I've flown business class three times — and on a private jet twice. Here's which is better.

Taylor RainsMar 17, 2023, 15:52 IST

In the past year, Insider's aviation reporter Taylor Rains has flown business class three times and on two large private jets.Taylor Rains/Insider

There are lots of ways to travel by air, from cramped seats on budget carriers to private planes.
As an aviation reporter, I've been able to experience some of the most high-dollar experiences.

As an aviation journalist, I spend a lot of time in the sky.

The author sitting the cockpit of an airBaltic Airbus A220.Taylor Rains/Insider

Over the past year, I've experienced several luxury products, including long-haul business class on Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and French boutique carrier La Compagnie…

La Compagnie is the world's only all-business-class airline.Taylor Rains/Insider

Over the past year, I've experienced several luxury products, including long-haul business class on Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and French boutique carrier La Compagnie…

…as well as the multi-room Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 7500 private jets, the latter being the world's biggest and longest-range purpose-built business plane.

Both the Global 5000 and Global 7500 were operated by private charter company VistaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as the multi-room Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 7500 private jets, the latter being the world's biggest and longest-range purpose-built business plane.

Because I normally fly in economy class for personal travel, it's always a treat to experience these high-dollar options.

The author's Air New Zealand business-class bed.Taylor Rains/Insider

And, after several flights, I've found there are some cases in which flying business class is a better use of time and money than flying private…

For reasons I'll explain later, Singapore Airlines' 18-hour trek from New York-JFK to Singapore on its A350 in business class is better than flying private.Sorbis/Shutterstock

…but it's fair to say flying private adds a level of convenience and flexibility that airlines simply can't provide.

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

Here are the biggest differences I've found when traveling in business class vs. on a private jet.

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

First and foremost, private jets operate under different federal regulations, many of which — like on going through security and smoking aboard a flight — are more relaxed than the ones for commercial aviation.

A TSA agent at LAX.Brady MacDonald/Insider

First and foremost, private jets operate under different federal regulations, many of which — like on going through security and smoking aboard a flight — are more relaxed than the ones for commercial aviation.

Instead of flying out of a crowded airport with snaking security lines, private flyers will board out of fixed-based operators, called FBOs.

The Million Air FBO at Westchester Airport in New York.Taylor Rains/Insider

These are aircraft service providers for things like fuel and maintenance, and typically have a lounge area with free snacks and drinks available for travelers.

The Million Air FBO coffee bar at Westchester Airport in New York was tip-based.Taylor Rains/Insider

There are typically no security checks or long lines. So, on recent flights, I needed to arrive at the FBO only about 10 minutes before departure.

Private jets on the ramp at Bridgeport Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Connecticut. This airport is only used for general aviation, like private charters.Taylor Rains/Insider

I either walked directly out to the jet from the small terminal or took a one-minute bus ride. And, I could park my car for free outside — though some people drive right up to the aircraft.

We drove right up to the jet when flying on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 5000 from Montreal, Canada, to Teterboro, New Jersey.Taylor Rains/Insider

I either walked directly out to the jet from the small terminal or took a one-minute bus ride. And, I could park my car for free outside — though some people drive right up to the aircraft.

While many business-class tickets come with expedited security and passport control, the need to arrive at the airport early to check bags, traverse checkpoints, walk to the gate, and wait for boarding is still a hassle.

Security took place at my boarding gate for my flight home to New York-JFK on Singapore's A350 business class.Taylor Rains/Insider

While many business-class tickets come with expedited security and passport control, the need to arrive at the airport early to check bags, traverse checkpoints, walk to the gate, and wait for boarding is still a hassle.

And, although I'm not a smoker, charter companies can allow passengers to smoke tobacco on board assuming it follows FAA regulations for things like ashtrays and signage.

No-smoking signs are plastered all over airline aircraft, including the cabin and the lavatories.Taylor Rains/Insider

And, although I'm not a smoker, charter companies can allow passengers to smoke tobacco on board assuming it follows FAA regulations for things like ashtrays and signage.

