Why You Should Fly Private?
Fecal Matter, Blown Off Doors, and No Leg Room
The Super Bowl match-up is set! Time to gather around to watch funny commercials, the Half-Time Show, and eat your way through a copious amount of wings and cheese dip.
The reason I bring up the Super Bowl is because of a previous conversation I had with my flight instructor. He mentioned during Super Bowl 51, the Kardashians flew into our local airport instead of Hartsfield-Jackson International. This is typical for high-profile individuals who can utilize private travel to attend significant events such as the Super Bowl.
The thought of flying private was a foreign idea to me. Of course, it could come from the socioeconomic differences between the Kardashians and me. However, people like the Kardashians and others who have the luxury of finding alternatives used private air travel for years.
As insane as it may sound, we should fly private (if possible), and I would like to dive into that idea. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
If you would like to stay updated with future updates, please consider subscribing! I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my work.
Fecal Matter, Blown Off Doors, and No Leg Room
The overall shape of commercial airline travel is rough. Limited legroom, disgruntled employees (understandably so), doors blowing off mid-flight, and a trail of human fecal matter snaking down the aisle. It is no surprise the headlines give a feeling that everything is falling apart.
However, I think they deserve some slack. With the reputational risk of passengers posting videos of somewhat subjective experiences and the constant pressure of adhering to government compliance, something is bound to fall between the cracks. Almost every year, an airline is on the hot seat for descent from everyone.
This supports my reason we should fly private — to save time and headaches. No TSA, access to exclusive terminals, fewer passengers, and especially NO TSA! Also, a wide range of smaller airports allows you to get closer to your final destination. All of us can recall flying into an airport and trekking an hour away to our accommodations.
You are probably thinking this sounds expensive, and you are right! Convenience comes with an eye-watering price tag, but stick with me, and we will get to the reasonable part.
The Market Knows Best
A shift in how we travel is occurring. From an American perspective, our methods of getting around are wearing on us. Air travel was once touted as a way to make the world smaller, which was accomplished. During its heyday, passengers were met with comfortable seats, good services, and fulfilling meals. Like air travel, driving was held in high regard after the construction of interstates —allowing citizens to road trip across the country. However, both modes of travel have turned into painful experiences for all.
Now more than ever, we are seeing a push for modes of transportation that other regions of the world have benefited from for years — such as trains. However, businesses in the aviation world found gaps in the market to fill. They recognized the strained commercial experience and decided to fill the market with alternatives.
Fly-Sharing
Like ride-sharing, fly-sharing allows you to grab a seat on a private charter. Companies like JSX sell seats to passengers on an Embrarer 145, with access to a private lounge and business class-level legroom. The charter company even offers two free bags, which only one airline does today. The current destinations seem limited, but only time will tell if the charter expands its network.
Membership Flying
Membership flying from Set Jet offers membership as low as $99 to gain access to book flights on domestic and international routes. The membership makes it more exclusive, giving passengers access to private travel without the price tag. Members can trade in taking off their shoes for TSA for a luxury lounge experience. I would take that any day.
Shortcomings
This is a taste of what is out there; of course, there are some drawbacks. An obvious one is the cos. Although it is only a seat, it is still pricer than the average commercial fare. Secondly, The arrival/departure airports are limited. A quick glimpse of their network map shows popular destinations for typical high-income frequent fliers.
This can leave you questioning the rationale behind flying private: 'Why bother, even if the cost is high and destinations are limited?'
Why Does it Matter? I Have Dust in my Wallet!
Airlines have their place and continue to make the world feel smaller and more connected. As time progressed, airlines have fallen, risen, and merged. This leaves a handful of massive airlines that know all too well they are too big to fail. This can limit the need for airlines to provide better service or innovate because they own a bulk of the market share. Of course, that sounds good for business. The barrier to entry requires a hefty investment and regulatory compliance that most investors would turn away from. The lack of new competition leaves consumers with the short end of the stick regarding prices and quality of products and services.
My suggestion of flying private was never the end goal. Granted, seeing more options in the air travel world is exciting. There are even low-cost carriers that rival other airlines. However, if we need a one-way flight to somewhere tomorrow, we look for the cheapest flight (probably on Spirit) and not a seat on a private jet. As passengers, we have more power to influence the market. Supporting other means of travel that rivals air travel typically sends a message. It lets airlines know that others are on their heels, and even if our efforts feel futile, it is worth giving major corporations a run for their money.
Thank you for taking the time to explore these ideas with me. While I typically don't delve into economic implications, I believe there is vast potential to explore a multitude of topics through the lens of aviation on this Substack. If you believe you gain any value from this post, please consider subscribing!
-Weaver