Large and conspicuously furry, the two non-verbal travelers retreated to the rear of the aircraft, with one opting to stretch out on the floor instead of remaining seated after takeoff. Both seemed utterly uninterested in the onboard wine-tasting experience being offered. These were no ordinary passengers; these oversized designer dogs signified the luxury of travel catered specifically for the elite. Welcome aboard Aero’s exclusive nonstop service to Napa, a journey that promises to redefine air travel.
Aero, originally conceived by Garrett Camp, a visionary co-founder of Uber, began its operations as a semi-private jet service for island hopping between Mykonos and Ibiza just three years ago. Now, Aero has redirected its focus entirely to the U.S. market, honing in on sophisticated vacation destinations frequented by West Coast dwellers. Regular flights now service exclusive locales like Aspen, Colorado; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Los Cabos, Mexico—all departing from its impressive hub at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. Notably, at the end of September, Aero launched its inaugural flight to the picturesque wine region of Northern California, perfectly timed for the busy harvest season.
“We’re introducing a direct service from Los Angeles that Napa has never seen before,” explains Ben Klein, CEO of Aero. “Prior to our launch, travelers from LA had to deal with the inconvenience of flying into airports that are as far as one to two hours away from their destination, especially if they encountered traffic. Plus, navigating through the delays and crowds of a commercial airport only added to the frustration.”
One of the prime advantages Aero offers is the luxury of time, distinguishing it as a seamless alternative to private jet travel. Arriving at the Aero lounge allows guests to drive right up to the entrance, where a concierge greets them, taking care of luggage while valets park their vehicles. Passengers can unwind with a glass of Champagne or choose from an assortment of healthy beverages from Erewhon, all before making the short stroll—approximately a hundred yards—to the awaiting 16-passenger Embraer ERJ-135. Inside, every seat, whether aisle or window, is designed to ensure ample personal space, elevating comfort throughout the flight.
As we taxi down the runway, leaving behind the urban congestion of Los Angeles, the smooth acceleration along with the whisper-quiet power of the aircraft rivals the experience of gliding in a luxurious Rolls-Royce, a nearly silent display of thrust as we gain altitude. The moment of takeoff is further punctuated by the reassuring sound of the landing gear retracting, signaling our departure into the sky.
“Aero is dedicated to ensuring that the journey to our destination is every bit as exquisite and memorable as the destination itself,” asserts Klein. He emphasizes that the airline enhances the overall experience with exclusive benefits sourced from carefully selected hotel and winery partners that are unique to Aero passengers.
As the plane reaches cruising altitude, the onboard experience elevates further with a curated tasting from the esteemed Sullivan Rutherford Estate Winery, complemented by an elegant charcuterie and cheese selection. On the flight, the glassware is filled with a selection of the vintner’s finest—2021 Estate Chardonnay, 2018 Estate Merlot, and 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon—an ideal way to prepare the palate ahead of our arrival at Napa County Airport, after a remarkable total flying time of just 57 minutes.
Once we touch down, a luxurious chauffeured Mercedes awaits to whisk us away to the Auberge Stanly Ranch, nestled in the heart of Napa. This exquisite resort features 135 standalone bungalows gracefully arranged on a sprawling 715 acres of vineyard land. Aero has an exclusive partnership with Auberge, enhancing the experience offered to its patrons. Opened in 2022, this stunning property boasts a contemporary-rustic design and shares its momentum with the neighboring Solage as part of the distinguished Auberge Resorts Collection.
The following morning, after departing our lavish 610-square-foot cottage with luxurious amenities including indoor and outdoor showers, an indulgent large bathtub, and a private veranda, we savor breakfast at Bear, renowned for chef Anthony Stagnaro’s seasonal culinary delights. This delightful meal is followed by an exquisite tasting experience arranged by the resort’s concierge at Frank Family Vineyards in nearby Calistoga. We then venture to Sullivan Rutherford in St. Helena, where owner Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla is dedicated to reviving the merits of Merlot, before indulging in some intriguing blends at Alpha Omega, culminating in a decadent day of wine tasting.
