CLEVELAND, Ohio – June 20, 2007 – With the Air Transport Association forecasting a record number of travelers taking to the skies this summer (209 million between June and August), airport check-in and security lines promise to be longer and more frustrating than ever. Against this backdrop, private jet travel, long viewed as an option only for executives at the nations largest corporations, is gaining followers among business and leisure travelers who can experience the service through redesigned jet “card” programs.

These programs offer a more accessible alternative to fractional ownership. Flight Options, for instance, the nations second largest private jet company, has seen enrollment surge in its JetPASS Ultimate Travel membership program, with recently compiled May enrollment figures more than doubling versus the same period in 2006.

While the card programs are not a realistic option for those who exclusively book economy-class commercial flights (JetPASS members make an initial purchase of $100,000 worth of private jet flight time), the flexibility and tiered pricing of JetPASS can compare surprisingly favorably for frequent business- and first-class travelers. For instance, a trip on a seven-seat light jet from Teterboro to Nantucket could cost as little as $4,246 in the program, or only $708 per seat (even when only six seats are used) - ideal for a family or group of business associates.

The redesigned JetPASS Ultimate Travel Membership program from Flight Options recently celebrated its first anniversary and is the only private jet card with peak / off-peak tiered pricing, one-way and round-trip options, all with access to the consistency and levels of service associated with a fractional operator. The initial $100,000 deposit (renewed at $50,000) gives members immediate access to the entire Flight Options fractional fleet, allowing them to specify the aircraft that best suits their needs for a particular flight. Any unused balance is fully refunded so that members ultimately only pay for occupied hours. The program discounts round-trip travel, and recently introduced tiered pricing that benefits members willing to fly on a Thursday or Saturday – an especially appealing option for leisure travelers.

Flight Options fractional fleet includes the most popular and top-performing personal jets on the market. They range from light-cabin jets ideal for transporting two to a Caribbean island retreat to large-cabin aircraft that will fly the entire family to Cabo San Lucas or another a dream vacation destination.

Add Comment