What is a private jet journey, and is it worth it?
By Aspen Travel Advisors · Last verified · Counts drawn live from the Virtuoso-sourced atlas
A private jet journey is an escorted trip around the world or a region on a chartered, reconfigured aircraft with roughly 40 to 80 guests, lie-flat seats, a dedicated crew and expert lecturers. It removes every airport queue and connection. It is expensive, usually six figures per person, and best for travelers who want many far-apart places in two to four weeks.
The idea is simple: the best places on earth are rarely next to each other, and commercial flying between them is what wears a trip down. On a private jet journey the aircraft is yours for the whole trip. You arrive at a private terminal, board the same plane with the same crew each time, and step out in the next country while your luggage goes ahead to the hotel. On the ground, the stays are at the best hotels in each place, with a small team of guides and, on most trips, a physician traveling with the group.
A few operators run most of these trips. TCS World Travel is the longest-established and operates the Four Seasons Private Jet, and Abercrombie & Kent, Remote Lands and National Geographic run their own departures. Our atlas holds 95 jet itineraries; the typical trip runs about two to three weeks, and 30 of them last three weeks or more.
What is included, and what is not
| Usually included | Usually not included |
|---|---|
| All flights on the private jet | Flights to the starting city and home from the last |
| The best hotel in each stop, often in suites | Some premium spa treatments and personal extras |
| Nearly all meals, drinks and excursions | Travel insurance |
| Tour director, guides, lecturers and a physician | Gratuities, on some operators |
| Luggage handled from start to finish |
Because nearly everything is included, the price looks higher than it is when set against building the same trip privately. It is still a large sum, and it is worth comparing it honestly with a private itinerary on commercial business class, which suits some travelers better.
Who it suits, and who it does not
- Suits: travelers with limited time who want six or eight countries in one trip without a single connection.
- Suits: couples and solo travelers who enjoy a well-traveled group and good lecturers.
- Suits less: anyone who wants long, slow stays in one place, since most stops are two or three nights.
- Suits less: families with young children, as these trips are designed for adults and the pace is full.
Frequently asked
How big is the group?
Usually around 40 to 80 guests, depending on the aircraft. On the ground the group often splits into smaller parties for excursions, and there is always a choice of activities at each stop.
What does it cost?
Most trips are priced in six figures per person, with a supplement for solo travelers. The price includes almost everything, so the fair comparison is with a fully private itinerary of the same length and standard.
How far ahead should I book?
A year or more for the most popular routes, since each departure has a small number of seats and the same guests often return.