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If you use private jets, then at some point, you will need to decide between using a private jet card program or booking on-demand for every flight. These are the two top methods of booking charter flights.
But which one is right for you? Here are some pros and cons for each that will help you choose the right option for your next flight.
Private Jet Cards are pre-paid cards with a specific number of flight hours to use within a designated time frame. They are ideal for people with regular and predictable travel schedules.
You book on-demand charters when you need them and pay as you go. They are best for people who have unpredictable travel schedules or want more customized travel options for each trip.
Private jet cards take the hassle out of charter booking. Since you already paid for your flight hours, you don't have to go through the same paperwork and payment as on-demand bookings. You can also rest assured that flights are always available as a card member, with the added benefit of having a higher chance of receiving an upgrade when your original flight isn't available.
Card programs also make budgeting easier since you can pay for your travel hours at the start of the year and know your price won't fluctuate. In addition, many programs also offer discounts and rewards when you purchase more hours.
Here are several reasons why private jet cards might not be suitable for you.
Some jet card programs require that you purchase a minimum number of hours whenever you refill your card. In addition, you often need to use those hours within the designated timeframe or risk losing them.
Card programs also sometimes have additional fees or unexpected costs like taxes, taxi time, refueling charges, and more.
Many card programs don't allow you to customize your flight experience for each flight since you select your aircraft of choice when you purchase your hours. So then, you have to use whichever aircraft is available at the time you fly.
When you book on-demand, you can customize each flight to your specific needs, like choosing different aircraft for each flight.
On-demand booking sometimes looks more expensive on paper but can be more affordable than cards. This is because booking on-demand allows you to shop around for the best price and see all your fees upfront instead of finding hidden fees until after booking.
If you don't fly consistently, you can use on-demand booking instead of risking the loss of pre-paid hours. You also don't have to sign a contract or make any long-term commitments.
If you book each flight on-demand, you will have to go through the full booking process each time you fly instead of the streamlined process of using pre-paid hours.
On-demand booking also doesn't give you the same discounts and perks as a card member.
At Jettly, we offer the best of both worlds with our pre-paid private jet cards. You can have the ease of a private jet card with the flexibility of on-demand booking.
Instead of worrying about losing your flight hours, we roll over your spare time. We also have a fleet of over 23,000 different aircraft available around the world. That means you have more options and availability when you fly.
If you are interested in exploring our private jet card programs, contact us today for more information.
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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.
