NetJets
One of the most reputable and successful private-jet firms in the world, NetJets is the industry leader in terms of size and quality. In addition to private-jet cards and leases, fractional ownership is the company’s primary business focus. In exchange for an up-front investment and a minimum commitment of 36 months, fractional ownership provides assured availability with as little as 4-6 hours’ notice. You get all of the advantages of owning a jet, but without all of the headaches and upkeep that comes along with it. People who fly more than 50 hours per year but do not want to make the financial investment required for fractional ownership are the target demographic for the NetJets Lease programme. The more adaptable jet card programme involves a commitment of 25 hours spread out over a period of two years, which must also be paid for in advance. The fleet of aircraft operated by NetJets is quite extensive, ranging from light jets designed for local flights to long-range jets capable of transoceanic travel.
Flexjet
Another dominant player in the private aviation industry, Flexjet provides services like fractional ownership, jet cards, and leasing. However, through its Red Label by Flexjet programme, it elevates the concept of fractional ownership to a more sophisticated level. Red Label designates each pilot and member of the flight crew to a certain aircraft tail number. This ensures that passengers will see familiar faces on each flight and that the staff will be well knowledgeable. In addition, members of the Red Label have access to a single point of contact who can assist them with all of their travel requirements. In addition, each plane has its own unique LXi Cabin interior, which has opulent design and materials, and the quality of the food served is exceptional.
Wheels Up
Wheels Up gives you access to more than 1,500 planes through its cutting-edge marketplace, which can be accessed using the Wheels Up mobile application. The software makes it simple to look for flight information and presents detailed pricing information for planes. (Many businesses do not publish their prices publicly; therefore, you will need to get in touch with the company in order to receive a quote.) Although Wheels Up does not own the aircraft in its fleet, it does have a comprehensive safety-vetting process and verification that provides its customers with peace of mind. Wheels Up is attractive to passengers who wish to fly without being restricted to a single aircraft and require a great deal of flexibility in their travel plans. It also gives members the ability to construct shared flights, in which case the cost of the journey is split among the passengers. It is well-known for its entertaining programming and special events, including as its annual Super Bowl party, planned private flights to major events and destinations, and partnerships with leading brands. Some examples of these events include:
Even while non-members have the ability to book flights through Wheels Up, due to the dynamic pricing methodology, doing so may result in drastically higher flight prices. There are 300 days out of the year in which the Connect and Core membership programmes impose price limitations on the hourly rates. In order to become a member, prospective candidates must pay both an initiation fee and annual dues. In addition, a programme designed specifically for businesses can be joined.
XO
One of the most adaptable private-jet firms in the United States is called XO. When you book private charters or individual tickets on scheduled private-jet flights, you have the option to pay as you travel, acquire a membership, or do both. It provides global coverage thanks to its fleet of more than 180 aircraft that are owned by the company and its extensive network of more than 2,100 aircraft located all over the world. The most basic membership option is the Rise programme, which costs $595 per year and offers dynamic pricing. The most expensive membership option is the Elite Access programme, which costs $1,000 per month. Fixed hourly prices are offered by Elite Access for both private charters and shared flights. Additionally, Elite Access guarantees availability during both off-peak and peak travel times and provides gratis aircraft upgrades whenever they are available. The same high standards of customer care are upheld by both VistaJet and its sister firm, XO, both of which are subsidiaries of Vista Global Holding.
Jet Linx
Jet Linx is an industry leader in private jet cards as well as aircraft management. It has 20 Jet Linx bases located all throughout the United States, each of which has its own dedicated personnel and amenities. Because each of its 105 aeroplanes is stationed at one of these 20 sites, the airline takes great satisfaction in providing personalised service and introducing its customers to friendly people. Even though it has deep roots in the community, it services more than 5,000 airports all over the world. There are two different types of memberships available, Enterprise and Executive.
Magellan Jets
Magellan Jets, with headquarters in Boston, is a company that provides a variety of private jet services. The fact that the corporation does not have any aircraft of its own provides it with a great deal of flexibility. A membership service is also provided, which assures charter rates, does away with peak-day surcharges, and has a callout time that is available 24 hours a day. In addition, it provides one-time charter flights. However, what sets Magellan Jets apart from other companies is its adaptable jet-card scheme. This customizable service gives you the ability to build your card in increments of 25 hours of time aboard eight different aircraft, ranging from the light jet Embraer Phenom 300 to the heavy jet Gulfstream G450. Additional perks are made available to customers whose purchases total more than 50 hours.
PlaneSense
PlaneSense is one of the top three companies in the United States that specialise in fractional ownership. The fact that it only uses Pilatus ships is what sets it apart from the competition. The Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and the Pilatus PC-24 jet are the only aircraft in the company’s fleet. You are granted access to the entire fleet if you purchase a fractional share in it. PlaneSense is the sole owner of each and every jet in its fleet. Additionally, the company employs all of its pilots and conducts all of its flight support operations in-house.