The Ultimate Guide to Private Jet Charter Memberships

A private jet charter membership is a flexible way to enjoy the speed, privacy and comfort of private aviation without owning an aircraft. Instead of dealing with the responsibilities of aircraft management and maintenance, members pre‑purchase a block of hours or make a deposit that is drawn down as they fly. Leading providers structure memberships around capped hourly rates and refundable deposits, giving travelers predictable pricing, access to a larger fleet and concierge‑style service. This guide explains how private jet memberships work, the different types available, and why Premier Private Jets’ program stands out.

What is a Private Jet Charter Membership?

Flying privately has traditionally meant buying a jet or arranging ad‑hoc charters. Modern membership programs take a different approach. Travelers place a deposit or purchase a set number of flight hours and then draw down their balance as they fly. In essence, it functions like an exclusive gift card: once you’ve locked in your deposit, you get access to preferred hourly rates, priority fleet availability and VIP perks. This structure eliminates the administrative burden of aircraft ownership while offering more certainty than on‑demand charters.

Benefits of Membership

Membership programs offer several advantages over traditional charters and ownership:

• Predictable costs: Instead of fluctuating charter rates, membership deposits lock in capped hourly pricing and eliminate repositioning fees.
• Priority access to aircraft: Members get access to a larger fleet than owning a single aircraft, reducing the risk of being without a plane when you need it.
• Less administration: There’s no need to handle staffing, scheduling or maintenance—providers take care of everything.
• VIP perks and loyalty credits: Many programs include concierge services, exclusive partner offers and loyalty credits on every flight.
• Flexibility and privacy: Memberships allow you to fly on your schedule and enjoy the comfort and privacy of a dedicated aircraft without the commitments of ownership.

Types of Private Jet Memberships

Not all memberships are created equal. Understanding the different models helps you choose the right program for your travel patterns and budget.

Jet Card Memberships

Jet cards are one of the most common models. Travelers purchase a block of hours (often in 25‑hour increments) at a fixed hourly rate. Jet card deposits are non‑refundable and typically start around $50,000 to $200,000, with high‑end cards exceeding $500,000. Card programs appeal to frequent flyers who want cost stability and guaranteed aircraft availability.

Deposit‑Based Memberships

Other providers use a deposit‑based system: members deposit funds and receive discounted rates as they draw down their balance. Programs like Volato’s Insider Program cap hourly rates and allow the deposit to be refunded or replenished, offering greater flexibility. Fly XO’s membership, for example, requires a refundable $100,000 or $250,000 deposit and a modest annual fee; members earn loyalty credits and enjoy preferred pricing and priority fleet access.

Fractional Ownership

In a fractional membership, clients purchase a share of an aircraft (often 1/16 to 1/2) and receive a specific number of flight hours each year. Shares come with high upfront costs—often $350,000 or more—and multi‑year commitments. Fractional ownership suits heavy users who want predictable access to a specific aircraft and are comfortable with long‑term contracts.

On‑Demand Charter Memberships and Shared Flight Clubs

On‑demand memberships let travelers pay an annual or monthly fee and then book flights at discounted rates. Hourly costs vary based on aircraft type and flight duration, with per‑trip booking fees and potential surcharges for fuel or repositioning. Shared flight clubs offer a semi‑private experience with scheduled routes and lower annual fees (often $1,000 to $5,000), but they trade flexibility for cost savings.

Empty Leg Memberships

Empty leg memberships provide steeply discounted flights on repositioning legs. Members pay a modest annual fee—between $2,000 and $10,000—and receive alerts when discounted flights are available. These programs are ideal for travelers with flexible schedules but aren’t suitable for time‑sensitive trips.

For a deeper look at how these membership models compare—including on‑demand programs, jet cards, fractional ownership and shared clubs—see AvSky’s guide to private jet memberships. Linking to independent analyses like AvSky’s helps you understand how Premier Private Jets’ programs stack up against the broader market.

How Private Jet Memberships Work

Regardless of the model, most programs share a similar structure:

1. Purchase flight hours or make a deposit. Premier Private Jets’ membership, for example, offers 25‑ and 50‑hour packages; you prepay for a block of hours, which is drawn down as you fly. Deposit‑based programs like Fly XO require refundable minimums of $100,000 or $250,000.
2. Book your flight. Members typically book flights with 24‑72 hours’ notice, often through an app or concierge. Premier clients can reserve aircraft by calling a dedicated team or using the company’s digital booking tools.
3. Enjoy guaranteed availability. Your pre‑purchased hours secure access to aircraft within a chosen category, even during busy travel periods.
4. Pay only for occupied time. Membership pricing usually covers fuel, landing fees and federal excise tax (FET), so you only pay for the hours you fly. Programs like Premier’s Jet Card have no repositioning fees and include FET, landing fees and fuel surcharges.

