Charter company offers blizzard beater

For those who could afford to charter a private jet, last week's blizzard was a travel obstacle easily overcome, says Ventura Air Services Inc., based at Republic Airport in East Farmingdale.

Ventura's charter flights use smaller airports where runways can be easily cleared of snow, and where planes are quickly de-iced in the comfort of heated hangars, the company said.

"Millions of travelers were stuck this holiday season due to the blizzard that pounded the East Coast after Christmas," Ventura said in a news release.

"But for savvy travelers that could afford it, private jet companies like Ventura Air came to the rescue and helped saved family vacations and business meetings for New Yorkers desperate to find a way out."

Maureen Tarascio, charter manager for Ventura Air, said, "We had a lot of people calling us desperate to save their vacations. We were able to help them leave immediately and avoid the chaos." (That Maureen, in center, holding dog, with the rest of her family.)

How much does a charter cost?

Ventura says, "The cost varies depending on size of aircraft, flight itinerary and destination. Charter rates (per hour) range from small single or twin engine aircraft at $495 per hour, to large jets at over $5,000 per hour. Ventura can quote any trip, large or small."

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