where to buy a private jet inexpensively

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHARTER A PRIVATE JET? Well how many people are going, and where would you like to go? Do you want the flight catered? Perchance an in-flight spa? Do you have a model preference? Perhaps you're a Hawker type of traveler, or maybe you prefer Eclipse or Learjet.

Are you going round trip, one way, or will your trip require multi-city stops?

If we compare aircraft fractional ownership cost with charter jet service cost, we can see that it can be very similar - let's create a scenario; a 1/16 share fractional ownership of a light jet (perhaps a Learjet, for example) at about $400,000.00 for that share would allow for about 50 hours flight time. Barring any other expense, that equates to be about $8,000.00 per hour of flight.

This is generally about the same, give or take a couple hundred dollars, for chartering a light jet, but you don't have to shell out nearly a half-million for the privilege, nor do you have to wait for a time when the 15 other shareholders weren't using the jet - and you can book your flight within a small few hours.

There are many factors involved, but the best companies with an online presence have sites that allow you to input all of your desired trip's information in and click for the available flights and prices. Among the best choices so far, VIP, is one such company... and they have a vast array of aircraft to choose from. With over 4,000 aircraft around the world, their selection is quite broad indeed.

Taking a look at some of the types of jets there are, anyone can decide from there which is best for their needs. Types of private jets basically fall under four general categories; light, medium, heavy and turbo-prop. Let's take a look at some below.

LIGHT JETS have a capacity of up to 5-8 passengers. The most economical for short to mid-range trips, light jets have an average cruising speed of 400-560 mph and have an average nonstop flight range of 1,500 miles. Shown at right is a Learjet 25.

As you can see here, it has a main cabin length of 12' 2", and can be quite comfortable indeed. Also, it has 40 cubic feet of baggage space - no more tiny baggage restrictions, or having to pay $75-$150 per extra bag in world business class!

MEDIUM JET private charter aircraft can accommodate up to 7-9 passengers. The best in high-class flight experience, these have an average cruising speed of 510-590 mph, and an average non-stop flight range of 2,100 miles.

The one pictured at right is a Hawker 800, not unlike the Hawker used in the movie, "The Da Vinci Code". As you can see, it's quite luxurious. It has a cabin length of 21' 3", and also has 40 cubic feet of luggage space.

Medium jets have the best of both worlds; the comfortability of larger, more spacious aircraft, and the speed and agility of smaller models. As you can see by the photo, these are very accommodating... quite a comfortable flight indeed.

HEAVY JET private charter aircraft can take on up to 9-15 passengers, have impressive cruising speeds of 500-560 mph, and an average non-stop flight range of 4,000 miles. The largest type of private aircraft - not quite so large that it would require a major airport runway, but still capable of very long distances. These can accommodate up to 9-15 passengers rather comfortably.

The jet pictured here at the right is a Falcon 900EX... it has a main cabin length of 33' 2" and a very spacious 127 cubic feet of luggage space. As you can see here, this very ritzy interior can be your mobile office while you're on the move, or it could be the perfect spot for a little cocktail party.

Champagne, anyone?

TURBO PROP aircraft is the lightest type of private jet, which uses a turbine engine and a propeller. Fuel expenditure is kept low, and therefore the flight cost is more economical.

Pictured at the right, is a Cessna Caravan. These can seat up to 6-12 people and as you can see here, are really quite roomy. These are not as fast as the non-propeller jets, but for short distance travel that's just fine for most people. Average cruising speed of a turbo prop aircraft is 280-315 mph, with the average non-stop flight range being 1,000 miles.

PET FRIENDLY AIRLINES?? There are innumerable documented incidents of the suffering of our beloved pets being transported by commercial air flights, getting dehydrated, sick, accidentally injured, and otherwise healthy animals not even surviving the flight. When our pets are checked into the cargo hold, we should remember that such places aren't climate controlled.

Locked in airline pet carriers, our pets sit in the cargo hold without food or water, where they may literally freeze solid, or may be subject to intolerable heat and die. Surviving such transport can be a traumatizing experience for our loved ones. Quite often, pets get delayed or even lost between changes of flights or if flights get canceled.

For these and many other reasons, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that you DO NOT transport your pets through commercial airlines unless absolutely necessary.

When all is said and done, commercial airlines looks at your pets as checked luggage... VIP considers your pet as a client. After all, your loved pet shouldn't have to be locked away in a carrier, but rather be sitting right next to you on your flight, yes? With VIP, you can be assured that your pet is given as much luxurious treatment as you enjoy yourself. Your fur-bearing friend will enjoy good food, good drink, and even little toys and treats on the flight.

VIP believes our furry loved ones should be pampered, not packaged, because they are family members, not freight... don't you agree?

INFLIGHT CATERING in style is available on most flights... what shall it be? Sashimi? Steak and lobster dinner? Filet mignon? Broiled salmon with capers and a white Zinfandel? With VIP, a basic catering package is free of charge. Beyond this, your most delightful tastes can be satisfied by order.

Inflight catering needs are arranged during the booking process to meet all clients' expectations. The people of VIP believe that no detail is too small, and if there is something special and/or unique that you wish to dine on during your flight, arrangements can be made. If need be, even the most special of diet restrictions (allergies, diabetic, special food intolerance, etc.) will be completely catered to.

INFLIGHT SALON - INFLIGHT SPA - Have you ever been tired and sluggish after a flight? Did you feel ready and alert for that important meeting? With an inflight spa treatment you can enjoy invigorating massage and aesthetics treatments to fully rejuvenate you and have you arriving at your destination on top of your game.

These options are available with VIP, in order to totally and completely relax and enjoy being rejuvenated while enjoying your flight. This is provided through VIP's partnership with RejuvenAir, the first and only inflight spa staffing company providing you with fully licensed aestheticians and massage therapists who are also certified flight attendants.

AIRPORT GROUND TRANSPORTATION - VIP's Concierge Services can arrange ground transport to be available before departure and after arrival.

In almost any city of the world, any type of transportation can be arranged according to your specific needs. Whether it's a time-sensitive meeting, a sporting event, a multi-city road show, whatever is on your itinerary, it shall be made so.

From rental vehicles and towncars to limousines and exotic cars, VIP can make arrangements for small to large groups.

With over 15 years in the luxury travel industry, VIP has built firm relationships with the best suppliers around the globe. They offer the creme de la creme of personal service that only VIP clients command and deserve.

PRIVATE SECURITY is a far cry from commercial airport security, which often has us waiting, and waiting, and *waiting* in loooong lines at the airport, many times causing people to miss their flights.

VIP clients however, are mercifully relieved of such nonsense. While airline security is still a critical issue, all of the aircraft are secured by qualified personnel before your arrival, and only the standard security check and personal identification is required for you and your small group. Baggage check is much simpler, and as with most General Aviation Terminals (private airports and private sections of airports) you drive right up to the plane, your baggage goes directly from car to plane. No lines, no hassle, no overkill, no time wasted.

If added security is desired, VIP offers a comprehensive package of security services specifically designed to meet the needs of government officials, celebrities, and business executives.

The people of VIP can provide discreet and effective executive protection or VIP protection in addition to aircraft security and passenger verification. Professional client services representatives ensure that every aspect of a client's security and protection are addressed by evaluating your individual situation and tailoring services to best suit your every need.