Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry saw a significant uptick in private flying. In fact, commercial airlines saw a 10% decrease in premium travel share in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy.
On the other hand, interest in private charters skyrocketed. Jet Linx, a personal private jet company, saw a 40% increase from 2019 to 2020, and many other companies have expressed similar patterns.
While there are some apparent reasons for this such as more availability in the private sector due to pilot shortages, there are some other benefits to private charter that many businesses and individuals have come to appreciate. Commercial airlines will tell you they expect converts to make their return to commercial flying soon, but those in the private jet industry are still seeing numbers increase, with no sign of slowing down.
Benefits of Private Charter in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Here’s how private charter can make flying a better, more enjoyable experience in a post-COVID world.
Ease of Travel
Security concerns have understandably made flying commercial more complex. Many older individuals will talk about the “golden days” of aviation: security was no more than simply checking in with your name, and the onboarding process was quick and easy. Nowadays, the already lengthy check-in and boarding processes have become even more of a nuisance with health and safety protocols.
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may be required to submit proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 antigen test. Some may even require you to take the test at the airport, which can add a good amount of time to your check-in process.
Aside from the actual time involved, masks may be required in airports and on certain commercial airlines. Although most will agree this level of protection is important for health, masks can still cause discomfort during flight time, especially as you try to communicate with your flight attendant in a noisy cabin.
With a private charter, you have the benefit of a straightforward, quick onboarding process that saves you time and headaches.
Cleaner Environment
When you choose to charter a private plane, you can count on exceptional cleanliness and dedicated cleaning crews who take the time to cover every last detail. Without hoards of people shuffling on and off the planes, it is much easier to make sure cabins are cleaned thoroughly between each use.
Faster Onboarding Process
When you choose to fly commercially, the airport can become a Petri dish of germs (especially during cold and flu seasons).
The onboarding process of a private plane allows you to skip the hustle and bustle of the airport altogether, ultimately avoiding the risk of coming into contact with someone at the airport who is sick.
Limited Contact with Others
When you choose to fly charter, you avoid the crowds at the airport, as well as the unfortunate circumstance of being packed like sardines into the plane. Even if you fly business class, you often have everyone else on the plane walking through your part of the cabin to make it to their seats. This isn’t ideal when you’re trying to avoid contact with other people.
Depending on the aircraft, private jets can fit up to 19 people. However, there are many that don’t fit more than seven. In many cases, you can choose who you fly with, so not only are you exposed to fewer people, you can actually select who you want in your bubble.
COVID-19 has changed the way businesses and individuals think about flying, as well as the way they prioritize their health during travel. For more information about the benefits of private charter, reach out to our team today.
