The cost of a blue bomber ticket can vary quite a bit depending on the specific flight, airline, and when you book. Generally speaking though, a blue bomber flight will be more expensive than a typical commercial flight. There are a few key factors that influence the price of a blue bomber ticket.
What is a Blue Bomber Flight?
A “blue bomber” refers to a flight on a private or chartered jet plane. These jets are typically smaller than commercial airliners, though some larger business jets like the Bombardier Global Express or Gulfstream G650 can seat up to 19 passengers. Blue bomber flights offer travelers the ability to fly on their own schedule, depart from private terminals, and enjoy first-class service and amenities even on shorter flights.
Some key characteristics of a blue bomber flight:
- Private charter on a small to midsize business jet
- Ability to customize flight schedule and itinerary
- Departure from private airport terminals
- Luxury amenities and service
- More expensive than commercial flights
- Ideal for business travel or special occasions
While blue bomber flights offer greater flexibility and luxury, they come at a significantly higher price point than economy commercial flights. However, they can be competitive with business or first-class tickets on major airlines depending on the route.
Factors That Influence Cost
There are several key factors that impact the cost of a blue bomber flight:
Aircraft Size
The size and model of the private jet chartered will have a significant impact on price. A flight on a light jet like the Embraer Phenom 300 that seats 6-8 passengers will be less expensive than flying on a heavy jet like a Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Global Express seating up to 19. Long range jets that can fly international itineraries cost more too.
Flight Distance
How far you fly will greatly impact the total price. A one-way flight from New York to Miami may cost around $3,000 on a light jet, while flying from Los Angeles to London could be $20,000 or much more on a heavy jet.
Peak Versus Off-Peak Times
In most cases, flying on weekends or busy travel days will be more expensive compared to less crowded weekdays. Holiday periods with lots of demand also drive up pricing.
One-Way Versus Round Trip
A round trip charter flight often costs less per flight hour compared to two one-way flights. This is because you only pay one fixed “repositioning fee” for the return empty leg flight.
members
The more passengers flying, the more the overall cost can be split reducing the per seat price. Flying solo on a G650 can cost over $10,000 one-way from New York to San Francisco. But splitting it among the plane’s full capacity brings the per seat price down significantly.
Upfront Booking
Booking a flight 2-3 months in advance typically gets you the best pricing compared to booking last minute. A last minute one-way booking can be 2x as expensive.
Average Cost Estimates
To give you a better idea of typical costs, here are some average blue bomber flight prices in the United States based on common routes and charter planes:
Route | Aircraft | Price |
---|---|---|
New York to Miami (one-way) | Light jet seating up to 8 | $3,000 – $4,000 |
Los Angeles to New York (roundtrip) | Midsize jet seating up to 12 | $25,000 |
Dallas to Aspen (one-way) | Super midsize seating up to 16 | $12,000 |
San Francisco to London (one-way) | Heavy jet seating up to 18 | $45,000 |
These are general ballpark estimates – the exact price will depend on the specific dates, aircraft availability, peak surcharges and other operational factors. Taxes and other additional fees are usually not included in the base charter quote price.
Cost Saving Tips
Here are some tips to help minimize the cost of your blue bomber flight:
- Book during less busy times and allow for flexible travel dates if possible.
- Opt for a one-way fare rather than roundtrip if your travel plans allow it.
- Compare multiple charter companies and aircraft options for the best deal.
- Look into empty leg flights which offer big discounts.
- Join a charter membership program for reduced hourly rates.
- Book well in advance to lock in early bird pricing.
- Fill up the aircraft – split the cost by flying with a group.
How Much to Budget
While it’s impossible to give an exact figure without knowing your specific flight details, the following ranges can help provide an estimate of how much to budget for a blue bomber flight:
- Light jets: $2,000 to $4,000 per flying hour
- Midsize jets: $3,000 to $6,000 per flying hour
- Super midsize jets: $4,000 to $8,000 per flying hour
- Heavy jets: $5,000 to $10,000 per flying hour
- Ultra long haul jets: $8,000+ per flying hour
These hourly rates provide a helpful benchmark, but the total price will depend on your exact route, aircraft, peak surcharges, taxes and other fees.
Conclusion
While certainly much pricier than an economy airline ticket, blue bomber flights provide unmatched flexibility, luxury and convenience for business and leisure travelers. Typical one-way flights cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $45,000 based on the route, aircraft, demand and other factors. Following tips like avoiding peak times, booking one-way fares, and filling seats can help minimize the overall price. For most travelers, the added comfort and time-savings are well worth the premium over commercial flying options.