Frankfurt Airport Opens New Lufthansa Lounges Posted: Oct. 10th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Frankfurt Airport If you find yourself traveling through Frankfurt Airport frequently, you'll be pleased to find out that a new A-Plus Concourse was just opened, as well as five new lounges from Lufthansa. According to Air Nation, Lufthansa lounge network is one of the largest in the world, with hundreds of lounges all over the world. The Senator Lounge, First Class Lounge, and Business Lounge at Frankfurt can all be found on the EU Departures and Arrivals level, while additional Senator and Business Lounges are located in the Non-Schengen area. The lounges are supposedly pretty roomy, with the Senator Lounge in the Non-Schegan area coming in at 2,100 square meters and acting as Lufthansa's biggest lounge. Frankfurt is planning on adding even more lounges in the future so ultimately, passengers will have 13 to choose from. The Business and Senator lounges were designed with customers in mind and the airport even invited them to partake in focus groups to evaluate the plans. The design aesthetic is meant to make you feel calm and at ease, featuring backlit walls (including forest themes), leather, and oak.

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Enter to be Virgin Atlantic's "Red Hot Reporter" for the NFL International Series Posted: Oct. 9th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Airlines Are you an obsessive fan of the NFL? Is your favorite team The New England Patriots or the St. Louis Rams? If so, you have a great opportunity ahead of you. As long as you are at least 21 years old and have some connection to Facebook or Twitter, you can enter to win a spot on your favorite team’s Virgin Atlantic luxury flight to Wembley Stadium in London for the sixth annual NFL International series.

Through social media, Virgin Atlantic is searching for two “Red Hot Reporter's” with an adoration for The Patriots and Rams to be their football ambassador and correspondent. As the partner for this year’s (and the past four years’) series, Virgin Atlantic provides the airfare for the teams, each on their own personalized charter. One lucky fan from each team will be able to travel with the team and get exclusive access to press conferences, parties, practices, and even the Virgin Atlantic Suite at Wembley Stadium. All of those perks and your only obligation is to cover the game live on October 28, and document the whole experience on your social media page. Photo Courtesy of The St. Louis Rams

Entries will be sifted through with a filter putting the most social media savvy person at the top of the list of potentials. Enter on Facebook or Twitter through the Virgin Atlantic pages, preferably with a video submission. Your entry should be a convincing argument as to why you are worthy of this opportunity, emphasizing your far-reaching circle of followers. If you think you have what it takes, the contest is open for submissions October 4-15. Photo Courtesy of The New England Patriots

Photo Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Airlines

Photo Courtesy of The St. Louis Rams

Photo Courtesy of The New England Patriots

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Global Jet Lindbergh Card Promises to Keep Your World Moving Posted: Oct. 5th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Thinkstock Erik Lindbergh (grandson of pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh) joined Chris Leach, Chair of Air Charter Service, at Manhattan's Explorer Club last night, Oct.4, 2012 to launch a new global jet card. Responding to requests from celebrities, businesses, crisis management folks, as well as many loyal repeat customers, Erik and Chris outlined why they believe the Lindbergh Card will revolutionize the private aviation industry. Backed by a promise to "fly you how you want, when you want, where you want and the way you want", cardholders will benefit from a choice of over 150 different aircraft types, on five continents, with a simple email. Whether you need transport for a face-to-face to iron out those last pesky details for that gold mine you’re buying in Papua New Guinea or just want to arrive in style at the Cannes Film Festival, a personal Lindbergh Card Account Manager offers the resources and expertise to put your flight together at a moments notice. There is a minimum pre-pay of $100,000, but for those who fall into the "time is big money" category, the Lindbergh Card may be just the answer.

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Jumpjet Brings Affordable Private Jet Travel to 40 U.S. Cities Posted: Oct. 3rd, 2012 | Comments 1 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Jumpjet Membership-based luxury travel club Jumpjet will begin accepting members in October forprivate jet flights that will depart from 40 U.S. cities beginning on November 1, 2012. For a monthly fee, members will be able to access private business jets at a price point that is comparable to commercial first-class flights.

"With the membership model's accessible price point, we anticipate the launch of Jumpjet will bring new customers to private aviation, supporting the charter industry and operators as a whole," said Will Aschcroft, founder and CEO of Jumpjet. "There are also countless travelers frustrated by their current flying experience and would like to upgrade but haven't considered the possibility because it is price prohibitive. With the introduction of Jumpjet, we believe we can change the way millions of people travel and bring luxury and value together in a new and truly positive way."

