How Private Aviation Sweetens The Hilton Grand Vacations Experience
One Member describes the convenience, value and perks provided through personalized aviation travel to Hilton Grand Vacations destinations
Flexible, Convenient Air Travel To HGV Resorts
You may remember the 1972 Reese’s candy commercial in which someone eating a chocolate bar slips on steps in front of a house and lands depositing his chocolate bar into a jar of peanut butter held by a child. “Hey,” the kid says, “you got chocolate in my peanut butter!” The adult remarks “Hey, you got peanut butter on my chocolate!” In the end, both agree that the combination is delicious.
My point being that there is a delightful Hilton Grand Vacations strategy you may not have tried that offers a fantastic way to make the most of your stay. There are about 275,000 private aircraft in the United States. Known as “general aviation,” these aircraft include everything from private jets to single-engine one seaters.
Combine this with the over 17,000 airports and you can see that getting to and from a Hilton Grand Vacations property via general aviation can be a more flexible, convenient and occasionally more economical mode of transportation. Over the 25 years I’ve been a Hilton Grand Vacations Member, about half of my trips to properties involved general aviation. Of course, there are many occasions when flying privately doesn’t make sense due to the commute, the number of travelers or no nearby airport. But when everything comes together, it is a serendipitous combination.
Enjoy More Freedom With Private Air Travel
Fly to and from your Hilton Grand Vacations location as needed since you won’t be tethered to airlines or traffic. Take as much luggage as the aircraft’s weight and size limitations allow. Cool side trips are also possible that may not be available by car. Finally, you will need less travel time by plane than by car, providing more time to enjoy your vacation.
It is important to remember that whether you fly commercial or private, you won’t have a car when you arrive at your destination, leaving you to arrange transportation. Many larger airports have tie-down and/or security fees that may escalate costs. Depending on the weather, you may be grounded and unable to arrive or leave on schedule contingent on your pilot certification level and how severe the weather is.
Enjoy More Freedom With Private Air Travel
The central assumption of this concept is that you must own an airplane or have access to one, as well as a license to fly. That or have a friend with a plane willing to join you as a guest. But if none of this applies, the prospect of taking advantage of everything that Hilton Grand Vacations has to offer may give you the impetus to get an FAA license at your local flying school and look for a suitable plane. My view is that Hilton Grand Vacations is a great travel value, so using your points or Open Season rates provide a bonus reason to get into the sky is a win-win.
Explore Private Flights To Hilton Grand Vacations Destinations
In the coming months, I’ll share information on specific Hilton Grand Vacations properties that are convenient when flying privately and some magnificent side trips that are worth exploring. Keep in mind that the Hilton Grand Vacations concierges can be extremely helpful in coordinating limousine and van pickups from certain airports (I’ll delve into that in another post). Until then, put some chocolate into your peanut butter and book a piloted vacation to a Hilton Grand Vacations destination. I think you’ll be surprised at the additional fun and adventure that await — just watch your step as you go down any stairs!
Read “Hilton Grand Vacations Is The Key To Feeling At Home All Over The World” : to learn how one Member enjoys the comfort, convenience and value of of Hilton Grand Vacations the world over.
Key Takeaways
- Creative Travel Strategy: Combining Hilton Grand Vacations membership with private aviation offers a flexible, convenient and sometimes more economical way to reach vacation destinations.
- General Aviation Benefits: Flying privately can provide unique travel opportunities, less time in transit and the ability to bring additional luggage.
- Personal Experience: Private aviation travel to a number of Hilton Grand Vacations properties allows for increased travel flexibility and trips not possible by car.
- Practical Considerations for Private Flying: It isn’t always practical due to factors like trip logistics, number of travelers, airport proximity, costs and weather conditions. Access to an aircraft and a pilot’s license is required.
- Concierge Support for Transportation: Hilton Grand Vacations concierges can help arrange transportation from airports to properties, enhancing the member experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the benefit of combining Hilton Grand Vacations membership with private aviation?
A. By leveraging private aircraft and the flexibility of general aviation, Members can enjoy more convenient, flexible and sometimes more economical travel to Hilton Grand Vacations properties, accessing a wider range of destinations and enjoying spectacular travel experiences.
Q. How does flying privately enhance the travel experience compared to driving or flying commercially?
A. Flying privately can reduce travel time, allow for more luggage, enable unique side trips and provide vacation flexibility that is not possible with commercial airlines or cars.
Q. What support does Hilton Grand Vacations offer for travelers arriving by private aircraft?
A. Hilton Grand Vacations concierges can assist with arranging transportation from airports to their properties, including coordinating limousine and van pickups, helping ensure a smooth arrival for Members.
