Four Seasons Jet Journey...Any Takers?
Nov 1, 2017, 12:59 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 123
A colleague took a comparable trip in terms of length and luxury (not through FS though).
They loved it and the social aspect was a definite highlight. Having around 40 people experiencing the same destinations enhanced the trip for them. The demographics skewed towards the mid to late 60s, as you would expect, with a range of ~45-92 (the 92 was incredible to me). About 1/3 were retired docs and the rest were a smattering of retired lawyers and general business. A few had done several of these trips!
Some of the places they had previously visited, but putting together an end-to-end RTW tour was just not something they would do solo; not necessarily from lack of appetite, but due to time constraints and the headache of arranging everything.
They loved it and the social aspect was a definite highlight. Having around 40 people experiencing the same destinations enhanced the trip for them. The demographics skewed towards the mid to late 60s, as you would expect, with a range of ~45-92 (the 92 was incredible to me). About 1/3 were retired docs and the rest were a smattering of retired lawyers and general business. A few had done several of these trips!
Some of the places they had previously visited, but putting together an end-to-end RTW tour was just not something they would do solo; not necessarily from lack of appetite, but due to time constraints and the headache of arranging everything.
Nov 1, 2017, 1:02 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA 1MM, Avis Chairman, Four Seasons Elite, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 452
Crystal tried to do it with an 84-seat 777-200LR - but decided to just do straight charter instead of offering itineraries.
CNBC had a story about the A&K trip today.
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/01/insi...the-world.html
CNBC had a story about the A&K trip today.
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/01/insi...the-world.html
Last edited by ERtraveler; Nov 1, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Nov 1, 2017, 1:05 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA 1MM, Avis Chairman, Four Seasons Elite, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 452
A colleague took a comparable trip in terms of length and luxury (not through FS though).
They loved it and the social aspect was a definite highlight. Having around 40 people experiencing the same destinations enhanced the trip for them. The demographics skewed towards the mid to late 60s, as you would expect, with a range of ~45-92 (the 92 was incredible to me). About 1/3 were retired docs and the rest were a smattering of retired lawyers and general business. A few had done several of these trips!
Some of the places they had previously visited, but putting together an end-to-end RTW tour was just not something they would do solo; not necessarily from lack of appetite, but due to time constraints and the headache of arranging everything.
They loved it and the social aspect was a definite highlight. Having around 40 people experiencing the same destinations enhanced the trip for them. The demographics skewed towards the mid to late 60s, as you would expect, with a range of ~45-92 (the 92 was incredible to me). About 1/3 were retired docs and the rest were a smattering of retired lawyers and general business. A few had done several of these trips!
Some of the places they had previously visited, but putting together an end-to-end RTW tour was just not something they would do solo; not necessarily from lack of appetite, but due to time constraints and the headache of arranging everything.
Nov 1, 2017, 3:13 pm
#19
Was sydakllon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: Virtuoso, Rosewood Elite, FSPP, Bellini, Dorchester, MO Fan Club, Oetker Pearl, etc.
Posts: 709
I saw the plane on the tarmac in Morocco. Nice livery. I can see the attraction for some - I'd put my father on it.
Nov 1, 2017, 7:23 pm
#21
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Nov 1, 2017, 7:30 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
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seems FS has long used TAG aviation, not sure if deal with FS or FS tour partners
point is TCS does the most trips, but seems lots of operators starting jet trips
airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-b757-26330.htm
airliners.net/search?airline=55171.54501&display=detail
seem to recall FS jet trips prior to when TAG got that plane
edit >
press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/four-seasons-a-history-of-innovation/
Interesting "Luxury Traveler" description
Four Seasons... JET??
World Travel with Four Seasons
FS Around the World Private Jet Tours
point is TCS does the most trips, but seems lots of operators starting jet trips
airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-b757-26330.htm
airliners.net/search?airline=55171.54501&display=detail
seem to recall FS jet trips prior to when TAG got that plane
edit >
press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/four-seasons-a-history-of-innovation/
2012, when Four Seasons first introduced around the world and themed regional private jet tours
Four Seasons... JET??
World Travel with Four Seasons
FS Around the World Private Jet Tours
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 2, 2018 at 8:46 am
Nov 1, 2017, 7:34 pm
#23
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Location: New York, NY
Posts: 557
Nov 1, 2017, 7:35 pm
#24
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
One thing is that FS basically takes care of everything, so perhaps it isn’t stressful to move around as quickly.
Also could appeal to people looking to travel as a group, if they like interacting with and meeting different people.
So many things to consider. At first glance I say the trips are not for me, but if money were no object I don’t know how I would see it.
If an itinerary would expose me to places I wouldn’t otherwise be likely to visit anytime soon, then I can see some value in that.
Also could appeal to people looking to travel as a group, if they like interacting with and meeting different people.
So many things to consider. At first glance I say the trips are not for me, but if money were no object I don’t know how I would see it.
If an itinerary would expose me to places I wouldn’t otherwise be likely to visit anytime soon, then I can see some value in that.
