Traveling by private jet is not only a luxury experience for those who can afford it, but it does also eliminate many of the hassles associated with flying commercially, including non-stop travel in less turnaround time.
A long-range private jet can fly from the USA to Australia without the need for refueling. Some private jet companies estimate that the flight time between Los Angeles and Sydney is about 13 hours.
The air travel distance between Australia and the USA is approximately 9,437 miles (15,187 km). Typically this distance can be covered in just under 18 hours between the nearest airports of the two countries (Alice Springs and Russel County, Kansas respectively).
How Long Can Private Jets Fly?
Private jets are generally categorized into two groupings – conventional private jets and VIP airliners.
By virtue of their size and how they were designed, some jets have a longer flight time range than others.
The VIP Dreamliner, a Boeing 787-800 originally designed to seat in excess of 300 passengers along with their luggage, has been modified as a decked out private jet now having room for a maximum of 40 people.
The range on this type of aircraft extends to more than 15,000 km, the equivalent of 17 hours non-stop before requiring refueling. This can conveniently and efficiently cover a transatlantic journey with ease.
Among the more typical private jets, those designed specifically for this purpose and which are smaller than usual commercial aircraft, are the Gulfstream G650ER and the Bombardier Global 6000.
With a 14,000 km range (14 hours non-stop flying time), the Gulfstream G650ER is the front runner among private jets.
A close second is the Bombardier Global 6000 which can be airborne for up to 13 hours to correspond with a long-range distance of 11,000 km.
Needless to say, these jets are kitted out with the most modern and high-class lounges, entertainment options, seating, amenities, and relaxation points in order to make long-haul travel as luxurious and stress-free as possible.
Rounding out the average-sized jets are those from the size of Piston aircraft to super-mid jets which can fly from about 1,000 miles (5 hours) up to 4,000 miles (7 hours) respectively.
A commercial airline such as Delta covers the distance from Los Angeles to Sydney in about 14 hours and 39 minutes.
Advantages To Private Jet Travel
Not only does traveling by private jet offer superior levels of comfort and optimum style to some degree of extravagance, it also offers convenience and privacy.
Typically, one can save copious amounts of time prior to actual boarding since it is not a requirement to arrive at the airport well in advance of the flight. One also does not have to rely on the specific timetable and schedule of a commercial airline.
Door-to-door, the amount of time spent preparing for travel as well as flying itself is reduced by almost 30 percent by using a private jet.
Some private jet companies offer services which skip the security, customs, and immigration lines as well as baggage claim via a specific terminal for private jet customers. Long check-in processes that also contribute to many of the frustrations experienced with commercial flying are also eliminated when traveling by private jet.
These activities could easily add as much as five hours to travel time depending on the airport, the time of day, and how many flights are being processed simultaneously.
With an average cruising speed of about 604 miles per hour, a private jet can travel at faster speeds than its counterpart commercial liner at 500 miles per hour because the smaller jets can fly higher than the commercial ones.
Other perks include the ability to have your pets travel with you in the cabin, incomparable service from the crew, and the privacy and convenience of working without interruption as there are no stop-overs.
Is It Worth It?
Private jet travel is usually reserved for the ultra-wealthy in the likes of celebrities, power brokers, business moguls, or simply those with money to burn.
Spending inordinate amounts of time waiting around at an airport to be accommodated within a commercial airline’s schedule proves, at best, rather inefficacious.
These VIPs have the means to choose the most favorable ways to travel and since their time is premium and usually in high demand, many opt for hassle-free solutions.
If one does not wish to invest upwards of $200 million to purchase your own personal jet, luxury travel may also be rented.
Depending on the type and size of the aircraft, the number of people in your party, desired arrival airport, and flying distance, a transatlantic flight via private jet charter starts at about $200,000. This can get up to as much as $500,000 for travel by business jet.
This might seem like a mere drop in the bucket for the wealthy but all the other perks which come along with traveling luxury class is likely worth every penny.