Why Oprah Winfrey decided to buy a private jet: the star revealed the details

By TravelWiseNov 3, 2023 23:45 PMNews
Share:
Oprah Winfrey. Source: Oprah Winfrey's Instagram

American actress, TV presenter, writer, philanthropist, and feminist Oprah Winfrey decided to buy her own private jet after meeting an overzealous fan at Oprah Airport.

In 1991, she was departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport and faced a long flight delay. A hyperactive fan approached her and asked for a hug. She did so, but the fan accused her of "not acting like she does on TV." She explained to him that at the airport, she doesn't have to be friendly to everyone. After the meeting, the star immediately called her lawyer and asked him to buy a private jet, Simple Flying writes.

She has a net worth of $3.5 billion and earns approximately $315 million a year through her lucrative media group, so she can easily afford to buy a luxury jet. Over the years, it has changed several ships.

Previously, she owned a Bombardier Global XRS, and then a Gulfstream G550, which she bought in 2013. In 2016, she purchased her Gulfstream 650ER, registration number N540W, and can fly anywhere in the world with complete privacy and ease.

Oprah's G650 costs about $75 million, including customization. It has enough space for a galley equipped with an oven, microwave, and coffee maker for the flight attendant to prepare meals. There are two luxurious bathrooms, one of which has a shower. The plush leather seats for 16 passengers can be converted into beds.

Top Articles

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM

Air Canada Opens New Europe and Asia Routes for 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:05 AM

TAP Launches €49 Return Sale Across 90+ Destinations

Sep 3, 2026 21:22 PM

easyJet Cancellation Leaves Family in Turkey for Nearly a Week

Sep 3, 2026 21:19 PM

New High-Speed Trains Could Shake Up Paris–Bordeaux Travel

Sep 3, 2026 21:06 PM

Six New Ski Flights Open Easier Routes to Europe’s Slopes

Sep 3, 2026 20:53 PM

Jet2 Ibiza Flight Diverts to Paris After Mid-Air Emergency

Sep 3, 2026 20:47 PM

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays to 30 Days From September 15

Sep 2, 2026 03:44 AM

Madrid–Caracas Flights Return After Earthquake Disruption

Sep 2, 2026 03:31 AM

Italy and Spain Extend Border Checks on Flights and Ferries

Sep 2, 2026 01:28 AM

Grand Canyon Shuts In-Park Lodging After Deadly Floods

Sep 2, 2026 01:15 AM

Ferry Sinks off Cyprus, Leaving Eight Dead and 20 Missing

Sep 1, 2026 21:12 PM

UK’s Most-Visited Attraction Reopens Gallery Shut Since WWII

Aug 31, 2026 22:09 PM

Slovenia’s Lakes and Caves Get Fresh Summer Travel Focus

Aug 30, 2026 23:56 PM

Berlin Gets New Direct Flights to Romania’s Bukovina Region

Aug 30, 2026 02:53 AM

Kids Can Ride Free on These European Trains, Some Have Play Areas Too

Aug 30, 2026 02:47 AM

TUI Adds Three Moroccan City Breaks Beyond Marrakech

Aug 30, 2026 02:34 AM

Jet2 Passengers Lose £500 Over 10-Year Passport Rule

Aug 29, 2026 23:11 PM

Iberia Flights Drop to €24 — but Most Travellers Must Wait

Aug 28, 2026 23:18 PM

Montreal Airport Worker Dies After A350 Pushback Accident

Aug 27, 2026 02:35 AM

Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York After Nearly Four Years

Aug 27, 2026 02:22 AM

easyJet to Leave Oslo as Final Route Is Axed

Aug 26, 2026 12:39 PM