5 Best Private Jet Memberships

Whether you’re looking for occasional charter or unlimited access, the right membership can save you time, deliver a premium experience, and be more cost-effective than you might assume. From fractional ownership to pay-as-you-go subscription models, membership programs are an efficient way to enjoy the luxury and exclusivity of private aviation.

This FLYING guide breaks down the top private jet membership programs so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle.

When evaluating private jet options, keep in mind that the cost of membership is not the only fee you will pay to fly. Finding the right charter company for you depends on your flying habits, travel priorities, and overall budget. Here’s a closer look at some of the top private jet companies in the industry.

Founded in 2008, Magellan Jets specializes in offering short-haul flights on short notice. The company provides both membership services and on-demand charters. Access thousands of aircraft, from light to heavy jets and everything in between, for your personal or business travel. For frequent travellers who fly 25 hours per year or more, the Personal Jet Card offers additional flexibility and exciting perks.

Best for: Flexibility and short notice flights

Access: Aircraft availability within six hours

Types of flights: Private flights, flight sharing, empty leg

Pricing: $25,000-$100,000 initial investment 

Trilogy Aviation is renowned for personalized service and custom-made travel experience tailored to the client’s individual needs. With a focus on luxury and attention to detail, every journey is designed to be seamless and memorable.

Best for: Personalized service

Access: Custom scheduling to fit client needs

Types of flights: Private charters, group charters, empty legs, cargo charters

Pricing: Available on request, tailored to individual itineraries

Villiers Jets offers access to an extensive network of aircraft worldwide, so clients can reach virtually any destination with ease. Its website allows for real-time booking and they offer competitive pricing. Villiers also offers a fun “Mystery Flights” booking option for the truly adventurous traveler. Just tell them your departure location and budget, and they’ll match you with an empty leg charter for a spontaneous getaway.

Best for: Global reach and extensive network access

Access: Real-time availability with instant booking options

Types of flights: Private flights, empty legs

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go model; pricing varies

As one of the largest and most diverse private jet companies globally, NetJets boasts a fleet of about 700 aircraft and serves over 5,000 airports worldwide. Members can choose from various programs like the Jet Card and NetJets Share to suit their travel needs.

Best for: Frequent private flyers

Access: Requires 4-10 hours notice for NetJets Share, and 48 hours notice for NetJets Card

Types of flights: Leased, private charter

Pricing: Starts at $215,000

Wheels Up provides on-demand flights for both members and non-members with as little as 24-hour notice. The company offers a mix of private charters, shared charters, and empty-leg flights. It also partners with Delta Air Lines, making this a savvy membership option for those who frequently split time between flying private and flying commercial. Spending with Wheels Up can translate to points and status with Delta.

Access: 24-hour notice for bookings

Types of flights: Private charters, shared flights, empty legs

Pricing: Memberships starting at $100,000

Jettly is a flexible private jet booking platform that offers on-demand charters without the long-term commitments of traditional membership programs. With options for jet cards, jet lease, fractional ownership, and a subscription-based model starting at just $370 per month, Jettly has something for every private flyer. 

Best for: Scalable membership plans

Access: Global availability within four hours

Types of flights: Private charters and empty leg flights 

Pricing: Membership costs as little as $370 per month.

A private jet membership gives you access to on-demand private aviation without the commitment of ownership. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or just prefer the convenience of skipping airport lines, a membership provides privacy and a luxury travel experience.

Most memberships require either an upfront fee or a monthly subscription. Paying these fees grants the member access to the fleet at fixed hourly rates. Some programs offer guaranteed availability, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Private jet memberships are typically much more affordable than aircraft ownership, but the trade-off is working around blackout dates, peak-hour surcharges, and heightened demand during popular travel seasons.

When choosing a jet membership, the decision comes down to your travel habits. Premium service, luxury options, and convenience can all be found with nearly any jet program. What matters is your personal needs and lifestyle preferences.

Consider how often you’ll be flying, whether multiple times per month or just a few times per year. Do you need access to international destinations? Does the program offer catering, ground transportation, or other services that are important to you? Also look for backup and recovery plans that cover you in case of flight cancellations or last minute changes.

Most memberships are structured around flight hours, meaning you purchase a set number of hours in advance. Some memberships allow you to pay as you go. In contrast, jet cards function like a preloaded account with a fixed hourly rate. The benefit of a jet card is that the hourly rate is usually lower. The drawback is that the hours need to be paid up front, sometimes months or years in advance of when they are actually used. However, if you’re flying more than 25 hours in a year, a jet card may be worth the investment.

Private jet memberships range from budget-friendly plans starting at $370 per month to high-end programs with initiation fees in excess of $200,000. Cost depends on a number of factors like the type of aircraft, number of flight hours, destination access, and additional services included.

A private jet membership is an investment in convenience and elevated travel experiences. If you fly regularly and value privacy or efficiency, it’s worth exploring your options. Before committing to a program, get to know the various companies out there and the options they offer. Comparing pricing, restrictions, and service guarantees will help ensure you have the right fit and get the most out of your membership.

Which private jet company is best?

The best company for you will be the one that fits your lifestyle. Consider how often you fly private, the destinations you’ll need to access, your overall budget, and any additional services or perks that are important to you.

How much are private jet memberships?

Depending on the company and membership tier, private jet memberships can cost anywhere from $3,000-$200,000 or more annually.

What is the cheapest private jet membership?

The lowest cost private jet membership that FLYING has evaluated is with Jettly at $370 per month.