COVID-19’s Effects on Private Jet Travel
The pandemic affected ways of life around the globe in an instant, with the travel industry being one of the hardest-hit sectors. Airports were desolate for months due to planes flying well below their capacity. While commercial airlines are still recouping lost revenue, private aviation has seen an uptick in activity. Private aircraft sales increased, and so did bookings of private jet charters.
The demand for private jet flights hasn’t slowed down. In this article, we turn our attention to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on private jet travel as we explore what’s causing increased interest in private flights and how you can travel safely during the pandemic.
COVID-19 and Private Air Transportation
Before COVID-19 changed the way we live, work, and play, the market for private jet travel was already thriving. Increased security concerns, globalization, expanding levels of wealth, and large numbers of retiring baby boomers contributed to the success of private air transportation before COVID.
As countries closed their borders and movements by commercial airlines became restricted, interest in private jet travel grew as a means to safely access places that had become cut off or harder to reach. Business travel was down initially as more people worked from home, but leisure flights began to fill the gap as those who were locked down became increasingly driven to get away. On the whole, the private air travel market didn’t suffer the economic losses that befell the commercial airlines.
Shutdowns and lockdowns impacted all facets of aviation in the early days of the pandemic. Data from industry sources showed that flight schedules were slashed by up to 90 percent in some cases. When countries began to restrict travel in March of 2020, there was an initial rush of customers booking flights to get home, followed by a lull in activity. As travel restrictions were slowly lifted in the first half of 2021, more and more people returned, and a new group of travelers began choosing private jet flights, lured by lifestyle-oriented marketing. Industry data shows that private jet take-offs and landings in the US are up 40 percent over pre-pandemic 2019, and manufacturers of private jets cannot turn them out fast enough.
How Private Jets Weathered the Pandemic
The arrival of COVID-19 has further fueled private jet travel demand by tapping into a ready-made market. In short, private jets offer what airlines simply cannot. For many, commercial air travel is perceived as having become less reliable and more stressful over the years. By nature, most airlines are not nimble, with large fleets, fixed route networks, and high cost structures. They are forced to use larger airports, many of which are capacity constrained and in dire need of upgrades. In the face of rising cost pressures, airlines have broadly reduced personal space by adding seats in their cabins to maintain lower fares while growing revenue.
When the pandemic hit, airlines were forced to reduce the number of flights offered just as customers grew weary over the health risks associated with crowded terminals and flights. As they cut their schedules airlines took major losses. Commercial airlines have continued to struggle through wave after wave of the pandemic.
The pandemic has also caused a mind-shift among many who are working longer hours and lacking in leisure time. Newcomers to chartering recognize the full value of a private jet flight. By chartering, not only are they able to lower their exposure to other passengers, but skip long check-in lines, security checkpoints, and many of the other hassles associated with airline travel. And they have discovered that by chartering a private plane, they can fly direct to hundreds of airports that airlines do not serve. For these more discerning travellers, the time savings of private jet charter cannot be underestimated.
Freed from the historical misconceptions that private jet travel is only for the ultra-wealthy, more and more people now view private air travel as a choice among many spending decisions. Would-be jetsetters have moved from the business and first-class sections of commercial airlines to the cabins of private aircraft. This new breed of charter customer is price-concious, making decisions on flight frequency and aircraft type to suit their budget, even sharing the cost of flights with friends and family.
How To Travel Safely During the Pandemic
There are ways to travel safely during the pandemic, whether it’s for the holidays, a business trip, or a vacation. Here are a few ways to ensure you stay healthy.
Check Ahead of Time
Before departing for your destination (or ideally before you book a flight), you’ll need to check the COVID restrictions in effect at your destination. Masking and social distancing may still be required as well as complete vaccination or quarantine. And keep in mind that some countries may still have their borders closed to foreign tourists as variants of the virus emerge.
Protect Yourself and Others
Even if masking and social distancing isn’t a requirement, you’ll want to consider wearing one in crowded places and trying to social distance when you can to limit your exposure.
Get Tested
Some countries are requiring a negative COVID-19 test from all travelers, and your home state might require one, as well.
Prepare for the Unexpected
It’s better to be overprepared than not, so be sure to bring extra masks and items like hand sanitizer. When you do book a flight, check to see if a cancellation policy allows you to cancel if you or someone you are traveling with falls ill. Some countries do not permit passengers to board a flight if they test positive for COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic.
Be Charter-Smart - Booking a Private Charter Flight
If you’ve never booked a private charter flight before, the process can seem daunting. Here are some tips to help guide you through.
Choose Your Charter Wisely
All flights booked by ELEVATE are safety-vetted in partnership with an industry-respected third party that specializes in aviation safety audits. Leave the research to us as we carefully review each aircraft for compliance with federal regulations and pilots’ qualifications.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the different types of private aircraft and the amenities offered in each category, such as the size of the cabin, onboard amenities, and the distance they can fly nonstop. ELEVATE offers a handy guide to private jets, giving you both a high-level overview and a deeper dive if you so choose.
Pick a Smaller Airport
Most major cities have more than one airport, and choosing a flight out of a smaller airport could be more convenient, depending on its location. It can even be more cost-effective. Smaller airports are often located closer to where you need to be!
Book a One-Way Trip
Booking a one-way trip is a wise decision if your stay is longer than a few days or your return date is not fixed. In some cases, purchasing a round trip can add crew hotel, meal, and per-diem expenses to the cost, not to mention an allowance for the time that the aircraft is not flying.
Private Jet Reservations
COVID-19 hasn’t diminished our need to travel and explore. In some ways, it’s made it clear that we’re all connected. Contact us at ELEVATE to make a private jet reservation for a winter vacation.
