Flying Private with Your Family: Why More Canadians Are Making the Switch

Abeona International
Jul 7
5 min read

Family vacations should begin with excitement—not airport security lines, delayed flights, and tired children.

Too often, however, getting there becomes the most stressful part of the journey. Between crowded terminals, long security lines, delayed flights, and overtired little travellers, many families arrive at their destination already exhausted.

It does not have to be that way.

More Canadian families are discovering that private aviation is not simply a luxury—it is a practical way to simplify travel, reduce stress, and make the most of the time they spend together.

At Abeona International, we have seen this shift firsthand. Parents are increasingly looking for travel experiences that prioritize convenience, flexibility, and quality time over crowded terminals, lengthy connections, and rigid airline schedules.

Whether you are heading to the Canadian Rockies for a ski weekend, escaping to the Caribbean, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime European holiday, our goal is simple: to ensure your vacation begins the moment you leave home—not the moment you arrive at your destination.

A woman with a backpack holds a child, with two kids pulling suitcases in an airport. Blue signs hang above. The mood is busy and focused.

Time Together Shouldn't Start at Baggage Claim

Anyone who has travelled with young children knows that commercial air travel is rarely designed with families in mind. Managing luggage, strollers, snacks, boarding passes, and tired little travellers through a crowded airport can quickly turn an exciting trip into a stressful experience before the vacation has even begun.

Private aviation offers a different approach.

Instead of arriving hours before departure, you arrive at a quiet private terminal, park just steps from your aircraft, and board when everything—and everyone—is ready.

Our team helps coordinate every detail, from selecting the right aircraft for your family to accommodating favourite snacks, sporting equipment, child seating arrangements, and other special requests to help make travelling with children easier.

Travel becomes easier, calmer, and built around your family's schedule instead of the airline's.

A More Relaxed Way to Travel

Many families today are looking for more than simply getting from one destination to another. They want the journey itself to feel easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.

When you fly privately, your family has the aircraft to yourselves—or shares it with only a small number of travellers through a jet-sharing itinerary. There are no crowded boarding gates, long security lines, or busy aircraft cabins. Instead, you enjoy a quieter, more comfortable environment where children can settle in, parents can relax, and everyone can travel at their own pace.

From the moment you arrive at the private terminal (FBO), the experience is designed to be straightforward and stress-free. Comfortable lounges, efficient boarding, and personalized service allow your vacation to begin long before takeoff.

For many families, that peace of mind becomes just as valuable as the destination itself—allowing everyone to arrive relaxed, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the vacation.

Two joyful kids run on a sandy beach. A couple walks in the background by the sea. Cloudy sky, playful and carefree mood.

Private Aviation May Be More Accessible Than You Think

Many families are surprised to learn that private aviation can be more practical than they expected.

When several family members are travelling together, particularly during busy holiday periods, the difference between premium commercial travel and a private charter is often smaller than many people realize. Once you factor in hotel stays during layovers, baggage fees, airport parking, and—perhaps most importantly—the value of your time, flexibility, privacy, and convenience, private aviation becomes a compelling option for many family trips.

Abeona International offers several ways to make private travel more accessible, including traditional private charters, jet-sharing opportunities, empty-leg flights, and our Flight Matching service, all of which can help reduce the overall cost of flying privately.

For families who travel regularly, we also assist with fractional aircraft ownership and aircraft management solutions, providing even greater flexibility and long-term value.

Introducing Flight Matching

One option unique to Abeona International is our Flight Matching service.

Designed for travellers with some flexibility, Flight Matching connects complementary private charter itineraries rather than asking clients to share the same aircraft.

For example, if one family is flying from Toronto to Muskoka and another family is travelling back to Toronto later that day, we may be able to coordinate both trips using the same aircraft. Each family still enjoys a completely private flight, while the operating costs are shared across both bookings.

It is an innovative way to reduce the cost of private aviation while maintaining the privacy, flexibility, and personalized experience that make charter travel so appealing.

From Private Jet to Private Yacht

For many families, the journey does not end when the aircraft lands.

Many of our clients choose to combine private jet travel with a crewed yacht charter in destinations such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or British Columbia's spectacular coastline.

Our team coordinates every detail, including flight scheduling, ground transportation, luggage handling, and yacht arrangements, allowing you to enjoy one seamless itinerary from beginning to end.

One team. One point of contact. One exceptional travel experience.

A lush green landscape in Costa Rica with a volcano covered in shadow and topped by clouds, set against a clear blue sky. — Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

Family Destinations We Love

Some of the destinations our clients have been enjoying recently include:

Tofino, British Columbia – Wild coastline, old-growth forests, surfing, and peaceful oceanfront retreats.
The Bahamas & Exumas – Crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and unforgettable days on the water.
Costa Rica — Rainforests, wildlife, surfing, and eco-adventures for every generation.
Sicily & the Aeolian Islands — Rich history, incredible cuisine, and a slower pace perfect for family travel.

Whatever destination you have in mind, we can help you get there by air, by sea, or by combining both into one unforgettable journey.

Your Family Deserves a Better Way to Travel

Family vacations are about creating memories—not navigating airport terminals.

Whether you are exploring private aviation for the first time or planning your next family adventure, our team is here to help you choose the travel solution that best fits your family, your schedule, and your travel goals.

From private jet charters and Flight Matching to yacht charters and personalized luxury travel planning, we look after every detail so you can focus on what matters most: spending time together.