Holiday Travel Nightmare: Why You’re Paying for Private Jets to Skip the Lines

Published on November 24, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, air travelers are already bracing for long lines, flight delays, and airport congestion. But one factor that is often overlooked could make your travel experience even more miserable: the growing number of private jets taking to the skies during the busiest travel periods. Critics argue that these business jets are not paying their fair share of the costs associated with the nation’s air traffic control system, ultimately burdening commercial passengers with the costs of a system that favors the wealthy.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the agency responsible for overseeing the air traffic control system, funds much of its operations through taxes and fees collected from commercial airlines. These include a 7.5% tax on every commercial flight ticket, as well as various additional taxes and fees for things like international flights and frequent flyer miles. In contrast, business jets contribute very little, paying only a modest fuel tax. Critics argue that this imbalance is contributing to delays and congestion for the everyday traveler, who is shouldering the costs of the aviation system that benefits the ultra-wealthy.

The Discrepancy in Air Traffic Funding

The Aviation Trust Fund, which finances the FAA’s operations, is predominantly supported by fees from commercial airline passengers. In fact, commercial passengers contribute a significant share of the total funds collected, with $11.9 billion in taxes and fees paid in 2025 alone. By comparison, business jets, despite accounting for over 20,000 jets in the U.S., only paid $166 million in fuel taxes last year. These business jets are a frequent sight in the skies, especially during peak travel times, but their contribution to the system is far less than that of the average commercial flyer.

Chuck Collins, a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, which focuses on inequality and environmental issues, highlighted this disparity. He explained that while commercial airline passengers face a heavy burden of taxes and fees, private jet owners are effectively getting a free ride

The Business Jet Argument: A Misunderstanding?

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), which represents the business aviation industry, defends the current system, arguing that the fuel tax paid by private jet operators is sufficient to cover their fair share of air traffic control costs. According to the NBAA, private jets, although fewer in number, still contribute a larger share of the aviation fuel tax than smaller general aviation planes. Ed Bolen, the CEO of NBAA, emphasized that the fuel tax is “progressive” and “efficient,” reflecting the amount of fuel used by larger private jets. He further argued that private jets don’t add significant costs to the air traffic control system since the infrastructure is already built to accommodate the commercial airline industry.

However, Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, disagrees. Poole argues that the fuel tax from private jets covers only about 10% of the cost of their air traffic control activities. “Private jets are getting a very generous free ride,” he stated, noting that business jets’ contribution falls far short of covering the true costs they impose on the system.

Disruption During Peak Travel Times

The impact of this funding disparity was clearly demonstrated in November 2025 when the FAA ordered commercial airlines to reduce flight schedules by up to 10% at the nation’s 40 largest airports due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The move was made to alleviate congestion caused by the lack of air traffic personnel, leaving tens of thousands of passengers delayed or stranded. However, private jets were not subject to the same restrictions until more than a week later. The FAA allowed business jet flights to continue operating freely during this period, leading some to question the priorities of the agency.

This imbalance between the treatment of commercial and private jet flights highlighted the underlying issues with the current air traffic control system and the subsidies that many believe are being unfairly provided to the wealthy.

The Economic and Logistical Impact

Business jets make up just 3% of the flights at the nation’s busiest airports, but they still have an outsized impact on the air traffic system. Many of these jets fly into smaller regional airports, which often lack commercial flights. These airports rely on private controllers known as contract towers, which are paid for by the FAA. The cost of running these smaller towers is around $230 million annually, and private jet owners contribute only a fraction of that cost through fuel taxes.

Critics, including Michael McCormick, a professor of air traffic management, argue that business jet owners often lobby against any changes that could force them to contribute more to the system. McCormick highlighted the reluctance of industry players to change the current structure.

A Global Comparison: How Other Countries Handle Business Jet Fees

In contrast to the U.S., many countries charge business jets based on gross weight and miles flown, creating a more equitable distribution of costs. Robert Poole of the Reason Foundation suggested that the U.S. could benefit from adopting a similar model, which would ensure that business jets contribute their fair share to the aviation system.

Conclusion: Is It Time for Reform?

As the U.S. air traffic control system continues to face pressure, the debate over private jet taxes versus commercial airline fees remains a hot topic. While private jets may not significantly affect the day-to-day operations of the system, their contribution to the Aviation Trust Fund is disproportionately low compared to the costs they incur. With the continued rise in air travel demand, particularly during peak seasons like the holidays, there may be growing calls for reform to ensure that all air travelers contribute fairly to the system that serves them.