I've flown business class three times and on a private jet twice. Here's which is better.
Taylor Rains
![I've flown business class three times — and on a private jet twice. Here's which is better.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-98731573%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-314650%2Fiaposve-flown-business-class-three-times-ampmdash-and-on-a-private-jet-twice-hereaposs-which-is-better-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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.
![As an aviation journalist, I spend a lot of time in the sky.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732113,width-700,height-525,imgsize-280902/as-an-aviation-journalist-i-spend-a-lot-of-time-in-the-sky-.jpg)
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…
![Over the past year, I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732103,width-700,height-525,imgsize-136286/over-the-past-year-iaposve-experienced-several-luxury-products-including-long-haul-business-class-on-singapore-airlines-air-new-zealand-and-french-boutique-carrier-la-compagniex2026.jpg)
La Compagnie is the world's only all-business-class airline. 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.
![…as well as the multi-room Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 7500 private jets, the latter being the world](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732099,width-700,height-525,imgsize-323686/x2026as-well-as-the-multi-room-bombardier-global-5000-and-global-7500-private-jets-the-latter-being-the-worldaposs-biggest-and-longest-range-purpose-built-business-plane-.jpg)
Both the Global 5000 and Global 7500 were operated by private charter company VistaJet. Taylor Rains/Insider
Because I normally fly in economy class for personal travel, it's always a treat to experience these high-dollar options.
![Because I normally fly in economy class for personal travel, it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732091,width-700,height-525,imgsize-467296/because-i-normally-fly-in-economy-class-for-personal-travel-itaposs-always-a-treat-to-experience-these-high-dollar-options-.jpg)
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…
![And, after several flights, I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732076,width-700,height-525,imgsize-37680/and-after-several-flights-iaposve-found-there-are-some-cases-in-which-flying-business-class-is-a-better-use-of-time-and-money-than-flying-privatex2026.jpg)
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.
![…but it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732066,width-700,height-525,imgsize-464988/x2026but-itaposs-fair-to-say-flying-private-adds-a-level-of-convenience-and-flexibility-that-airlines-simply-canapost-provide-.jpg)
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.
![Here are the biggest differences I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732055,width-700,height-525,imgsize-225054/here-are-the-biggest-differences-iaposve-found-when-traveling-in-business-class-vs-on-a-private-jet-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732040,width-700,height-525,imgsize-273458/first-and-foremost-private-jets-operate-under-different-federal-regulations-many-of-which-x2014-like-on-going-through-security-and-smoking-aboard-a-flight-x2014-are-more-relaxed-than-the-ones-for-commercial-aviation-.jpg)
A TSA agent at LAX. Brady MacDonald/Insider
Source: Investopedia
Instead of flying out of a crowded airport with snaking security lines, private flyers will board out of fixed-based operators, called FBOs.
![Instead of flying out of a crowded airport with snaking security lines, private flyers will board out of fixed-based operators, called FBOs.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732026,width-700,height-525,imgsize-294716/instead-of-flying-out-of-a-crowded-airport-with-snaking-security-lines-private-flyers-will-board-out-of-fixed-based-operators-called-fbos-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732012,width-700,height-525,imgsize-352140/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-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98732005,width-700,height-525,imgsize-139466/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-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731997,width-700,height-525,imgsize-752918/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-x2014-though-some-people-drive-right-up-to-the-aircraft-.jpg)
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
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731991,width-700,height-525,imgsize-239454/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-.jpg)
Security took place at my boarding gate for my flight home to New York-JFK on Singapore's A350 business class. 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.
![And, although I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731987,width-700,height-525,imgsize-253902/and-although-iaposm-not-a-smoker-charter-companies-can-allow-passengers-to-smoke-tobacco-on-board-assuming-it-follows-faa-regulations-for-things-like-ashtrays-and-signage-.jpg)
No-smoking signs are plastered all over airline aircraft, including the cabin and the lavatories. Taylor Rains/Insider
Source: Stratos Jet Charters
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731981,width-700,height-525,imgsize-94160/for-these-reasons-alone-i-can-see-how-the-money-x2014-for-those-who-have-it-x2014is-easily-worth-the-hassle-free-experience-x2014-especially-for-celebrities-who-want-to-avoid-the-crowds-.jpg)
Inside a Gulfstream G550 private jet, like the one Elon Musk owns. Getty Images/Jetcraft
But, the conveniences don't come cheap. While Insider paid a media rate for my private flights, the ultra-wealthy will shell out thousands.