For these reasons alone, I can see how the money — for those who have it —is easily worth the hassle-free experience — especially for celebrities who want to avoid the crowds.

Inside a Gulfstream G550 private jet, like the one Elon Musk owns.Getty Images/Jetcraft

For these reasons alone, I can see how the money — for those who have it —is easily worth the hassle-free experience — especially for celebrities who want to avoid the crowds.

But, the conveniences don't come cheap. While Insider paid a media rate for my private flights, the ultra-wealthy will shell out thousands.

The interior of a NetJets' Global 7500.NetJets

For example, a Global 7500 operated by charter company VistaJet ranges from around $12,000 to $20,000 per hour. So, an eight-hour leap from New York to London could cost $96,000 to $160,000 one-way.

A VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500.VistaJet

For example, a Global 7500 operated by charter company VistaJet ranges from around $12,000 to $20,000 per hour. So, an eight-hour leap from New York to London could cost $96,000 to $160,000 one-way.

The same route in mid-April for eight people — VistaJet's sleeping capacity — in Delta One suites is just over $93,000 roundtrip — or about $11,600 a ticket.

Delta One suite on the 767-400ER. On a commercial airliner, you pay for each seat; on a private jet, you generally pay one price for the entire plane — however many people it holds.Delta Air Lines

The same route in mid-April for eight people — VistaJet's sleeping capacity — in Delta One suites is just over $93,000 roundtrip — or about $11,600 a ticket.

While splitting the Global 7500 among eight people brings the cost per person down, it is still substantially greater than booking roundtrip suites for about $11,600 a pop.

The theater in VistaJet's Global 7500.Taylor Rains/Insider

While splitting the Global 7500 among eight people brings the cost per person down, it is still substantially greater than booking roundtrip suites for about $11,600 a pop.

This is why I think the duration of the flight and the number of people onboard are the biggest factors in making private flying worth it.

In the past year, Insider's aviation reporter Taylor Rains has flown business class three times and on two large private jets.Taylor Rains/Insider

On one hand, I can argue the luxuries on board private jets far outmatch those in business class…

Air New Zealand's business class on its Boeing 787, which was configured in a 1x1x1 layout. The beds had to be manually created by the flight attendants rather than using a button — an inconvenience for travelers, in my opinion.Taylor Rains/Insider

…especially since the largest aircraft come with double beds, dining rooms, and theaters, creating a more spacious, comfortable atmosphere.

Dining inside the Bombardier Global 7500.Bombardier

There is even a cargo hold accessible to passengers on these private planes, many of which can fit oversized items. Airline passengers typically have to pay extra for excessive luggage — even business class.

The cargo hold of a Bombardier Global 6000 private jet. VistaJet said it can accommodate excessive luggage based on the "available hold capacity and security regulations for each flight at the sole discretion of the pilot in command."Benjamin Zhang/Insider

There is even a cargo hold accessible to passengers on these private planes, many of which can fit oversized items. Airline passengers typically have to pay extra for excessive luggage — even business class.

Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned security and smoking rules, private travelers have more food flexibility because they aren't tied to an airline's predetermined menu…

I was served food from the award-winning restaurant Nobu on my Global 7500 demo flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned security and smoking rules, private travelers have more food flexibility because they aren't tied to an airline's predetermined menu…

…and they can access routes that commercial carriers don't offer, like Elon Musk's 12-hour trek from Mykonos, Greece, to Austin, Texas, in July 2022 — a route that would take at least one stop and 30 hours on an airline.

A Gulfstream G550, like the one owned by Elon Musk.aviation-images.com / Contributor/Universal Images Group Editorial

…and they can access routes that commercial carriers don't offer, like Elon Musk's 12-hour trek from Mykonos, Greece, to Austin, Texas, in July 2022 — a route that would take at least one stop and 30 hours on an airline.

These personal, individualized amenities go beyond what can be offered in business class.

