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These high-end experiences aren’t cheap, though. Customers are spending six figures on the all-inclusive tours, which include flights, meals, excursions and upscale hotels.

The niche market has been growing thanks to a post-pandemic rise in private aviation – and people are willing to pay up to avoid the hassles of commercial travel.

According to A&K, its September 2023 tour to Africa, which starts at US$134,500, is completely sold out. Global tours operated by TCS and Four Seasons and scheduled to depart this autumn are also wait-listed.

Granted, the specially modified aircraft can only carry a few dozen people at one time, jacking up the price. But the exclusivity is part of the allure. Take a look at five of these private planes.

1. Airbus A321neo

The Airbus A321neo is already fan-favourite plane for airlines, but it is particularly popular for air cruises.

Companies including Four Seasons and TCS use Airbus A321neos for their jet expeditions, favouring the twin-engined airliner for its low-cost operation and efficiency.

TCS introduced its A321neoLR in 2021, which it designed to be a “calming oasis” for passengers. Features include leather-lined seats, wood-like floors, stone worktops, and mood lighting – all to “elicit feelings of tranquillity and serenity”.

According to TCS, the next-generation aircraft – which is the LR 0r “long-range” version – will emit 20 per cent fewer emissions compared to the Boeing 757 private jet it’s replacing.

The 52-seater plane is fit with lie-flat recliners, “extra-large” lavatories and a self-serve minibar.

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The premium seats do not have direct aisle access, however, meaning window-seat passengers will need to climb over the aisle when the seat is in bed mode.

This is a common problem on single-aisle planes with business class seating, and is present on most of these VIP jets – though most guests are likely travelling together, so it’s not a deal breaker.

On board, travellers will be accompanied by 18 crew members, including a doctor. According to TCS, an “emergency room-trained doctor” will be with guests during the entire trip, including in the air and on the ground.

Meanwhile, customers have access to Wi-fi, when available, and can pass the time video streaming on a provided tablet.

Tours typically start and end in Florida, but can cover several continents all in one trip. The aircraft’s smaller size coupled with its 6,430-km range gives TCS a lot of route flexibility because it can travel to a larger variety of airports.

2. Four Seasons’ A321neo

Similar to TCS, hotel giant Four Seasons operates a branded A321neo on world tours – its most glamorous costing over US$200,000. An April 2024 trip, which spans countries like the Seychelles in Africa and the Galapagos in Ecuador, starts at US$215,000 per person.

On board, travellers will find 48 recliners, each with lie-flat capabilities and over 183cm of leg room.

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Accompanying guests is a doctor and a chef who can cook meals on board using local ingredients collected at each destination along the trip. The chef is someone guests can expect across most of these luxury tour operators.

Also available is a dedicated lounge space, as well as lavatories that double as changing rooms. The lounge has high-top tables, snacks and a staff member serving drinks – creating a perfect space for chatting or stretching your legs.

3. National Geographic’s Boeing 757

Although older and less efficient than the A321neo, the 757 has been a workhorse for medium-haul travel, particularly across the Atlantic.

Carriers like Icelandair and United Airlines have flown the plane between the US and Europe for years, though both are replacing it with the A321neoXLR – the type’s longest-ranged variant. As previously mentioned, TCS has already done the same for its air cruises.

National Geographic is probably the most recognisable brand operating the dual-engine plane, with most of its trips only costing five figures.

The company’s cheapest trip treks through Central and South America and starts at US$88,000, while its most expensive tour visits Europe, Africa and Asia and starts at US$108,000.

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But, unlike competitors, the 75-seater jet features large recliners instead of lie-flat beds.

The seats still come with amenities like in-flight power and an adjustable legrest, with the design more comparable to premium economy compared to business or first class.

Also on board will be flight attendants, a chef, a doctor, an engineer, a dedicated luggage handler and three pilots, according to National Geographic.

The VIP perks like the chef and luggage handler contribute to the cost of that six-figure price tag, though they appear to be the standard for luxury air cruise travel.

4. Abercrombie & Kent’s Boeing 757

Tours start at US$135,000, though A&K’s next scheduled trip in September is already sold out.

The company’s plane features plush loungers in a 2×2 layout, each with a massage and lie-flat function.

A&K leases the plane, as well as its pilots and cabin crew, from Icelandair – a common practice among tour companies.

For example, Titan Airways operates the aircraft on behalf of both TCS and Four Seasons, though the latter says it trains its own flight attendants.

Guests can also expect premium on board catering, an iPad loaded with entertainment and noise-cancelling headphones to match.

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The seats themselves do not have in-flight TVs attached, and passengers can expect a customised design instead of Icelandair branding.

5. Safrans du Monde’s Airbus A340 quad-jet

While most companies use narrowbody jets for these VIP tours, French company Safrans du Monde uses an Airbus A340 quad-jet – meaning it sports four engines instead of two.

The Airbus A321 and the Boeing 757 are both single-aisle planes, while wide-bodies like the A340 are primarily used for long-haul international flying.

The Airbus plane is favourable for its range and capacity, though its fuel-hungry engines make it less efficient than next-generation narrowbodies like the A321.

Safran du Monde leases the aircraft from Maltese private charter airline AirX Charter, recognisable by its white and green livery.

The plane flew for Sri Lankan Airlines up until 2016, and was also used during the pandemic.

On board, there are 100 lie-flat seats in a 2×2×2 layout. Again, not all passengers will have direct-aisle access – but the layout means a majority will.

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Safrans’ Airbus A340 only has premium seats, but the aircraft is originally designed to accommodate up to 440 people in an all-economy layout. In the back of the plane, guests will find a few rows of more private seats, as well as couches.

There is a lot of space for people to socialise and relax without having to be confined to their seats.

“We can have a real conversation sitting on the sofa, having a drink,” Safrans du Monde CEO Guy Bigiaoui said in an April video tour of the jet.

Meanwhile, the expected premium meals, tray tables, linens and power will be available. Photos of the interior show high-end plating for gourmet meals and premium drinks, like champagne and wine.

According to the company, guests can expect to travel between four and eight hours, though some flights can trek up to 13 hours.

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People already spend thousands of dollars to sail to the seventh continent by boat, but the super-rich can shave off time – and avoid the nauseating Drake Passage – using planes.

6. White Desert’s A340 private jet

Starting at US$14,500, luxury tour operator White Desert will transfer people from South Africa to Antarctica on an A340 private jet complete with business and first class seats.

The A340 formerly flew for Emirates, but now treks five hours each way and lands on an icy runway in Antarctica.

The company’s cheapest tours spends only three hours on the seventh continent, while the most expensive can last over a week and cost six figures.