![But, the conveniences don](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731970,width-700,height-525,imgsize-138630/but-the-conveniences-donapost-come-cheap-while-insider-paid-a-media-rate-for-my-private-flights-the-ultra-wealthy-will-shell-out-thousands-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731967,width-700,height-525,imgsize-211456/for-example-a-global-7500-operated-by-charter-company-vistajet-ranges-from-around-12000-to-20000-per-hour-so-an-eight-hour-leap-from-new-york-to-london-could-cost-96000-to-160000-one-way-.jpg)
A VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500. VistaJet
Source: Elite Traveler
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.
![The same route in mid-April for eight people — VistaJet](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731959,width-700,height-525,imgsize-108266/the-same-route-in-mid-april-for-eight-people-x2014-vistajetaposs-sleeping-capacity-x2014-in-delta-one-suites-is-just-over-93000-roundtrip-x2014-or-about-11600-a-ticket-.jpg)
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
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731955,width-700,height-525,imgsize-55326/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-11600-a-pop-.jpg)
The theater in VistaJet's Global 7500. Taylor Rains/Insider
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731948,width-700,height-525,imgsize-314650/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-.jpg)
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…
![On one hand, I can argue the luxuries on board private jets far outmatch those in business class…](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731937,width-700,height-525,imgsize-385032/on-one-hand-i-can-argue-the-luxuries-on-board-private-jets-far-outmatch-those-in-business-classx2026.jpg)
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.
![…especially since the largest aircraft come with double beds, dining rooms, and theaters, creating a more spacious, comfortable atmosphere.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731930,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1040722/x2026especially-since-the-largest-aircraft-come-with-double-beds-dining-rooms-and-theaters-creating-a-more-spacious-comfortable-atmosphere-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731916,width-700,height-525,imgsize-188642/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-x2014-even-business-class-.jpg)
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
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…
![Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned security and smoking rules, private travelers have more food flexibility because they aren](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731901,width-700,height-525,imgsize-784478/moreover-in-addition-to-the-aforementioned-security-and-smoking-rules-private-travelers-have-more-food-flexibility-because-they-arenapost-tied-to-an-airlineaposs-predetermined-menux2026.jpg)
I was served food from the award-winning restaurant Nobu on my Global 7500 demo flight. Taylor Rains/Insider
…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.
![…and they can access routes that commercial carriers don](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731886,width-700,height-525,imgsize-180636/x2026and-they-can-access-routes-that-commercial-carriers-donapost-offer-like-elon-muskaposs-12-hour-trek-from-mykonos-greece-to-austin-texas-in-july-2022-x2014-a-route-that-would-take-at-least-one-stop-and-30-hours-on-an-airline-.jpg)
A Gulfstream G550, like the one owned by Elon Musk. aviation-images.com / Contributor/Universal Images Group Editorial
These personal, individualized amenities go beyond what can be offered in business class.
![These personal, individualized amenities go beyond what can be offered in business class.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731877,width-700,height-525,imgsize-113128/these-personal-individualized-amenities-go-beyond-what-can-be-offered-in-business-class-.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731870,width-700,height-525,imgsize-120610/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-.jpg)
Southwest Airlines passengers stand around dozens of bags during the carrier's December 2022 meltdown. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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...
![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...](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731868,width-700,height-525,imgsize-671694/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-.jpg)
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.
![...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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731860,width-700,height-525,imgsize-84904/-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-.jpg)
Onboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900ULR. Thomas Pallini/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.
![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](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731853,width-700,height-525,imgsize-122038/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-seataposs-shell-it-was-my-personal-space-and-i-didnapost-have-to-share-any-amenities-.jpg)
Laying on the lie-flat bed with my legs stretched fully out. Taylor Rains/Insider
The food was pretty amazing too despite having a set menu.
![The food was pretty amazing too despite having a set menu.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731847,width-700,height-525,imgsize-426184/the-food-was-pretty-amazing-too-despite-having-a-set-menu-.jpg)
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...