As all memorable weekend retreats go, our journey wraps up quicker than anticipated, yet the return leg of our adventure is equally seamless. We arrive at the tarmac a mere ten minutes before our departure time, with our carefully selected wine bottles in tow as perfectly acceptable carry-ons. Boarding is a quick process, and before we know it, we’re secured in our seats, soaring into the skies once more, likely before our driver has even vacated the drop-off area. Despite a few more fellow passengers on this return flight, there remains ample space for the same delightful furry companions from our outbound journey, offering them comfort alongside their owners once again.
Is there a downside to flying with Aero? The primary limitation lies in its less customized itinerary compared to that of a private jet. Flights to Napa are scheduled exclusively for Friday and Sunday, leaving Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m. PT on Fridays and 9:30 a.m. PT on Sundays. Conversely, return expeditions occur at 5:40 p.m. PT on Fridays and noon PT on Sundays. According to Klein, Aero fills the niche between traditional first-class travel and the exclusivity of a private jet, a claim bolstered by a roundtrip fare commencing at $725.
Aero has high hopes for its continued success, recently introducing new routes to Palm Springs and Las Vegas from its Van Nuys hub. As part of its offerings for the latter, Aero launched its Jet In, Jet Out package for the eagerly awaited Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23. Motorsports enthusiasts were able to book a flight from Los Angeles at 5:05 p.m. PT on race day, with a return flight at 2:20 a.m. PT, just after the race concluded. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with the flight selling out quickly, and regular service to Las Vegas is slated to begin on December 27.
“In the next five years, Aero has ambitious plans to continue expanding its routes and origin markets. We are also exploring new aircraft to add to our fleet, enhancing the variety of flights we can offer,” reveals Klein. “Our charter services, limited-edition event flights, and partnerships with hotel brands are also expected to flourish.” Southern California’s jet set, particularly those traveling with their pampered pets, are likely to find much to be delighted about in Aero’s visionary approach to luxury travel.
Click here for more photos of Aero’s Napa Experience.
An Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft used in Aero’s semi-private jet service between Los Angeles and Napa.
**Interview with a Recent Aero Passenger: A Luxurious Journey to Napa**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! Can you tell us about your experience flying with Aero to Napa?
**Guest:** Absolutely! It was truly a unique experience. From the moment we arrived at Van Nuys Airport, we felt the luxury. The dedicated concierge greeted us, took care of our bags, and we were able to relax with a glass of Champagne before our flight.
**Interviewer:** That sounds delightful! How was the flight itself?
**Guest:** The flight was just 57 minutes but felt incredibly smooth and private. The aircraft was very comfortable, with plenty of space for each passenger, which was a stark contrast to what I’m used to in commercial travel. They even offered a charcuterie selection along with a wine tasting from Sullivan Rutherford Estate, which was a lovely touch.
**Interviewer:** How did that compare to the travel experience you’ve had in the past?
**Guest:** Typically, my experiences with commercial airlines involve long lines, delays, and crowded planes. With Aero, we skipped all of that hassle. It was all about the journey being as enjoyable as the destination. The ambiance was so refined; it felt like we were traveling in style, paired quite nicely with the high-end aesthetic of Napa itself.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned bringing your furry companions along. How did they adapt to the luxury travel?
**Guest:** It seemed effortless for them! Aero caters to pets as well, and in our case, we saw other oversized dogs aboard. The spacious seating allowed them to lie down comfortably, and they seemed completely at ease, even ignoring the wine tastings.
**Interviewer:** After arriving in Napa, what were your highlights from your stay?
**Guest:** Arriving at Auberge Stanly Ranch was breathtaking! The resort is stunning and the accommodations were incredible. The alternating indoor and outdoor showers in our cottage were a game-changer! We also had an exceptional breakfast at Bear, followed by wine tastings at some of the best vineyards. Each experience was curated flawlessly, enhancing our overall experience in Napa.
**Interviewer:** How would you rate your journey, considering both the flying and the destination?
**Guest:** I would rate it a 10 out of 10! Every detail was taken care of, and the seamless transition from flying to arriving at a luxury resort made for a truly remarkable weekend. It’s an experience I can’t wait to repeat.
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts for travelers considering Aero for their next trip?
**Guest:** Definitely! If you value an elevated travel experience that prioritizes comfort and convenience, Aero is the way to go. It’s perfect for those looking to make the most of their weekend getaways without the stress typically associated with air travel.
