Private jet memberships — how deposit programs work

How private jet memberships work: funds deposits, aircraft classes, fixed rates plus fuel and tax, on-fleet and off-fleet flying, call-outs, and who they suit.

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The short answer

A private jet membership is a funds deposit with an operator. You put money down, then book flights one at a time in the aircraft class you need. Each flight is charged against your deposit at a set rate.

In return, you get fixed rates and guaranteed availability, including around peak travel days. What you give up is the right to pick the exact aircraft and, often, the operator that flies you.

How the deposit works

  • Tiers. Many operators offer deposit tiers. They often step up in $50,000 to $100,000 increments and range from about $100,000 to $500,000.
  • Use-by dates. Some deposits are open-ended, with no date to use the funds by. Others set a date, and unused funds may be lost or limited after it. Always check.
  • Who can fly. The deposit is not tied to one person. You and anyone you authorize can book against it.

Choosing a class, not a level

You don’t buy into a level or a single aircraft. You pick a class for each flight: light, midsize, super-midsize, or large cabin.

Some memberships offer only certain classes. Others let you book any class from the same deposit. If your group sizes change from trip to trip, that difference matters.

How you’re charged

Most memberships set a fixed base rate for each class. On top of that:

  • Fuel. Some programs add a fuel charge, sometimes only when fuel prices pass a set level. Others leave fuel out of the rate, so your cost moves with the fuel market.
  • Federal excise tax (FET). The federal tax on private flights is added on top of the base rate.
  • Flight time or an all-in quote. Some programs bill the actual flight time after you land. Others quote an all-in price before the trip, based on estimated time.

Two memberships with the same base rate can cost very different amounts once fuel, tax, and billing method are added. Compare the all-in cost of the same trips.

The operator picks the aircraft

This is the biggest thing to understand. The operator assigns the aircraft type and the tail number. That is its right under the program.

What the operator promises is an aircraft in the class you chose. You don’t get to choose a specific model based on your passengers, the cabin layout, or the best odds of flying nonstop. Good programs work hard to make a good match, but the final choice is theirs.

On-fleet and off-fleet flying

An operator might own and run a strong fleet of light jets but only a few midsize jets. When you book a class it can’t cover with its own aircraft, it can hand your trip to another charter operator.

  • On-fleet: you fly on the membership operator’s own aircraft.
  • Off-fleet: you fly on another operator’s aircraft, arranged by the membership operator.

Most memberships keep the right to send trips off-fleet. If you want to fly only with one company, read this part of the contract closely.

Call-outs and peak days

A call-out is how far ahead you must book. Memberships often offer short call-outs on normal days and longer call-outs during peak and holiday travel periods. Guaranteed availability on those busy days is one of the main reasons people choose a membership.

Who memberships suit

Memberships are built for flexible flyers, and tend to be more personal than corporate in nature. They often fit people who:

  • Fly roughly 25 to 50 hours a year
  • Want fixed rates and guaranteed availability, including around peak holidays
  • Are comfortable with flexibility on the operator, aircraft size, and type

Where memberships fall short

  • No choice of equipment. You can’t insist on a specific model, layout, or tail.
  • No guarantee of one company. Off-fleet flying means you may fly with operators you didn’t choose.
  • Funds terms. A use-by date can put deposit money at risk if you fly less than planned.

If you care most about flying a specific aircraft, or only with one operator, other programs may fit better, such as a jet card tied to one operator’s fleet, a lease, or a fractional share. See how private aviation is bought.

Compare memberships on your own flying

Frequently asked questions

How does a private jet membership work?

You put down a funds deposit with an operator, then book flights one at a time in an aircraft class, such as light, midsize, super-midsize, or large cabin. Each flight is charged against your deposit at the program's rate for that class.

How much is a private jet membership deposit?

Deposits often come in tiers, commonly in steps of $50,000 to $100,000, and range from about $100,000 to $500,000. Terms vary by operator, so compare the tiers side by side.

Do membership funds expire?

It depends on the program. Some deposits are open-ended, with no date to use the funds by. Others set a date by which the funds must be used. Check this before you commit.

Can I choose the exact aircraft on a jet membership?

Usually not. You choose the class, and the operator assigns the aircraft type and tail number. Programs try to match your passengers and route, but the choice is the operator's.

What does off-fleet mean in a jet membership?

Off-fleet means the operator assigns your trip to another charter operator instead of its own aircraft. Most memberships keep the right to do this, often for the classes where their own fleet is small.

Who is a private jet membership for?

Memberships tend to suit flexible flyers, often about 25 to 50 hours a year, who want fixed rates and guaranteed availability, including around peak holidays, and are fine with flexibility on the operator and exact aircraft.

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