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ARE PRIVATE PLANES SAFE?
Due to the series of tragic events over the last few years, the airline security has become a major concern both for authorities and passengers. So, comparing to commercial airline are private planes safe?
I like the FlightSafety International’s slogan: “The best safety device in any aircraft is a well-trained crew.” It is pretty much true for all kinds of airplanes since both commercial pilots and private jet pilots have the same qualifications and they both have to respect same FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules. In general, private jet companies hire only experienced pilots with following prerequisites: Airline Transport Pilot, Current FAA First Class Medical certificate and 2500 hours total pilot time. Besides, most of the private jet pilots are retired airline pilots.
From the technical point of view, private planes follow strict maintenance procedures and operational procedures and provide comprehensive security measures and highest levels of liability protection.
Now, if we are talking about external safety threats to the aircraft, this is where private jets, whether owned or chartered will always be safer than commercial jets. This is not due to security, of course, because most airports around the world have impeccable safety when it comes to commercial airlines, but this is more due to the fact that private jets are private. And privacy means security. The only people onboard are those invited by the lead passenger and the captain of the private jet verifies every passenger to ensure that he or she is boarding with the consent of the lead passenger. There is no better security measure then this one. Moreover, a private jet will not be carrying any cargo or luggage other than that of the private jet passenger party. This means that not only does the private jet passenger know exactly who he is flying with but he is also well aware of what he is flying with. Having that in mind, private jets are less likely to be targets of the terrorist, simply because they are more difficult (if not impossible) to access comparing to commercial airlines.
What about boarding procedures?
Flying private saves passengers the stress and frustration of going through security lines. While the aircraft captain has the right to search passengers’ bags, there is no removal of shoes, clothing, belts and jewelry.
Many potentially dangerous items which are forbidden on commercial flights are often tolerated in private planes. If you are bringing a gun, this will have to be discussedJ, but razors and liquids are fine.
To sum up, private jet passengers have to run through a security scan but they can usually take pretty much everything.
In conclusion, the private planes are as safe as commercial aircrafts but flying private has advantage of pleasant and smooth boarding procedure.
Our favorite broker Villiers Jets works only with private jet companies which adhere to the highest safety standards and make of their passengers’ security their absolute priority.
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Very interesting post, and what a beautiful plane. It’s not difficult picturing myself on it!! Believe it or not, I was was just talking to my husband about private planes, wondering whether or not they were safe, and if we could find someone who has a plane that’s flying to Canada in the near future. I want to travel with my dog but she’s not well enough to be trapped in a crate in cargo, but I figured she could wander around a private plane. Should I ever be in the position to fly private, I am glad to know how seriously safety is taken, and how qualified all pilots must be.
Hi Hindy,
Thank you for your comment. If you want to travel with your dog, the private plane should be just perfect because she would have all the necessary confort. Travelling in cargo is really a stressful experience for animals. A few years ago, I took my friends’ dog to the airport to send him to Reunion Island… I hope I will never ever have to do it again! If you want to request pricing for Canada, just click on this link: http://www.villiersjets.com/?id=496. For small and not very luxury private jets, the price could be affordable. And you can also look for empty legs.
If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact me: contact@privateflightfinder.com
All the best,
Maja
I came across your post as I was searching for information on prices for private planes and compare options. We have a lot of relatives in Europe who would like to come visit but don’t feel very safe with the current unfortunate terrorist acts. I love the idea that only passenger’s luggage is allowed on plane. Which private jet company would you recommend? I was looking at XoJet, any thoughts?
Unfortunately, the commercial airlines are not what they used to be. Fifteen years ago, travelling by plane was a real pleasure, but has become very stressful, especially in the last couple of years. XoJet is just one of the many good and reliable private jet companies. In order to be sure to make the right choice in term of service quality and cost, I always recommend approaching a charter broker. Chartering a private jet could be complicated for someone who has never done it before. A good charter broker will find the best solution to your specific needs, so you don’t have to spend hours online searching comparing the prices. If you need any help with booking the flight for your relatives don’t hesitate to contact me: contact@privateflightfinder.com
This a very interesting article that you have written. I feel like a lot of people are afraid to get on a plane now-a-days because of all of the terrorist attacks. In my opinion, it is a little unfair to judge airlines that way because of something that cannot be controlled. I am curious to know more about your thoughts on this? Thanks for the information.
Hi Kevin,
You are absolutely right. Commercial airlines do everything in their power to protect their passengers but, as you said, some things cannot be controlled. In this article, I tried to make an objective comparison between private planes and commercial aircraft in terms of safety and when it comes to the human factor, private flights are safer. That is not a judgement but a simple fact. If you travel privately, either you travel alone, or you choose who you will travel with, With commercial airlines, you don’t have that privilege.
This makes a lot of sense. I’ve never flown private before. Do you also still have to board from the secure section of the airport ? After going through the security checkpoints ? Or is there a seperate terminal for private flights ?
That certainly looks like the kind of jet you’d like to fly on.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your interest. To answer your question, most larger airports have either separate private jet terminals or buildings called FBOs (Fixed Based Operators) where private jet passengers check in for their flight. At many airports, private jet passengers can be driven straight through security to their aircraft and it normally takes less than 5 minutes.
Thanks for this interesting article on flying on private planes. I’ve never thought about flying privately, however it looks really inviting! I really like the point about not being heavily scrutinized about the items that are taken on board. It would be nice to take my own bottle of water for instance! 🙂 If flying privately was an option, it’s good to know that the same safety regulations are in place as that of commercial airlines.
Thank YOU Kym for visiting my website and for commenting. All the best to you, and if I can be of any help if you decide to fly privately just let me know.
Never been on a private plane, but wouldn’t mind taking a flight in one. Must be peaceful, definitely more than a commercial plane. Don’t have to go through those lines at the airport? Who wouldn’t like that? Don’t have to worry about terrorists vs. commercial? That pretty much seals the deal. Thanks for showing us the comparison!
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for visiting and commeting.
Best wishes,
Maja
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Great information, and i had no idea that private plane could actually be safer to fly as opposed to commercial planes.
A great crew is definitely needed as it will enhance the experience of the customer and also their overall safety.
I have never actually flown a private plane before but if I do I will remember this information for future reference.
Cheers
Hi Chris,
Thank you very much for your visit and for commenting.
Cheers
Maja