Private jet cruising altitude is an important thing that is important not only for the jet charter companies, but also for the people that charter them. For the most part, both private jets and commercial jets come with one or more jet engines. Jet engines, unlike propeller-powered airplanes, can attain very high cruising and flying altitudes since they depend less on air as a means of propulsion. However, while private and commercial jets share a few characteristics, there are a few things that differentiate them. For instance, it is common knowledge that private jets generally tend to fly and cruise higher than the regular commercial jets. So what is the truth about private jet cruising altitude?

Private Jet Cruising Altitude 

So, what’s the private jet cruising altitude? Private planes are many times lighter and hence can fly to heights of up to 45,000 feet, though the average cruising altitude for the private jet is 41,000 feet for wherever you want to fly. 

The Cruising and Flying Altitudes of Private Jets

It is actually true that private jets achieve higher flying and cruising heights as compared to commercial airplanes. Most commercial jets will top out at an altitude of about 35,000 feet given that they are heavier than their private counterparts. This makes it harder to go higher as the thin air in higher altitudes will not support heavier planes. Private planes are many times lighter and hence can fly to heights of up to 45,000 feet, though the average cruising altitude for the private jet is 41,000 feet. 

There are several reasons why private jets are preferable that include:

1. Less Traffic

With up to 5,000 flights in the air over the United States at any given time, there is a lot of traffic in the skies. With too many aircraft in the air, private jets would have to significantly slow down to avoid collision with commercial flights and other aircraft. While most commercial jets are equipped with control measures and sensors to prevent collisions, private jets either do not have such systems or they are not as high tech. By flying in the higher altitudes, they can avoid all the traffic, which reduces the risk of collisions and allow the plane to fly faster, safely. 

2. Fly Out of the Weather

Most weather occurs in the troposphere the layer of the atmosphere just below 35,000 feet. By flying at 41,000 feet, private jets minimize exposure to weather events, thunderstorms, and turbulence. Commercial planes tend to be prone to some turbulence and some weather interference since they fly just above the troposphere, where rogue weather may sometimes extend. Moreover, with less traffic in the higher altitudes, changing routes to avoid bad weather is easier. The pilot can change course and fly around the bad weather, unlike a commercial jet, which may have to go through it since there may be too many planes above and below it. 

3. Faster Ascent as Compared to Commercial Jets

Generally, private jets tend to ascend to the calmer and less turbulent air above the weather zone. The typically commercial jet could take up to 10 minutes to get to 35,000 feet of cruising altitudes. Some private jets can gain an altitude of up to 5480 a minute, which means they can reach cruising altitude in less than half the time taken by their commercial counterparts — which can get you to your last minute Disney trip quicker or your tropical destination.  

Wrapping Up

Private jet cruising altitude is overall higher than that of commercial jets given that this has several advantages. Private jet planes fly higher to avoid weather and turbulence and to avoid the traffic in lower altitudes where there is a much higher risk of collisions. This makes private jets more convenient, safer and faster than commercial planes, making them preferable if you’re looking to land in luxury.