VistaJet provides a yoga mat and other work out equipment onboard for its customers.Taylor Rains/Insider

Not to mention, passengers are not at the whim of sometimes unreliable airlines, which suffered chaotic meltdowns during and after the pandemic. These, of course, affected everyone regardless of ticket class.

Southwest Airlines passengers stand around dozens of bags during the carrier's December 2022 meltdown.Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Not to mention, passengers are not at the whim of sometimes unreliable airlines, which suffered chaotic meltdowns during and after the pandemic. These, of course, affected everyone regardless of ticket class.

But, on the other hand, some wealthy travelers could see the cost-savings of flying in business class on a transoceanic flight worth ditching a private jet...

My lie-flat bed on La Compagnie, which was cocooned between the privacy divider and fuselage wall.Taylor Rains/Insider

...especially since long-haul business typically has lie-flat seats. For example, Singapore Airlines has a large business class lounger on its Airbus A350 that comes with a roomy bed and a flat-screen TV.

Onboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900ULR.Thomas Pallini/Insider

...especially since long-haul business typically has lie-flat seats. For example, Singapore Airlines has a large business class lounger on its Airbus A350 that comes with a roomy bed and a flat-screen TV.

I flew the product on a recent 18-hour trek from Singapore to New York, and I felt cocooned inside the little area thanks to the seat's shell. It was my personal space, and I didn't have to share any amenities.

Laying on the lie-flat bed with my legs stretched fully out.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew the product on a recent 18-hour trek from Singapore to New York, and I felt cocooned inside the little area thanks to the seat's shell. It was my personal space, and I didn't have to share any amenities.

The food was pretty amazing too despite having a set menu.

Taylor Rains/Insider

By comparison, there are a few places to sleep on VistaJet's Global 7500, but not all are fully private. These include the double bed in the bedroom...

Onboard VistaJet's Global 7500.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as the double beds made from the theater couch and dining room seats. The two sets of four swivel chairs also create a pair of single beds.

The bedroom and theater room can be closed off with sliding doors, but the dining room bed and the single beds are in the same cabin.Thomas Pallini/Insider

For eight people to sleep comfortably, six would need to be couples, friends, or family members — it wouldn't be a great option for colleagues, which VistaJet US President Leona Qi acknowledged during a demo flight in November.

The twin beds are similar to the ones seen on the Gulfstream G280 (pictured).Taylor Rains/Insider

For eight people to sleep comfortably, six would need to be couples, friends, or family members — it wouldn't be a great option for colleagues, which VistaJet US President Leona Qi acknowledged during a demo flight in November.

Moreover, I don't really mind not having as much choice in terms of meals. But, I know a lot of customers have specific needs and wants, which is more easily catered to on a private jet.

Flight attendants served us food on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 5000 private jet.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, I don't really mind not having as much choice in terms of meals. But, I know a lot of customers have specific needs and wants, which is more easily catered to on a private jet.

All things considered, if I had to choose between Singapore and a crowded Global 7500, I'd choose the former. I wouldn't have to share a bed or have to fight over the private jet's main television.

I loved the handheld remote that controlled the 18-inch TV at my seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

All things considered, if I had to choose between Singapore and a crowded Global 7500, I'd choose the former. I wouldn't have to share a bed or have to fight over the private jet's main television.

Not to mention, there is no purpose-built private jet that can connect Singapore and New York nonstop, making Singapore's A350 business class a faster and more logical option.

The Global 7500's range is just short of connecting New York and Singapore nonstop. The route is 9,537 miles — the Global 7500 can fly about 8,800 miles nonstop.Bombardier

Not to mention, there is no purpose-built private jet that can connect Singapore and New York nonstop, making Singapore's A350 business class a faster and more logical option.

Granted, this is one of the few instances in which I think traveling in business class would be better than chartering a jet. And, it really only applies to ultra-long-haul flying.

Singapore Airlines A350-900.KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock

Granted, this is one of the few instances in which I think traveling in business class would be better than chartering a jet. And, it really only applies to ultra-long-haul flying.

