I flew on a private jet to Miami and on Spirit Airlines back to New York. Here's how my $92 flight compared to a Bombardier Global 7500 which can cost $20,000 an hour to charter.

Taylor RainsJan 6, 2023, 16:50 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

There is a vast spectrum of flying experiences in the US aviation industry, from flying private to low-cost economy class.

When it comes to flying, there's a spectrum of comfort and entertainment.

Philip Pilosian/Shutterstock

For the ultra-wealthy, like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, or those lucky enough to hitch a ride on a friend's personal plane, private flying is a reality.

Inside Donald Trump's Boeing 757 private jet.Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images

Huge, lavish jets with bedrooms and theater systems scatter the sky every day, shuttling people from New York to Miami for business, or to Spain for a luxury vacation.

Celebrities are being criticized over their private jet usage.JethuynhCan/Getty Images

It's no surprise flying private costs a pretty penny. Prices range from $6,550 per hour on charter company Volato's mid-sized Gulfstream 280…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…to a whopping $20,000 per hour on a VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500, which is the world's largest charter company flying the world's biggest purpose-built private jet.

A VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500.VistaJet

…to a whopping $20,000 per hour on a VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500, which is the world's largest charter company flying the world's biggest purpose-built private jet.

While most of the world can't fathom that kind of money being spent on just an hour of flight time, I can see why those who can afford it pay up for the experience.

VistaJet Global 7500.VistaJet

Not only are these planes personalized for peak comfort, but passengers can also bypass security and crowded airports because the aircraft typically fly out of fixed-based operators.

FBOs are service stations for planes and offer things like fueling and cleaning, though some are more amenity-heavy with free things like coffee and food.Taylor Rains/Insider

Not only are these planes personalized for peak comfort, but passengers can also bypass security and crowded airports because the aircraft typically fly out of fixed-based operators.

The majority of commercial travelers will find themselves in an economy product, with the lowest end of the spectrum being budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

Frontier Airlines.nyker/Shutterstock

The majority of commercial travelers will find themselves in an economy product, with the lowest end of the spectrum being budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

These low-cost airlines are infamous for tight seats and add-on fees, though the fares are usually lower than mainline carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Inside a Spirit Airlines A320 aircraft.Thomas Pallini/Insider

These low-cost airlines are infamous for tight seats and add-on fees, though the fares are usually lower than mainline carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

But, there are plenty of people — including myself — that actually prefer flying low-cost and will happily forgo mainline airlines to save some money.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Thanks to my position as an aviation reporter, my work has shown me what both ends of the spectrum look like for passengers.

Flying on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 5000 private jet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Recently, I flew on what is considered one of the US' worst airlines — Spirit — as well as the giant Bombardier Global 7500 private jet, both within 24 hours.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Recently, I flew on what is considered one of the US' worst airlines — Spirit — as well as the giant Bombardier Global 7500 private jet, both within 24 hours.

Here's what $92 got me on Spirit from New York to Miami, and what over $10,000 per hour would get me on VistaJet.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Starting my journey on Spirit was relatively easy as a seasoned traveler. I checked in online to avoid any potential boarding pass fee and made my way to security.

My flight went out of Terminal A at LaGuardia Airport in New York.Taylor Rains/Insider

I didn't need to check a bag, but for those that do, be sure to stay within the size and weight limits or you'll find yourself paying upwards of $99 at the airport.

Spirit Airlines bag size and weight checkers at LGA Terminal 1.Taylor Rains/Insider

While I typically only bring a free personal item, I bought a carry-on bag for $60 for this trip, which could not exceed 22x18x10 inches.

My 35L Cotopaxi carry-on is 20x12x8 inches.Taylor Rains/Insider

Although us regular flyers have to abide by airline rules, VistaJet guests wouldn't need to worry about such things.

Courtesy of VistaJet

The Global 7500 — as well as most other business planes — has plenty of storage for several bags and carry-ons. Granted, travelers are paying much more than $60 for the "free" amenity.

The storage space onboard a Gulfstream G650ER, which is smaller than the Global 7500.Taylor Rains/Insider

The Global 7500 — as well as most other business planes — has plenty of storage for several bags and carry-ons. Granted, travelers are paying much more than $60 for the "free" amenity.

As far as accessing the jet, there is a stark difference when flying commercial versus when flying private.

Flying on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 5000 private jet.Taylor Rains/Insider

On Spirit, I had to traverse the crowded LaGuardia Airport and clear security, which can take a lot of time during peak season. Fortunately, I have TSA Pre-Check so the process only took about 10 minutes.

When flying commercial, I have to budget at least one hour of time before departure. Flying private, I only show up about 15 minutes before takeoff.Taylor Rains/Insider

On Spirit, I had to traverse the crowded LaGuardia Airport and clear security, which can take a lot of time during peak season. Fortunately, I have TSA Pre-Check so the process only took about 10 minutes.

