While I have a fairly healthy bank balance there are some things that are a bit beyond my cheque book, and a private jet is one of them. With jet prices running into the millions and per-hour maintenance and running costs in the multiple thousands it simply doesn’t make sense to buy a jet unless you’re permanently in the air.

There is an alternative, however: Fractional Jets. I’m a big fan of fractional purchasing as it allows me to enjoy some of the luxuries of the mega-rich on a merely “just a bit rich” budget, and jets and aircraft are just perfect for the fractional approach. No capital costs, no hassles, and my 50 hour account with Flexjet has been one of the best purchases I made while traveling. Although I’ve hardly used it so far it has got me out of one business related emergency, and there’s nothing quite like being able to call on your own jet when you’re in a serious hurry.

The best thing is that you’re paying for the jet rather than per-passenger, so it’s a great way to take friends or family along. I expect to hit the end of this years contract with a good 20 hours of flight time left, which I’ll spend taking friends and family on a nice trip. With 8 seats available the cost will be significantly less than first class tickets would be for them, and the service is far superior. If that isn’t good value I don’t know what is.