The new luxury travel club offers three types of membership plans: the Upper Club, the Upper Club Plus, and the Coast-to-coast Elite. The Upper Club plan includes 10 round-trip flights per calendar year to destinations with a range of 1,750 miles at $2,350 per month. The Upper Club Plus option includes 10 round-trip flights per calendar year to destinations with a range of 2,250 miles at $3,995 per month. The Coast-to-coast Elite selection includes 10 round-trip flights anywhere within the United States at $5,500 per month.

Additionally, companion passes are available for $1,250 to $2,000 per guest. Jumpjet also has an innovative Jump Shared Program, which offers the same features as the Upper Club and Upper Club Plus programs, while permitting up to 10 contacts to share the monthly fee.

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Business Travelers Ready to Speed Through Immigration at Heathrow Airport Posted: Sep. 27th, 2012 | Comments 2 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Thinkstock According to Daily Mail, UK airports are trying to make passport control a lot quicker and easier for all business class travelers. Maybe you're returning home from abroad or you're flying in to visit friends and family in London, but most people are pretty used to the irritating lines that can accumulate while passports are being checked. Thanks to Heathrow and other British airports, those two-hour-long lines may be a thing of the past, assuming you're a high-valued flyer that is. Business travelers and those of "high value" (probably meaning people important to the British economy) may soon be able to 'fast-track' their way through the long lines at border control, given priority access at the busy checkpoint. Officials and port operators are still discussing how they can implement the new plans, but they probably aren't going to come cheap to the customer. Jumping the queue could cost wealthy fliers £1,800 (around $2,918) as part of a bigger service. The moment you step off your plane, you will be fetched via limousine and taken to a VIP suite where you can enjoy champagne as your passport is checked and luggage is delivered.

Read More on DailyMail.co.uk

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American Airlines Flies Into The Future With New Tablet Program Posted: Sep. 26th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of American Airlines American Airlines announced this Wednesday their decision to launch their new innovative tablet program with the Samsung Galaxy Note. This new in-flight gadget will give flight attendants access to relevant passenger information, allowing for a more personalized and enjoyable flying experience. This new device (smaller than a regular tablet but bigger than a smartphone) allows American Airlines flight attendants to have access to invaluable customer information and preferences at their fingertips, including the ability to record meal and beverage favorites, provide customers with connecting gates, flight delays and weather information, and access to bank statements and criminal records (well...it doesn't provide the last two, but it still gives a surprisingly amount of information). The tablet can even identify high-valued customers and whether your connecting flight was delayed or on-time.

When discussing this new program, Lauri Curtis, American Airlines' Vice President of Flight Service explains, “This is a huge step towards a new, modern American Airlines, as our tablet program is the first of its kind in the airline industry, where our flight attendants will have the most up-to-date customer information in the palms of their hands, allowing them to better serve our customers from boarding to deplaning.” After piloting the program this spring the airline has decided that starting later this year, and continuing on into mid-2013, they will be providing their approximately 17,000 flight attendants with the selected devices (pending FAA approval). Through months of testing, American Airlines carefully selected the Samsung Galaxy Note for its portable sleek design, security features, and 5.3-inch screen, which allows for easy readability and quick access to customer information. "We're pioneering important new technologies as part of our continued effort to build a new American and return to industry leadership," said American Airlines Chief Information Officer, Maya Leibman. "As we continue to evolve into a more modern airline and explore ways to enhance the travel experience, we are giving our people the tools they need to offer our loyal customers ease of travel both in the air and on the ground."

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Exclusive With Transaero CEO | A Bright New Take Off for the Russian Airline Posted: Sep. 25th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Transaero In several ways, the Russian airline company Transaero is representative of Russia as a country, post soviet era. They have a youthful, modern and thriving energy, with a desire to explore this rich, vast world so new to them. Their commitment to implementing western standards for Russia’s airline industry, loyalty to our very own Boeing, and jet speed company growth led by a woman, are hugely impressive and inspiring. My interview with Transaero CEO, Olga Pleshakova in Moscow, enlightened me on the company’s rapid expansion, some growing pains along the way, and her devotion to helping others in need. As usual, I conducted my due diligence research on Transaero and Pleshakova before the scheduled interview in Moscow recently. Naturally, I had formed a picture in my own head as to what Pleshakova would look like and how the interview would go down. I expected an old, stern Russian woman dressed in a dark grey suit to storm into the office with bodyguards armed with automatic weapons. I expected her not to smile nor show any inkling of a personality while she allows me to ask two questions, no more, of which she pre-selected. Wrong I was. Pleshakova is a lovely, sophisticated woman who warmly greeted and welcomed me into her office where she was open and willing to discuss all my questions. You read correctly, the General Director, or CEO, of the only privately owned Russian airline company is a woman, and the first woman to earn the highest position in Russian aviation industry of all time. Deservingly so, Pleshakova earned a PhD in Engineering from the Moscow Aviation Institute, and has climbed the ladder within Transaero since 1992 up to her current position as CEO since 2001.

