Access Guide
Private Jet Cards: How They Work and Who They Suit
A jet card is one of the most straightforward ways to access private aviation. No aircraft ownership, no multi-year commitment, no management overhead. For the right flying profile, it is an excellent solution - and one LexAir offers alongside our fractional and ownership programmes.
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Access Guide
What a jet card is
A private jet card is a prepaid block of flying hours on a private aircraft, purchased at a fixed hourly rate. You agree a rate with the provider, buy a block of hours - typically 25, 50 or 100 - and draw them down as you fly. When the block runs low, you top up.
There is no aircraft ownership involved. No equity, no management fee, no exit process. A jet card membership is a clean and simple service contract - you pay for the flying you do, at a rate agreed in advance.
For many private flyers, that simplicity is exactly what they need. A jet card removes the administrative layer of aircraft management, the financial commitment of ownership, and the complexity of comparing ad-hoc charter quotes every time you want to travel. You know your rate. You book when you need to. You fly.
How it works
The benefits of a jet card
A jet card offers a genuinely attractive combination of simplicity, certainty, and flexibility that no other private aviation model matches at lower flying volumes.
What to check before you buy
Jet cards are a straightforward product, but the terms vary between providers. A few things worth reviewing before committing to a block.
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Expiry period
Most jet cards expire 12 months from purchase. Unused hours are typically forfeited. If your flying volume is unpredictable, understand what happens to hours you haven't used.
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Fuel mechanism
Some jet cards include fuel in the headline rate. Others index fuel separately against a published benchmark. Both are reasonable - what matters is that the mechanism is transparent and defined upfront.
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Peak day availability
Some providers apply peak-day restrictions or advance booking requirements during high-demand periods. If you fly at short notice or around major events, check how availability is handled at busy times.
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Service area
Most jet cards define a primary service area. Flights outside it may carry surcharges or positioning fees. Confirm your typical routing falls within the standard area, particularly for European flights post-Brexit where AOC structure affects routing rights.
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Top-up rate
Your initial rate is fixed for the block you purchase. When you top up, the rate resets at prevailing pricing. In periods of market movement, renewal rates can differ materially from the original - factor this into your planning horizon.
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Minimum flight time
Most providers bill a minimum of one hour per sector, regardless of actual flight time. Short legs - under 30 minutes of air time - will still draw a full hour from your balance.
Who a jet card suits
A jet card works best when simplicity and flexibility are more important than long-term cost certainty and guaranteed availability. It is the right answer for a well-defined profile of private flyer.
A jet card suits you if
You want straightforward access with no commitment
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You fly between 25 and 50 hours a year
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Your flying volume varies from year to year
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You are new to private aviation and want to understand your usage before committing
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Simple invoicing and accounting is a priority
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You don't want an asset position or a multi-year term
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You want access to multiple aircraft types for different mission profiles
Consider the next step if
Your flying has grown beyond the jet card model
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You are flying 50 hours or more per year consistently
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Guaranteed availability has become important - particularly in peak periods
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You want fixed rates over a multi-year horizon rather than renewing at market
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The equity position and capital recoverability of ownership are relevant to you
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Your routing consistently fits a specific aircraft type
Many of LexAir's fractional owners started on a jet card. As flying volume grew and the value of guaranteed access and price certainty became clearer, the move to fractional ownership was a natural progression. A jet card is not a lesser product - it is the right product for a different stage of private aviation use.
The next step
Whether a jet card is where you are now, or you are assessing whether the time is right to move to fractional ownership, LexAir can help you work through it. We are straightforward about which model suits your flying profile — and if a jet card is the right answer for you today, we will tell you that.
Speak to the team directly. There is no pressure to commit to anything before you are ready.
Frequently asked questions
What is a private jet card?
A private jet card is a prepaid block of flying hours on a private aircraft, purchased at a fixed hourly rate. You buy a set number of hours — typically 25 or 50 — and draw them down as you fly. There is no aircraft ownership, no multi-year commitment, and no management fee.
How many hours do I need to justify a jet card?
Jet cards work best for owners flying between 25 and 50 hours a year. Below 25 hours, ad-hoc charter is often more cost-efficient as you're not carrying a prepaid block. Above 50 hours, fractional ownership typically offers better value, guaranteed access, and the benefit of an asset-backed capital position.
Are jet card rates fixed?
Jet card rates are fixed at the time of purchase for the block of hours you buy. When you renew or top up, the rate resets at prevailing market pricing. This differs from fractional ownership, where the hourly rate is fixed for the full term of your programme.
What happens if my jet card hours expire?
Most jet cards have an expiry period — typically 12 months from purchase. Unused hours are forfeited unless the provider allows a rollover. Always confirm the expiry terms before purchasing, particularly if your flying volume is variable.
Can I use a jet card for international flights?
Most jet cards cover international flying, though the service area varies by provider. Check the service area definition carefully — particularly for flights within Europe, where AOC structure affects routing rights for UK-based operators post-Brexit.
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