As the cost of private jet travel continues to rise, more and more people are turning to jet cards to book their flights. Jet cards are prepaid packages that allow you to purchase a set number of hours or flights on a specific type of aircraft at a fixed price. While jet cards can be a convenient and cost-effective way to charter a private flight, there are some hidden costs that you need to be aware of before you purchase one.
The following are some of the most common hidden fees associated with jet card programs:
Many jet card programs impose fuel surcharges on top of the base price, which can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of your flight.
If you want to fly to a destination that’s not within the jet card program’s “normal” operating area, you may be charged a repositioning fee. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of your flight.
Security fees are charged by the TSA for each person flying on a private jet and can range from $5 to $15 per person. Numerous jet card programs do not include security fees in their program, so be sure to ask about this before you decide to buy a jet card.
Many jet card programs charge steep cancelation fees, often equal to the cost of the flight itself. This means that if you need to cancel your flight for any reason, you could be out a lot of money.
Some airports charge extra fees for private jets. These fees can vary widely from airport to airport, so it’s important to check with your chosen program to see if they’re included in the price.
In addition to airport fees, some airports also charge landing fees for private jets. Again, these fees can vary widely, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of your jet card to see if they’re included already.
If you want catering on your flight, it’s important to check if there are any charges for this service. Some programs include catering in the price, while others charge extra for it. This can also include the private flights you book with your jet card.
If you’re traveling with a pet, some programs may charge an additional fee. Again, it’s important to check their policies before you travel.
As a jet card holder, you may have noticed that your hours sometimes expire before you’ve had a chance to use them all. When your jet card hours expire, you will no longer be able to use them to charter flights. In a way, this can be a hidden cost of jet cards as many people are unable to use up their hours before they expire. Life can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you simply wasted money on private flight hours you’re unable to use. With a Jet Membership, you never have to worry about expiring jet card hours.
Many jet card programs charge initiation fees, also known as a program fees, which can typically range anywhere from $500 to $5,000. These fees are typically non-refundable, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re comfortable with the program before you commit to it.
Most jet card programs also charge a monthly or annual maintenance fee, which can range from $100 to $250 per month. This fee covers the cost of maintaining the aircraft and keeping them in compliance with all FAA regulations.
Departure taxes are typically imposed by the country of departure and can range from $50 to $200 per person. Many jet card programs do not include departure taxes in their hourly rate, so you’ll want to ask about this before you purchase a jet card.
Some jet card programs charge an additional surcharge for flying on certain types of aircraft, such as larger jets or turboprops. Confirm whether there are aircraft type surcharges before you purchase a jet card so that you can budget for this additional cost.
Some jet card programs charge an additional surcharge for flying to certain locations, such as airports with high landing fees or cities with high taxi fares. Inquire about location surcharges before you purchase a jet card so that you can budget for this additional cost.
Most jet card programs come with a number of hidden fees that can add up quickly, making them much more expensive than they initially seem. While jet cards can be a reasonable way to save money on private jet travel at first glance, it’s important to be aware of all of the potential hidden costs before you purchase one. By understanding all of the fees associated with jet card programs, you can be sure that you’re making an informed choice before purchasing one.
At JetMembership.com, we offer a better way to fly and a better solution compared to jet cards. We believe in full transparency and want you to know exactly what you’re paying for. That’s why we don’t have any hidden fees – everything is included in the rate you see upfront. Contact us today to learn more about our program and to enroll!