However, when I flew on VistaJet from Miami to New York, it took less than five minutes from the moment I parked outside the FBO — which was free — to boarding the Global 7500.

Flying on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 7500.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, when I flew on VistaJet from Miami to New York, it took less than five minutes from the moment I parked outside the FBO — which was free — to boarding the Global 7500.

I simply walked into the terminal — no security needed — and took a 1-minute shuttle ride to the plane. And, I was greeted by a friendly cabin hostess who served me champagne and a hot towel.

One of the two cabin hostesses on our flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

I simply walked into the terminal — no security needed — and took a 1-minute shuttle ride to the plane. And, I was greeted by a friendly cabin hostess who served me champagne and a hot towel.

There were no bag checks, no waiting for my zone to be called, and no general cattle herding that can exist at major airports.

Passengers walk in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on September 3, 2022.Carlos Barria/Reuters

If I thought the lack of security checks was a shocker on private planes, the interior proved to be even more impressive.

Taylor Rains/Insider

VistaJet's Global 7500 comes with a meeting room, a bedroom, a theater room, a six-person dining area, a large gallery with snacks and coffee, and two lavatories.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The giant, reclining lounges were comfortable and came with power ports, storage, and cup holders, among other amenities.

Taylor Rains/Insider

VistaJet guests also have the opportunity to cater food onboard, including everything from simple meals like Shake Shack to high-end plates from award-winning restaurant Nobu.

Taylor Rains/Insider

VistaJet guests also have the opportunity to cater food onboard, including everything from simple meals like Shake Shack to high-end plates from award-winning restaurant Nobu.

Meanwhile, on Spirit, the $32 I paid for the seat alone got me 28 inches of pitch, a tiny tray table, no recline, no TV, no snacks, and not even a sip of water.

The Wi-Fi on my Spirit flight was not working, unfortunately. When it does connect, the airline charges a fee.Taylor Rains/Insider

About 30 minutes into the flight, the flight attendants did come around with things like diet soda, alcohol, and Pringles — but for a fee, of course.

The snack box, diet soda, and alcoholic drink came to $24.Taylor Rains/Insider

While the two products are complete opposites, I'm happy to see the industry has evolved to cater to different markets and give people of varying incomes and lifestyles the opportunity to travel.

There was no seatback pocket, only a small cubby at the top of the seat in front of me that could fit a book, but not a water bottle.Taylor Rains/Insider

While the two products are complete opposites, I'm happy to see the industry has evolved to cater to different markets and give people of varying incomes and lifestyles the opportunity to travel.

But, just because Spirit is not the most luxurious airline out there does not mean some mainline carriers don't have nice products. For example, travelers can find comfort in Singapore Airlines' First Class suite…

First class seating on a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380, which can be combined with the neighboring suite to create a huge room with a double bed and two loungers.ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images.

But, just because Spirit is not the most luxurious airline out there does not mean some mainline carriers don't have nice products. For example, travelers can find comfort in Singapore Airlines' First Class suite…

…JetBlue Airways' Mint business class…

Flying JetBlue Airways from London to New York in Mint business class.Thomas Pallini/Insider

…and Qatar Airways' QSuite, which has been named the world's best business class for 2022 by airline ranking company Skytrax.

Taylor Rains/Insider

These products are posh, and many would argue the price to fly these cabins is easily more sensible than flying private.

Qatar Airways' Boeing 787 business class.Thomas Pallini/Insider

For example, a first class suite on Singapore between the island nation and Sydney, Australia, comes with a lounger, a huge TV, a desk, and a bed — all for about $8,000 roundtrip, a spokesperson told Insider.

Singapore's first class suite also comes with access to two huge lavatories, both of which feature a vanity table (pictured).Singapore Airlines

For example, a first class suite on Singapore between the island nation and Sydney, Australia, comes with a lounger, a huge TV, a desk, and a bed — all for about $8,000 roundtrip, a spokesperson told Insider.

The same flight eight-hour flight could cost tens of thousands of dollars on VistaJet, though the company does not publicly publish its exact rates.

A VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500.Thomas Pallini/Insider

At the end of the day, obviously flying private would be a preferred method of travel. But, most people are happy earning status on their favorite mainline airline or flying as cheaply as they can on a low-cost carrier.

My preferred airlines are United and Delta for status, reliability, and comfort.On The Run Photo/Shutterstock

At the end of the day, obviously flying private would be a preferred method of travel. But, most people are happy earning status on their favorite mainline airline or flying as cheaply as they can on a low-cost carrier.

For me, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant Air, Ryanair — it doesn't matter. These carriers get me from point A to point B safely with little to no hassle.

Flying Ryanair from London to Stockholm.Taylor Rains/Insider

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I flew on a private jet to Miami and on Spirit Airlines back to New York. Here's how my $92 flight compared to a Bombardier Global 7500 which can cost $20,000 an hour to charter.

