The 42-year-old Men In Black star was due to travel from Dublin, Ireland, to Manchester with Aer Lingus, but when his management were informed that only the cheaper seats were available they reportedly hired a £10,000 private jet instead.
Smith had been in the UK with his wife Jada and their two children, as daughter Willow has been supporting Justin Bieber on his European tour.
A source at Aer Lingus told UK newspaper, the Sunday Mirror: 'It raised a few eyebrows when we heard because it seemed to be a bit of a snub.
'It surprised everyone because it's a short flight and economy is still very comfortable.'