In this brief review we will cover five distinct approaches that exist for anyone seeking the convenience, luxury and excitement of traveling by private jet. Each of these options has unique cost and financial models, different methods of scheduling flexibility. Naturally greater levels of premium service, comfort, technology and exclusivity are accompanied by larger price tags. No matter what you are looking for in your travel experience, if you’re in the market for your own private flight, at least one of these options is likely to have just what you’re looking for:
- Fractional Ownership
- Direct Charter
- Jet Cards
- Empty Leg Access
- Seat-Sharing Programs
So without further ado, let’s get into the nitty gritty of how cost and service options distinguishes each of these choices from each other.
5
Fractional Ownership
Fractional jet ownership is perfect for those wanting the luxury and convenience of flying privately but avoid the complexity and expense of personally owning a jet, is how Flyingmag.com sums it up. Share owners have guaranteed flight-hour slots despite not owning the plane outright.
Fractional ownership is a system where multiple owners share the purchase and operational costs of a single aircraft. Under this model, individuals hold a fraction of the title to the aircraft, and each share equates to a set number of flight hour usage per year.
As Flexjet.com lays it out, fractional jet share sizes range from 1/16th (or 50 hours) to ½ shares (or 400 hours) with different levels for aircraft owners to gain a percentage of the 800 flight hours available per year. The day-to-day operations are handled by management companies that organize maintenance, pilot staffing and training, as well as scheduling.
A major advantage to fraction ownership is avoiding one-way flight fees commonly charged by charter services. These are also known as empty leg fees, when the aircraft must fly without passengers to reposition for its next flight and can significantly increase charter flight costs.
Pros and Cons of Fractional Ownership
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Pros:
- Potential tax benefits with correct structuring
- Maintenance and logistics handled by a management company
- Guaranteed annual flight hours even with short notice
- Access to a larger fleet with possible upgrades or downgrades
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Cons:
- High upfront purchase costs and ongoing fees
- Residual value of fractional shares can depreciate
- Scheduling constraints during peak demand periods
- Long-term contractual commitment, often 3–5 years
According to NetJets.com shared ownership program, they advertise “worthwhile tax benefits” and guaranteed aircraft access 365 days a year – “With NetJets, your investment is secure, and your liquidity is guaranteed.” The program has a 36-month minimum commitment to opt-in with flights available in as little as 4-10 hours.
4
Direct Charter
Direct charter is also sometimes called “on-demand charter” which allows travelers to rent an entire aircraft for a one-time trip without having to purchase shares or commit to membership. This service is organized through certified charter providers or air carriers, offering customizable itineraries to suit personal and corporate schedule needs.
As AirCharterService.com writes on their website, whether it’s for a luxury escape, a business trip or an emergency – there are a range of private charter solutions to match any need.
Charter carriers often own a small fleet or contract jets from aircraft operators. Rates vary depending on aircraft type, length of flight, and optional services like catering and ground transport. Charters typically charge by flight time or daily rates.
Pros and Cons of Direct Charter
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Pros:
- Complete aircraft exclusivity
- Pay only for the trip required, with no long-term contract
- Destination flexibility, including access to smaller airports
- Customizable onboard amenities for each flight
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Cons:
- High variability in pricing depending on market conditions
- Possible extra fees if the aircraft must fly empty to do a pick up
- Negotiation and logistics can be time-consuming without a broker or advisor
Direct charter remains a great fit for travelers with less frequent or variable flying needs.The lack of long-term commitment can outweigh the sometimes unpredictable costs, making it a good solution for occasional private jet flights.
3
Jet Cards
Jet cards offer pre-paid blocks of flight hours or credit at a predetermined rate. They are like a compromise between fractional ownership and direct charter
. This type of service allows travelers to buy a set number of hours that can be used on various flights.
This option involves upfront purchase fees but the amount is up to the customer and generally there are not many fees beyond the initial lump-sum or deposit for actual travel fare.