When it comes to flying, there's a spectrum of comfort and entertainment.

For the ultra-wealthy, like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, or those lucky enough to hitch a ride on a friend's personal plane, private flying is a reality.

Huge, lavish jets with bedrooms and theater systems scatter the sky every day, shuttling people from New York to Miami for business, or to Spain for a luxury vacation.

It's no surprise flying private costs a pretty penny. Prices range from $6,550 per hour on charter company Volato's mid-sized Gulfstream 280…

…to a whopping $20,000 per hour on a VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500, which is the world's largest charter company flying the world's biggest purpose-built private jet.

While most of the world can't fathom that kind of money being spent on just an hour of flight time, I can see why those who can afford it pay up for the experience.

Not only are these planes personalized for peak comfort, but passengers can also bypass security and crowded airports because the aircraft typically fly out of fixed-based operators.

The majority of commercial travelers will find themselves in an economy product, with the lowest end of the spectrum being budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

These low-cost airlines are infamous for tight seats and add-on fees, though the fares are usually lower than mainline carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

But, there are plenty of people — including myself — that actually prefer flying low-cost and will happily forgo mainline airlines to save some money.

Thanks to my position as an aviation reporter, my work has shown me what both ends of the spectrum look like for passengers.

Recently, I flew on what is considered one of the US' worst airlines — Spirit — as well as the giant Bombardier Global 7500 private jet, both within 24 hours.

Here's what $92 got me on Spirit from New York to Miami, and what over $10,000 per hour would get me on VistaJet.

Starting my journey on Spirit was relatively easy as a seasoned traveler. I checked in online to avoid any potential boarding pass fee and made my way to security.

I didn't need to check a bag, but for those that do, be sure to stay within the size and weight limits or you'll find yourself paying upwards of $99 at the airport.

While I typically only bring a free personal item, I bought a carry-on bag for $60 for this trip, which could not exceed 22x18x10 inches.

Although us regular flyers have to abide by airline rules, VistaJet guests wouldn't need to worry about such things.

The Global 7500 — as well as most other business planes — has plenty of storage for several bags and carry-ons. Granted, travelers are paying much more than $60 for the "free" amenity.

As far as accessing the jet, there is a stark difference when flying commercial versus when flying private.

On Spirit, I had to traverse the crowded LaGuardia Airport and clear security, which can take a lot of time during peak season. Fortunately, I have TSA Pre-Check so the process only took about 10 minutes.

However, when I flew on VistaJet from Miami to New York, it took less than five minutes from the moment I parked outside the FBO — which was free — to boarding the Global 7500.

I simply walked into the terminal — no security needed — and took a 1-minute shuttle ride to the plane. And, I was greeted by a friendly cabin hostess who served me champagne and a hot towel.

There were no bag checks, no waiting for my zone to be called, and no general cattle herding that can exist at major airports.

If I thought the lack of security checks was a shocker on private planes, the interior proved to be even more impressive.

VistaJet's Global 7500 comes with a meeting room, a bedroom, a theater room, a six-person dining area, a large gallery with snacks and coffee, and two lavatories.

The giant, reclining lounges were comfortable and came with power ports, storage, and cup holders, among other amenities.

VistaJet guests also have the opportunity to cater food onboard, including everything from simple meals like Shake Shack to high-end plates from award-winning restaurant Nobu.

Meanwhile, on Spirit, the $32 I paid for the seat alone got me 28 inches of pitch, a tiny tray table, no recline, no TV, no snacks, and not even a sip of water.

About 30 minutes into the flight, the flight attendants did come around with things like diet soda, alcohol, and Pringles — but for a fee, of course.

While the two products are complete opposites, I'm happy to see the industry has evolved to cater to different markets and give people of varying incomes and lifestyles the opportunity to travel.

But, just because Spirit is not the most luxurious airline out there does not mean some mainline carriers don't have nice products. For example, travelers can find comfort in Singapore Airlines' First Class suite…

…JetBlue Airways' Mint business class…

…and Qatar Airways' QSuite, which has been named the world's best business class for 2022 by airline ranking company Skytrax.

These products are posh, and many would argue the price to fly these cabins is easily more sensible than flying private.

For example, a first class suite on Singapore between the island nation and Sydney, Australia, comes with a lounger, a huge TV, a desk, and a bed — all for about $8,000 roundtrip, a spokesperson told Insider.

The same flight eight-hour flight could cost tens of thousands of dollars on VistaJet, though the company does not publicly publish its exact rates.

At the end of the day, obviously flying private would be a preferred method of travel. But, most people are happy earning status on their favorite mainline airline or flying as cheaply as they can on a low-cost carrier.

For me, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant Air, Ryanair — it doesn't matter. These carriers get me from point A to point B safely with little to no hassle.