“There was never a single instance when I had to prove myself,” Pleshakova answers when I asked of her rise to this top executive position in a male dominated industry. Questions of acceptance and equality often arise for Pleshakova yet she reminds me, “This professional level does not depend on whether you are a man or a woman.” She confidently admits, “I never had to apply special efforts to prove my competency.” I asked Pleshakova what social changes she has noticed of Moscow in the recent decade compared to Soviet times. “Moscow is a modern city,” she illustrates, “and Russians are more active. The youth all know English and the state of mind and attitudes have changed, in general, for the better.” She describes how Russian citizens now have “a more open and friendly approach towards foreigners.” “In the more recent decade, Russians converted themselves into active tourists,” Pleshakova says, “it is a manifestation of Russian society, and evidence of economic stability.” The world has noticed more Russian presence and wealth where there is a presence of wealth to be found. Popular destinations and vacation spots include St. Tropez, St. Barts, Cancun, Miami, and Dubrovnik. Pleshakova reacted with this need by “creating a high quality product in demand,” for growth in both tourist and business passengers. First class taken up a notch with Transaero would be their Imperial Class. Worth mentioning in Imperial is the Café Pushkin gourmet cuisines, and seat recline to 180-degree beds.

As an American, I had to thank Pleshakova for Transaero’s purchase of so many Boeing aircrafts, which included an order of an additional 21 Boeings this year alone. “We are a faithful Boeing client and we will stay a loyal partner of the U.S. manufacturer in the years to come.” This decision was easy for the company due to Boeing’s incomparable quality of product and service especially in Transaero’s first decade of operations. However, this decision has been frowned upon by the RU government who has attempted, in their own way, to encourage her decisions to buy Russian made aircrafts by implementing high customs duties. “Duties on foreign produced aircrafts were up to 42%, and that was at the time when there were no Russian produced aircrafts to purchase,” Pleshakova tells me. Government reform in more recent years has revised customs charges and now about 90% of their aircrafts purchased are completely duty free. As Pleshakova stated so democratically, “Only competition can lead to a stable development.” Since Pleshakova was appointed CEO, the carrier has turned a profit every year since 2002. Routes have expanded to 160, which include New York, Miami and Los Angeles. The number of passengers increased every year since their first flight in 1991 totaling almost 8.5 million last year, according to their 2011 annual report. For this and numerous other accomplishments too long to list, the company and Pleshakova herself have won several awards and recognitions. “All the achievements of Transaero are inseparably associated with her name,” stated Dmitry Medvedev as he awarded Pleshakova with the state decoration with honorary degree for her work in the Russian transportation industry.

Most impressive to me personally, was Pleshakova’s generosity and devotion to charity she implemented for her company as a whole. One foundation offers a special flights program to WWII veterans. Another children’s program “organizes transporting children in need of treatment to Moscow or foreign clinics, and doctors delivering material for transplants.” The corporate volunteer program encourages employees from different regions in Russia to become involved in “projects designed to assist disabled children suffering from cancer, and help orphans adapt to life in society.” Pleshakova was proud to point out a few pieces of art in her office. I expected them to be a priceless collection, and in a way I am sure to Pleshakova they are. There was this huge, framed colorful map of the world she has showcased at the entrance of her office. Smiling, she went on to describe that the map was a gift made by the children from one of the charities they are involved with. It’s a happy map, colorful with smiling jets. She was again excited to point out another masterpiece. This one was a Transaero model airplane decorated with vibrant colors. Another thank you gift from yet another children’s charity they sponsor. Pleshakova explained how each child was able to paint something on the airplane, and how the youngest children who were not able to paint, were at least assisted in giving a finger imprint with paint on the model: tiny polka dot fingerprints. There is public access to company financial figures and press releases on Transaero’s charitable contributions, but Pleshakova showed genuine pride in her artistic gifts only when I asked of them.

