I fly on commercial aviation for business and I have the opportunity to fly on our corporate jet as well as helicopters fairly regulary. Our company has 7 corporate jets and 2 helocopters of varying sizes. Normally, if we are travelling somewhere with the president of a subsidiary or upper management, they will request a jet for the flight, and flight-ops will schedule us along. Depending on how many people are on the trip and the length of the trip these can be comfortable and convenient. There is nothing like landing, taxiing to the FBO, deplaning and stepping into your waiting rental car (delivered there to the tarmac).

However, on the smaller planes (12 passengers and less), longer trips can be a drag. This is especially true if the plane is crowded and you find yourself sitting sideways on the couch for the whole flight. In general, unless the big chief is along, there is no service and only box meals.

If I am flying to a meeting in a city fairly far away I prefer to fly commercial as it's more comfortable. Our corporate policy is for domestic first-class on flights over 2 hours (though with upgrades I haven't been in coach in a year), and international first class always (yes, you read that right). Otherwise, to smaller cities that might require a connection or, god forbid, a commuter flight, I'll take the corporate jet anyday.



[This message has been edited by tfjim (edited 10-29-1999).]