Jet cards — VIP travel without the hassle of owning a plane

Times

08-07-2025

There are many pathways (or should we say runways?) to private jet travel, from full jet ownership to fractional ownership to one-off charters — indeed, the private aviation menu is as layered as a St Moritz brunch. But if you want luxury jet access without having to remortgage your villa in the Hamptons, then 'private jet card' memberships are a slick option to have up your sleeve.
The deal with these cards is that you pay upfront for a block of flying hours (starting typically at about £75,000), and in return you get guaranteed aircraft access with 24-48 hours' notice.
Who's snapping up jet cards? Frequent flyers who like their travel private, their bookings last-minute, and their budgets predictable — without the entanglements of jet ownership.
Flexjet, a long-established force in the fractional jet ownership market (since 1995), and also one of the leading providers of jet cards, defines its jet card customers as 'UHNW [ultra-high net worth] individuals, families, and companies'. According to Andrew Collins, the CEO of Flexjet, 'a significant proportion have self-made wealth, distinguishing them as high-achieving entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders in sectors such as finance, real estate and technology'.
Collins explains that 'one key demographic shift we are seeing is clients getting younger, with a growing proportion now falling in the 45-54 age bracket. Our average age for a new client was 58 in 2024, four years younger than it was in 2019'.
It's easy to see why jet card programmes are gaining traction when you consider the alternatives, some of which require a CFO, a legal team and a meditation app. For example, outright ownership of a jet is the ultimate status symbol — until you're managing hangar leases, crew contracts, juggling maintenance schedules plus the emotional burden of insuring a flying palazzo. It can cost tens of millions upfront and millions more per year in upkeep, and your jet will sit idle most of the time. It's a bit like buying a château in Bordeaux just because you like the house wine.
Fractional ownership companies offer a 'lite' version of this. About £375,000 typically buys 50 hours a year — but with some companies you'll still pay monthly fees, compete for availability, and occasionally (with some programmes) share the ride, sometimes with someone else's labradoodle.
Then there's jet charter, which gives you on-demand convenience, but the price can yo-yo, especially in and around the glitzier fashion shows and swanky sports fixtures (hourly charter jet rates can oscillate between £3,700 and £11,000 for even the smallest jets during the Monaco Grand Prix).
These options all have their place for the right individual or corporate entity, but jet cards fill an important niche, with their blend of luxury, stable pricing (one of the main pulls) and availability at short notice. One call, or a few taps on an app (which most jet card outfits now provide) and your jet will soon be spooling up its engines on the tarmac while the galley is being topped up with Pierre Hermé macarons.
But before you reach for your Meisterstück to sign up there are a few endearing quirks to watch out for. Some jet cards charge by estimated flight time, others from 'wheels up to wheels down', meaning any scenic detour or weather delay becomes your financial responsibility. Then there are 'repositioning fees' (aka ferry fees) — charges for when a private jet must fly empty to or from another airport to pick you up or after dropping you off. Some jet card providers absorb these, others trim them off your tab.
And what about that upfront retainer? With some cards your deposit sits safely in an escrow account, but with others it's helping to fund the provider's day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, lower-tier cards can be rigid, with fewer route possibilities, less perks, and aircraft that may lack the wow factor promised in the brochure.
Another aspect to look out for is that some card operators have their own dedicated fleet of aircraft (the best option for a consistent service experience), whereas others don't own a single plane and rely on a pool of spare capacity sourced from an array of jet charter operators. Verifying what the set-up is should be high on your checklist before you take the plunge.
Finally (and this is something that many people forget to ask) check how much baggage allowance is included — bear in mind that smaller jets have very limited stowage space.
That said, jet card memberships are just the ticket for high-flyers who crave the perks of private aviation without too much palaver. They're also useful for helping jet-set rookies dip their toes into the world of private aviation without getting out of their depth. According to Flexjet's Collins, 'we see our jet card as the perfect introductory programme for those looking to experience Flexjet, before considering the longer-term commitment of fractional ownership, which is generally for five years or more'. Many of Flexjet's jet card holders do go on to become fractional owners, having experienced the Flexjet experience via its jet card programme, and as their flying needs and service expectations increase.
Which provider might be right for you? It comes down to the intricacies of quality, service, convenience and of course budget. There are about 45 jet card companies worldwide. Here are four of those with the upper hand.
Flexjet's European jet card is positioned as a stepping stone into private aviation. It's a highly refined product tailored for individuals who want seamless access to a top-tier fleet, consistent service and a taste of what Flexjet's fractional ownership model has to offer.
