One of the largest private charter companies has access to over 1,500 aircraft.
The King Air 350i is one of the planes owned or managed by the company.
It costs around $5,000 per hour and seats eight people.
Commercial flying is proving to be a nightmare for travelers this summer and more people are opting for private aviation.
I flew on a $50 million Bombardier Global 5000 private jet from Montreal to New Jersey to see why people can afford it.
VistaJet reported a 29% increase in new members over the past year, while NetJets said it has seen a 72% increase in demand.
One of the largest private charter companies in the world, Wheels Up, has seen increased demand, as have other companies.
Wheels Up specializes in short and medium-haul flying but can also provide bigger jets for long haul travel.
Wheels up.
All fees and costs are included in the hourly rates so travelers know exactly how much they'll pay.
The source is the elite traveler.
361 planes are owned or managed by the company. Wheels Up's service is versatile and can accommodate what its customer needs with a wide range of aircraft, according to a company spokesman.
Wheels up.
Customers can either become members or pay on-demand. The company has three different memberships.
Wheels Up members-only community forum can be used to organize empty legs and shared flights.
The source is the elite traveler.
At sign-up, members can either pay as you go or deposit up to $400,000. The capped hourly rate varies from $4,995 for a King Air 350i to $12,995 for a large jet.
The Points Guy had a song called Wheels Up.
The deposit can be used to determine when a flight can be booked. If you deposit $100,000 or less, you must wait 90 days before booking a charter.
The Points Guy had a song called Wheels Up.
Non-members can also book Wheels Up flights via the mobile app, but the flight prices are not capped, meaning the rate can vary a lot. The average is $5,000 per hour, but can be more or less, according to a spokesman.
Wheels up.
Members of Wheels Up can earn extra SkyMiles through a partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Wheels up.
I was reminded of how convenient private flying is when I flew on the company's King Air 350i plane. Passengers can expect some things.
The cost to buy a new King Air 350i is $8 million.
The wheels up fleet relies on the turboprop aircraft. The company that owns the King Air 350i painted it in a branded livery.
We left the airport in New Jersey at 4:30pm on Wednesday. I didn't have to go through security or check a boarding pass because I was private.
Two pilots, who are scheduled to fly every Wheels Up flight, flew the turboprop to EastHampton.
To become a captain and a first officer, applicants need at least 3,500 and 1,200 flight hours, respectively. In addition to extensive initial and recurrent flight training, pilots must also be trained in first aid and emergencies.
Wheels up.
Cadets in the pilot training program at Delta will be able to log hours with Wheels Up. The path to full-time employment will be provided by this.
Delta is working with a private charter company to fix the pilot shortage.
The ride to New York was not easy. The cabin was comfortable and well-equipped.
There are four sets of reclined seats facing each other.
The padded loungers give more space between seats and make it easier to talk in the aisle.
A table that folds out from the wall is between each set of lounge chairs.
The seats were large with plenty of space. I could talk to other people on the plane.
There is a set of cupholders.
There's a storage compartment.
There are different types of windows...
Crossbody seatbelts...
Power outlets as well. Travelers can use in flight internet.
During the flight, passengers will have access to a lot of snacks and drinks that are stored in easy-to-access drawers throughout the cabin.
Alcoholic beverages include liquor and wine.
Coffee is also available.
Television screens show flight info.
There is a luggage compartment in the back of the plane.
The bathroom is separated from the cabin by a sliding door.
There is a toilet under a cushion.
The sink is behind a door in the bathroom. The door wasn't easy to open, but I was impressed by what I saw.
The sink has everything you need for first aid, like bandages and antiseptics. The door has a mirror on it.
We arrived in New York after an hour on the water. Within a few minutes of landing, we left the plane and went to the airport.
I liked Wheels Up's service and the experience reminded me of how convenient it is to fly private.
The King Air 350i only has four seats that face backward, so some travelers could feel sick. If you're prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to have anti-nausea medication with you.
Business Insider has an article on it.
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