What is a jet card?
A jet card is a prepaid private aviation account. You buy a block of flight hours — typically 25 hours — and draw them down as you fly. In return, the provider guarantees:
- Guaranteed aircraft availability — usually with 24–48 hours' notice, even during peak periods.
- Fixed or capped hourly rates — protecting you from market price fluctuations that affect ad-hoc charter.
- Consistent service standards — a defined aircraft type, cabin configuration, and catering level every time.
Jet cards sit between ad-hoc charter (maximum flexibility, variable pricing) and fractional ownership (asset commitment, lower per-hour cost). They're ideal for people flying 25–100 hours per year who want predictability without a multi-year capital commitment.
Jet card comparison table
Side-by-side comparison of the leading jet card programmes available in 2026. Pricing is indicative and varies by aircraft category and contract terms.
| Provider | Min Hours | Est. Cost (25h) | Aircraft | Coverage | Guaranteed | Peak Surcharges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VistaJet VJ25 | 25h | $195,000–$340,000 | Global 7500, Challenger 350 | Global | Yes (24h notice) | Yes |
| NetJets Jet Card | 25h | $180,000–$320,000 | Citation, Challenger, Global | US + Europe | Yes (10h notice) | Yes |
| Flexjet Jet Card | 25h | $170,000–$300,000 | Praetor, Challenger, Gulfstream | US + Europe | Yes (24h notice) | Limited |
| Sentient Jet | 25h | $130,000–$250,000 | Light to heavy (fleet varies) | US primary | Yes (48h notice) | Yes |
| Magellan Jets | 25h | $135,000–$270,000 | Light to ultra-long-range | US + Global | Yes (48h notice) | Varies |
| Wheels Up | 25h | $130,000–$230,000 | King Air, Citation, Gulfstream | US primary | Yes (24h notice) | Yes |
Prices are estimated 2026 ranges for 25-hour programmes. Actual pricing depends on aircraft category, contract terms, and market conditions. Confirm directly with provider or through our concierge.
VistaJet VJ25
VistaJet operates the world's largest privately owned fleet of Global 7500 and Challenger 350 aircraft — all in their signature silver-and-red livery. The VJ25 programme is their entry-level jet card product.
- True global coverage — VistaJet flies to 187 countries with no geographic restrictions, making it the strongest option for international travellers.
- Consistent fleet — every flight is on a VistaJet-owned aircraft (no subcontracting to third-party operators), which means predictable cabin quality.
- Premium positioning — pricing reflects the premium end of the market. You're paying for brand, consistency, and global reach.
- Children fly free — under-16s don't count toward passenger limits, which is a genuine saving for family travellers.
NetJets Jet Card
NetJets is the largest fractional ownership company in the world, and their jet card programme gives access to the same fleet without an ownership commitment. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway.
- 10-hour guaranteed availability — the industry's shortest notice period, ideal for last-minute travel.
- Strongest US network — NetJets dominates the US market with the largest fleet and most extensive FBO relationships.
- European operations — NetJets Europe operates separately with a dedicated fleet, giving solid transatlantic coverage.
- Multiple aircraft tiers — from Citation to Global, you choose your category and can upgrade on a per-trip basis.
Flexjet Jet Card
Flexjet has positioned itself as the luxury alternative to NetJets, with a strong focus on cabin design and owner experience. Their jet card programme offers access to one of the newest fleets in the industry.
- Newest average fleet age — Flexjet has invested heavily in new deliveries, with an average fleet age significantly below industry norms.
- Red Label service — dedicated crew, personalised catering, and a focus on hospitality that goes beyond standard jet card offerings.
- Competitive pricing — typically priced 5–15% below NetJets for comparable aircraft categories.
- Gulfstream access — one of the few jet card providers with Gulfstream G650 availability through their fleet.
How to choose the right jet card
The right jet card depends on four factors:
Flying frequency
25–50 hours/year suits a jet card. Under 25 hours, ad-hoc charter is usually cheaper. Over 100 hours, consider fractional ownership.
