Flying Made Easy with WingTips

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

(This post was sponsored by WingTips, but all opinions are my own. Photography by Erika Rodriquez)

We had the most amazing experience for a special date night with a new regional air service called WingTips. I know what you are probably thinking, “sounds really expensive.” But before you dismiss the idea let me inform you that you do NOT need to be Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman to fly private (although dressing like them does make you feel good). In fact, after you learn more about WingTips, and their per-seat, on demand charter service, you may never want to fly commercial again!

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Here are the details of flying made easy with WingTips…

How Does WingTips Work?

When you are wanting to book travel, WingTips works to match your flight request with other travelers that have the same destination. Matching your request with others, also known as crowd-scheduling (trademark), is what makes it more affordable than chartering your own flight.

How do you book a flight with WingTips?

You will need to visit the WingTips website and create an account and login, then click Flight Request on the home screen. Then enter your desired trip “credentials” and click the “request flight” button. If there is an exact match, it is displayed for you to select and book your seats, if not, then you can click on the “Show Me Wing Tips Options” button. This is where WingTips uses “fuzzy computer code” to find other flights that may fit your trip request. More exact details on this process can be found –> HERE!

When you are searching for the best flight option, to match your request, you will be shown options for “Confirmed” or “Unconfirmed” flights from the home screen.

• A “confirmed” flight means a plane is already flying and you are joining that flight.
• An “unconfirmed” flight is a flight that does not have a plane assigned.  You can reserve a seat on an unconfirmed flight and then they will assign a plane to that flight. You will not be charged for the flight until a plane is assigned.
• Also, if you do not find a confirmed or unconfirmed flight that matches your request, there is a new option available! Customers can create their own unconfirmed flight and only pay for once an aircraft is assigned! This gives you the option to literally create your own travel schedule!

How much does flying with WingTips Cost?

Think of the experience as flying first class, except without the airport hassle. Depending on the length of the trip, prices do vary. You can see flight prices by just placing your destination and origin on the home screen, and you will see a price quote. Note: prices generally land between $2-$3 per mile.

Here are a few screen shots I took leaving from our closest airport in Orange County to a few local SoCal destinations…

Do Checked bags cost extra?

You are allowed one checked bag of 50 pounds to be stored, plus a personal bag for the plane. If you are traveling with kids and have a stroller and/or car seat that is not an additional charge, but just let them know you will have these items in advance. Obviously, if you have anything oversized like golf clubs or ski’s there may be an additional fee.

Where does wingtips fly?

Right now, Wing Tips is flying all over Southern California, but plan to expand across the US over the next three years. As of September 19th, they are adding ALL of California, Nevada and Arizona! This is HUGE NEWS!!! Make sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive updates on when service will be available in your area! Personally, I can’t wait to fly to Northern California so I can go visit my family more frequently.

Why choose WINGTIPS vs. commercial?

There are SO MANY REASONS I am now obsessed with choosing charter over commercial, but here are a few…

• No more difficult airport parking. You pull up and they valet park your car for you and have it ready for you once you arrive back at your destination. Can you say, TIME SAVER?!?
• No more long check in lines! Once you show your photo ID and flight number you are good to go!
• Clean waiting lounge with amenities like water, coffee and snacks provided.

• No more long security lines and getting half undressed while everyone is watching you while tossing out liquids you forgot were over 6oz. The friendly staff is there to help you take your bags from your car right onto the plane! Plus, everyone goes through a pre-screening when purchasing a ticket, so you can still feel safe!
• No more waiting in the airport for hours before your flight. As soon as everyone has checked in the pilots are ready to go whenever you are!!
• No more boarding hassle wondering if there will be space for your bags in the overhead compartment! Your larger luggage will be stored in the cargo area, all small purses and laptops can be taken on board with you.
• No more germs of hundreds of other people on large flights!
• Water, drinks AND snacks are actually provided on-board, unlike major airlines now that only offer water.
• 100% more convenient and faster than flying on major airlines!!

Is the plane safe?

Ok, I will be completely honest and say before I got to the airport I felt a little nervous. I had never flown on a smaller plane before, and of course being a mom, I was concerned. But after meeting our pilots in the lobby and chatting for a bit about the plane and their experience, I was immediately put at ease. Also, as soon as we had a super smooth take off and landing I was convinced this should be the only way we travel!

What types of planes does wingtips offer?

Depending on the length of the trip and how many passengers there will be, they have a few different planes. You can not choose the plane, it is based on the information below.

• 1- 4 passengers traveling less than 150miles = Cessna 340 or Cessna 421
• 4-8 passengers traveling less than 150miles = Cessna Caravan or Pilatus PC12
• 1-4 passengers traveling over 150 miles = Cessna Caravan or Pilatus PC12

Why fly wingtips over driving?

I think it’s pretty safe to say that the empty roads of the pandemic have ended and California traffic is back in full force! A simple 1-2 hour drive can now take 3-5 hours depending on the day and time. If you want to do a special trip to Disneyland, but don’t feel like sitting in all the traffic, this is your answer! If you want to do a unique anniversary weekend getaway to Santa Barbra, this is the answer so you aren’t sitting on Pacific Coast Highway for HOURS! Want to go to Las Vegas or Palm Springs for a fun Bachelorette weekend, but don’t want to sit in the car wasting time?!? Then WingTips is your answer!!

So, what do you think? Do you have any questions? Will you be checking out WingTips for your next trip?

***Find more of my travel tips and trips –> HERE***