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Priciest Private Jets - Forbes.com

What does a billionaire do when having a private jet becomes so affordable that mere millionaires can swing the cost?He trades up–to a Boeing 747-8, say, or to a Airbus 380–costing $280 million and $300 million, respectively.

Back in 1996, when Boeing introduced the first “personal use” version of one of its commercial airliners, the $30 million Boeing Business Jet (a reconfigured 737) was treated as the last word in spaciousness and luxury. Now, compared with competing luxe lifts, a 737 looks like mashed potatoes.

Well, maybe not the A380. We like hassle-free aircraft.

Flaps? Check.

Fine wine? Check.

Bloomberg? Check.

Do you need one? Check.

Priciest Private Planes - Forbes.com

Private planes run the gamut from workman-like transports to flying palaces, and their prices can run well into the tens of millions. Corporate-owned aircraft are typically mere offices in the sky, done up more with comfort than excess in mind, with amenities like solid leather seats, a satellite communications system so executives can stay in touch and maybe somewhere for the CEO to stretch out between meetings.

When price is no object, however, potential extravagances abound. Features such as surround-sound entertainment systems, exotic wood cabinetry and trim, gold-plated bathroom fixtures, hand-woven carpeting and original artwork combine to create rarefied spaces on high.

“Owning your own private plane is far and away one of life’s great indulgences, so people want them done up with style,” says Eric H. Roth, owner of International Jet Interiors of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., which specializes in crafting luxe insides for high-net-worth plane owners.