Airline, airport 'mess' driving more than half of new private jet flyers

54.1% of survey respondents considering private aviation cite bad airline and airport experience.

By Doug Gollan, March 15, 2025

More than half of respondents (54.1%) considering private aviation for the first time say airline delays and the deteriorating experience at airports and with airlines are driving their decision.

Those numbers are from a survey of Private Jet Card Comparisons subscribers looking into private aviation.

Overall, 42.3% of respondents said they fly privately more because of delays, cancelations, and poor experience with scheduled airlines.

The results come as domestic air travel is a mix of jammed airport terminals and jetliners and escalating passenger violence.

A video posted on X shows a man punching a gate agent at Washington’s Dulles Airport in the face.

The agent drops to the floor.

According to the report, the arrested man was unhappy after his previous flight was canceled, and he was assigned a middle seat on a later flight.

That comes a day after a man was accused of kicking a flight attendant and throwing haymakers on a flight to Miami.

In its most recent update, the FAA referred over 300 cases of unruly passengers to the FBI.

READ: Covid-19 & Private Jets: 5 years ago, the worst was yet to come

What you said

An AI review of comments to our survey noted that many users express dissatisfaction with the overall airport experience, particularly issues like crowded terminals, long security lines, and TSA procedures.

This hassle is a primary reason respondents prefer private aviation, as it allows them to bypass these frustrating processes.

Comments highlight frustrations with large, congested airports like LAX and Atlanta Hartsfield, where long distances to gates, confusing layouts, and long wait times make commercial travel feel inefficient and unpleasant.

These issues are especially challenging for older travelers or those with mobility issues, who find private aviation more comfortable and convenient.

Respondents also cited poor airline service as a significant factor driving their decision to switch to private jets.

This includes delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and poor customer service from commercial airlines.

For many, the unpredictability of commercial flights makes private aviation an attractive alternative. It offers more control over scheduling and avoids the common service failures associated with airlines.

Covid-19 impact

Some respondents specifically pointed to the deterioration of commercial airline service in recent years, especially since Covid-19.

The pandemic exacerbated delays, staffing shortages, and general inefficiencies in the airline industry.

Over 95% of new flyers who started during Covid are still flying privately.

A continued drop in service quality pushed some travelers to explore private jet options for the first time.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for using private aviation is the time saved.

Respondents cited avoiding commercial airline delays, layovers, and airport congestion.

Many users describe private jets as a way to save hours, particularly on shorter trips, and to avoid the unpredictability of commercial flight schedules.

Travelers who prioritize efficiency and need to adhere to tight schedules often turn to private aviation to ensure on-time arrivals and departures.

This control over travel schedules is a key benefit compared to commercial airlines, which are prone to delays and cancellations beyond the traveler’s control.

Others mentioned that the disruption of commercial air travel during Covid-19 was a major factor in their decision to switch to private aviation.

Airline Cancelations

As airlines canceled flights and reduced regional service, private jets became a more reliable option for reaching destinations that had lost commercial airline coverage.

Additionally, concerns about health and safety during the pandemic—such as avoiding crowded airports and airplanes—motivated many to turn to private jets as a safer and more comfortable alternative to commercial flights.

Respondents indicated that airlines have become increasingly unreliable, leading to frequent delays, cancellations, and poor service. In particular, weather-related delays, ATC (Air Traffic Control) issues, and staffing shortages were mentioned as reasons why commercial flights have become a frustrating experience.

One respondent said commercial flights had become more reliable over the last six months.

However, overall, the perception is that commercial travel is still a mess, and private aviation provides more reliable options for those who can afford it.

Avoiding Airlines, Airport Lines

For many respondents, the security and privacy of private aviation are significant benefits compared to commercial flying.

The ability to avoid TSA lines and other invasive security measures was frequently mentioned.

This was especially important for travelers who value privacy.

It was also cited by those of you who travel with pets or family and want to minimize stressful airport procedures.

In general, airline and airport frustrations—including delays, poor service, crowded terminals, and TSA hassles—are major factors driving the use of private aviation.

Travelers are fed up with the unpredictability and inconvenience of commercial travel.

They turned to private jets for a more reliable, efficient, and comfortable experience.

Private aviation offers control over scheduling and more privacy.

It also allows travelers to avoid congested airports, making it an attractive alternative for those who can afford it.

Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic further fueled the shift toward private jets.

Health concerns and disruptions to commercial service made private aviation seem safer and more reliable.