How to Get a Private Jet Cheaply

Introduction

Private jet travel is often associated with billionaires and celebrities, but in reality there are cost-effective ways to access this level of luxury. Whether for business or leisure, knowing how to get a private jet cheaply allows travellers to enjoy the privacy, convenience, and exclusivity of private aviation without always paying full charter rates.

1. Empty Leg Flights

When a private jet is booked for a one-way journey, the aircraft must return empty to its base or next destination. These “empty legs” are often sold at up to 75% less than standard charter prices. Perfect for flexible travellers who can adjust to set routes and timings.

2. Shared Charters

For popular city pairs — such as London to Paris, Geneva, or Ibiza — private jet operators often allow passengers to share flights. With only a few passengers on board, it feels worlds apart from commercial first class while offering significant savings.

3. Jet Cards & Memberships

Jet cards allow you to pre-purchase hours of flight time at fixed rates. While not “cheap” compared to commercial flights, they often reduce costs by 10–20% compared to ad-hoc charters, especially for frequent travellers. Membership programs also offer perks like guaranteed availability.

4. Fractional Ownership

For those flying regularly, fractional ownership allows you to buy a share of an aircraft. Costs are lower than outright ownership and include access to a managed fleet. This model is particularly popular in the US with providers like NetJets and Flexjet.

5. Flight Marketplaces & Apps

New digital platforms make private jet pricing more transparent. Apps like Victor, PrivateFly, and LunaJets let travellers compare operators and access discounted flights in real time.

Market Insights

  • The global private jet charter market is projected to reach USD 17.2 billion by 2030, growing at 5.2% annually (Grand View Research).

  • In Europe, more than 30% of private jet flights are now leisure-related, showing demand beyond pure business use (European Business Aviation Association).

  • Digitalisation is lowering entry costs, with more operators competing to fill empty legs and maximise fleet usage.

Risks to Be Aware Of

  • Flexibility Required: The best discounts come with limited choice of routes and timings.

  • Cancellations: Empty legs can be cancelled if the original booking changes.

  • Quality Variation: Not all operators are equal — work with trusted brokers or advisors to ensure safety and service.

Conclusion

Flying privately no longer has to mean paying top rates. By making use of empty legs, shared charters, and innovative membership models, travellers can enjoy private jet experiences more affordably. For UHNW clients, combining cost-efficient flights with villas, yachts, and curated itineraries ensures luxury without compromise.

James Nightingall