Private jetting is definitely more glamorous than flying commercial, but is it safe?

Private jets are sexy - no lines, no strangers, no stress. The proliferation of aviation startups catering to the well-heeled traveler means that there are plenty of opportunities to call up a jet on demand. Without a doubt, it's a stylish way to travel. But is it safe?

The actual National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data show that private jets have actually had five times the numbers of accidents as commercial airliners. That breaks down to 62 fatal accidents involving private planes,  and only 13 for passenger airlines in the same period. This makes sense as the planes are generally smaller and more likely to be piloted by less-experienced operators than those that go through the stringent requirements of most airliners.

More than just experience, a Bloomberg report found a widespread disregard for standard safety practices among charter jet pilots — much of it caused by demanding clients. It's not hard to imagine a time-pressed executive pressuring a pilot to land in poor visibility. And as the passengers are right there behind the pilot (rather than secured behind a reinforced cockpit door) the potential for interference is much greater.

Stuart Matthews, former president of the Flight Safety Foundation, told Bloomberg:

I was constantly hearing stories of corporate pilots who don’t get enough rest or who are always concerned about being pressured to press on.

Apparently, given the decentralized nature of the private industry, there is also a complete lack of best practices across the industry. Some pilots decline to perform safety checks, which was a NTSB-reported contributor in the runway death of billionaire Lewis Katz. Other pilots set their own hours and maintenance schedules, as the FAA doesn't regularly inspect many corporate aircraft operators or regulate flight times.

Given the little oversight and regulation, perhaps you can take a little comfort as you settle into that non-upgraded economy class seat on you next last-minute business trip.