Flying with Strangers
How Wingly Turns Tiny Planes into Big Travel Adventures (for Less Money Than You Think)
Let’s face it — flying commercial these days often feels like paying for a headache with a view. Airport security lines, delayed flights, overpriced luggage fees, and crying babies as background noise. Romance? Gone. Fun? Buried somewhere under a mountain of boarding passes.
Now imagine this: instead of being herded through terminal chaos, you meet a friendly private pilot at a small airfield, hop into a sleek little aircraft, and fly low over mountains, coastlines, or castles — all while splitting the fuel bill like you’re carpooling. Sounds like a dream, right?
Welcome to Wingly — the weirdly wonderful corner of the internet where everyday travelers can join general aviation flights, skip the crowds, and turn a weekend trip into something truly special.
Full transparency: this is not a sponsored post. Wingly didn’t pay us — we just thought the idea was too good (and too fun) not to write about.
No, it’s not a private jet. And no, the pilot isn’t your Uber driver with wings. It’s something in between — and it might just be the coolest travel hack you’ve never heard of.
🛩️ Wait… What Is Wingly?
Wingly is a flight-sharing platform based in Europe that connects private pilots with passengers who are happy to cover their share of the operating costs. Think of it as Blablacar for the skies.
It’s not a commercial airline. These are non-commercial flights flown by qualified private pilots for leisure. They’re not making a profit — just sharing the expenses of a trip they were planning anyway.
The result? You get to:
Fly in a small aircraft (2–6 seats)
Access local airfields most airlines don’t reach
See the world from a new angle
And pay much less than you’d think for a flight this cool
🌍 Where Can You Go?
All over Europe — and sometimes beyond.
Here are some real flights currently available on Wingly:
Paris to the Normandy coast (for €80)
Milan to Lake Como (round-trip scenic flight)
London to Cornwall (weekend getaway)
Munich to the Alps (perfect for hiking or skiing trips)
Some flights are one-way trips, others are scenic flights (you land back at the same airfield). You can filter by destination, budget, dates, or even choose "surprise me" and browse cool routes just for fun.
🧭 Why Would Anyone Do This?
Because it’s fun. And personal. And actually kind of magical.
You chat with the pilot before the flight, meet them at a small airfield (no airport queues!), get a safety briefing, and then you're off — often flying at lower altitudes than commercial jets, so you can see the landscape in stunning detail.
It’s the kind of flying that makes you fall in love with the sky again.
Plus:
No hidden fees
No luggage limits (within aircraft safety rules)
No airport food
Yes to photos, yes to talking to your pilot, yes to adventure
💸 What Does It Cost?
Wingly flights vary by distance and route, but here are rough ideas:
Short scenic flight: €50–€100
Cross-country hop: €80–€200
Longer flights: Up to €300–€400 (shared cost)
Prices are transparent, and you only pay your share of the fuel, landing fees, and aircraft rental. The pilot cannot make a profit — it’s strictly regulated under EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) rules.
It’s legal, insured, and surprisingly affordable — especially if you're comparing to train or commercial airline costs on short routes.
🔒 Is It Safe?
This is the first question everyone asks — and it’s a good one.
Here’s why Wingly is safe:
Pilots must be licensed and provide flight logs
Wingly checks pilot credentials
Flights are fully insured through Allianz
You’ll receive a pre-flight briefing and weather update
You can see reviews of the pilot and aircraft
No one’s winging it (pun intended). The pilots are flying for passion, and they take safety seriously — often more than commercial airlines, because they’re personally responsible.
🤓 What’s the Catch?
Honestly? A few things worth knowing:
Flexibility is key: Flights can be cancelled due to weather or pilot schedule.
Small aircraft = no in-flight service: Bring your own snacks.
Space is limited: Often just 1–3 passengers per flight.
Not commercial = not guaranteed: No refunds for late trains or missed connections. You need to stay in touch with the pilot and have backup plans.
But if you’re the adventurous type who likes slow travel, stunning views, and stories to tell — you’ll probably love it.
🧳 Who Is This For?
Travelers who love unique experiences
Couples or friends looking for a memorable weekend trip
Photographers and aviation geeks (window seats guaranteed!)
Digital nomads tired of buses and budget airlines
Curious souls who think the journey should be part of the fun
🚀 Final Thoughts: Should You Try Wingly?
Absolutely — if you’re open-minded, a little spontaneous, and you like the idea of sharing the skies with a passionate pilot and a view like no other.
Wingly isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s a way to make the journey the best part of the trip.
So next time you’re planning a trip and wondering, “How can I make this special without breaking the bank?” — maybe look up. Literally.
Because sometimes, your next adventure isn’t on the road.
It’s above it.
Want help picking your first route or building an epic “Wingly + Weekend” combo itinerary? I can help.
Or check out the platform directly: 👉
https://www.wingly.io