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

By TravelWiseNov 3, 2023 23:45 PMNews
Share:
Oprah Winfrey
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
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

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

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 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
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM
Modern hotel bedroom corner with bedside table and hanging light

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM
Workers repairing railway tracks during maintenance

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM
Scenic view of St Vincent coastline with small islands and turquoise waters

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM
Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on runway

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM
Railway signals glowing red at sunset

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM

September Rail Work on North Downs Line May Impact Trips

Sep 12, 2025 19:22 PM

SAS Opens First Non-Stop Route Between Copenhagen and Seoul

Sep 12, 2025 18:35 PM
People enjoying food festival outdoors

Abergavenny Prepares for Food Festival with New Transport Arrangements

Sep 12, 2025 16:49 PM
Ryanair plane on snowy runway at sunrise

Ryanair Confirms Partnership with Skyscanner

Sep 12, 2025 15:23 PM
Cars lining up outside Berlin Brandenburg Airport terminal under a covered roadway

New Platform Lets Passengers Book Rental Cars Directly at Berlin Airport

Sep 12, 2025 05:36 AM
Hotel glowing with festive lights

Organized Holiday Packages Introduced for Winter Visitors in the Lake District

Sep 11, 2025 22:43 PM
Modern bedroom with decorative pillows and lamps

Napa Valley Expands Stays Ahead of 2028 Opening

Sep 11, 2025 21:26 PM

Travelers Face Rising Threat from Fake Airline Sites

Sep 11, 2025 20:39 PM

Stockport Bridge Works to Affect Key Travel Routes This Autumn

Sep 11, 2025 19:42 PM
Close-up of Wizz Air aircraft tails on airport apron

Wizz Air to Wind Down Vienna Base

Sep 11, 2025 19:25 PM
Airplane approaching for landing against blue sky

Skyhub PAD Reopens Key Connection from Paderborn

Sep 11, 2025 00:38 AM