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Do you frequently travel, or are you looking for more privacy and luxury during your flights? Private jets are convenient and comfortable options for travel. Depending on your needs, you can book flights through a private jet card program or have fractional ownership.
Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
A jet card program is a membership with a chartering company. You can pre-purchase hours and use them throughout the year to fly within your chartering service area. Many jet cards sell hours in groups of 25. They also often come with discounts, rewards, and other membership perks.
Jet card programs work best for frequent fliers because you are usually required to buy an hourly minimum for each year.
Private jet fractional ownership is when you own a share of a private jet. The share’s fraction equals the fraction of flying hours you can use throughout the year. Most shares are between 1/16 and ½, and you own the share for a contract period of about five years.
For example, if you owned a ¼ share of a jet, you would be allowed 200 of the average 800 flight hours private jets offer each year.
However, when you purchase a share from a jet provider, you often do not own a fraction of a specific jet. Instead, you may end up flying on whichever plane is closest to your location to make your flight more convenient for you.
At the end of your five-year term, you can either sign another contract or allow your provider to repurchase your share back.
Jet card programs aren’t as expensive as private jet fractional ownership. You pay per hour that you are flying, along with a few extra fees like fuel charges and taxes that vary by program. While the cost per hour differs widely from one program to the next and by aircraft type, you can expect to pay on average about $5,000 an hour as a starting rate for a light aircraft.
Jet ownership is more expensive. Initially, you will buy a share at an equal fraction to the plane’s value. For example, if you buy a ½ share, the share will most likely cost close to half of the plane’s worth. After that payment, you will need to pay upkeep, maintenance, and hanger fees each month. Lastly, you will receive bills for your flight time and additional flight fees such as catering, fuel, and maintenance.
Jet card programs are short-term commitments. Your card works while you have hours available. While many cards’ hours expire after 1-3 years, others allow you to carry over the hours and even receive a refund if you don’t use all the hours.
Private jet fractional ownership is a long-term commitment. On average, you will sign a 5-year contract. As a result, it is only the better option if you know your plans over the next few years.
Jet card programs have varying availability, with some programs like Jettly guaranteeing aircraft within hours while others require advance notice.
Private jet fractional ownership has greater availability, so it is better for those who need the extra reliability of knowing there is always an available last-minute flight. You also have more available destinations.
Each option has its place. For example, if you travel often and need reliable availability, you may want to budget for a private jet fractional ownership. However, if you are a frequent flier but have a predictable schedule that you can plan for ahead of time, you can save some money by using a jet card program instead.
Are you still unsure of the right choice for you? Talk with our team of experts to discuss what services Jettly has to meet your needs.
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Justin Crabbe
May 7, 2025
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MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Disclaimer: Jettly operates as a charter broker, offering access to a global digital jet charter marketplace. Jettly is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. All advertised flights are conducted by third-party air carriers that are fully licensed and hold the appropriate Part 135 or Part 121 certifications issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent regulatory authorities under U.S. or foreign law. Jettly complies fully with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Part 295 and Part 298 Charter Broker regulations. Jettly does not carry additional liability insurance. Passengers are covered by aircraft operator insurance.
