Man tries out ‘Uber’ for private jets and flies 'like a millionaire' for under $550
Uber isn't just for taxis and Friday night food deliveries anymore - there's also an Uber-style app for private jets.
YouTuber DownieLive, better known as Mike, decided to try out the app called Airble - and ended up spending a lot less than he expected.
"It is very simple," Mike demonstrated. "You type in where you want to go and what dates you want to fly.
"It gives you a list of planes that are available for you on that date and you just pick the one that you want."
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He explained how the app uses something called Deadhead, which is when a pilot or crew needs to return to their home base after a flight.
Since these flights often have empty seats, the app lets the public book those seats at a 'hugely discounted price.'
For his flight, Mike paid a total of $542.29 for a private jet that took him from Vancouver to Kelowna in only an hour.
That's a pretty good price compared to the five-hour drive or four hours of flying time he saved.
He then realised he paid only about $150 more than economy class ($398 for a four-hour flight) and saved almost $300 compared to Business Class ($810).
With a cheaper price, you'd usually expect some compromises.
However, this was not the case.
Arriving at the private jet section of the airport - a totally separate area mind you - Mike immediately noticed the benefits of flying privately.
We're talking zero queues, no waiting for baggage (since you load it onto the plane yourself), access to a private lounge, no liquid restrictions, and even a personal escort to the plane from the pilot.
What's more, the plane itself - a Piagio Bounty - is designed a little differently from commercial jets.
It has a unique forward wing not found on conventional planes, and the propellers are at the back, making it much quieter inside.
"It also allows us to fly up to 41,000 feet at an impressive speed of 360 knots," pilot Jeremy described.
Mike described the entire flying experience as 'quiet' and smooth.
The YouTuber also wanted to remind his viewers that it wasn’t his online fame that got him this premium experience but simply because he paid for his ticket.
"Anyone can fly private for $500," he concluded. The app is currently available on the App Store.
However, this service is currently only available in the US and Canada, so those in the UK might have to wait to see if it expands here.
"I really like that technology has made this possible," he added. "We're only here because of this app [Airble]."