Once upon a time, flying was exotic, romantic, luxurious, and — dare we say it — even fun. Hopping on a big silver bird and taking off for points unknown was part of the grand adventure that is travel. That, of course, was before the advent of Modern Air Travel and security regulations that deem your un-Ziplocked jar of La Mer a terrorist threat comparable to a case of C-4. Enter the private jet. Once the province of the überwealthy and ultra-famous, this mode of transportation is enjoying unprecedented growth as an increasing number of leisure travelers fl ee mass-market airlines and take advantage of the perks of private planes: no long waits in crowded airports, flights tailored to your schedule and destination, personalized service, and privacy. And it's not all about dipping into the trust fund for your very own Gulfstream or committing a half-mil to a fractional jet membership. From jet-card programs to on-demand charters to air taxis, this is one travel trend that's really taking off.

JET CARD: DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT. Unless you fly 50-plus hours a year, fractional jet ownership falls into the category of overkill. An increasingly popular option among leisure travelers is to purchase a jet card, which confers the benefits of owning a plane without the responsibility. For a prepaid fee, you have access to a private jet; flights are deducted from the card balance as they are used according to an hourly rate. Deposits can range from $50,000 to a cool million, depending on the amount of flight time and the perks involved.

ON-DEMAND CHARTERS: HAVE IT YOUR WAY. For those who fear commitment, a traditional private charter involves a little more planning, but the choices are unlimited and there's no long-term obligation or hefty initial investment. Fares are based on your needs, such as destination, travel dates, number of passengers, even the type of aircraft you prefer. Keep in mind that the price is based on a round-trip fare — even if the plane fl ies one leg of the route without you. (Savvy fliers have been known to enjoy steep discounts by booking through an "empty-leg" service, which matches passengers with an otherwise unused flight). Safety is another factor — do your homework before committing to an operator and steer clear of any that does not have an FAA-issued Part 135 certifi cate ensuring it meets federal operating standards. International operators should have a similar certifi cation; check with the International Civil Aviation Organization (icao.int).

AIR TAXIS: A HOP, A SKIP, OR A JUMP. One of the newest comers to private aviation is the air taxi, which marries the convenience of a private plane with the effi ciency of a taxi. Fares are typically based on point-to-point service for a seat, not an entire plane, so although you may be sharing the cabin with a few well-heeled strangers, you won't waste money on a segment you don't use. Though limited in range — most trips are of the short-haul variety, 350-700 nautical miles — this service is ideal for regional travel or when the most convenient airports for the route are too small for commercial airlines to serve. And, as more fueleffi cient very light jets come on line, hailing an air taxi may help you save the planet along with some green.