Private Jet Travel vs Private Helicopter

One of the main attractions of flying privately is the number of options you have. From a turboprop to a large jet, hundreds of private jets are at your disposal. But how do private jets compare to helicopters?

Is renting a jet better than renting a helicopter? Which is safer or cheaper? It all comes down to where you are traveling, how often you travel, and the kind of services you need.

Below, we look at the benefits and shortcomings of renting a helicopter vs jet for business or personal air travel.

BENEFITS OF RENTING A HELICOPTER VS JET

Helicopter charters come with convenience and flexibility that is hard to find on commercial flights or even private jet charters. As with other modes of transportation, helicopters have also advanced substantially over the past few years.

Here are some benefits of flying privately on helicopters.

NO WASTED COMMUTE TIME

Driving to an airport to board a private jet can take up a lot of time, especially if you are flying during peak traffic hours. On the other hand, helicopters do not need a runway to fly.

If you have space on your private property, you can even get a helicopter right there. Moreover, helicopters can fly from or land at helipads or wherever there is sufficient space.

So, if you are in a hurry, you do not have to worry about driving an hour to reach the airport since you can fly from a nearby helipad.

FLYING TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

If you need to fly to different locations in a single day, it is better to rent a helicopter since it is quicker to board.

On the other hand, private jets have to go through a long and thorough process before getting ready for the next flight.

MORE COST-EFFECTIVE

Flying in a helicopter is more cost-effective than renting a private jet. On top of that, you can save money on hotel bills and other accommodations since you can easily fit in a same-day return trip in most cases.

On average, the per hour price for renting a Robinson R22, which seats one passenger along with the pilot, is $260 to $290. Meanwhile, a Robinson R66 that seats up to four people excluding the pilot costs $990 to $1,100 an hour.

DISADVANTAGES OF RENTING A HELICOPTER

While flying in a private helicopter is a great way to reach more places in one day and enjoy the convenience of boarding flights quickly, it has some downsides too.

SMALLER SIZE

Helicopters are much smaller than most private jets. Therefore, they are not ideal for people who might be traveling for business and need to take the whole team along.

FEWER AMENITIES

A private jet is a class in itself, providing you with anything you could possibly need. You can include as many amenities as you like, depending on your budget and the size of the plane.

On the other hand, a jet does not allow this luxury since there is not enough space to fit an entertainment unit or a separate bedroom for the kids when traveling for personal reasons.

BENEFITS OF RENTING A JET

It is quite easy to see why many people prefer flying privately on jets rather than helicopters. Here are some benefits of renting a private jet:

LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

If you plan on flying long distances, a private jet is your best bet. Some private jet companies even offer jets for international travel so that you can fly to pretty much every location with an airport.

MULTIPLE TYPES

Private jets come in many makes, shapes, sizes, and models. You are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a jet since companies like Charter Flight Group actually let you select from over 6,000 aircraft.

Whether you are traveling for personal or business reasons, there will be a jet that is best suited for your needs.

AMENITIES

One of the most attractive things about a jet is the number of amenities you can get. Depending on the size of the jet, you can get anything from a top-notch five-star-hotel-bedroom to an entertainment unit.

When you fly with Charter Flight Group, you can let us know about the amenities you require, and we will oblige.

HIGHER LUGGAGE CAPACITY

As compared to a private helicopter, a jet has more luggage carrying capacity since it is more spacious. If you are traveling with your family for a vacation, you will definitely have many bags.

Helicopters usually do not have enough space to carry a lot of baggage. Therefore, it is better to charter a jet if you are taking more luggage.

DINING OPTIONS

Another thing that differentiates a private helicopter from a jet is the catering options. Since helicopters are most adapted for short-haul flights and do not have enough space, you cannot expect to enjoy a five-course meal up in the air.

Meanwhile, private jets are spacious enough to host a large party of people. So, if you are traveling for leisure or with a prospective client, a jet will be ideal for you.

MEMBERSHIPS AND PRIORITY TREATMENT

If you are a regular traveler, you can get the best of private travel by opting for a jet membership, such as the Jet Card Memberships from Charter Flight Group.

On the one hand, you get priority service. On the other hand, you can access all premium features and fly with the most experienced pilots and the most reliable ARTUS safety-rated aircrafts.

Similarly, if you travel the same route often, you no longer have to go through the tiresome process of hiring a charter every time. Instead, you can sign up for the Fixed Route Program for Jets from Charter Flight Group and enjoy matchless service and unparalleled convenience.

Since you fly the route often, the crew will remember your preferences without requesting something repeatedly. Plus, you get fixed rates.

DISADVANTAGES OF RENTING A PRIVATE JET

Just like a private helicopter, there are some disadvantages of flying privately on a jet too.

COMMUTE TO AIRPORT

Depending on how far you live from an airport, you would have to drive a certain distance to board your flight. That could be a bit of a nuisance if you are running short of time or simply do not want to get stuck in traffic.

But when you fly with Charter Flight Group, you can exclude this from your list of worries since we arrange transportation for you to and from the airport.

PRICE

Depending on the size of the jet you choose and the amenities you request, the cost for the trip can add up.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,300 to $3,000 for every hour you fly in a small jet or a turboprop. These jets seat four to six passengers.

Meanwhile, the per hour charges for mid size private jets range from $4,000 to $8,000. These jets seat up to nine people.

So, if you are traveling on a long-haul flight, you should be ready to pay a lot more for a jet than you would have to pay for a private helicopter. But if you cannot compromise on convenience and class even up in the air, you can trust Charter Flight Group to offer you the best prices.

WHEN SHOULD YOU RENT A JET?

You should rent a jet if you want to take a long-haul flight or need more amenities or board. Likewise, if you are traveling for leisure and need more space for your family or friends to be comfortable aboard, a jet is the right choice.

WHEN SHOULD YOU RENT A HELICOPTER VS JET?

On the other hand, you should rent a private helicopter if you are traveling short-haul flights for work and need to be back home the same day. Or, you could opt for a private helicopter if you do not have a lot of luggage with you and simply need to go somewhere for a quick meeting.

Furthermore, helicopters give you the liberty to fly from any spacious area, such as a helipad or a roof in a hotel. If that sounds more convenient for you, charter a private helicopter for your next trip.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER VS JET: WHICH IS BETTER?

When there is a choice between a private helicopter or a jet, it is impossible to designate a clear winner. The best option for you will depend on your needs.

If you have read this far, you would know the pros and cons of renting both a private helicopter and a jet. With this information, you can now make an informed choice about chartering the proper mode of transport for your next air travel.