![By comparison, there are a few places to sleep on VistaJet](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731839,width-700,height-525,imgsize-106684/by-comparison-there-are-a-few-places-to-sleep-on-vistajetaposs-global-7500-but-not-all-are-fully-private-these-include-the-double-bed-in-the-bedroom-.jpg)
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.
![…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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731826,width-700,height-525,imgsize-152562/x2026as-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-.jpg)
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.
![For eight people to sleep comfortably, six would need to be couples, friends, or family members — it wouldn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731816,width-700,height-525,imgsize-373692/for-eight-people-to-sleep-comfortably-six-would-need-to-be-couples-friends-or-family-members-x2014-it-wouldnapost-be-a-great-option-for-colleagues-which-vistajet-us-president-leona-qi-acknowledged-during-a-demo-flight-in-november-.jpg)
The twin beds are similar to the ones seen on the Gulfstream G280 (pictured). 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.
![Moreover, I don](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731804,width-700,height-525,imgsize-235452/moreover-i-donapost-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-.jpg)
Flight attendants served us food on VistaJet's Bombardier Global 5000 private jet. 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.
![All things considered, if I had to choose between Singapore and a crowded Global 7500, I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731802,width-700,height-525,imgsize-314932/all-things-considered-if-i-had-to-choose-between-singapore-and-a-crowded-global-7500-iaposd-choose-the-former-i-wouldnapost-have-to-share-a-bed-or-have-to-fight-over-the-private-jetaposs-main-television-.jpg)
I loved the handheld remote that controlled the 18-inch TV at my seat. Taylor Rains/Insider
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.
![Not to mention, there is no purpose-built private jet that can connect Singapore and New York nonstop, making Singapore](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731796,width-700,height-525,imgsize-26580/not-to-mention-there-is-no-purpose-built-private-jet-that-can-connect-singapore-and-new-york-nonstop-making-singaporeaposs-a350-business-class-a-faster-and-more-logical-option-.jpg)
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
Source: Bombardier
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731793,width-700,height-525,imgsize-612558/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-.jpg)
Singapore Airlines A350-900. KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731779,width-700,height-525,imgsize-75566/having-also-flown-on-several-small-and-mid-sized-business-aircraft-x2014-like-the-gulfstream-g280-the-hondajet-elite-ii-and-the-king-air-350i-x2014-i-think-the-convenience-of-flying-private-easily-beats-any-airline-product-on-short-or-medium-haul-routes-.jpg)
The author with a Wheels Up King Air 350i. Taylor Rains/Insider
And these aircraft are cheaper to fly on, but the cost is still much more than airlines.
![And these aircraft are cheaper to fly on, but the cost is still much more than airlines.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731765,width-700,height-525,imgsize-30584/and-these-aircraft-are-cheaper-to-fly-on-but-the-cost-is-still-much-more-than-airlines-.jpg)
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.
![A group of four people on Volato](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731752,width-700,height-525,imgsize-36646/a-group-of-four-people-on-volatoaposs-hondajet-elite-ii-would-pay-6000-per-person-roundtrip-between-new-york-and-miami-x2014-the-first-class-fare-on-delta-is-about-1000-in-april-.jpg)
Flying on Volato's $5 million HondaJet. Taylor Rains/Insider
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.
![But, the cost isn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731736,width-700,height-525,imgsize-31334/but-the-cost-isnapost-deterring-demand-with-some-deep-pocket-customers-saying-they-will-never-go-back-to-airlines-x2014-especially-after-the-pandemic-showed-travelers-the-convenience-of-private-aviation-.jpg)
Mark Wahlberg's Bombardier Global Express jet. Honeywell
Source: CNBC
And according to VistaJet, its number of flight hours increased by 41% year-over-year in 2022.
![And according to VistaJet, its number of flight hours increased by 41% year-over-year in 2022.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731715,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1050962/and-according-to-vistajet-its-number-of-flight-hours-increased-by-41-year-over-year-in-2022-.jpg)
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."
!["If people need to fly, they will fly," VistaJet](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-98731697,width-700,height-525,imgsize-664684/quotif-people-need-to-fly-they-will-flyquot-vistajetaposs-qi-told-insider-in-october-2022-quotno-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-quot.jpg)
Courtesy of VistaJet
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