Riding in the Back of Some Nice Private Jets

Though the left seat is preferable, the passenger experience is worth it.

Dick Karl

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 09:09 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

FLYING contributor Dick Karl steps off after traveling on an Embraer Phenom 300. [Courtesy: Dick Karl]

Key Takeaways:

The author recounts five memorable personal experiences as a passenger on private jets, emphasizing the unique thrill and privilege of such flights.
A central theme is the recurring and often unexpected generosity of various aircraft owners and pilots who offered him these exceptional travel opportunities.
He expresses deep admiration for the aviation experience itself, focusing on the aircraft's performance and the pilots' skill, often contrasting the magnificence of the flight with the swift return to ordinary life.

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Have you ever been a passenger in a private jet? Imagine sweeping up those stairs and finding just the perfect seat in the back. As you fasten your seat belt you hear the clunk of the door as it is secured. You note that the first officer has checked the locking pins. Drinks, anyone?

I’ve been a lucky passenger on five such flights, and I have found them to be exciting and fun, but frustrating. The first was the most impressive. At dinner one night many years ago I offered how I was flying commercially from Tampa, Florida, to Chicago the next day. My dinner guests said they were too—only they were chartering a jet. Would I like to join them? Well, OK. I promised to bring sandwiches for lunch as partial (miniscule) compensation.