FlyOtto Offers Free Flight for United Pilots

In response to the United Airlines debacle from earlier this week, FlyOtto is offering one free flight to the beleaguered airline in an effort to highlight the convenience and efficiency of general aviation flying.

“For the amount United was willing to compensate four passengers ($800 each, for a total of $3,200) to make room for their team members, they could have booked travel for this entire crew through FlyOtto.com,” said Rod Rakic, co-founder of FlyOtto. “We could have booked a comfortable Piper Meridian for just $2,930, with a pick up from Chicago Executive Airport going straight into Louisville International Airport; and we would have gotten there in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Next time United is in a jam like this, we are happy to provide this service to them at no charge to demonstrate better alternates for repositioning crews, or helping their customers get where they are going.”

FlyOtto was launched last year to provide on-demand flights to the general public around the country. The company serves as a sort of matchmaker between small Part 135 charter companies and flight customers, with access to about 5,000 airports in a wide variety of aircraft.

Private on-demand one-way flights can be found for as little as $1,200. FlyOtto is also working on ride-sharing options that could bring that cost down significantly. The fleet of aircraft that FlyOtto can tap includes airplanes, seaplanes and helicopters. The company is also working on adding jets to its network.