Geography
US-focused flyers have the most options (NetJets, Sentient, Wheels Up). Transatlantic or global travellers should prioritise VistaJet or NetJets Europe.
Budget
Light-jet cards start around $130k for 25 hours. If budget is the primary driver, Sentient and Wheels Up offer the lowest entry points. If quality and consistency matter more, VistaJet and NetJets justify the premium.
Aircraft preference
If you want a specific aircraft type (e.g., Gulfstream G650, Global 7500), check which providers include it. Not all jet cards cover all categories.
Hidden costs to watch for
The headline hourly rate on a jet card is never the full cost. Before committing, ask about:
- Fuel surcharges — some providers cap fuel costs, others pass through market prices. This can add 10–20% to your effective hourly rate during high-fuel periods.
- Peak-day fees — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl week, and other high-demand periods often carry surcharges of $2,000–$10,000+ per flight segment.
- Repositioning (deadhead) charges — if the aircraft needs to fly empty to reach your departure airport, you may be charged for part or all of that positioning leg.
- De-icing fees — winter flights from northern airports can incur $1,000–$5,000+ in de-icing costs, which are rarely included in the hourly rate.
- International fees — customs handling, overflight permits, and international landing fees can add thousands to transatlantic or intercontinental flights.
- Short-leg minimums — most cards charge a minimum of 1–2 hours per flight segment, even if your actual flight time is 30 minutes.
Our concierge calculates the true cost of each provider for your specific flying pattern — including all surcharges and fees — so you can compare like for like.
Frequently asked questions
What is a jet card?
A jet card is a prepaid account that gives you access to private jet flights without owning or leasing an aircraft. You purchase a block of flight hours (typically 25 hours) at a fixed or capped hourly rate, and the provider guarantees aircraft availability — usually with 24–48 hours notice. Think of it as a debit card for private aviation.
What is the cheapest jet card?
Entry-level jet cards on light jets start around $130,000–$170,000 for 25 hours. Sentient Jet and Magellan Jets offer competitive light-jet programmes. However, the cheapest card is rarely the best value — hidden costs like fuel surcharges, peak-day fees, and repositioning charges can significantly increase the real cost per hour.
What is the difference between a jet card and fractional ownership?
A jet card gives you prepaid flight hours with no asset ownership — you pay per hour and walk away when the hours are used. Fractional ownership means you buy a share (typically 1/16th or 1/8th) of a specific aircraft, with a multi-year commitment, management fees, and a residual value when you sell. Fractional suits those flying 50+ hours per year; jet cards suit 25–50 hours.
What is the difference between a jet card and charter?
With a jet card, you pay a fixed or capped hourly rate and get guaranteed availability. With ad-hoc charter, you get market pricing (which fluctuates based on demand, positioning, and season) and no availability guarantee. Jet cards offer predictability; charter offers flexibility and potentially lower costs if you fly infrequently or can be flexible on timing.
How much does a 25-hour jet card cost?
A 25-hour jet card typically costs between $130,000 and $350,000+ depending on the aircraft category. Light jets (6–8 seats) sit at the lower end; heavy jets and ultra-long-range aircraft are at the top. VistaJet and NetJets sit at the premium end, while Sentient and Magellan are more competitively priced.
Can you switch jet card providers?
Yes. Most jet cards are not long-term contracts — you purchase a block of hours, use them, and can switch providers for your next purchase. Some providers offer incentives for renewals or multi-year commitments. There is no penalty for trying a different provider, though unused hours may have expiry restrictions depending on the programme.
Are jet cards tax deductible?
In many jurisdictions, jet card expenses can be deductible as a business expense if the flights are used for legitimate business purposes. In the UK, VAT treatment depends on the flight routing and operator. In the US, business flight deductions are subject to IRS rules around entertainment vs. business use. Always consult a tax adviser for your specific situation.