Which aircraft suits you

Seats first

The indicative catalogue shown here reaches 14 passengers. For larger groups, the provider must review whether it has a larger aircraft or coordinated solution; no model or price is promised before that review.

One detail that surprises people: moving up a category for comfort, with the same group, does not change the per-person price as much as it seems, because what divides is the total cost of the aircraft.

Then endurance

Each aircraft has range and performance limits affected by passengers, baggage, fuel, airport and weather. If a technical stop is required, the operator confirms its location, duration and conditions before the flight.

And then what you notice on board

• ·Cabin height: past two hours, being able to stand up changes the trip.
• ·Lavatory: not every light category carries an enclosed one.
• ·Flight attendant: from the heavy category up, and on request below it.
• ·Wi-Fi: depends on the individual aircraft, not the category. If you are going to work, say so when you ask for the quote.

When a helicopter wins

Under about two hundred kilometres the helicopter usually wins, and not on speed but on where it can land: a city helipad saves the two road journeys an airport forces on you. From Mexico City to Valle de Bravo or Cuernavaca the difference is measured in hours, not minutes.

Beyond that distance it inverts. The helicopter is slower, has less endurance and depends far more on the weather, so the light jet takes the advantage back even counting the drive out to the airport.