As you can imagine, Pleshakova is well traveled. She has journeyed to the Far East and remote locations in Asia, complimenting their excellent service and spas. Pleshakova admires the charm of European cities with narrow, winding roads and ancient architecture. However, she also appreciates the modern wide roads and highways in America. “I like Dallas, Chicago and how the sun goes down in California,” Pleshakova says with a smile. “I travel extensively, but I have not been to South America nor Australia yet.” Pleshakova herself is representative of the modern Russian woman. First and foremost, she is intelligent, experienced and confident. Additionally, she exudes warmth, grace and the ever so important trait of compassion. Others have taken notice of her greatness as she is often at an event with high government officials such as Putin and Medvedev, receiving an honorary award, or at a charity event. Congratulations to Olga Pleshakova for a job well done. You are an inspiration to us all as an individual, and an executive who has led your company to all its successes. We will be watching as you continue to spread your wings and soar. May I suggest Ms. Pleshakova run in Russia’s next Presidential election? If you can do for Russia what you have done for Transaero and your charities, the world will be a better place. For more on Transaero Airlines visit Transaero.com

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Get Reimbursed for Missing Your JetBlue Flight Posted: Sep. 21st, 2012 | Comments 1 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Thinkstock Have you ever gotten ready for an exciting vacation, your flight and hotel booked and ready, only to have your flight delayed or canceled at the last minute? More often than not, cancelled flights results in fees that sometimes turn you away from using that airline again in the future.JetBlue Airways realizes that sometimes plans change so they're now offering 360 support to their customers. Not only will JetBlue take care of the flight, they'll also support any hotel stays, car rentals, and all activities booked through their vacation program if the delay was caused by a fault of their own.

JetBlue’s Director McCarthy claims, “We were the first to offer a Customer Bill of rights for our flights, and now we’re the first to expand our customer promise to include the other parts of a vacation when you book a vacation package with us.” No need to worry about unforeseen negligence on the part of JetBlue, as they offer several ways you can be reimbursed for your troubles. The airline lists specific compensation including waiving the $100 person change/cancel fee in the case of a controllable event. What is a controllable event? It's apparently any delay or cancellation that is considered to be within JetBlue's control, like crew unavailability or maintenance issues. If the event is controllable, your airfare will be rebooked to the same destination for dates set by the airline at no cost to you, and they'll even waive any hotel car penalties or increases in price for the same destination.

If that's not enough, customers who experience a controllable event are entitled to a full Getaways credit that will be good for one year towards future bookings, plus possible bonus compensation. If you have to extend you stay longer than expected, Jet Blue will make hotel reservations for the additional days, as well as car rentals, at no cost to you. Customers that book with JetBlue Getaways and select the vacations package are also privy to additional benefits, such as best price guarantee, $50 dollars off your next vacation, and a loyalty program that accumulates points for every dollar spent. For more information visit JetBlue.com.

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Flexjet 25 Jet Card Program Adds Premium Perks to Enhance Luxury Jet Travel Posted: Sep. 19th, 2012 | Comments 1 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Flexjet The Flexjet 25 Jet Card program, which affords travelers the experience of private jet travelwithout the accompanying costs of ownership, recently announced the addition of four new perks it will be offering to its high-flying clientele.  Cardholders of the Flexjet 25 Jet Card will have access to 50 of the most exclusive private golf clubs in North America at significantly reduced rates via Executive Golfer. Various top travel packages will also be offered through luxury-travel company Abercrombie & Kent. Spa-based vacationing will be provided by the Lake Austin Spa Resort, which was voted #1 Destination Spa in North America by readers of Condé  Nast Traveler. Cardholders also will have elite travel status with Korean Air and Qatar Airways for international flights.

“The Flexjet 25 Jet Card program is the gateway to the premium private jet travel experience, where every need and want is tended to with precision and passion,” said Fred Reid, president of Flexjet. “This year, its esteemed alliance partners will ensure customers of the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program continue to receive the highest levels of personal service where ever their travels may take them.” The cost of owning a Flexjet 25 Jet Card starts at $100,000. The program is similar to a debit card, whereas the cost of each flight is deducted from the prepaid balance. The card (product), which is operated by Jet Solutions, can be replenished automatically or manually. With a 24-hour notification, cardholders are provided two options for travel-by-the-hour on a fleet of Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and Challenger 604 business aircraft. For more information on the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program, visit Flexjet25.com.

