Most travelers prefer to fly than drive. Europe’s summer hot spots Like this South of France, Amalfi CoastOr Greek Islands It is a multi-stop, lengthy journey. The transatlantic flight alone takes one day to complete. Add in the layovers and hours at airports. You can’t get there without a private jet, unless it is available.
Delta Air Lines makes it easier this summer for commercial flyers to reach hard-to-reach locations like these by offering the option to connect. international Delta flights Wheels Up (a private aviation company in which Delta is the largest shareholder) offers jet charters for “last legs”.
This is how it works. If you purchase a flight in Delta OneThe airline’s business class Cabin Athens, Barcelona, Naples, NiceOr Rome this summer, you’ll receive an email or mobile app prompt notifying you of the ability to book your onward travel plans—perhaps to St. TropezThe Amalfi coast MykonosOr Ibiza—through Wheels Up. From there, you will be taken to Wheels Up’s website where you can hire a private jet for the last leg of your trip.
Delta One flights between New York-JFK and London Heathrow, followed by a charter plane from Farnborough Airport to Toulon Hyères Airport in FranceWheels Up arranges a private transfer service between each leg, which can pick you up directly from the tarmac if permitted. Wheels Up can arrange a private transfer between each leg. This service will pick you up from the airport if permitted.
While the details—and pricing—will vary depending on the trip, the whole idea is to get you as close to your final destination in as little amount of time as possible. Wheels Up has now acquired the UK-based Air Partner in 2022, giving it access to over 7,000 aircraft worldwide, including seaplanes and helicopters. private jets The Bombardier Challenger 300 jet, and the Embraer Phenom 300 can both seat up to nine people. Because of the extensive network, both aircraft type and destination can be highly customized.
George Mattson (former member of Delta’s board of directors and CEO of Wheels Up) tells Condé Nast Traveler. “But if you connect it now to Wheels Up, it’s every airport—it’s infinite.”
Travelers who are concerned about their safety environmental impact of private jet travelWheels Up customers can purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel through Delta’s SAF Program. This is something that private flyers are not usually able to do due to its limited availability. It only accounts for 0.3% in 2024 of the global jet fuel production. And it isn’t widely available at most airports.
Wheels Up members who spend more than $2,000 will receive a loyalty program incentive. $100,000 over a one-year period Diamond Medallion Status is available with Delta. Delta SkyMiles members Diamond and Platinum Medallions can choose a Wheels Up credit for a private flight as part of their annual Choice Benefits Diamond members will receive a $2,000 Credit, while Platinum members will receive a $1500 Credit. Wheels Up Members who add funds to their balance or purchase new funds through June 30, 2020 will be awarded Delta SkyMiles diamond medallion status. This includes a choice of up to 5% Wheels Up flight credit, up 1 million SkyMiles in bonus SkyMiles or enhanced benefits for the fund including lower hourly maximum rates.
The ultimate aim is to merge the two traditionally siloed segments of the aviation industry in order to better service the flying habits and preferences of premium travelers. Mattson says, “The vast number of people who fly privately also fly commercially.” “So why would they have to manage this two things separately?” asks Mattson.
