Image credits: Christopher Smith
Palm Beach, known for its luxury and elegance, offers some of the best private jet services in the country. This area attracts high-profile individuals and discerning travelers who demand exceptional service and convenience. If you want to charter a private jet to or from Palm Beach County, dealing directly with local jet charters/operators and avoiding middlemen is crucial. Doing so benefits you from better pricing, direct communication, and a smoother overall experience. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top five private jet companies in Palm Beach that operate without brokers. These local private jet charter companies have been chosen for exceptional service, fleet quality, and customer satisfaction. Each one offers a direct, hassle-free experience, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate in private aviation without the complications of third-party intermediaries.
Palm Beaches Top 5 Private Jet Companies
1. Great Flight— #1 Overall | Regional, East-Coast & Caribbean
Website: greatflight.com Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
GreatFlight stands out for its exceptional service and modern fleet. Based at PBI, they offer a range of jets suitable for various travel needs, ensuring a personalized and luxurious experience. Whether you need a turboprop or light jet for a short trip or a heavy jet for a long-haul flight, GreatFlight has you covered. Their team is committed to providing a seamless experience from booking to landing, ensuring your journey is smooth and enjoyable.
2. JetAccess— Best Comfort | Nationwide & International
Website: flyjetaccess.com Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
JetAccess is renowned for its reliability and top-notch service. Operating out of PBI, it provides a seamless charter experience with a focus on customer satisfaction and safety. JetAccess prides itself on its punctuality and attention to detail, ensuring that every flight meets the highest standards. Its fleet includes a variety of light—to mid-tier jets, all maintained to the highest safety standards, making It a preferred choice for discerning travelers.
3. Lincoln Private Jets— Best Backup | Regional & Caribbean
Website: flylincoln.com Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Lincoln Private Jets offers a sophisticated flying experience with a commitment to excellence. Their fleet at PBI is equipped with the latest amenities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. Lincoln Private Jets focuses on providing a refined and elegant experience with personalized service that caters to your every need. Their professional crew and ground staff work tirelessly to ensure that your flight is as pleasant as possible.
4. ABOVE Private Aviation— Great Local Carrier | Regional
Website: iflyabove.com Airport: Boca Raton Airport
ABOVE Private Aviation is based in Boca Raton and offers a premium flying experience. They focus on luxury and personalized service, making every flight memorable and stress-free. ABOVE Private Aviation’s fleet includes some of the most luxurious jets available, designed to provide comfort and convenience. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the flight itself, with exceptional ground services and support to ensure your entire journey is flawless.
5. Arrow Jets— Excellent Operator | Regional & Bahamas
Website: arrowjets.comAirport: Boca Raton Airport
Arrow Jets provides reliable and efficient private jet services from Boca Raton. Their team is dedicated to offering a superior travel experience, focusing on safety and convenience. Arrow Jets is known for its flexibility and responsiveness, making arranging flights that fit your schedule easy. Their small, well-maintained fleet and professional crew ensure that every aspect of your flight is handled with the utmost care and precision.
No Brokers or Middlemen Listed
We have chosen not to include brokers or indirect carriers in our rankings. This decision is based on the value of direct communication, cost benefits, and the trend of unfavorable reviews from brokers’ private aviation clients. By avoiding these private jet middlemen, you can expect more transparent pricing, a direct line of contact, a consistent experience, and a stronger relationship with your service provider. This approach ensures a smoother, more reliable, and luxurious Palm Beach experience.
Who are Private Jet Brokers / Middlemen?
Here are some well-known or well-advertised private jet brokers you may encounter when searching for a private flight from Palm Beach. Their fine-print legal disclosures reveal the truth about their services:
West Palm Jet Charter:’West Palm Jets does not OWN or operate any aircraft. West Palm Jets is not a direct or indirect air carrier.’
EvoJets:’evoJets is an indirect air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft.’
Surfair:’Surf Air Inc. is not an air carrier and does not own or operate any aircraft. Surf Air Inc. acts as a principal or a ticket agent, depending on the type of air transportation being provided. All flights sold as a principal or arranged as an agent by Surf Air Inc. are operated by Southern Airways Express or independent, third-party air carriers.’
