Putting the jet in the air is expensive: from millions for custom hangars to a few hundred dollars per month for a leased spot at a secondary airport. Then there are crew costs, maintenance, insurance and the most significant cost of all: fuel. With some of the largest models, private jets can burn through thousands of gallons of fuel in a single flight. That makes ongoing operational costs an important consideration for many buyers.More info:www.timeflys.co/contact

The good news is that, despite their high cost, private jets are extremely safe. Statistically, private jets are far safer than commercial flights and are subject to the same stringent safety regulations as any aircraft on the market today.

Private Jets: Explore the Top Destinations for Luxury Travelers

In recent years, flying privately has become a popular and convenient alternative to crowded commercial flights that offer cramped seats and tiny trays of food. The growth of this sector has been spurred by the popularity of long-range jets that can traverse intercontinental distances. The Gulfstream 280, for example, is the luxury choice for those who travel to multiple destinations in one trip with its premium service galley, enhanced lavatory, and best-in-class storage capacity.

But while private aviation has a growing following, it is also being increasingly criticized for its environmental impact. A recent article in The New York Times by Farhad Manjoo endorsed proposals from the center-left Institute for Policy Studies and a group of progressive high-net-worth individuals to raise taxes on private jet owners and introduce carbon pricing.