Jet Card programs, which allow customers to pre-purchase a set number of flight hours, are marketed as providing convenience, flexibility, and cost savings compared to full or fractional jet ownership. However, there are several things that Jet Card programs may not explicitly highlight:
- Blackout Dates and Peak Travel Surcharges: Many Jet Card programs have blackout dates or peak travel days (such as holidays), during which flights are either unavailable or come with additional fees. These surcharges can significantly increase the cost of travel during high-demand periods.
- Hourly Rate Increases for Point-to-Point Pricing: While most Jet Card programs promise point-to-point pricing, they often increase the hourly rate to cover repositioning and one-way costs. This is something customers may not be informed about upfront. On-demand charters, like those from American Flight Support (AFS), provide better-priced options without requiring such a financial commitment.
- High Upfront Investment: Jet Card programs often require you to make a substantial upfront payment, typically ranging between $25,000 to $150,000, just to secure fixed pricing, which is often inflated. This contrasts with on-demand charter services like AFS, which offer more flexible pricing without requiring such a large financial outlay.
- Aircraft Size Restrictions and Penalties: Many Jet Card programs lock you into a specific size of aircraft (light, mid-sized, heavy, etc.). If you need to change to a different category for any reason, you may face penalties or additional fees. AFS, on the other hand, has access to a network of over 4,500 aircraft in all categories, ensuring flexible options for any trip without these restrictions.
- Limited Aircraft Availability and Premium Charges for Short Notice: While some Jet Card programs guarantee aircraft availability, they often charge a premium for bookings made on short notice. AFS offers more flexibility without the need for such premium surcharges.
- Hidden Fees and Additional Costs: Jet Card programs often have hidden fees, such as initiation fees, membership dues, and Federal Excise Taxes (FET) of 7.5%. While they may advertise fixed rates, these costs are often deducted from the balance you’ve already paid. This contrasts with the transparent pricing models found in on-demand charter services like AFS.
- Deadhead Costs: Some Jet Card programs may not cover deadhead flights—the cost of flying an empty jet to your location or back to its base. This could result in extra fees for repositioning the aircraft.
- Expiration Dates on Jet Card Hours: Jet Card hours often come with expiration dates, so if you don’t use your allocated hours within a certain period, you may lose them or have to pay additional fees to extend them.
- Aircraft Age and Quality: Not all Jet Card programs provide details about the age or condition of the aircraft in their fleets. While most programs promise well-maintained jets, the quality of the aircraft can vary widely between operators.
- Cancellation Policies: The flexibility to cancel flights varies by program. Some may require several days’ notice for cancellations, while others charge penalties for last-minute changes or cancellations.
- Variable Safety Standards: While all charter operators are required to meet minimum safety standards, the level of scrutiny, pilot experience, and maintenance protocols can vary between programs. It’s important to understand who is operating the aircraft and their safety certifications.