Imagine arriving at the airport and flying around the country – or world – with no long lines, no jostling, no stripping and no stress.
While just a dream for most, it’s how the rich and super-rich live. Limos driven right to the plane door, concierge service taking care of your ground transportation, and departure times arranged around your schedule.
As you deal with ever-growing security lines and other hassles during your next vacation, consider this: For the wealthy, the travel experience is getting even richer.
Competition among private-jet charter and maintenance companies, such as Jet Aviation and its rivals – including First Aviation Services, Signature Air, Million Air, SheltAir and Avitat – are forcing multimillion dollar upgrades of facilities.
At Teterboro Airport – home base for jet-setters travelling into New York – gyms and personal trainers, comfortable living room-like waiting rooms, saunas and marble bathrooms are being installed to woo the deep-pocketed set.
Jet Aviation, which has already completed a major makeover of its facilities, boasts each of these creature comforts, plus free Wi-Fi and conference rooms that feature the latest technological bells and whistles. SheltAir, at LaGuardia, even offers loaner golf clubs.
“These terminals are becoming extraordinarily appealing and convenient and comfortable,” said Bill Garvey, editor of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine.
Driving these upgrades, of course, is the battle for the wealthy, the corporate fliers and their lucrative fuel purchases. With the economy humming along, there is a steady supply of executives and newly minted millionaires with the $45,000 – minimum – needed to join the jet set.
And companies are climbing over themselves to offer posher terminals and better service.
Gone are the days, it seems, when a barren hangar, threadbare amenities and a comfy jet were enough to make these fliers happy.[email protected]