At the heart of Flexjet's European jet card offering is the Embraer Praetor 600, an aircraft Flexjet knows intimately. 'Flexjet was the launch operator,' Collins says. 'It hits a sweet spot in terms of its performance, spacious cabin and category-leading range, which allows nonstop flights to New York or Dubai from northern Europe.'
With space for up to nine passengers and a dedicated cabin server, the Praetor 600 is designed for transcontinental travel, with a range of 4,018 nautical miles and endurance of up to eight hours. Cruising at 466 knots (roughly 536mph) it can soar at altitudes up to 13,716m (about 45,000ft) where the air is usually less turbulent than the layer of airspace wherein mainstream airline traffic operates. It also comes with a generous 4.39 cubic metres of baggage capacity — oodles of space for your Louis Vuitton Pyramide Bistens.
Flexjet's card provides 25 hours of prepaid flying time, with guaranteed availability within 48 hours — or 120 hours during 25 peak travel days, plus 10 blackout days, with fixed hourly pricing set at €14,900 (£12,550 approx).
A huge plus is that cardholders benefit from access to Flexjet's own fleet, ensuring service standards remain consistently high, and the company's operation is underpinned by significant long-term investment. This year, it announced a $7 billion deal with Embraer, placing orders for 182 business jets with options for 30 more — an industry-shaping commitment that will help to keep its fleet among the most modern and efficient flying today.
Sustainability is another priority. Flexjet partners with the aviation consultancy 4AIR to deliver meaningful environmental action, including 300 per cent carbon offsetting on every flight. This goes beyond CO₂ to account for contrails and other emissions. Clients can also choose to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and contribute to next-gen flight research.
'This jet card,' Collins says, 'is aimed at those who are looking for an exceptional service experience at the very top of private aviation with the simplicity of a jet card format.'
Jettly's jet card programme offers clients flexible, transparent and cost-effective access to a global network of over 23,000 private aircraft, all with fixed hourly rates and no hidden fees.
'Our focus,' explains Justin Crabbe, the CEO of Jettly, 'is on delivering seamless, personalised private jet experiences without the complexities of ownership'.
The company's 'pay-as-you-fly' card starts at $50,000 (about £37,000) for 25 hours, with no minimum usage requirement and no long-term commitment. The service draws high-net-worth individuals, business executives and corporations. But Crabbe observes that 'we're seeing emerging interest from younger, tech-savvy entrepreneurs and a growing number of leisure travellers looking for safe, flexible alternatives to commercial flights'.
Jettly says it's investing heavily in technology to enhance the customer experience, including AI-powered flight booking, digital membership management, and the integration of blockchain and NFT technology. 'Our goal,' Crabbe says, 'is to simplify private aviation while providing more transparency and flexibility for our clients.'
Still, sourcing aircraft from a global pool can raise concerns about consistency — something Crabbe is quick to address. 'We rigorously vet and partner with top-tier operators globally. Every aircraft meets our safety, maintenance and service standards,' he says. 'Our dedicated concierge team works closely with clients and operators to tailor each flight to their preferences.'
Unlike some rivals, Jettly promises 'no blackout dates', Crabbe confirms. 'We offer guaranteed availability with as little as ten hours' notice.'
Sustainability is also on the radar. Jettly provides optional carbon offsetting and is 'exploring partnerships with sustainable aviation fuel providers'.
Asked how he thought the private aviation market would evolve over the next 5-10 years, Crabbe says he anticipates continued growth, driven by evolving traveller expectations, technological advancements, and increased focus on sustainability. 'Blockchain and digital platforms will likely reshape ownership and access models, while sustainable aviation fuel and hybrid-electric aircraft will become more prevalent.'
Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, NetJets runs one of the busiest private aviation operations in the world, with over half a million flights annually and a fleet that includes aircraft from Bombardier, Cessna and Embraer. Customers include over 40 of the Fortune 100 companies (over 50 professional golfers choose NetJets year after year).
The company itself has a vast footprint, with a global team of over 9,000 employees with on-site support at its most popular global destinations. Cardholders get access to a 24/7 service team, and at many major hubs its 'NetJets Service Representatives' assist with arrivals and departures.
The price of a NetJets Card begins at $200,000 to $300,000 (£148,000 to £221,000) (depending on which aircraft type you sign up for), with 'no hidden expenses and ferry fees'. Every NetJets Card (beginning with its offering that unlocks 290 days of annual access) is prepaid in 25-hour increments. Jet card 'owners' (NetJets' name for its card customers) have 24 months to use their flight hours.
