September 16th, 2025
Are Private Jets Affordable for Holiday Travel? Breaking the Myths
What does the concept of private jets bring to your mind? Is it the elites or celebrities who fly their private jets worldwide?
But the real concern is: Is a private jet accessible for holiday travel, and is it for non-elites as well? All right, then we can bust this myth and clear you (below and beyond).
Breaking Down the Myths
#Myth 1: Private jets are only for the ultra-rich
Private jets are a luxury, but not only billionaires can afford them. Most users of private jets are business travellers, families, or groups of friends who share resources to have convenience and privacy. The unit price at the new rate may seem remarkably close to that of first-class commercial fares, particularly on high-traffic routes or during high holiday periods, when you divide the cost among 6-8 passengers.
#Myth 2: Private jet travel is always costly
Not always. It is based on the plane, the distance and the number of individuals flying. In short-haul flights or when you occupy the seats, the private jet price per seat may be reasonable, even cheaper than several first-class tickets. Moreover, the so-called empty leg flights (when a jet returns empty) may provide up to a 75% discount.
#Myth 3: You have to own a jet to fly private.
Nope. Most people charter jets as needed, use jet cards, or join membership programs. Ownership is rare and only makes sense for those flying hundreds of hours a year.
#Myth 4: Booking a private jet is complicated.
Not anymore. In modern companies, booking a private jet is as simple as calling a taxi. You may reserve it online, using an app, or over the phone. All ground transport, as well as catering, is possible.
#Myth 5: Private jets aren’t as safe as commercial airlines.
Private jet charters are carefully regulated in terms of safety, frequently in the same manner as commercial airlines. Responsible operators have high standards of maintenance and pilot training.
Club One Air provides aircraft management services to jet owners. Our experts take care of maintenance, crew, and compliance.
What Does Private Jet Travel Really Cost?
A charter flight to the light jet (4-6 passengers) in India is estimated to cost ₹4 lakh per hour. In a popular route like Delhi to Mumbai (around 2 hours), it will be ₹6 lakh each way.
This is the price of an entire jet, not per individual. When you have six passengers on board, it works out to approximately ₹1.3 lakh per person, which is the same as or a little bigger than a first-class commercial ticket on the same route in the peak season.
It costs about $1,000-3,000 per hour to use a light jet privately, whereas midsize and heavy jets are pricier. The cost increases with longer flights or an increased number of people, but this is accompanied by an increase in value, particularly considering the time saved and the opportunity to fly directly to smaller airports.
When does it make sense?
Private jets become cost-competitive with first class when you have a group of 7-10 people, especially on longer routes. For solo travellers, first class is usually cheaper, but private jets can be surprisingly close in price for families or business teams.
How Private Jet Rental Models Make It Accessible
You don’t have to buy a jet to fly private. Here are the main ways people access private jets:
- On-demand Charter: Book a plane, go on a particular trip, and pay per flight, no contract.
- Jet Cards and Memberships: Buy a fixed number of hours or flights at specified prices, with guaranteed availability.
- Fractional Ownership: Purchase an ordinary share of a jet and use it often, but this is the case for frequent fliers.
- Empty leg flights: Book discounted one-way flights where jets are repositioning.
- Pay-per-seat/Shared Charters: Reserve a place on a private aircraft, which can be shared with others travelling along the familiar routes.
Value Beyond the Price Tag
Private jets are about more than just the flight:
- Time Savings: Skip long security lines, avoid layovers, and use smaller airports closer to your destination. You can save hours on every trip.
- Privacy and Comfort: You can travel with your group and have a relaxing time.
- Flexibility: You have your jet’s control. Travel when you want and can also make last-minute plans.
- Personalised Experience: You get customised catering, entertainment and even pet-friendly.
- Access to More Airports: Private jets have access to more airports and airstrips than commercial airlines.
Club One Air’s Offerings
Club One Air offers a range of private jet charters, with a fleet that includes Dassault Falcon 2000s and Cessna Citation Excels, based in Delhi, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam.
We also offer the best air ambulance services in India. Whether it’s a medical emergency or a planned transfer, we handle everything from coordination to in-flight care.
Final Takeaway
We at Club One Air are offering more flexibility in the rental model and group travel, which allows us to offer private jet travel to more people, particularly those who prefer time, privacy, and a stress-free vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much does chartering a private jet in India cost?
A: Charter rates are calculated on an hourly basis and vary depending on the aircraft type, route, and other operational factors.
Q2: Are private jets safe?
A: Yes. Quality operators are very safe, have experienced pilots and frequent maintenance. The safety records of private jets are equal to those of commercial airlines.
Q3: How do private jets compare to first-class commercial flights?
A: For groups, jets remain cost-effective compared to first class, and they provide greater privacy, flexibility, and time efficiency.
Q4: What is an empty leg flight?
A: A discounted one-way flight is when a jet returns empty after dropping off passengers. These can be up to 75% cheaper than standard charters.