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A few months ago, even the thought of flying on a private jet seemed laughable to the average traveler. $50,000 for a flight? Yeah right.
But with wacky airlines taking “safety measures” to the extreme and throwing passengers off the plane for violating their latest “rules” to invasive health screenings, the private jet industry is seeing a massive BOOM.
And while flying via private jet used to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy, a sharp reduction in prices has caused private jet usage to soar by up to 70 percent – but will it last?
Will Americans make the switch to private travel?
Or will they simply skip air travel all together?
Here’s the latest on the current trend.
Commercial Travel Has Gotten Worse
Yeah, Americans have started to come out of their homes and travel again – but many are still avoiding commercial airports – and for a good reason.
While airlines are desperately trying to lure passengers in with “discount fares” – they are making travel even more miserable.
Each airline seems to try and prove they are the “safest” and have instituted ridiculous rules like mandatory masks and temperature checks…
… but that’s just the beginning.
If you refuse to follow their rules, they’ve warned the consequences could be lasting, like actually banning you from traveling with them.
American Airlines recently kicked a passenger of the plane and after their “security investigation,” they decided to ban him from flying with American Airlines for an indefinite amount of time all because he refused to wear a mask! (Please link “Flying During the Pandemic? Choose Your Airline Carefully” article, submitted 6-19 for approval)
Total insanity.
Alaska Airlines is making each traveler complete a health checklist before they travel, or they can’t board the plane.
Frontier Airlines implemented mandatory temperature checks for passengers.
And this is only the beginning.
It’s no wonder commercial airline travel is 15 percent of what it was last year.
Many Americans refuse to be prodded and poked (on top of what TSA already does) just to travel.
A New Wave of Travel
Flying via a private jet used to seem unthinkable for your average traveler.
I mean, who actually has $50,000 to spend on a flight? Only the wealthiest of travelers.
But with slashed prices and increased commercial airline chaos – many people are choosing to skip airports all together and drive right up to their own private plane.
CNBC reported:
“Blade, a private-aviation company that runs choppers and planes, said its private-jet charter business is up over 600% from last year, and over 70% of the business is customers who had never chartered. The most popular routes for fliers are New York to South Florida, and New York or the Northeast to Los Angeles.
Blade says health concerns are the top concern of customers, and the company has created a vast array of special health and safety measures — including allowing passengers to drive right up to the plane on the tarmac where certain airports allow.”
While it seems crazy to think people are actually booking their own plane – the numbers show it’s happening.
$10,000 for a Private Jet?
Typically, the average traveler searches for the best deal – but those with cash to burn are looking for the most comfortable flight option possible – and they are willing to shell out the cash to get it.
Given some airlines are still jamming as many passengers as they can on a plane (middle seat and all) – the private jet industry has continued to soar.
CNBC continued:
“Prices for certain flights are now 30% to 50% cheaper than they were a year ago, bringing private-jet flights closer in line with first-class or business-class seats. What’s more, as part of the stimulus plan, the government suspended the 7.5% excise tax charged for private-jet flights, so many fliers are loading up on jet cards that they can use for future flights without having to take them immediately.
Chartering a super midsize private jet one way from New York to Miami, for instance, cost about $20,000 last year. Today, it costs around $10,000, according to Avinode.”
A group of 10 people could each pay $1,000 a piece and fly to their destination.
And those who are traveling for business might opt for the private jet route to avoid last minute flight cancelations and crowded planes.
But even $10,000 for a plane ride is still too much for most people.
Those with money may choose to spend it for comfort or greater “safety,” but most of us don’t have the luxury of booking our own plane.
And in reality, it’s not likely to be an affordable choice for most travelers.
Travel experts have deemed 2020 to be “the summer of road trips” which seems to be the most affordable (and less annoying) option.
Instead of dealing with commercial airlines and their stupid rules, or shelling out $10,000 to book a private jet, I bet most travelers will opt to skip air travel all together and take the scenic route!
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