Wheels Up and Craft both provide on-demand private aviation solutions to business owners, families, pleasure seekers, and travelers who seek varying combinations of ease, accessibility, and, in certain cases, affordability.
Of course, private air travel is never even a fraction as cost-effective as, say, a first-class plane ticket.
But even within this refined method of transportation, there are variations in cost and fee structure that can influence your overall experience with the service.
In this article, we take a comparative look at Craft and Wheels Up, evaluating how the two match up in terms of both operational ease and fee structure.
Wheels Up Overview
Wheels Up is a Jet Card service that provides subscription-based access to chartered planes. The service allows you to book private flights quickly and without frustration once you’ve bought into their Jet Card.
While you do not own any aspect of the plane itself, you do purchase a preset amount of access to it, which comes in the form of occupied air hours—in other words, the amount of time you spend in the sky each year.
They partner with a wide range of aircraft providers, including Beechcraft, King Air, and others, allowing you to choose between many different planes. The company has access to global plane terminals, allowing general ease of transportation no matter where you wish to go.
Wheels Up Fee Structure
Wheels Up fee structure begins with a lowest-tier initiation fee of approximately $3,000, followed by a minimum of about $2,500 in annual dues.
Their membership structure increases in price from there. For example, a core membership tier, which includes guaranteed booking access and capped hourly rates, starts at $17,000 for an initiation fee, followed by an $8,500 annual renewal fee.
Business membership begins at nearly $30,000, with $14,000 in annual fees, and so on. The occupied hourly rate will vary based on craft size, but the general range is between $5,000 to $12,000 per hour at the time of writing.
That said, there is the potential for other fees, particularly for international travel. As in all cases of private air travel, you will be subject to the federal excise tax, which adds 6.5% to the cost of the flight.
Availability and Access
Members who enter at the core subscription level or higher are guaranteed access. There are several tiers of lead times.
Lead times in private travel refer to how much advance notice you’re required to give. Typical lead time requirements are just 24 hours, and it’s often the case that you will actually be able to access a plane even quicker, provided the circumstances allow it. However, during peak travel, lead time may increase to 120 hours, depending on your plan.
Who Wheels Up Is Best For
Wheels Up is ideal for frequent flyers who want flexibility but aren’t in the market for direct plane ownership. If you travel between homes or often for business, it’s a great way to enjoy flexible, convenient, comfortable travel without any of the burdens of ownership.
Craft
Craft is a relatively new entrant in the private aviation space with a truly innovative business model. Rather than buying into a plane or access to a plane, your money goes into an investment fund. The exchange fund has ownership of a plane along with other assets.
This unique structure accomplishes several things. One, it provides you with the same level of private aviation access that you would experience with a jet card or a fractional ownership program. Two, it insulates you from the risk of depreciation in a fractional ownership program. Particularly, in a traditional fractional program, you buy into an asset that immediately begins to compress in value. Because Craft features a diversified range of assets, you’re significantly less exposed to that risk. Three, you may even experience insulation from capital gains tax. The investment structure is so unique that it is even possible for the money you put into Craft to grow thanks to chartered flight opportunities.
Craft Fee Structure
The fee structure for Craft is unique, with a relatively minor administrative minimum contribution of around $1,000, coupled with varying levels of financial input that typically begin in the six-figure range. The more you put in, the higher your level of access to the airplanes will be.
Who Craft Is Right For
Craft is a good investment vehicle for people who are interested in private aviation but wish to pursue it through an investment vehicle with a potential upside. If you are interested in a service that can provide you with more than mere access, there is no better option than Craft.
Craft vs. Wheels Up: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to private aviation services, there’s rarely an objectively right answer. It really depends on what you’re looking to achieve.
Wheels Up is certainly more straightforward than Craft. This service sells ease, access, and comfort. Craft, by contrast, is a little bit more complicated. For that higher level of consideration, you have the opportunity to diversify your assets, offset your capital gains tax, and potentially experience a financial upside in your investment contribution.
Conclusion
Interested in learning more about the unique investment framework at Craft? Schedule a free consultation call today. Not only will we explain in greater detail how the Craft Investment Pod works, but we can also answer any questions you have about the practical side of the plane experience, including lead time requirements, plane specs, route availability, and more. Reach out today to get the process started.
FAQ:
What is the difference between Wheels Up and Craft in private aviation?
Wheels Up provides immediate access to private jet cards, offering flexible access to a wide fleet of private aircraft with fixed hourly rates for flight time. Craft, by contrast, uses an investment fund model, allowing members to invest in aircraft and related assets while enjoying private flying benefits. Both options let you fly private, but Wheels Up focuses on convenience and simplicity, while Craft combines private travel with potential financial upside.
How do membership fees for Wheels Up compare to Craft?
Wheels Up membership starts with a $3,000 initiation fee and $2,500 in annual dues, scaling up for higher tiers with fixed hourly rates for private jets. Craft requires a minimum administrative contribution of around $1,000, with additional funds typically in the six-figure range, which increase access and potential investment benefits. While both provide private aircraft access, Wheels Up is more predictable, whereas Craft combines ownership, capital exposure, and flight options.
Who is Wheels Up best suited for?
Wheels Up is ideal for individuals, business owners, or passengers seeking seamless private travel without fractional ownership or long-term logistics planning. Members enjoy immediate access to flights, flexible access to aircraft, and centralized control over trip booking via their app or brokers. This service is perfect for frequent flyers who value convenience, consistent private jet service, and simple planning for domestic and international trips.
Who should consider joining Craft?
Craft is designed for those interested in private flying through an investment vehicle that offers potential value growth and tax benefits. Members purchase into funds that own aircraft and other assets, allowing them to enjoy private travel while remaining exposed to limited financial risk compared to traditional fractional ownership. It’s best for individuals who want both the benefits of private aviation and the opportunity to explore alternative capital options.
Are there additional fees for Wheels Up or Craft flights?
Yes, Wheels Up members should account for the federal excise tax, which adds 6.5% to flight charges, along with potential international fees depending on your itinerary. Craft contributions may involve administrative charges or investment-related costs, but these vary based on the funds purchased and level of access. Both services are structured to provide private aircraft access while keeping members informed about all costs associated with private travel.
How quickly can members book flights with Wheels Up and Craft?
Wheels Up offers flexible access with typical lead times of 24 hours, though availability may extend to 120 hours during peak demand, ensuring immediate access for core members. Craft members may also enjoy priority booking depending on investment level, but flight time and aircraft access depend on fund allocation and scheduling logistics. Both options aim to make private travel convenient, but Wheels Up provides a simpler, more predictable booking experience.
What are the main benefits of each service?
Wheels Up offers private travel with fixed hourly rates, ease of booking, and access to a large global fleet, perfect for business, leisure, or frequent trips. Craft combines private aviation with investment benefits, giving members potential capital growth, control over flight access, and the opportunity to explore alternative ownership structures. Choosing between the two options depends on whether you prioritize simple, seamless service or want to combine flying with long-term financial opportunity.