'First class but better': What it's like flying by private jet - and the only type of luggage the wealthy use
"First class but better," is how FalconAir CEO, Laura Younes describes what travelling by private jet is like.
The boss of the Sydney-based private plane company says it caters to well-off fliers who want to bypass regular travel headaches.
"People who were flying first class are now moving into private - it's costing the same," Laura tells 9Travel.
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FalconAir is a Sydney-based private jet company. Supplied
"When you're flying first class you're still lining up."
The company has two jets and is based at Bankstown Airport in the city's west.
Included in the price of hiring the plane is whatever food and drinks you want - be it Champagne and lobster or caviar, as well as a hefty 1300 kilograms of baggage.
And talking of the price, how much does it cost?
Some of the prices are not as much as you might think, she reveals.
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Included in the price of hiring the plane is whatever food and drinks you want - be it Champagne and lobster or caviar Supplied
Nine/Graphic: Polly Hanning
"The smaller aircraft starts at $4500 to regional areas, you could do a lunch in Orange and that's a group of six," Laura says.
But there is one way to save a hefty amount on the most luxurious way to fly.
The company sells 'empty legs,' when it's travelling with the plane empty, on the way or way back from a booking. Laura says they advertise these online.
"A normal trip to Queenstown costs $70-80K, we would sell that off for maybe $10- $15K."
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The plane's seats can become beds. Supplied
But it's not just business people who are booking to fly around the nation, or to popular destinations like Bali and Queenstown.
"You've got groups of guys going on a boys trip," she says.
"We've had surprise birthday parties, from a 50 year-old to a 15 year-old."
And forget cramped seats, the lavish lounges can turn into beds, and you can even bring pets.
"We've had a trip where it was like a pet day on the jet, everyone got to take their pets on," Laura says.
While Laura wouldn't confirm, the company reportedly flew members of band Coldplay around Australia during their last tour, photos showed.
Chris Martin and Coldplay flew with FalconAir in Australia. AP
One of FalconAir's private jets Supplied
Meanwhile, Laura reveals passengers generally have one kind of luggage they use.
Rather than suitcases, they generally turn up with leather designer bags from posh brands like Louis Vuitton.
"We do prefer the soft luggage. They usually come with their designer soft luggage," she says.
Other benefits of the ultra-luxe service includes include airport officials coming to you, and a flight attendant who can make you cocktails.