Inside the cabin, there's consistency across the fleet. The interiors lean towards a minimalist, functional style — pale leather seats, dark woods and neutral textiles. Materials are chosen for durability and sustainability, and the company was one of the first to pioneer a sustainability initiative in the private jet sector — 'Blue Skies', which has been running since 2008. All cardholders are automatically enrolled and contribute to carbon offset projects tied to the number of hours they fly.
For those who value privacy, tail numbers (registration numbers visible just underneath the tail of every aircraft) are never publicly linked to clients, and boarding is typically via private lounges — so customers can rest assured they won't be tracked (and their whereabouts shared on social media) by celeb stalkers.
Additionally, NetJets invests in numerous art, food and wine, music, yachting and premier sports events (including golf, equestrian sports, tennis and motorsports). And from complimentary upgrades to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, customers gain access to exclusive benefits through more than 50 premier partnerships with other luxury brands (the company's present and past collaborations include such brands as Mercedes-AMG, luxury yacht brokers Northrop & Johnson, and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts).
Then there's VistaJet. VistaJet defies categorisation, but it is a heavyweight contender. It's a jet membership programme, yet it sidesteps the 'card' badge — and it's not a charter operator either.
'VistaJet is not a jet card offering. We have a solution for every private aviation client through our VistaJet and XO brands,' insists Thomas Flohr, the founder and chairman of Vista Global Holding. The Swiss billionaire set up the Vista brand in 2004 (a year after he bought his first Learjet) to offer 'more than transportation … a way of life, exquisitely tailored to those who fly not just often, but well'.
The Vista group includes aircraft management, leasing and flight operations solutions, making it a one-stop shop for every kind of private aviation client. It owns its entire fleet of 270 aircraft, so every seat, surface and smile in the sky is under their Vista brand — no charter roulette here.
The core proposition, VistaJet, focuses on guaranteed availability and a polished experience, with fine bed linen, cashmere blankets, and Christofle silverware and porcelain on board. Its 'cabin hosts' are trained by the British Butler Institute and MedAire (aviation specialists providing life-saving training, medical kits, and expert advice from aviation medical doctors and security experts).
VistaJet's '50-hour-per-year Program Membership' offers a fixed hourly rate locked in for three years. So whether you're flying at Christmas, Easter, or during peak summer, the price stays blissfully the same. Hourly rates for different aircraft types vary. For example, the Challenger 350 (an eight-seater aircraft with 7 hours' flight endurance) starts at about $15,000 (£11,000) per hour, while Global 7500 options (with 14 seats and a 17-hour non-stop flight capability) are about $25,000 (£18,445) per hour.
Every booking is supported by Vista's global team of 4,000, offering service 24/7 across all time zones. You can also switch between aircraft types, because some days you need an Embraer Phenom 300 (with 6 seats), while at other times you might be travelling with a larger entourage, so one of VistaJet's Embraer Lineage 1000E jets with 18 seats might be a better play.
VistaJet's service is augmented by brand sibling XO, which is your on-demand option for private aviation via smartphone, a kind of skyborne 'Uber'. In short, VistaJet is white-glove precision, while XO is sleek spontaneity.
At the heart of Vista is a fleet that isn't bound to any single location — what Flohr calls a 'floating fleet concept'. This ensures that, wherever you are in the world, a beautifully appointed aircraft is just 24 hours away. 'We guarantee an aircraft available to fly our Members anytime and anywhere,' Flohr adds, 'with the highest level of service, and a consistent experience on every flight.'
Even pets and children receive VIP treatment. From the VistaPet service (which includes VistaPet Pochette — a travel bag on board every flight containing 'bio-organic animal treats, water-free shampoos, soothing wipes and toys to keep companions entertained throughout the flight') to 'Adventures in the Sky' experiences for younger flyers, every detail is considered. 'We want you to feel a sense of familiarity. It should feel easy, almost like home,' Flohr says.
Sustainability, too, isn't an afterthought. Vista has contracted 4.2 million US gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and offset over 2.2 million tonnes of CO₂ on behalf of clients. Still, Flohr insists, it's the blend of innovation and human touch that defines Vista. 'It's all designed to create a smooth, personal, and efficient experience.'
From curated menus by the triple Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco to exclusive itineraries via Private World (Vista's collection of premium experiences, events and destinations delivered in partnership with an ecosystem of partners — an essential element of the Member experience), Vista offers far more than a seat in the sky. 'If our members are at Le Mans, we want to be there too,' Flohr says.