Although they fly in the same sky, jet card programs carry a heavy upfront investment compared to on-demand jet charter flights. However, Jet Cards also guarantee rates on aircraft sizes, as well as availability. Does access to a jet card membership outweigh the costs compared to working with a charter broker?
Jet Card Membership Benefits
Predictable expenses: Jet Card Members may benefit from a guaranteed fixed rate structure for the term of their contract based on different aircraft size categories. No on-going member fees, and no maintenance, crew or other costs to worry about – fly whenever you want to, and know exactly what you are going to pay.
Guaranteed availability: One of the best perks you enjoy from Jet Card Membership is guaranteed aircraft availability. As the demand for charter aircraft continues to grow and planes are booked left and right, guaranteed availability means you’ll always have access to an aircraft, allowing you to travel on your terms.
No re-positioning costs: Jet Card Members only pay for the time they fly, meaning zero re-positioning fees if an aircraft needs to come to you. The aircraft charter market ebbs and flows on a daily, if not hourly basis.
On Demand Jet Charter Benefits
No Upfront Costs: Jet cards enhance your private aviation experience with added convenience and flexibility, but upfront membership fees can be quite steep. Plus, once you purchase a 25 or 50 hour jet card, you're locked into a fixed rate for all of our flights.
Lower Hourly Rates: The average hourly jet card rates for large jets including a Challenger 605 can run as high as $10,000 - $15,000 an hour, depending on your provider and level of membership. When you request a quote from an on-demand jet charter broker, they search the market consisting of thousands of large cabin heavy jets available for charter, including several Challenger 605 jets,finding the best deal for your flight.
Empty Leg Savings: Transient jets create empty leg flights (dead heads), which can make jet card pricing look like airborne robbery. You may also be able to benefit on reduced pricing with a one-way charter flight.
Flexibility: Already own a jet card for light, midsize, or large cabin aircraft? Many jet charter brokers allow you to request a free, no-obligation quote for your flights so you can compare them to your current plan; it might be financially beneficial to charter on-demand, saving hours on your jet card for future flights.
