Let me start by saying something I never thought I’d write on my little corner of the internet: last month, I flew private with the kids for the first time. I know, I know – it sounds incredibly extravagant. And it is! But after talking with several mom friends who have made the switch, I realized there’s more to this trend than just luxury for luxury’s sake.

When Sophia turned 7 last summer, we decided to celebrate with a trip to visit my parents in Arizona. As any mom knows, flying commercial with kids is basically an Olympic sport. The endless snack packing, the entertainment planning, the “how many more minutes?” questions that start approximately 3 minutes after boarding. And don’t get me started on the time my son had a complete meltdown in the security line at JFK!

So when my husband suggested we look into a private jet share program, I was curious but skeptical. Was this really something regular families do? Turns out, it’s becoming more common than I realized.

Sarah, a mom from my daughter’s soccer team, has been using a jet card program for about two years now. “After our third flight where my son’s severe peanut allergy caused panic attacks before we even got to the airport, we decided our family’s wellbeing was worth the expense,” she told me over coffee. “Now we can control the environment completely.”

The pandemic seems to have accelerated this shift. Jessica, who runs a successful interior design business while raising three children, said that COVID changed her perspective entirely. “Once we experienced the peace of mind that comes with avoiding crowded terminals and packed planes, it was hard to go back.”

But let’s be real about costs – this isn’t accessible to most families. A light jet (the smallest option) runs about $5,000 per hour. For our 3-hour flight to Arizona, we spent around $15,000. Compare that to maybe $2,500 for five commercial tickets, and it’s obviously a significant premium.

So what’s driving moms who can afford it to make the switch?

Time savings was mentioned by literally every mom I spoke with. You arrive just 15 minutes before your flight, there’s no security line, and you often land at smaller airports closer to your final destination. For working moms juggling careers and family, reclaiming those hours matters tremendously.

For Alicia, whose daughter has sensory processing issues, private travel eliminated the most stressful parts of flying. “The noise, the crowds, the waiting – all gone. She actually enjoys travel now, which means our whole family can relax.”

The flexibility is another game-changer. Flights leave when you’re ready. My friend Lauren was able to push back a departure time when her daughter woke up with a fever, something impossible with commercial tickets. For families with unpredictable schedules or medical concerns, that adaptability is priceless.

Several moms mentioned privacy as a major factor. Katherine, whose husband is a well-known executive, values being able to discuss sensitive business matters or simply parent without an audience. “I don’t have to worry about judgmental looks if my toddler has a tantrum,” she said with a laugh.

I was surprised to learn about the variety of options available. Beyond outright charters, there are membership programs, jet cards, and even apps for booking empty leg flights (when private jets would otherwise fly empty repositioning between cities) at steep discounts.

And yes, I’ll admit – the experience itself is wonderful. No rushing, no cramming belongings into overhead bins, plenty of space for kids to move around. The flight attendant even helped my son with his homework while I fed the baby. It felt like having an extra pair of hands at 30,000 feet.

Is private jet travel an extravagance? Absolutely. Is it worth criticism? Perhaps. But I’ve also come to understand that for many families who can afford it, the decision often goes deeper than luxury. It’s about reducing stress, protecting vulnerable family members, saving precious time, and creating more positive travel experiences.

For our family, private travel remains a special occasion option rather than our new normal. But I better understand why, for some moms balancing high-pressure careers, children with special needs, or complex family logistics, this choice makes sense beyond the glamour factor.

Would I do it again? If budget allowed, absolutely. The memories of that stress-free journey with my three kids actually enjoying the travel experience rather than just enduring it? Pretty much priceless.

What about you? Have you ever considered private air travel, or found other ways to make family trips less stressful? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!