Once you fly on a private jet, it’s hard to go back to flying commercial. The extra leg and elbow room, shorter security lines, and convenience throughout the trip are luring travelers away from commercial flights in favor of a more curated option. You see the value in paying a little more for an experience that’s miles above what “the other guys” offer.
If you want to quit the big name airlines and start flying private, here’s a quick look at your options along with guidance that can help inform your decision:
Private Jet Charter
If you value convenience and don’t want to be locked into contracts or expensive ownership, then a private jet charter makes the most sense. This is the equivalent of jets-on-demand, where a broker can handle all aspects of booking on your behalf and match you to the right size and style of aircraft based on your needs and budget.
This is the type of service we specialize in at Access Jet Group.
Jet Charter Membership Clubs
Private jet membership clubs offer all the perks of flying on a private jet without taking on the overhead that comes with ownership. When you sign up with a club, they’ll ask you questions about your travel frequency, number of people, and other specifics to match you with the right plan. Typically, clubs can accommodate single travelers up to large families or corporations to take you wherever you need to go.
As for price, memberships can start at $50,000 and go up from there. Some clubs will charge additional fees (e.g. catering fees), while others will charge an initial enrollment fee (one company revealed their fees start at $17,500), so it’s important to calculate the total cost of a membership when comparing options.
One potential downside to using memberships outside of costs is that you’re limited to a specific type of aircraft. If your travel needs change (e.g. you need to fly more people at a time), then you may have to pay additional fees to change your plan.
Fractional or Jet Ownership
Jet ownership doesn’t come cheap, but you can share the costs and responsibilities with other owners to lower your overhead. A specialist provider acts as the mediary between parties to handle all the reservation details. Some people prefer this option for the consistency ― you get the same type of aircraft with each flight and always know what to expect.
This method is significantly more expensive than an ad hoc charter. The price for entry starts around $400,000 per year. For the right user, the benefits can be worth the price.
If you’re flying 200+ hours per year, total jet ownership starts to make sense. It’s more expensive since you have at least $400,000 of fixed annual plus operating costs, but you’ll have your aircraft on demand and full control over the experience.
What to Consider Over Cost
One thing to consider is that cost isn’t always the most important factor. Consider the benefits you get from the total experience — on-demand service, consistency, and curated travel options that can make flying a breeze.
Contact Access Jet Group today for pricing and reservation information.