Having also flown on several small and mid-sized business aircraft — like the Gulfstream G280, the HondaJet Elite II, and the King Air 350i — I think the convenience of flying private easily beats any airline product on short- or medium-haul routes.

The author with a Wheels Up King Air 350i.Taylor Rains/Insider

Having also flown on several small and mid-sized business aircraft — like the Gulfstream G280, the HondaJet Elite II, and the King Air 350i — I think the convenience of flying private easily beats any airline product on short- or medium-haul routes.

And these aircraft are cheaper to fly on, but the cost is still much more than airlines.

If money isn't a factor, then flying private always beats airlines. But, for the wealthy who are more cost-sensitive, lie-flat seats on business class are sometimes more logical.Taylor Rains/Insider

A group of four people on Volato's HondaJet Elite II would pay $6,000 per person roundtrip between New York and Miami — the first-class fare on Delta is about $1000 in April.

Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet.Taylor Rains/Insider

A group of four people on Volato's HondaJet Elite II would pay $6,000 per person roundtrip between New York and Miami — the first-class fare on Delta is about $1000 in April.

But, the cost isn't deterring demand, with some deep-pocket customers saying they will never go back to airlines — especially after the pandemic showed travelers the convenience of private aviation.

Mark Wahlberg's Bombardier Global Express jet.Honeywell

But, the cost isn't deterring demand, with some deep-pocket customers saying they will never go back to airlines — especially after the pandemic showed travelers the convenience of private aviation.

And according to VistaJet, its number of flight hours increased by 41% year-over-year in 2022.

Inside a VistaJet Global 7500.VistaJet

"If people need to fly, they will fly," VistaJet's Qi told Insider in October 2022. "No one likes to pay more money, but we live in a world where inflation is close to 10% and the most precious resource of our members is time."

Courtesy of VistaJet

"If people need to fly, they will fly," VistaJet's Qi told Insider in October 2022. "No one likes to pay more money, but we live in a world where inflation is close to 10% and the most precious resource of our members is time."

I took 5 low-cost flights on budget airlines in just 9 days. It was a lot of stress and hassle, but I'd do it again for the low prices.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I've flown business class three times &mdash; and on a private jet twice. Here's which is better.

As an aviation journalist, I spend a lot of time in the sky.

Over the past year, I've experienced several luxury products, including long-haul business class on Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and French boutique carrier La Compagnie…

…as well as the multi-room Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 7500 private jets, the latter being the world's biggest and longest-range purpose-built business plane.

Because I normally fly in economy class for personal travel, it's always a treat to experience these high-dollar options.

And, after several flights, I've found there are some cases in which flying business class is a better use of time and money than flying private…

…but it's fair to say flying private adds a level of convenience and flexibility that airlines simply can't provide.

Here are the biggest differences I've found when traveling in business class vs. on a private jet.

First and foremost, private jets operate under different federal regulations, many of which — like on going through security and smoking aboard a flight — are more relaxed than the ones for commercial aviation.

Instead of flying out of a crowded airport with snaking security lines, private flyers will board out of fixed-based operators, called FBOs.

These are aircraft service providers for things like fuel and maintenance, and typically have a lounge area with free snacks and drinks available for travelers.

There are typically no security checks or long lines. So, on recent flights, I needed to arrive at the FBO only about 10 minutes before departure.

I either walked directly out to the jet from the small terminal or took a one-minute bus ride. And, I could park my car for free outside — though some people drive right up to the aircraft.

While many business-class tickets come with expedited security and passport control, the need to arrive at the airport early to check bags, traverse checkpoints, walk to the gate, and wait for boarding is still a hassle.

And, although I'm not a smoker, charter companies can allow passengers to smoke tobacco on board assuming it follows FAA regulations for things like ashtrays and signage.

For these reasons alone, I can see how the money — for those who have it —is easily worth the hassle-free experience — especially for celebrities who want to avoid the crowds.

But, the conveniences don't come cheap. While Insider paid a media rate for my private flights, the ultra-wealthy will shell out thousands.

