Interest in private aviation has soared in the past couple of years as people find themselves with increased resources coupled with pandemic-related health concerns. As a result, the benefits of flying private have been well chronicled, from convenience and time savings to lack of hassle and, of course, comfort and luxury. These advantages combine to provide stress-free travel, the antithesis of flying commercially.

However, other little-known benefits of spending more to avoid the big airport headaches have not received a lot of attention. We tapped the knowledge of our experts at PJS to uncover some of the lesser-known perks of flying via private jet. Here they are:

• Onboard catering: Unlike commercial flights, which might offer a bag of peanuts and a soda if you are lucky, private jet crews often cater to specific culinary requests by allowing passengers to pre-order meals in advance of their flight. This makes traveling on a private jet ideal for those with dietary restrictions. Onboard catering is also great for business travelers who want to couple lunch with an in-flight meeting.
• Fixed-base Operators (FBO): This is another benefit intimately known by private aviation veterans but unfamiliar to others. Simply put, an FBO is a private jet terminal. Every FBO is different, but, by and large, they are uncrowded compared to the busy terminals used at major airports by commercial airlines.
• Firearms allowed onboard: Going on a hunting trip? Be prepared for a hassle if you are flying commercially. Conversely, most private aviation operators allow weapons on board. You should still check with the safety guidelines of each provider as well as the laws of the state or country in which you are taking off and landing.
• Pets on flights: If you are a pet-lover, this perk is probably one of the most desirable reasons to choose a private jet over an airline. Anyone who has done it knows the hassle and stress of flying commercial with a pet (or pets) in tow. Depending on size, almost all pets must travel in the cargo hold with luggage, which pet owners know is dangerous. That is why being able to take pets on board, as most operators and charter companies allow, is such a convenience for owners.
• Carbon footprint: While the private aviation industry has received some criticism over the years for its impact on climate change, the reality is that flying private is now environmentally friendly. That is because the industry recently committed to a 50% carbon emissions reduction by 2050 through the use of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel).
• Business success: While private jets have always been associated with business travel, flying private has also been quantitatively linked to successful executives. According to the 2021 Business Aviation Fact Book, S&P 500 companies that utilize private jets for business travel outperform those that do not buy more than two-thirds.

The benefits of chartering a private jet go well beyond the advantages typically reported in the news. Keep in mind, however, that these benefits vary from company to company. Contact PJS to learn about the many small ways we make flying experiences more delightful.