The Luxist highlights the trend of “pampered campers” opting out of the bumpy bus to arrive at summer camp in a private jet. Revolution Air has reserved 20 jets for the purpose, at a price of approximately $8,000 per flight. Flights are customized to young tastes, with kids’ menus, videogame consoles and DVD choices.

For a youngster facing a bus ride of 1-5 hours (“ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall…”), there’s something to be said for the special treat. Yet between the lines of Sharri Markson’s article in the NY Post, one could sense some caution. According to Revolution Air President Ronald Goldstein, “Now the kids are starting to demand private jets. The children got spoiled on the custom of flying privately.”

The parenting choice is a personal one, but the plane you select will be a function of distance traveled, number of passengers, and cabin comfort and size. Costs can vary among providers, so consider a few alternatives before making your choice. For a summer camper flying charter, the flights will be billed as two separate one-way flights. Because the operator typically includes the cost of returning the plane to its home base, you may be able to tag along to send your precious progeny off in style, then enjoy the return flight at a nominal incremental cost. In effect, you’d be flying your own empty leg.

If you’re considering a one-off treat for your kids, a charter, charter card or fractional card is a convenient way to test the waters. Our Decision Guide to Private Jets discusses these options and touches on the unique issues of hosting friends, family, business associates and even politicians.