Private jet membership programs offer significant financial savings for frequent flyers with all the convenience of having your own private plane on standby but without the drawbacks of private jet ownership. Here’s how to get the most out of your private jet membership.
Understand Your Needs
First, you need to be clear about what you want from your private jet membership and how it’s going to help you.
There are many benefits to private jet membership, including easier, more convenient booking and check-in and faster access to flights, allowing for short-notice travel. If you travel for business, then your time is precious so every minute spent waiting at an airport for a delayed flight is a major issue. Private jet membership can help you overcome this and also allows for urgent meetings and last-minute changes of plan.
Private jet membership can also allow for special accommodations in-flight to improve your experience, whether that’s the silence you need to get some work done or catch up on sleep, particularly dietary requirements or being able to travel with a pet.
Understand Flight Hour Requirements
Bear in mind that private jet memberships usually have minimum and maximum flight hour requirements per year so be sure that your typical annual air time falls somewhere between these two figures. You may be able to roll over some flight time from one year to the next, depending on your membership type.
To ensure you make the most of your membership, you could combine multiple trips into a single itinerary whenever possible and maximize value by using your jet card for strategically planned trips to make use of allotted hours.
Check Aircraft Availability
Ensure that the membership program you choose has a sufficient number of aircraft available in your preferred locations as limited availability can lead to scheduling difficulties. One thing that private jets have in common with commercial flights is that they, too, have peak travel times such as around the holidays and major national and international events. Bear this in mind when planning to use your private jet card, as you may find flights to be more limited at these times.
Check Area Availability
Ensure that your private jet membership will cover your desired destinations and preferred airports. If you frequently travel to specific regions, choose a program with a strong presence in those areas to maximize your chances of flights being available when you need them.
Take Advantage of Additional Benefits
Private jet cards often come with additional perks for their members, such as concierge services, access to VIP airport lounges, discounted hotel bookings, and hassle-free car rentals. When choosing a private jet membership, make sure you know what is included in the full package and be sure to take advantage of any added benefits that are on offer to enhance your travel experience.
In Summary
Private jet membership represents a significant investment, however, it also offers significant benefits over and above commercial air travel, particularly if you capitalize on the many advantages available to you as a private jet card holder.
