A private jet charter is a great alternative to first-class travel if you’re constantly on the go for work or leisure. However, there are a few key considerations to make before you book any trip. While private jet travel costs are usually the first thing on everyone’s mind, it’s also crucial that you consider distance. While it would be much more comfortable to take a long-haul flight in a private jet, is it actually possible? The answer is yes, but with caveats. We’re getting into the complexities of long-haul private jet travel here.
What Is a Long-Haul Flight?
First, let’s talk about what long-haul travel actually is. If you’re used to taking quick flights from Dallas to other Texas cities or our surrounding states, anything longer than two hours may seem like a long flight to you. However, long-haul flights typically refer to flights that take a minimum of six hours and a maximum of twelve.
(Anything longer than twelve hours is often described as an ultra-long flight. This would include something like the 14-hour flight from Dallas to Tokyo or the 18-hour flight from Dallas to Australia.)
Can Typical Private Jet Charters Fly for Six or More Hours?
Private jets are smaller than commercial aircraft, which changes the way that they travel. While they can fly at higher altitudes than a commercial airliner, they tend to have a shorter range. For example, the Boeing 777-200LR has a range of over 8,500 nautical miles, while the Hawker 900XP has a range of 2,790 miles.
Ultra long-range private jets do exist, but not all private jet charter companies have them in their fleet. At North Dallas Aviation, the Hawker 900XP is the jet that offers the most range. Fortunately, this range is large enough to get you to any of the continental United States from Dallas.
Can I Book a Private Long-Haul Flight with Stops?
What if you’ve got your sights set on Alaska or Hawaii? What if you’re planning a multi-stop trip that includes a long-haul flight from one coast to another? Do you have to work with a private jet chartering company that has ultra long-range jets?
Not necessarily. The range we discussed above is simply the maximum a jet can fly without refueling. You can often plan private long-haul trips that include stops at one or more locations to refuel.
Can I Charter a Private Jet for International Travel?
This question is trickier to answer and will vary based on company policy, fleet options, and more. The best way to find out for sure if your private jet charter company can help you with international travel is to ask them.
Why is international travel harder to accommodate by private jet? Depending on the route, you may need an ultra long-range private jet even with stops to refuel. While private jet charters can be ideal for trips to Central America or Western Europe, they may be harder to come by to get somewhere like Tokyo or Australia.
Plan Your Next Trip with North Dallas Aviation
Not sure if your next flight is something we can handle at North Dallas Aviation? Contact us and let’s talk about it.