Paramount Air:’Paramount Business Jets (PBJ) acts as an agent for clients in the marketplace and does not operate or own aircraft.’
XOJet:’XO Global LLC, an air charter broker, is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate any aircraft.’
These brokers connect travelers with carriers, but the added layer can sometimes lead to higher costs, miscommunications, and a lack of consistent experience. Working directly with local private jet companies avoids these issues and ensures a more satisfying travel experience.
How We Ranked Private Charters/Carriers
Our rankings are based on several key factors that ensure you receive the best possible service when choosing a private jet company in Palm Beach. Here are the criteria we used:
Customer Service: We evaluated each company’s quality of service and responsiveness. This includes how quickly they handle inquiries, the professionalism of their staff, and their willingness to accommodate special requests. Excellent customer service is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Safety Record: Safety is paramount when it comes to flying. We examined each company’s adherence to safety protocols and incident history. Companies with a strong safety record and stringent maintenance procedures ranked higher on our list.
Fleet Quality: The modernity and maintenance of the aircraft are significant factors. We assessed the age, condition, and variety of the jets available. Companies with newer, well-maintained fleets that offer a range of aircraft to meet different needs scored better in our rankings.
Customer Reviews: Feedback from passengers provides valuable insights into these companies’ real-world performance. We considered reviews from various sources to gauge overall customer satisfaction. Positive reviews and high ratings from previous clients were key indicators of a company’s reliability and quality.
Operational Efficiency: Timeliness and reliability of flights are essential for any traveler. We analyzed the punctuality of departures and arrivals and the efficiency of the overall flight process. Companies that consistently deliver on their promises and minimize delays earned higher marks.
First Time Flyers
If this is your first time flying private, here are a few tips to help you prepare and make the most of your experience:
Plan Ahead: Book your flight in advance to ensure you get the aircraft and schedule you prefer. While private jets offer more flexibility than commercial flights, availability can still be limited, especially during peak travel times.
Know Your Aircraft: Take some time to understand the type of jet you’ll be flying in and its amenities. Different jets offer different features, from seating arrangements to entertainment systems. Knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your flight and ensure it meets your needs.
Prepare for Security: While security checks for private flights are less stringent than those for commercial flights, they still exist. You may need to show identification and go through a brief security screening. It’s best to arrive early to allow time for these procedures without feeling rushed.
Enjoy the Experience: One of the main advantages of flying private is the personalized service and comfort. Relax and enjoy the amenities available to you, whether it’s gourmet catering, in-flight entertainment, or simply the peace and quiet of a private cabin. Make the most of this unique travel experience.
If you know what to expect (and where to go), flying private for the first time can be seamless and enjoyable. Be sure to ask your private jet liaison or contact them with any questions — they have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
A: Costs vary widely based on the jet type, distance, and duration. Expect prices to range from $2,000 to $10,000 per hour. You might find more economical options for shorter flights, while longer flights or larger jets will be at the higher end of the scale.
Q: Can I bring pets on board?
A: Yes, most private jets allow pets. Check with your carrier for specific policies regarding pet travel. Some may have restrictions based on the size or type of pet, so it’s best to confirm in advance.
Q: What amenities are available on private jets?
A: Amenities can include Wi-Fi, gourmet catering, entertainment systems, and luxurious seating. Some jets also offer private suites, meeting rooms, and showers. The specific amenities will depend on the type of jet you charter.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A:It’s best to book at least a week in advance, though some services can accommodate last-minute requests. Booking early ensures you have more options and can secure the jet that best meets your needs.
Q: Do I need to go through security checks?
A: Yes, the process is generally quicker and more streamlined than commercial airports. You must show identification and possibly go through a brief security screening. The exact requirements can vary based on the airport and the carrier.
Q: Are there any luggage restrictions?
A: Private jets often have more flexible luggage policies than commercial flights, but weight and size limitations remain. Check with your carrier to understand their specific policies and ensure your luggage meets their requirements.
Q: What should I wear on a private jet?
A: There is no strict dress code, but smart casual attire is often recommended. Wear something comfortable yet appropriate for your destination, especially when traveling for business.
