Fractional Jet Card Programs And Jet Card Membership

 Private Jet Charter Membership Programs and Fractional Jet Cards

Jet cards are like debit cards for private jet travel.  A jet card allows the purchaser to buy a block of flight hours by making a one-time, up-front payment.  Jet cards can be broken down into two categories based upon providers:  those that are provided by a fractional jet ownership company with a single, dedicated fleet of aircraft (Fractional Jet Cards – see below) and those that are provided by a jet charter company which use aircraft from multiple providers (Jet Membership Programs, also referred to as private jet membership programs – see below).

Jet Membership Programs, Block Jet Charter, and Jet Charter Cards - Jet membership programs, block charter, and jet cards provided by air charter brokers or charter operators allow you to advance purchase a block of flying hours on a by depositing a specified dollar amount into an account that will be applied towards each flight you charter.  You typically are not required to purchase hours on a particular type of jet, but rather may apply the money towards any chartered flight on any class of jet.  Some of these programs are similar to fractional programs in that they have a dedicated fleet of aircraft, and there is consistency among pilots and maintenance of the aircraft.  Having a funded account with a jet charter provides allows you to book trips on short notice, receive lower hourly charter rates and have the convenience of not having to wire funds prior to each trip.  Additionally, most of these programs differ from traditional charter in that they do not charge for deadhead or empty legs or they offer reduced hourly flight rates for deadhead trips.

Who should consider Jet Membership Programs? Jet membership programs, block charter, and charter jet cards are a good choice for those who generally fly between 25-50 hours per year and who are not interested in the acquisition cost and long-term commitment of fractional ownership.  Jet membership cards and block charter might be a can be a better option than fractional jet programs if you are not concerned about the consistency offered in a dedicated fleet of aircraft.  

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Fractional Jet Cards - A fractional jet card allows you to buy a small block of flight hours (usually 25) on a specific aircraft selected by you.  You make a one-time, up-front payment and are guaranteed a fixed number of flight hours with no further obligation once the hours are flown.  Fractional jet card purchasers gain the benefits typically associated with fractional ownership:  guaranteed availability of the jet on which you purchased hours, as well as the convenience, safety, and quality of a dedicated fleet of aircraft operated by the fractional company.

What are the costs associated with fractional jet cards? Most fractional jet cards are sold in a minimum 25 hour blocks of flight time.  Like a fractional owner, a fractional jet card purchaser only pays for actual, occupied flight hours, not deadhead hours, overnights, or costs associated with returning the aircraft to its base (costs you typically pay for a traditional charter flight).  The hourly rate usually is slightly higher than straight charter hourly rates because you pay for the consistency and quality of a dedicated fleet and its pilots, as well as the on-demand availability of your aircraft.   The total cost of a fractional jet card will vary based on the type of aircraft—the larger the jet, the more expensive the jet card.

Who should consider a fractional jet card? Fractional jet cards are a good choice for you if you generally fly between 25-50 hours per year and want all the benefits of fractional ownership (guaranteed availability, consistency in fleet and pilot training, etc.), but who are not interested in the acquisition cost and long-term commitment of fractional ownership.  Fractional jet cards are also a good choice for you if you take a lot of one-way trips (staying several days or longer before returning) because you will not have to pay for deadhead time or aircraft positioning fees like you will with most charter flights.  

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