For example, a Global 7500 operated by charter company VistaJet ranges from around $12,000 to $20,000 per hour. So, an eight-hour leap from New York to London could cost $96,000 to $160,000 one-way.

The same route in mid-April for eight people — VistaJet's sleeping capacity — in Delta One suites is just over $93,000 roundtrip — or about $11,600 a ticket.

While splitting the Global 7500 among eight people brings the cost per person down, it is still substantially greater than booking roundtrip suites for about $11,600 a pop.

This is why I think the duration of the flight and the number of people onboard are the biggest factors in making private flying worth it.

On one hand, I can argue the luxuries on board private jets far outmatch those in business class…

…especially since the largest aircraft come with double beds, dining rooms, and theaters, creating a more spacious, comfortable atmosphere.

There is even a cargo hold accessible to passengers on these private planes, many of which can fit oversized items. Airline passengers typically have to pay extra for excessive luggage — even business class.

Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned security and smoking rules, private travelers have more food flexibility because they aren't tied to an airline's predetermined menu…

…and they can access routes that commercial carriers don't offer, like Elon Musk's 12-hour trek from Mykonos, Greece, to Austin, Texas, in July 2022 — a route that would take at least one stop and 30 hours on an airline.

These personal, individualized amenities go beyond what can be offered in business class.

Not to mention, passengers are not at the whim of sometimes unreliable airlines, which suffered chaotic meltdowns during and after the pandemic. These, of course, affected everyone regardless of ticket class.

But, on the other hand, some wealthy travelers could see the cost-savings of flying in business class on a transoceanic flight worth ditching a private jet...

...especially since long-haul business typically has lie-flat seats. For example, Singapore Airlines has a large business class lounger on its Airbus A350 that comes with a roomy bed and a flat-screen TV.

I flew the product on a recent 18-hour trek from Singapore to New York, and I felt cocooned inside the little area thanks to the seat's shell. It was my personal space, and I didn't have to share any amenities.

The food was pretty amazing too despite having a set menu.

By comparison, there are a few places to sleep on VistaJet's Global 7500, but not all are fully private. These include the double bed in the bedroom...

…as well as the double beds made from the theater couch and dining room seats. The two sets of four swivel chairs also create a pair of single beds.

For eight people to sleep comfortably, six would need to be couples, friends, or family members — it wouldn't be a great option for colleagues, which VistaJet US President Leona Qi acknowledged during a demo flight in November.

Moreover, I don't really mind not having as much choice in terms of meals. But, I know a lot of customers have specific needs and wants, which is more easily catered to on a private jet.

All things considered, if I had to choose between Singapore and a crowded Global 7500, I'd choose the former. I wouldn't have to share a bed or have to fight over the private jet's main television.

Not to mention, there is no purpose-built private jet that can connect Singapore and New York nonstop, making Singapore's A350 business class a faster and more logical option.

Granted, this is one of the few instances in which I think traveling in business class would be better than chartering a jet. And, it really only applies to ultra-long-haul flying.

Having also flown on several small and mid-sized business aircraft — like the Gulfstream G280, the HondaJet Elite II, and the King Air 350i — I think the convenience of flying private easily beats any airline product on short- or medium-haul routes.

And these aircraft are cheaper to fly on, but the cost is still much more than airlines.

A group of four people on Volato's HondaJet Elite II would pay $6,000 per person roundtrip between New York and Miami — the first-class fare on Delta is about $1000 in April.

But, the cost isn't deterring demand, with some deep-pocket customers saying they will never go back to airlines — especially after the pandemic showed travelers the convenience of private aviation.

And according to VistaJet, its number of flight hours increased by 41% year-over-year in 2022.

"If people need to fly, they will fly," VistaJet's Qi told Insider in October 2022. "No one likes to pay more money, but we live in a world where inflation is close to 10% and the most precious resource of our members is time."

I've flown business class three times — and on a private jet twice. Here's which is better.