There are four key ways to fly by private jet. On-demand charter, jet card, fractional ownership and ownership. Alternatively, befriend someone who regularly flies by private jet and tag along.
1. On-Demand Charter: The Easiest Way to Fly Private
On-demand private jet charters are the most flexible and accessible entry point into private aviation. This option lets you book a flight whenever you need it without any long-term commitment.
Here’s how it works: You contact a charter provider (like Air Charter Service, Clay Lacy, or PrivateFly), tell them your itinerary, and receive a quote. Once confirmed, they handle everything—aircraft sourcing, flight planning, crew, and logistics.
Best for: Occasional flyers or those with varying trip lengths—e.g., one month you fly New York to D.C., the next to London.
Pros:
- No upfront investment
- Highly flexible
- Wide aircraft selection
- No responsibility for maintenance or crew
Popular charter companies:
Air Charter Service, Clay Lacy Aviation, PrivateFly
2. Jet Cards: Predictable Pricing for Frequent Flyers
Jet cards (or private jet membership programs) offer prepaid access to flight hours at fixed hourly rates. Typically, you buy 25–100 hours of flight time upfront from an operator or broker.
This option is ideal for travelers who fly regularly and want predictable costs without the responsibilities of ownership.
Pros:
- Guaranteed availability
- Fixed hourly rates
- Short notice booking (often 24–48 hours)
- Lower cost per hour than on-demand charter
Considerations:
- Requires upfront payment
- Not all jet cards are the same—over 65 variables can affect value
Best for: Travelers flying 10–50 hours annually who value convenience and consistency.
3. Fractional Jet Ownership: Own Part of a Private Jet
With fractional ownership, you buy a share (e.g., 1/8 or 1/16) of a specific aircraft. This gives you a set number of flight hours per year and access to a fleet.
You own an asset, which may come with tax benefits depending on your location. The operator manages all operational aspects, including maintenance, storage, and crew.
Pros:
- Lower cost than full ownership
- Tax advantages in some jurisdictions
- Guaranteed access to a fleet
- Consistent aircraft quality and availability
Best for: Frequent flyers (50–400 hours/year) who want ownership perks without the burden of full responsibility.
4. Full Ownership: The Ultimate in Private Jet Travel
If you fly frequently and want complete control, buying a private jet may be the right option. You own 100% of the aircraft and can tailor it to your exact preferences—from cabin layout to amenities.
However, private jet ownership comes with significant ongoing responsibilities:
- Hiring or contracting a management company
- Paying for hangar storage, insurance, crew, and maintenance
- Regulatory compliance
Pros:
- Maximum flexibility and privacy
- No limits on flight hours
- Customize the jet to your needs
- Full control over scheduling
Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals flying 400+ hours/year or operating business aviation fleets.
Final Thoughts: Which Way to Fly Private is Right for You?
Choosing the best way to fly private depends on your flying frequency, budget, and need for flexibility or control.
- Fly less than 25 hours/year? Go with on-demand charter.
- Fly 25–50 hours/year? Consider a jet card.
- Fly 50–400 hours/year? Fractional ownership makes sense.
- Fly over 400 hours/year or want full control? Full ownership is the answer.