When deciding whether to charter flights or purchase a private jet card, most don’t immediately see a difference between the two options. Members of the Jet Linx team explore the ways in which services vary, and how the Jet Linx Jet Card is the right fit for your private jet needs.

apples to … not apples

“Chartering a flight and using a jet card may seem similar, but have important distinctions,” said Ray Bennett, Vice President of Sales. “The major difference between chartering a flight and being a jet card member is in consistency. Chartered flights vary greatly, but jet card programs offer a common denominator: guaranteed availability, rates and safety. Availability is the highest sticking point with charter providers, because they don’t have the same fleet or resources as a jet card provider like Jet Linx.”

stay in control

“A customer has less control over things when chartering,” said Stephanie Anderson, Vice President of Sales & Client Relations for Jet Linx Dallas. Aircraft types are limited. “Sometimes even departure times could be out of the passenger’s control, as the charter companies have a finite amount of options with which to work,” he added.

“When someone is chartering a flight, he is typically paying for and booking a specific jet, if available,” Anderson continued. “Prior to the flight, if that jet has a mechanical issue, or a crew member gets sick, that client will most likely be out of luck.” With a jet card, you have the comfort of knowing a recovery aircraft will be available. “Your local charter provider doesn’t have the same guaranteed availability,” said Bennett.

your business toolkit

A company can make the best use of a jet card program by being upfront with their needs for private travel. “Not just in terms of frequency of flight and destination, but onboard experience requirements also make a huge difference, like the ability to have a private conversation that commercial travel and many charter operators can’t provide,” said Bennett. “If a charter or jet card company shies away from requests or isn’t willing to go the extra mile, the client should move on.”

the bottom dollar

“What we quote you will be what you pay,” said Anderson. “A charter company may add charges after the trip, for additional flight time, pilot wait time, landing fees or more. With a jet card, you have guaranteed pricing.”

Using a jet card allows you to avoid paying for miles you don’t actually fly. “Charter is typically sold at round trip only, meaning that the client will pay for both legs even if they’ve only traveled one,” stated Anderson. “With a jet card, a one-way rate comes into play so the client is only paying for occupied flight time.”

“Reading the fine print is important,” said Bennett. Some jet cards offer the ability to prepay for a set of hours, but with a catch. “While some competitors’ cards offer a set number of hours, other cards’ hours expire. With Jet Linx, you have the ability to use all of your hours in a year or as long as it takes you,” explained Anderson. The Jet Linx Longitude card simplifies the experience: simply join through a one-time enrollment fee and pay-by-the-hour for unlimited flight hours.

When deciding whether to fly charter or with a jet card, the decision is simple. A jet card provider will partner with you to make sure all your needs are met, from on-flight refreshments to behind-the-scenes safety details, so you can take off with ease.