Navigate the world of private aviation with clarity. Compare the industry's leading jet card programs side by side — from NetJets and Flexjet to Sentient and Wheels Up — and discover which membership aligns with your travel profile.
A comprehensive breakdown of the leading jet card programs. All data reflects current market offerings as of 2026.
| Provider | Starting Price | Aircraft Types | Hours Included | Peak Day Surcharge | Debit/Call-Out | Fuel Included | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NetJets
Berkshire Hathaway |
$150,000 | Light–Large Cabin | 25 hrs | Up to 40% | 1.5x | ★★★★★ | |
|
Flexjet
Directional Aviation |
$100,000 | Midsize–Large Cabin | 25 hrs | Up to 25% | 1.25x | ★★★★★ | |
|
Sentient Jet
Directional Aviation |
$100,000 | Light–Heavy Jet | 25 hrs | None | 1.25x | ★★★★☆ | |
|
Wheels Up
NYSE: UP |
$50,000 | King Air–Large Jet | Pay-as-you-fly | Variable | Varies | ★★★☆☆ | |
|
Air Partner
Global Aviation |
$50,000 | Turboprop–Airliner | Flex | None | 1.1x | ★★★☆☆ | |
|
Jet Linx
Member-Owned Terminals |
$125,000 | Light–Super Midsize | 25 hrs | Up to 20% | 1.25x | ★★★★☆ | |
|
VistaJet
Global Fleet |
$200,000 | Global–Ultra Long-Range | 50 hrs | None | 1.0x | ★★★★★ |
Pre-purchase flight hours in blocks with a guaranteed fleet, fixed hourly rates, and guaranteed availability. Ideal for those who fly 25+ hours annually and want predictable pricing.
Book flights individually with no upfront commitment. Pay per trip based on market rates, aircraft availability, and route. Best for those flying fewer than 25 hours per year.
Jet card pricing is structured around three core components: the initial deposit, the hourly rate, and the ancillary fees. Understanding how each of these interacts is critical to selecting the right program.
Entry points range from $50,000 (Wheels Up) to $200,000+ (VistaJet). This deposit is drawn down against flight hours at a fixed or capped rate.
Rates are typically guaranteed for 12–24 months. Light jets start around $5,500/hr, while ultra-long-range jets can exceed $15,000/hr. Taxi time is typically included.
Federal Excise Tax (7.5%), fuel surcharges, de-icing fees, catering, and peak-day premiums can add 15–40% to base rates. Some providers include these; most do not.
Most jet cards are domestic-US only. For international travel, providers like VistaJet, NetJets Global, and Air Partner offer dedicated international programs with different rate structures.
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Whether you're leaning toward a jet card or prefer on-demand charter, VIPMAKKI's aviation specialists will match you with the optimal solution based on your travel patterns, budget, and preferences.
A jet card is a prepaid private aviation program where you purchase flight hours in bulk (typically 25 or 50 hours) at a fixed or capped hourly rate. The deposit is drawn down as you fly, and most programs guarantee aircraft availability with as little as 24–48 hours notice. Jet cards offer the certainty of fixed pricing with the flexibility of flying across multiple aircraft categories.
Fractional ownership (like NetJets' fractional program) involves purchasing a share of a specific aircraft for a multi-year commitment — typically 5 years with 50–400 hours annually. Jet cards require a much smaller upfront investment, have no multi-year commitment, and offer more flexibility to switch aircraft types. Fractions are better for heavy users (200+ hours/year), while jet cards suit moderate flyers (25–100 hours/year).
Most jet card programs have a 12- to 24-month expiration on deposited funds. For example, NetJets cards typically expire after 18 months, while Sentient Jet offers 12-month terms. Some providers like Wheels Up have more flexible terms. Always verify the expiration policy — unused funds are typically forfeited, though some programs allow rollover or extension for a fee.
Most standard jet cards are limited to domestic US flights (including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean). For transatlantic or transpacific travel, you'll need a dedicated international program from providers like VistaJet (which specializes in global long-range flights), NetJets Global, or Air Partner. International programs typically have higher minimum deposits and hourly rates to account for the larger aircraft required.
VIPMAKKI's aviation specialists analyze your travel patterns — frequency, typical routes, passenger count, and budget — then match you with the optimal jet card or charter program. We provide unbiased comparisons across all major providers, negotiate preferential rates on your behalf, and handle the entire onboarding process. Our service is complimentary; we're compensated by the providers when you enroll through us.