Inside a $20 Million Private Jet: My $220,000 Citation X Flight Experience

Welcome to the World of Private Jet Travel

Luxury aviation, private jet charter, elite air travel

The moment I stepped onto the Citation X, I knew this wasn’t just another flight — this was private jet luxury on a whole different level. This $20 million, 8-seater business jet was about to take us on a $220,000 private flight from Boston to Dallas, and honestly, I wanted to see if the hype around private aviation was actually worth it.

Spoiler alert: it mostly is.

The Aircraft: Citation X by EXO Jet

Private jet charter services, luxury aircraft rental

We’re flying aboard a Citation X, chartered through a company called EXO Jet, which specializes in private jet rentals for high-net-worth travelers, executives, and people who value time over money.

Even though this jet is considered “small” in the private aviation world, there’s a surprising amount going on inside.

The aircraft is basically divided into three main sections:

1. The cockpit
2. The main seating area
3. The rear cabin and lavatory

Let me walk you through it like I experienced it.

Cockpit Tour: Where the Magic Happens

Advanced avionics, pilot cockpit, private jet controls

Right up front is the cockpit, where the pilot and co-pilot handle a serious amount of tech. There are knobs, switches, buttons, and instrument clusters everywhere — enough to make you instantly respect how complex flying a private jet actually is.

This isn’t autopilot-and-relax territory. It’s precision aviation.

Snacks, Drinks & Onboard Amenities

In-flight catering, luxury travel experience

Behind the cockpit is something every passenger secretly cares about: snacks.

And yes, they delivered.

We had:

• M&M’s
• Granola bars
• Oreos
• Pretzels
• Chips
• Coffee & hot water
• Sparkling water
• Cranberry juice
• Sugary drinks
• Ice (because why not)

There’s even a locked drawer — and if you’re wondering, yes, it feels exactly as mysterious as it sounds.

Main Seating Area: Compact but Premium

Business jet interior, private flight comfort

Now this is where reality checks in.

The Citation X cabin is small. Not uncomfortable — just… intimate. I’m not claustrophobic, but I could literally reach both walls while sitting, and if I stood on my tiptoes, my head was almost touching the ceiling.

That said, every seat feels premium.

Seat Features & Controls

Luxury seating, private jet technology

Each of the eight seats comes with:

• A digital control console
• Fast-moving window shades
• Personal air conditioning
• Individual reading lights

The seats swivel outward, recline slightly, and lock into different positions for takeoff and cruising. No, they’re not lie-flat seats — this isn’t a Gulfstream — but they’re solid.

Seat belts?
Over-the-shoulder, just like a car — or you can wear them like a regular airplane belt if you want.

Entertainment & Work Space

In-flight entertainment, productivity while flying

Let’s be honest — the screens are… not great.

They pop out, sure, but the resolution looks like 240p on a good day. Watching anything feels like you’re viewing an 8-bit version of your own flight.

However, the fold-out tables are actually impressive:

• Strong
• Stable
• Big enough to hold serious gear

Inside the compartments, I even found:

• Decks of cards
• Dice
• A satellite phone

Because nothing says “private jet life” like casually having a sat phone next to you.

The Rear Cabin & Seating

Private cabin layout, exclusive jet interiors

The back section has four more seats, arranged in pairs. It’s quieter back there, and honestly feels more relaxed — perfect if you want to unplug, nap, or just enjoy the fact that you’re flying private.

Yes, There’s a Bathroom (And It’s Wild)

Private jet lavatory, luxury travel details

I was genuinely surprised by this part.

There is a bathroom — and it’s cleverly hidden.

For privacy, panels slide up, and suddenly the rear seat transforms into… a toilet seat. Yep. The same seatbelt, same spot — multi-purpose engineering at its finest.

There’s also:

• A tiny sink
• Storage drawers

And inside those drawers?
D-cell batteries.
When was the last time you even saw D batteries?

Exactly.

Is Flying Private Actually Worth the Cost?

Private jet cost comparison, first class vs private jet

Here’s where things get interesting.

If you split this flight between eight passengers, the cost comes out to roughly $2,500 per seat.

When you compare that to:

• First-class commercial flights
• Airport security wait times
• Layovers
• Crowds

…it’s honestly more competitive than people think.

This was my second private flight ever — the first one was to Canada with Deadmau5 — and the experience felt very similar.

No lines.
No chaos.
Just show up and fly.

Final Thoughts: PJ Life Hits Different

Luxury lifestyle, private aviation experience

Private jet travel isn’t about showing off — it’s about control, comfort, and time. The Citation X isn’t flashy in a billionaire way, but it’s efficient, premium, and practical.

Would I do it every time? Probably not.
Did it feel amazing? Absolutely.

And yes — I did accept the moist towelette at the end.

That’s how I’m ending this story.