News Article

Our Guide to Private Jets

7 May 2025

When we say we’re here to take care of every detail of your travels, we truly mean it. Whether it’s creating easy-to-follow Strava maps for our favourite hiking routes or arranging private jets and charters, nothing is off-limits.

When it comes to flying privately, we’re fortunate to work with Craig at Topjet, an industry expert with decades of experience. For today’s guide, we asked Craig to share the key things you need to know about travelling in ultimate luxury.

1. The Initial Enquiry

So, you’re considering flying privately. Maybe it’s for a special occasion and you want to make the trip truly unforgettable, or perhaps you need to reach a destination that isn’t served by frequent or direct flights, and you’re ready to treat yourself.


To help us recommend the best aircraft for your journey, here are the key details we’ll need:

- How many people are travelling

- Where you’re travelling to and your preferred departure airport


With this information, we’ll work out the most efficient routing and propose a few suitable aircraft options (more on those later).

2. The Pricing

Craig and the team at TopJet can plan trips both near and far. While European destinations are understandably the most popular, we can arrange everything from short helicopter transfers to UK sporting events to long-haul journeys to the Caribbean.


Pricing varies depending on the type of aircraft required, which is influenced by factors like distance and the number of passengers. However, to give you a rough idea of summer pricing:


- 6 passengers flying from London to Nice – from £14,000

- 6 passengers flying from London to Ibiza – from £18,000

- 8 passengers flying from London to Mykonos – from £32,000

3. The VIP Experience

For many, one of the biggest benefits of flying privately is the convenience. With no queues, streamlined pre-flight checks, and a dedicated concierge team to assist with immigration, passengers typically need to arrive at the airport just 30 minutes before departure.


In addition, the availability of smaller airports across the UK and Europe means private aircraft can often depart from much closer to home and land closer to your final destination.


Whether it’s a dedicated VIP terminal at major airports like Manchester or East Midlands, or a private jet airport such as Farnborough or Biggin Hill, the simplicity and ease of the experience is central to every journey.

4. The Aircraft

This is the part that’s likely to interest the aviation enthusiasts among you.


For popular summer destinations in Western and Central Europe, such as Nice, Ibiza, and Mallorca, a light or super light jet is typically ideal for 4 to 6 passengers. Options might include the Cessna Citation CJ3+, Embraer Phenom 300E, or Pilatus PC-24.


For longer journeys, such as flights to the Greek Islands, a super midsize jet is required to ensure the necessary range and comfort. For destinations further afield, like Dubai, we would recommend aircraft such as the Bombardier Challenger 3500 or the Embraer Legacy 500, offering generous cabin space and full flight attendant service.


When we first began learning about private jets and charters at Love To Explore, we were genuinely surprised by the variety of aircraft available. If you're curious about the finer details, from seating layouts to luggage capacity, we have all the information ready for you.

5. Empty Leg Journeys

If you're flying along a popular route and are curious about trying private aviation at a more accessible price point, this could be a great option.


Each day, aircraft fly empty between airports, usually repositioning after dropping off passengers and heading to their next pick-up location. These are known as “Empty Leg” flights. If you’re flexible with your travel date, departure time, and even your destination, empty legs can offer a surprisingly cost-effective way to experience private flying.


For example, a small jet carrying 8 passengers from London to Cannes during the summer could cost around £8,000 on an empty leg, saving around £7,000. If you have specific routes in mind, simply register your details with us, and when a matching empty leg becomes available, we’ll let you know.

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Review: Mr & Mrs W

We have flown privately with the help of Love To Explore on two occasions, and each time was seamless from the start of planning to our arrival back in the UK. We were provided with a selection of options when it came to the aircraft and their respective price points, and plenty of guidance on the benefits of each. When it came to the actual journey, we were met at our departure airport by Craig himself, who was there to make sure everything ran smoothly. The journeys themselves were as fabulous as you would expect!
Read our interview with Craig from Topjet

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