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Recent findings by Private Jet Card Comparisons reveal that utilizing private jets is predominantly a matter of practicality rather than luxury, as commonly criticized. The majority of those using private aviation make their travel choices on an individual trip basis, with only 13% of subscribers exclusively flying private and the remaining 87% alternating between commercial airlines and private jets.

The primary motivation for opting for private aviation, as reported by 72% of those surveyed, is the significant reduction in door-to-door travel time. Private flights are appealing because they can access over 5,000 U.S. airports, compared to the fewer than 500 served by commercial airlines, according to 57% of respondents. Additionally, 45% choose private jets due to the lack of direct flights available through commercial airlines.

“We use private when our schedule requires it,” noted one survey respondent in a typical comment.

“Detractors of private aviation often miss the point that the vast majority of users choose to fly privately for very practical reasons,” says Doug Gollan, President and Editor-in-Chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons, continuing, “It’s not about extravagance. Saving time, ability to use closer airports, and being able to fly from where they are to where they want to go nonstop are the top three reasons subscribers choose private aviation.”

Reasons for favoring private jets also include the ease of traveling with pets (37%), the need to fly when airline schedules are incompatible (36%), and the preference for flying privately over enduring long drives (35%). Other considerations include the convenience of traveling with large baggage, smoother transitions to commercial flights, flying with children, enhanced productivity, mobility constraints, and the difficulty in securing enough airline seats.

One respondent commented, “My choices are driven by whether commercial travel is an efficient use of time versus private, which is really only about money.”

The choice between private jets and commercial flights often boils down to:

• Time savings: 72% favor private jets for quicker door-to-door travel.
• Airport convenience: 57% find private airports more accessible.
• Availability of direct flights: 45% opt for jets when direct flights are unavailable.
• Pet travel: 37% prioritize their furry companions.
• Compatibility with personal schedules: 36%.
• Avoiding long drives: 35%.

“It saves me time….it is just so wonderful to go from the middle of the country to either coast in just three hours…It will literally save me a day of my life on a round trip,” said one respondent.

Furthermore, half of the respondents who split their time between private jets and commercial flights report a shift towards more private flying due to deteriorating airline services.

The latest quarterly report from Private Jet Card Comparisons indicates the average cost to fly privately is $10,954 per hour, taxes and surcharges included. The ongoing annual survey, which began on July 18, has collected 340 responses so far, with a final target of approximately 550 by mid-September.

Private Jet Card Comparisons contributes $10 to charity for each completed survey, supporting organizations like Aero Angels and Homes For Our Troops.

Another respondent said, “Direct airport-to-airport travel (by private aviation) is more convenient, stressless, and enjoyable than spending an entire day schlepping through multiple, crowded commercial airports. Add the growing uncertainties of flying commercial due to frequent systems breakdowns.”

Moreover, advocacy by Climbing Fast highlights that private aviation is not only a significant economic contributor, supporting 1.2 million jobs and generating $246 billion, but it also represents a minimal environmental impact, accounting for merely 0.04% of global carbon emissions.