What to Consider When Choosing a Membership

Selecting the right program requires weighing several factors:

• Flight frequency and range: Think about how often and how far you travel; heavy users may benefit from larger hour packages or fractional ownership.
• Aircraft availability: Some memberships provide access to dozens of aircraft types; others limit you to a specific fleet. Premier Private Jets’ membership includes access to light, midsize and large jets through its own fleet and partner operators.
• Booking flexibility: Notice periods vary from a few hours to a week. On‑demand and deposit‑based memberships typically accommodate last‑minute trips.
• Service and amenities: High‑end programs include in‑flight catering, chauffeured ground transportation and concierge services. The Celebrity Jet Charter program, for instance, includes complimentary catering credits and ground transportation.
• Cost structure and budget: Compare upfront deposits, annual fees, hourly rates and surcharges. Jet cards require large deposits but deliver predictable pricing, while on‑demand memberships charge lower annual fees but allow rates to fluctuate.
• Safety standards: Always verify the operator’s certifications. Premier Private Jets voluntarily participates in ARG/US and Wyvern Wingman programs and operates a company‑wide Safety Management System (SMS).

Membership Benefits Explained

Beyond convenience, membership programs provide tangible benefits:

Cost Savings and Predictable Pricing

Owning a jet requires millions of dollars in acquisition and ongoing maintenance. Membership programs dramatically reduce the financial burden by charging only for the hours you fly. For example, AvSky notes that on‑demand charter memberships can cost $2,000 to $10,000 per flight hour, while jet cards lock in hourly rates starting around $4,000 to $12,000 per hour. Memberships like Celebrity Jet Charter’s JetSetter card provide a range of deposit levels—from $25,000 to $500,000—with no annual fees and rewards credits on every flight.

Guaranteed Availability and Fleet Variety

Members receive priority access to the provider’s fleet, ensuring an aircraft is available when you need it. Programs like Nicholas Air’s Rise Card offer guaranteed access to their fleet with fixed hourly rates and no repositioning fees. Premier Private Jets guarantees availability across its light, midsize and large jets, with upgrades available through its conversion table for larger aircraft.

Flexibility and Freedom

A private jet membership allows you to set your own schedule, skip security lines and avoid the delays associated with commercial flights. Members can book multiple trips without worrying about blackout dates or surge pricing. Deposit‑based programs even allow unused funds to be refunded or rolled over to future flights.

Exclusive Perks and Amenities

Memberships often come with luxury perks such as complimentary catering, ground transportation credits, concierge support and partnerships with premium brands. Fly XO offers up to 4% loyalty credit on every flight, while Celebrity Jet Charter’s JetSetter program includes concierge services, VIP upgrades and rewards credits for each flight.

Safety and Reliability

Safety should be a top priority when choosing a provider. Look for programs with independent certifications like ARG/US and Wyvern Wingman. Premier Private Jets participates in these programs and implements an SMS for every flight release. Its pilots average over 7,500 hours of flight experience and exceed FAA minimum standards.

Why Choose Premier Private Jets’ Charter Membership?

Premier Private Jets has crafted a membership that combines the flexibility of a jet card with the simplicity of a deposit‑based program. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Straightforward packages. Members purchase 25‑ or 50‑hour blocks and pay only for occupied flight time; pricing is inclusive of fuel surcharges, FET and landing fees.
2. No hidden fees. There are no initiation fees, monthly dues or peak‑day surcharges. The hourly rate you lock in remains the same for every flight.
3. Guaranteed availability. Membership secures access to a fleet of light, midsize and large jets, with the option to upgrade aircraft when needed.
4. Jet card flexibility. If you prefer a traditional jet card, Premier’s Jet Card program offers guaranteed availability, all‑inclusive pricing and no repositioning fees. Members earn bonus hours through a referral program and can purchase 25‑ or 50‑hour cards across different aircraft classes.
5. Specialized regional programs. Seasonal travelers may prefer the Florida Express Jet Club, which provides “travel zone” pricing for flights to and from Florida with packages of 4, 8 or 16 flights per year.
6. Commitment to safety. The company’s ARG/US Gold and Wyvern Wingman certifications, comprehensive SMS and experienced pilots ensure your journey is safe and compliant.
7. Personalized service. A dedicated concierge team arranges catering, ground transportation and other trip details, providing a seamless travel experience.

Membership Pricing and Packages

Premier offers two primary membership options:

Package	Hours	Description
25‑Hour Charter Membership	25	Ideal for occasional travelers. Prepay for 25 hours and enjoy fixed hourly rates with no repositioning fees. Funds cover all taxes and landing fees.
50‑Hour Charter Membership	50	Designed for frequent flyers. Lock in preferred hourly rates and save on overall cost. Like the 25‑hour option, pricing is all‑inclusive.

Looking for additional flexibility? The Premier Jet Card provides hour‑based cards across light and midsize aircraft, while the Florida Express Jet Club offers fixed‑zone pricing for Florida travelers.

Get Started with Premier Private Jets

Investing in a private jet charter membership is an investment in your time, privacy and convenience. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact the Premier Private Jets team for a personalized quote and discover which membership option best fits your travel needs. You can also explore their Jet Card program, Florida Express Jet Club or learn more about their safety certifications for added peace of mind.

Contact Premier Private Jets at +(866) 612‑1122 or request a personalized quote. Their experienced staff will guide you through membership options and help you design the perfect travel solution.