Private Jets Take Hassle Out of Flying

After all this hassle, I just came to the realization that there had to be a better way to get to where I wanted to go. So I looked into taking a private jet.

Once I did it, I loved it and swear that I will never go back to flying a commercial tube. Now, before you get huffy and think: "Big time baseball player enjoying his private plane," just take a breather. A private plane is expensive, but it may be worth your while. At least, it's an option that you may want to consider.

First, let me dismiss a few myths about taking a private plane. You don't always have to rent out the whole plane. Many private jet companies will let you share with other travelers, and that reduces the expense greatly.

Much of the cost will depend on where you are going, and how flexible you are with your travel plans. Flying private is an especially worthwhile consideration if you're taking a trip with the whole family on very little notice.

For example, if you want to fly a family of our first-class from New York to Los Angeles with only one day's notice, your total outlay for this would run anywhere from $14,000 to $21,000, depending on what time of day you left.

Generally, you could fly a private jet for $65,000 on the low end, though the average price should be around $85,000.

Second, flying private eliminates so much of the travel hassle that it's worth some extra money.

Now, remember, the commercial airlines tell you that flying first class is worth it, but what hassle do they eliminate? You still wait in line to check your luggage, and you still have to wait to get through security, and there's no guarantee that your luggage is going to land at the same time that you do. If you fly first class a great deal, you know what I'm talking about.

When I take a private jet, it's so easy. I just drop off my luggage, go through the security very quickly, and then I settle back in my plush seat and take off when we're ready. Who needs to follow the schedule of a commercial airline, when you can pretty much set your own.