Increase customers to choose luxury air travel experiences observe travel agents, according to Business Insider. These range from private jet travel to first-class and premium-class tickets.
Oliver Bell, co-founder of luxury travel company Oliver’s Travels, said the trend could be partly attributed to “return travel”, where people are “willing to spend more for incredible experiences” after of the pandemic, by air travel.
According to Forbes Advisor’s survey of 1,000 Americans in January of this year, 39% of people said that their travel budget in 2024 will be higher than last year. (This is down from 45% of people surveyed in 2023).
But there is no need to flush the cash to experience luxury air travel. You just have to do your research.
Air travel: Semi-private jets are often overlooked
Private jets are one of the most obvious ways to travel in luxury, but according to Bell, they are often overlooked because people think they are too expensive.
“Many people believe that private jets are only for the rich and famous, the Elon Musks of the world,” Bell said.
“Of course, it’s not a ‘cheap’ way to fly, because it’s usually more expensive than commercial aviation, but it’s more accessible than people think, and maybe that’s why we’re seeing the -progress now that people are informed,” he
Dubin recommends booking a seat available to the public on a semi-private jet “hop on” flight to save money. Many private regional airlines, such as JSX, offer this option.
JSX offers multiple routes from private terminals on the West Coast and Texas. Passengers don’t have to worry about overcrowding or security lines, and with a maximum of 30 passengers per flight, you can get the feeling of flying privately without chartering your own jet.
The air travel experience
In June 2021, Dubin wrote about his experience traveling from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a JSX flight for $99. His ticket includes a free checked bag, snacks and drinks, including alcohol.
On the other hand, some private jet companies offer subscription services, where you get full access for a fixed monthly fee. For example, Surf Air is a private jet company based in Los Angeles that offers unlimited private flight memberships for $295 a month or $3,540 a year.
“Instead of waiting in long lines with baggage restrictions or requiring additional payment, you can arrive as little as 15 minutes before your flight, board directly and enjoy complete comfort and privacy,” said Bell.
Cheap or “middle” luxury
Some passengers can travel first or business class for less using credit cards or airline rewards points.
But for less frequent flyers or those without points, there are alternatives.
David Guthrie, founder of Tent with a View, said he has seen an increase in customers opting for “mid-luxury” options such as premium-class airline tickets.
He said it is becoming common for airlines to offer a “more refined experience compared to regular economy class”, but these options are “not as luxurious or expensive as first class or private charters”.
What companies offer
Airlines such as KLM, Delta and United offer premium or comfort-class tickets.
Each airline offers different perks. With United Airlines’ Premium Plus package, passengers get bigger seats, more legroom and a kit with TheraFace skincare products, including eye cream, face spray, hand cream and lip balm.
It also includes complimentary alcohol, improved dining cutlery and noise-cancelling headphones on board, as well as larger TV screens, priority check-in and boarding, dedicated security and priority lanes. baggage handling.
According to Martina Coogan, United Airlines’ UK and Ireland head of corporate sales, fares start at around $1,077.
He said it was an especially popular option for passengers traveling on long-haul flights from the US to the UK.
Meanwhile, with KLM’s premium package, passengers will sit in a “quiet cabin” with up to 28 seats with 17cm more legroom and 7.5cm more pitch than an economy seat. . Guthrie said this package is popular with his customers, who seem to cost twice as much for premium comfort tickets compared to economy tickets.
Similarly, Delta’s Comfort Plus package offers extra legroom (though it’s unclear how much), early boarding, dedicated overhead locker space, and free snacks on flights over 900 miles and drinks on trips over 251 miles.