The pandemic changed business travel. Executives are forgoing first class seats on commercial flights in favor of flying on private jets. 

And who can blame them? 

For business executives, traveling on a private jet certainly has its advantages: convenience, luxury, privacy and even price. Although private travel has always maintained those attributes, another advantage – safety – led many business travelers to fly privately for the first time during the pandemic. Some might not return to commercial travel. Here’s why: 

Convenience 

Time is of the essence for busy corporate executives. The current model for commercial air travel relies on regional hubs and connecting flights. Even destinations less than 1,000 miles apart often need two flights to get there. 

The convenience of private travel is evident:  

• Access: Private jets can fly into nearly every airport in America, including regional airports with shorter runways. That means travelers can choose the most convenient location to their origin and destination. 

• Nonstop: Every private flight is a nonstop route, so passengers do not waste time connecting through airline hubs. 
• Flight times: Passengers decide when they want to depart and aren’t bound to a flight schedule set months in advance. 
• Security: Private travelers can avoid lines at the check-in counter, security and boarding gate. 

READ MORE: First time flying on a private jet? Here’s what to expect 

Luxury 

The VIP travel experience begins with Elite Jets’ client services team, which operates as a personal concierge during the booking process. In addition to confirming flight logistics, passengers can make meal and snack selections in advance. 

A door-to-door chauffer service transports passengers in style with a Tesla Model X. At Naples Airport, passengers enjoy access to Elite Jets’ private terminal with direct access to the fleet of luxury Phenom 300 and Legacy 500 Embraer jets. 

Onboard, passengers enjoy personalized temperature controls, recliner-like leather massaging seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully stocked bar and a digital entertainment system to watch movies, TV shows and news. 

READ MORE: Private travel: Getting there is half the fun 

Privacy 

There is no privacy on a commercial jet, even in first class. A Boeing 737-800, for example, seats 162 passengers in its two-class layout: 16 in first class and 146 in coach. First class passengers typically are the first to board an aircraft before coach passengers take their seats. 

On a private jet, it’s just the captain, first officer and your traveling party - up to nine on the Phenom 300 and 10 on the Legacy 500. With strong Wi-Fi, executives can catch up on email, review presentations and even participate in video calls. 

READ MORE: Comparison: Flying first class commercial vs. flying privately 

Competitive Pricing 

Commercial airlines use variable ticket pricing, and according to the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), flight prices rose every month during the first half of 2021. In addition to the base fare, many airlines also charge fees for seat assignments, priority boarding, baggage and pets. 

Elite Jets charges one price for the flight, no matter how many seats are taken or suitcases are packed. There is no extra charge if executives bring their spouses and children on business trips. 

READ MORE: Empty leg flights: How to book a trip on Elite Jets 

Southwest Florida is home to just one Fortune 500 company – Hertz – but dozens of Fortune 500 executives have second homes in the region. That’s why New York City, Chicago and Dallas are among Elite Jets’ most popular routes.  

Ready to book your next trip on Elite Jets? Please give us a call at 239-900-9000, email Charter@EliteJets.com or complete our Quick Quote Form.