Given the recent temperatures and accompanying flight delays, many are hesitant to travel. As airline prices increase and amenities decrease, it’s not altogether unexpected. It should really come as no surprise that private jets are gaining popularity. There are now jet cards, which are similar to prepaid phone cards, to make jet charter easier and more affordable. While it will cost you more than first class, it might be worth it for the stylish traveler.

It used to be that those wishing to travel by private jet needed to purchase a plane (or joint purchase a plane with others who wished to do the same). Now, many companies are offering blocks of time (usually 25 hours) for the charter of a jet. For a jet with seven seats, this is about $127,000—about $5,000 per hour or $1,450 per person for a two hour flight. There is some variety with hourly rates, with discounts being given for frequent fliers.

Jason Hartman’s favorite advantages of private jet travel include smaller, less busy airports, which means quicker flight times, faster security, and more personalized service. It also means no layovers, fewer problems with the aircraft, and an overall lack of chatty strangers gabbing your ear off during a long flight. And smaller planes are even getting safer—the FFA is paying special attention to decreasing small plane accidents.

Could private jet charter be the future of air travel? For many, the answer is yes.

Commercial airlines are receiving lower and lower ratings, offering almost no services (not even baggage) with typical flights and, while jets may be more expensive, they’re becoming more and more popular.

Do you have experience traveling via private jet? What did you like and dislike about it? How did it compare to flying first class? To coach? How far did you go? Would you do it again? If you or someone you know has chartered or been aboard such an aircraft, share your experience with our readers! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/redtouchmedia/10448711154/)

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The Jetsetter Show Team

Tags: charter a private jet, flying first class, Jason Hartman, private jet charter service, The Jetsetter Show