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Onboard Jacuzzis and Kitchens Prove Private Jets Are Back Posted: Sep. 18th, 2012 | Comments 1 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Thinkstock Private jets, and all of the perks that come with them, spent some time being relatively swept aside due to the declining economy. People didn't want to appear wasteful and insensitive in the wake of the recession. However, those who have extra wealth to burn seem to turning back to the days of filling their jets with Jacuzzis and full-service kitchens. "This mini-recovery is welcome news for the industry’s interior designers. Those for whom money is no object are once again beginning to fill their jets with Jacuzzis, cinemas and full-service kitchens," says CNBC. "A midsized airplane refurbished by an internationally known designer will typically involve a fee of about $400,000, companies say. However all work is required to go through a 'completion center', as aircraft can only be worked on by certified engineers."

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Sip California's Best Wines Aboard Delta Courtesy of Their New "Winemaker Series" Posted: Sep. 13th, 2012 | Comments 1 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Thinkstock Airlines have been feeling the pressure to up their game when it comes to food and drinks offered in flight, with many companies enlisting the help of gourmet chefs and wine connoisseurs. Delta just joined the ranks of those like Air New Zealand (who have a food and wine list overseen by some of the best in the country) and got a whole lot classier with their "Winemaker Series," which began on September 1, 2012. Offered to BusinessElite flyers on trans-con flights connecting New York with Los Angeles and San Francisco, the "Winemaker Series" is made up of hand-selected California wines that represent the state's best wine-makers. Delta brought their in-flight partner Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson (who has worked on their wine menu since February 2008) on the program, putting her in charge of curating the new wine menu and allowing her to hand-pick the best California winemakers to be featured in air. Each chosen wine will be offered onboard for two months at a time, also giving flyers the chance to purchase a bottle and have it shipped to their home.

"I am delighted about this opportunity to share some of my favorite wines," says Robinson. "The Delta Winemaker Series features juicy, silky and refreshing taste profiles, and all translate well on the palate at 30,000 feet. I expect Delta's customers will be impressed by the quality and variety of wine as these winemakers and their vintages are among the best of California and, most importantly, they taste delicious in flight." Travelers are privy to a unique experience that includes a gourmet three-course menu from Napa-based chef Michael Chiarello, each food choice paired expertly with the wine menu, which launched just recently with Santa Barbara-based Inception Wines (including a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Jonathan Hirsh and George Pitsironis). Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa offers their Equilibrium Fume Blanc and Merlot from Director of Winemaking Genevieve Janssens, and as one of California's first female winemakers, Merry Edwards brings a Sauvignon Blanc. Charles Krug Winery will lend a Napa Valley Merlot from Peter Mondavi, Dave Miner (Miner Family Winery) is featured with his "Simpson Vineyard" Viognier 2011, and lastyly, Heidi Peterson-Barrett of La Sirena in Napa will show a special Syrah.

"We know our transcon customers have great taste and discerning palates. This program is a natural way to further enhance their in-flight experience," says Gail Grimmett, Delta's senior vice president in New York. "The Delta Winemakers Series, combined with Wi-Fi on every flight, new cabin interiors with seat back in-flight entertainment, BusinessElite cradle seats for a comfortable sleep, and special menus designed by Napa-based chef Michael Chiarello, offers a unique cross-country flight experience for our customers." Before you hop on a Delta flight to take advantage of their new "Winemaker Series", you should check out our exclusive interview with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, who talks about her love for the program and her journey to the esteemed Master Sommelier title. For more information visit Delta.com.

Sleep Through Your LAN Flight On The New Boeing 787 Dreamliner Posted: Sep. 11th, 2012 | Comments 2 | Make a Comment

Photo Courtesy of LAN Airlines Many of us love to travel, but getting to our destination via airline can leave us overwhelmed and exhausted. Is it the long, nauseous hours spent in the air trying to desperately pop our ears, or is it perhaps the rock-hard, uncomfortably upright seats that never seem to have enough leg room? Whatever it is that leaves you weary simply from the thought of flying, LAN now has a way that you can experience an enhanced and enjoyable travel experience without any of the usual discomforts.

This August, LAN was the first airline in the Americas to receive the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with plans to add 32 additional 787's to it's fleet over the next ten years. When discussing the $4.9 billion order (the largest investment in airline history, according to the company), LAN Airlines’ CEO, Ignacio Cueto, explains, “This is not only a milestone for LAN, but also for all of our passengers that will experience an enhanced LAN in-flight experience thanks to the cutting edge technology and visionary elements of this new aircraft. The Dreamliner will make it possible for us to cover greater distances in a more environmentally conscious and highly efficient aircraft which will help ensure our sustainable growth.”

