The differences between flying with an airline and flying aboard a private jet go beyond comfort and convenience, into flight operations themselves. Operational differences often include higher cruising altitudes aboard private jets, which can significantly impact the flying experience. Why is this so?
How high do private jets fly?
Airliners usually cruise at roughly around 35,000 feet, while private jet cruising altitudes can range between 41,000 to 45,000 feet, with some jets even reaching up to 51,000 feet.
The capacity to ascend quickly and carry lighter loads distinguishes private jets from commercial airliners. Private jets often possess a higher power-to-weight ratio due to their smaller sizes, enabling them to reach cruising speeds and altitudes more swiftly. Large airliners, laden with more fuel and a heavier payload, generally take longer to ascend and achieve the same performance.
Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.
Operational benefits
Getting up to speed and to altitude comes with quite a few important benefits for private travelers.
Perhaps the most important operational benefit of flying at a higher altitude is the reduced air traffic there. This can translate to shorter flight times and expedited journeys for private jet passengers thanks to the decreased chances of having to alter flight paths to accommodate other aircraft.
Aircraft engines also tend to become more efficient with increased altitudes, as they burn less fuel as air becomes less dense. While private aviation is hardly a cheap means of travel, this can help offset the cost to some degree.
Avoiding unfavorable weather conditions also plays a significant role in the preference for higher altitudes among private jet operators. Private jets flying higher can more easily fly over major storms, and even when they cannot, they do not have to face as much traffic congestion as they alter their courses to avoid storms.
In comparison, airlines can face challenges with traffic congestion when changing courses due to the higher volume of air traffic at their altitudes, leading to disruptions and longer flights for passengers.
Reduced air traffic at higher altitudes benefits private jet scheduling. Commercial airlines deal with heavy traffic due to constant flights, complicating flight plans. Private jets' ability to fly at more exclusive altitudes results in fewer scheduling conflicts, allowing for increased availability and flexibility for passengers.
Passenger comfort and convenience
Passenger comfort can also improve at higher altitudes. Along with the higher likelihood of being able to avoid storms and inclement weather, the thinner air at 41,000 feet and above can also contribute to a smoother flight experience, minimizing the likelihood of turbulence for private jet passengers.
Thus, since private jets' lighter loads often enable them to achieve faster ascension to their cruising altitudes, they are able to fly higher and to enjoy important operational efficiencies. These include reduced air traffic congestion, along with the ability to avoid weather buildups, allowing for private jet operators to plan and execute more direct routes. These help to enable shorter flight times with better weather conditions and more comfortable passenger experiences.
What other benefits do flights at higher altitudes offer to private jet operators and to their passengers? Let us know in the comments below.
Sources: AirRacer, InternationalJet