Flying Private: Every Parent’s Ultimate Travel Dream

Estimated read time 6 min read

More than once, while stuck in the middle seat with a baby on our lap, an out-of-control toddler on one side of us and a frustrated spouse on the other side, we've dreamt about flying on a private plane where no one could give us dirty looks and where we could let the kids run and up down the aisles. Or so we imagine. Thus, we hit up Sedona, a mom of two (ages four and two), who has actually flown private before, to tell us all about it. If your next scheduled flight is a commercial one, look away now. 

We all know flying with young children is typically painful. First, there's the stressful space-saving packing, then the trek to the airport, followed by the endless waiting in line for check-in and security procedures, coughing up for the checked bag fees, wrangling everyone onto the plane and into seats (if not your lap!), and finally, the pleasure of a long flight with unpredictable little friends.  

But what if you could magically erase all these hassles and fly private like Bey & J? Well, we had the opportunity to do just that, so we (very enthusiastically) took it up.  And let’s just say it has ruined commercial flights forever for us.

Last spring a relative was flying to the Caribbean, where we were coincidentally headed on vacation (with our 3-year-old and 1-year-old) at the same time.  Our amazing relative (due to health reasons) had chartered a XO Jet private plane for the trip and offered us all seats on the flight.  

THE GOOD

The boarding process was like a dream. We have waited longer for our Starbucks than the amount of time it took to board this plane. We pulled up to our local regional airport, parked (for free!), checked in at a lovely, spotless private terminal at the airport, passed our unlimited bags to a crew member, and walked directly onto the plane.  To repeat, we did not have to wait in never-ending security lines, at ticket counters, or need to remove our shoes while simultaneously folding up a MacLaren and holding two kids. The magic of this flight was that we knew it was not taking off without us!

And security is not an issue when you’re the only passengers. Not only were we all still in wonderful moods after boarding the plane, it took all of fifteen minutes to do it. This might have been the key selling point for us, but it gets better…

The aircraft was gorgeous. Buttery leather seats (lie-flat club chairs), fresh-smelling interior, gleaming windows, cozy angora blankets, a plethora of magazines and newspapers, touch screens to control lighting and shades, and a spacious aisle. We were ready to move in. And the kids had tons of space to set-up toys, stretch out and play. We all felt like a million bucks. Truth: you get what you pay for. 

The crew (consisting of two people) went above and beyond to make things easier and more comfortable, and to make the kids laugh. They cracked jokes, handed out wings, stowed bags, and even made faux convo with our 3-year-old’s stuffed animal bestie. They were not overworked, stressed, or hurried. These people clearly loved their jobs.  

Forget your kid’s snacks? Not a problem on XO Jets. The plane was pre-stocked with tons of them, ideal for kids. It was like being at home, only better. Drawers of bites and treats, from animal crackers to fruit to M&M’s. Need to keep a baby bottle cold? No worries, there’s a mini-fridge and of course, extra milk. Our catered lunch was fresh and delicious and the kid’s meals were thoughtfully appropriate and healthy. Best of all, we decided when we wanted to eat and for how long. No one rushed down the aisle to pick up our trays or ran out of our preferred food option. 

The freedom during the flight was the best part. Yes, we were still on a plane and safety rules applied, but the kids could get up and move around when they needed to. We weren’t driving anyone (besides family!) nuts when the 3-year-old had to use the bathroom eighteen times in one hour and the 1-year-old needed to walk up and down the aisle a thousand times. There was complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-flight entertainment system with children’s options galore. Our flight was just three hours long but we happily would have flown to China on this plane. (A side note on the bathroom: the toilet had a soft leather top that basically folded over it converting to a perfect-sized, comfy changing table.)

The flight was smooth and peaceful. We worried that on a smaller plane the routine bumps and bounces of a normal flight would feel magnified, but that didn’t happen. We hit a small patch of turbulence and the pilots handled it immediately and expertly. 

THE BAD

Let’s be realistic here. There is nothing bad about flying private, especially with two young kids in tow.  We also did not get nickel & dimed for checked bags, fees or food.

The only (highly obvious) downside to the private option is the cash outlay.  Flights from New York-area airports to the Caribbean on XO Jet start at $25K. Want to fly from NY to LAX? You’re looking at $26K for a one-way journey.

But hey, we can dream. Our 1-year-old lived out my, er, her, Blue Ivy fantasies. A private plane, especially an XO Jet, made a trip with kids a completely enjoyable, unforgettable flying experience. 

In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”

[Photos: XOJET]

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Juliana https://tripsandgiggles.com

Juliana is the founder and editor of Trips + Giggles. She has three children and lives in Los Angeles.

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