There are many variables between jet card companies, including hourly rates, peak-day policies, and others. Thanks to PrivateJetCardComparisons.com, you can compare over 500 different choices for jet cards and fractional ownership services.
Pros and Cons of Jet Cards
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Pros:
- Fixed rates remove the uncertainty of charter pricing
- No major capital purchase as in fractional ownership
- Reliable aircraft availability and consistency in service
- Simplified booking compared to ad hoc arrangements
-
Cons:
- Generally require a sizable initial deposit or purchase of hours
- Possible black-out or peak travel restrictions depending on the plan
- Unused hours might expire if not used within a specified period
- Differences in policies require careful contract reviews
If you navigate over to the Globe Air jet card program page they advertise that by purchasing flight hours in advance, fliers can enjoy discounted prices and guaranteed availability. Jet card membership can reduce per-hour expenses compared to many other services, for fliers that consistently utilize their hours.
Many carriers guarantee aircraft availability on short notice and even waive ferry fees within certain service regions. Travelers who expect to fly a moderate number of hours annually may find jet
cards to be the best solution for them.
2
Empty Leg Access
Empty leg flights, sometimes known as “deadhead” or “repositioning” flights, are the result of one-way charters
and routines where the aircraft must return to base or go to a new airfield without scheduled passengers.
These otherwise unused flights are often sold at a reduced rate, making them a low priced, albeit unpredictable, way to find a private jet at a fraction of standard charter prices. When you first open the FlyVaunt.com webpage you’ll see this review right away, from Doug Gollan of Forbes:
“There’s good news if you want to fly on private jets and can’t or don’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars per year. Today, I flew free from West Palm Beach to Charleston, South Carolina, a flight that would have cost over $12,000.”
As SimpleFlying.com previously covered, anyone can sign up quickly via the Vaunt app and secure a seat on a flight for a fraction of typical costs. Given these flights appear sporadically and often only a day or two in advance, you can grab one of these deals if you have flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Empty Leg Access
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Pros:
- Significantly discounted prices for private jet flights
- Potential last-minute opportunities
- Same onboard experience as a standard private flight
- Option to fly routes that might not be available commercially
-
Cons:
- Limited availability, as flights depend on existing charters
- Last-minute nature hinders advanced trip planning
- Possible route mismatches if the flight path does not align with your plans
- Cancelations or changes can occur if the original charter itinerary shifts
Empty leg deals are great for spontaneous trips. Fliers have to be prepared for abrupt schedule changes and route limitations. Membership-based services have lists of common repositioning flights, helping mitigate some of the unpredictable scheduling.
1
Seat-Sharing Programs
Seat-sharing programs allow fliers to purchase individual seats on private flight rather than booking the entire jet. These services are open to the public through online booking which reduces cost per passenger relative to chartering an entire aircraft and can sometimes rival first-class commercial prices.
There are carriers like Aero or JSX that have access to routes that are especially popular for business and leisure destinations, through collaboration with private terminals and FBOs.
Both of these services boast check-in as late as 20 minute before take-off and Aero even advertises and open bar service for their flights.
Pros and Cons of Seat-Sharing Programs
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Pros:
-
Lower cost compared to booking a full
private jet - More predictability with set departure times
- Reduced pre-departure waiting and minimal boarding lines
- Possible lounge access and other private terminal amenities
-
-
Cons:
- Limited destinations and timetables with fewer flight options than commercial airlines
- Little to no control over departure scheduling
- Shared cabin environment, as other travelers may also book seats
- Potentially higher cost than standard commercial business- or first-class fares
Seat-sharing offers a unique balance, combining some advantages of private travel with cost structures closer to premium commercial tickets. Passengers who want shorter airport waits and premium comfort may find seat-sharing to be just the ticket.
Each of these method addresses different concepts to service within private aviation. Individuals balance their needs like frequency of use, cost constraints, and the need for frequent availability and flexibility. Thankfully in 2025, there are more and more options to find the best experience for your lifestyle.
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