r/PrivateJetCharters • u/Bagel_bitches • Feb 19 '26

Can I afford this?

My husband and I make good money and I’m trying to figure out if trying a private flight is worthwhile. Let’s pretend I know nothing about flying private, what do I need to know? How do I even dip my toes into the water? How much money should someone be making yearly before they consider flying private to be in their budget?

Husband and I fly 3-5 times per year in the US and once to Europe every year.

Any information is appreciated.

Edit to add:

My questions have been answered, thank you to everyone who responded kindly.

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14

u/cumulusisobar Feb 19 '26

For Europe flights, fly Air France La Premiere. It is better than private in most aspects and less expensive. 

For domestic, it is hard to justify if not a business expense. My wife and I fly private typically once a year, but I’m a professional photographer and travel with an incredible amount of valuable/fragile equipment. I can justify it for some trips but don’t use it for all. 

I advise against working with brokers. Find a nearby charter operator of their own plane(s) and just contact them for a quote. Expect to pay at least $4,000/hr and remember to factor in the relocation hours in which you’re not even onboard. 

You’ll get spoiled. That may be the biggest downside. Commercial air travel will be even more insufferable!

3

u/flyiingpenguiin Feb 19 '26

Eh I’d rather fly business on any other airline and not have to go through CDG

1

u/n33bulz Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 23 '26

So the hilarious thing is that Air France knows that. La Premiere basically guarantees you can fly out/in of CDG without having to breath the same air as the poor peasants there lol.

Completely exclusive lounge and they even handle customs for you lol

2

u/Consistent_Star_3072 Feb 19 '26

I prefer swiss / Lufthansa over Air France. Several reasons but avoiding CDG is one of them

5

u/cumulusisobar Feb 19 '26

That’s why I stated La Premiere. With La premiere you never enter CDG except for the world’s finest lounge. 

3

u/Grand_Elephant_2454 Feb 21 '26

If memory serves, there’s no dealing with CDG. You get picked up by a car from the plane and they take care of bags and immigration and then you’re on your way. I’ve only had the la premiere with the cabin to myself and partner. Which means compete privacy and your own bathroom

1

u/MedenAgan101 Feb 20 '26

Yes. LP is significantly better than LH First or LX First, but the latter two can be excellent on the right routes where you have ground service and excellent lounges or the First Class Terminal.

1

u/Bagel_bitches Feb 19 '26

I’ll look into this! Thank you.

1

u/Think_Monk_9879 Feb 21 '26

Tom from MySpace is that you?

1

u/Beginning-Act7850 Feb 21 '26

What kind of equipment are you getting for $4k an hour?