Nov 2, 2017, 4:55 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
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Posts: 8,527
I think many here miss the point. I would never travel in a group like this, we value our privacy and our own company, however others like to make new connections with fellow travellers.
The FS Jet Experience allows you to pick as many choices as you wish in each destination or none at all. It does open doors that you may not be able to otherwise. There is a review in their mag, but it's hardly going to be independent https://www.fourseasons.com/magazine...ate-jet-review
Interesting, when in Egypt last I discovered that similar 'Extraordinary Experiences are available when staying on property https://www.fourseasons.com/content/...NCES-EGYPT.pdf
And now they offer private jet charters with Netjets https://www.fourseasons.com/netjets/
The FS Jet Experience allows you to pick as many choices as you wish in each destination or none at all. It does open doors that you may not be able to otherwise. There is a review in their mag, but it's hardly going to be independent https://www.fourseasons.com/magazine...ate-jet-review
Interesting, when in Egypt last I discovered that similar 'Extraordinary Experiences are available when staying on property https://www.fourseasons.com/content/...NCES-EGYPT.pdf
And now they offer private jet charters with Netjets https://www.fourseasons.com/netjets/
Last edited by m0hamed; Nov 2, 2017 at 5:15 am
Nov 3, 2017, 12:35 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 7
Wilderness
Wilderness has also just kicked off their, another option to FS and Aman and they partner with others on their out of africa trip options
Nov 9, 2017, 6:53 pm
#28
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If I am not mistaken, Aman actually uses a larger aircraft for its journeys, but with fewer passengers. So, it sounds much more high end and personalized than FS trips.
The entire conept is not for me, and I suspect not for most/any forum regulars here. We already know where we want to go, and how to get there. And, even if money no object, spending the money on top suites/villas and/or truly flying privately would be the way to go.
However, for the right person, such as a someone with little time and little travel experience but plenty of money, it could be a great way to see the world. Hopefully it would lead to lengthier trips on one’s own afterwards.
The entire conept is not for me, and I suspect not for most/any forum regulars here. We already know where we want to go, and how to get there. And, even if money no object, spending the money on top suites/villas and/or truly flying privately would be the way to go.
However, for the right person, such as a someone with little time and little travel experience but plenty of money, it could be a great way to see the world. Hopefully it would lead to lengthier trips on one’s own afterwards.
FS considers their branded jet part of the experience, and the range and seating options give them the ability to do much longer, round-the-world style journeys where the jet is as much 'home' as a means of transportation, when not in residence at a FS property during the trip. You see more of the world, but perhaps less 'in-depth'.
I would not sell one of these options based on aircraft preference, but rather interests, experience, schedule and price - the airplane is really secondary. I will say that FS is now getting into small group small jet charters along the same path as Aman, and I'm happy to work up any itinerary options for those who might be interested. While Aman is more Asia focused, the new FS trips should offer in depth experiences in other parts of the world.
Nov 9, 2017, 10:58 pm
#29
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
We sell both the FS and Aman jet trips and they are really different in style and scope. Aman uses much smaller corporate size jets with what I would call "luxury business" seating - the goal of the jet is to move people between the Aman sites, and is an efficient and private form of transportation, but nothing more. The Aman trips tend to focus on specific areas, usually SE Asia, so the jet hops tend to be rather short, with more time at the resorts and on tour.
FS considers their branded jet part of the experience, and the range and seating options give them the ability to do much longer, round-the-world style journeys where the jet is as much 'home' as a means of transportation, when not in residence at a FS property during the trip. You see more of the world, but perhaps less 'in-depth'.
I would not sell one of these options based on aircraft preference, but rather interests, experience, schedule and price - the airplane is really secondary. I will say that FS is now getting into small group small jet charters along the same path as Aman, and I'm happy to work up any itinerary options for those who might be interested. While Aman is more Asia focused, the new FS trips should offer in depth experiences in other parts of the world.
FS considers their branded jet part of the experience, and the range and seating options give them the ability to do much longer, round-the-world style journeys where the jet is as much 'home' as a means of transportation, when not in residence at a FS property during the trip. You see more of the world, but perhaps less 'in-depth'.
I would not sell one of these options based on aircraft preference, but rather interests, experience, schedule and price - the airplane is really secondary. I will say that FS is now getting into small group small jet charters along the same path as Aman, and I'm happy to work up any itinerary options for those who might be interested. While Aman is more Asia focused, the new FS trips should offer in depth experiences in other parts of the world.
Nov 9, 2017, 11:51 pm
#30
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Yes, actually next April there is a longer journey, but if you look at the itinerary, it is a lot of short hops between cities and just extends out of Asia from India to Montenegro to Venice. Personally, I feel the Aman trips are more intimate and high-end, with more focus on specific regions and experiences. Less time on the plane, more time on the ground and in the resorts, however there are customers for either option - it just boils down to what you want to see and experience, where you want to go, and how intimate of a group you prefer.