As part of this upgraded experience, passengers will be able to enjoy the warm colors and inviting textures of the cabin, inspired by South American design. One of the new features on the aptly named Dreamliner is the 100% horizontal, full flat seat that includes a lumbar massage, ensuring quality comfort and relaxation for those flying Premium Business class. Onboard entertainment also received an upgrade, with high-definition screens that use the latest touch technology, as well as data ports that are compatible with all Apple devices.

With LAN Airlines’ commitment to customer comfort and satisfaction, the Boeing 787 includes auto-dimming windows to accommodate the passenger throughout all stages of their voyage. The aircraft also features larger windows allowing for more visibility during the flight, along with overhead bins with 30% more storage space (say goodbye to cramming in your carry on). If it's turbulence that gets your heart racing and has you contemplating cancelling your travel plans altogether, then it’s time for you to experience the Boeing 787 with its improved aerodynamics that promise to reduce the amount of turbulence you experience.

According to LAN, the 787 produces 20% less CO2 emission than a similar aircraft, yet another aspect of this aircraft that allows for peace of mind. With flights to Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Los Angeles, Madrid, and Frankfurt, it looks as if it's about time to plan your next vacation. For more information visit LAN.com.

Top 10 private jets – Billionaires unlashed

When air travel is in question, the rich and famous fly in their own private jets. Equipped with luxurious interiors to suit their delicate taste, these private planes such as Cessna, Boeing, or Convair, make the trips their wealthy owners more comfortable and enjoyable. So, next time you fly in economy class I bet you’ll think about these lucky guys.

10. Donald Trump and his Boeing 727-23
Originally operated by American Airlines, this 1968 vintage jet was reconfigured to hold 23, with pale leather armchairs, gold plated seatbelt buckles, oil paintings, and Waterford crystal lamps. The “Trump” logo on the side of the aircraft is 30 feet long, 4 feet high, and made of 23 carat gold leaf.

9. Roman Abramovich and his Boeing 767-33A
This 767 may look ordinary on the outside, but its interior is reportedly outfitted with chestnut and decorated with gold. The aircraft can often be spotted at Luton Airport some 40 miles north of London, where Abramovich spends much of his time.

8. The Sultan of Brunei and his Boeing 747-430
The Sultan bought this 747 brand new for at least $100 million and had it fitted with a special interior and features such as washbasins of solid gold and Lalique crystal at an additional cost of some $120 million. The Sultan has several other aircraft, but this is his largest.

7. Jimmy Buffett and his Grumman HU-16 Albatross
This former military Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibian aircraft owned by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett is named “The Hemisphere Dancer”. In 1996, it was shot at in Jamaica by local police who suspected it of carrying drugs.

6. Air Force One
The aircraft used to transport President George W. Bush on important state and domestic visits, Air Force One is a Boeing 747-200B that has been heavily modified with secure communications systems, electronic equipment, a self-contained baggage loader, front and aft air stairs, and the ability to refuel in-flight.

5. Mark Cuban and his Boeing 767-277
Billionaire Mark Cuban, who owns the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team, reportedly had custom-made seats installed on the aircraft that are large enough to accommodate the team’s tallest players.

4. Elvis Presley and his Convair 880
Named “Lisa Marie” after Elvis’ daughter, this Convair 880 was customized with 28 seats instead of the usual 110. The tail of the now preserved jet was painted with The King’s personal “TCB” logo, which stands for “Takin’ Care of Business”.

3. Bill Gates and his Bombardier BD-700 Global Express
Owned by Challenger Administration LLC on Bill Gates’ behalf, this jet can carry eight people at a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet for a distance of 6,500 nautical miles, a range that permits nonstop Tokyo-New York or Los Angeles-Moscow.

2. Wayne Huizenga and his de Havilland Canada DHC-6-320 Twin Otter
One of the most rugged and reliable utility transport aircraft ever built, the unpressurized Twin Otter can carry up to 19 people and take off from and land on rough strips as short as 100 yards. This aircraft appeared in a seaplane chase scene in the James Bond film “Casino Royale”.

1. Harrison Ford and his Cessna 525B CJ3 Citation Jet
Harrison Ford pilots his own CJ3, which can carry six people in comfort for some 1,900 nautical miles. Ford is considered so good a pilot that the FAA asked him to be the spokesman for the runway incursion awareness and prevention campaign that the agency started in 2001.

• If you happen to have one of these or maybe even better jet, please contact the administrator and you’ll be added shortly.