It started with a missed flight—and a missed opportunity.
A few years ago, I was supposed to fly from San Francisco to New York for a business pitch that could’ve changed my career. But thanks to a three-hour delay, a gate change, and a sudden cancellation, that dream deal never happened.
As I sat slumped on a worn-out airport bench with a cold coffee in hand, I watched a man step out of a sleek black Escalade, walk straight onto a private jet, and disappear into the clouds. No lines. No stress. No lost opportunities.
Right then, I made myself a quiet promise: One day, I’ll fly like that too.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve explored the world of private jet membership programs—and I’m here to break down the top 5 options for luxury travelers like you who want to fly smarter, not harder.
Let’s get into it.
What is a Private Jet Membership Program?
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly cover what these programs actually are.
A private jet membership is like a VIP club for flyers. Instead of owning a jet (which comes with insane costs and responsibilities), you pay for access—whether that’s by the hour, monthly fee, or annual membership. You get flexibility, priority access, and all the perks of luxury air travel without owning the bird.
Now, let’s look at the best programs money can buy.
1. Wheels Up – Luxury Meets Flexibility
Best for: Business travelers and frequent flyers who value convenience.
Wheels Up has made waves in the private aviation space. Their Connect Membership starts around $2,995 annually, giving you access to an entire fleet of private aircraft, exclusive events, and even luxury concierge services.
They also have Pay-As-You-Fly and Fund Programs for more committed travelers, starting at $50,000.
Jason, a friend of mine who runs a tech startup, swears by them. He told me, “It’s like Uber Black… for the skies.” He uses it to hop between LA, SF, and Austin for investor meetings—no delays, no drama.
🛩️ CPC keywords: wheels up membership cost, private aviation club, business jet travel
2. JetSmarter (Now XO) – The Uber of the Skies
Best for: Spontaneous travelers and jet-setters looking for real-time booking.
XO, formerly JetSmarter, changed the game by offering app-based on-demand jet access. With a few taps, you can book a private jet or even grab a seat on a shared charter.
Their membership pricing varies but generally starts from $595/month, depending on your level of access.
A couple I met in Miami shared how they used XO to fly to the Bahamas last minute for their anniversary. “We didn’t plan it. We just opened the app, saw an empty leg flight, and booked it. It was easier than booking a hotel.”
🛩️ CPC keywords: XO jet membership, best private jet apps, book private jet online
3. NetJets – The Gold Standard in Jet Cards
Best for: High-net-worth individuals looking for consistency and luxury.
If you’ve got deep pockets and crave reliability, NetJets is the way to go. Owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, NetJets offers fractional ownership and Jet Card memberships starting at $165,000 for 25 hours.
You get access to a dedicated aircraft type, guaranteed availability, and service that’s as close to owning a private jet as it gets—without the headache.
Mark, a seasoned finance exec I worked with, uses NetJets exclusively for family vacations. “We travel with our kids. It’s about safety, comfort, and showing up on our schedule.”
🛩️ CPC keywords: NetJets jet card price, fractional jet ownership, luxury jet card program
4. Flexjet – Boutique Luxury with Customization
Best for: Travelers who value tailored experiences and premium service.
Flexjet isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about how you get there. Known for its exceptional aircraft interiors, personal account managers, and white-glove service, Flexjet appeals to those who like the finer things.
Membership options include Fractional Ownership, Lease, and Jet Card, with pricing typically starting at $150,000 for a 25-hour card.
Emma, a fashion entrepreneur I met at a retreat in Napa, summed it up best: “Every trip feels like an experience. It’s not just travel—it’s a vibe.”
🛩️ CPC keywords: Flexjet membership cost, premium jet service, luxury private jet membership
5. Surf Air – West Coast Favorite for Regional Hopping
Best for: Frequent flyers along the California or Texas corridor.
Surf Air is a membership-based service offering unlimited regional flights for a monthly fee. Think of it as Netflix, but for private air travel.
For around $1,950/month, members get unlimited flights on scheduled routes, or can upgrade for on-demand charter options.
Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, or remote workers who bounce between SF, LA, and San Diego. It’s less flashy, but incredibly practical.
🛩️ CPC keywords: surf air cost, unlimited private jet membership, regional private jet travel
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the best private jet membership program comes down to what you value most:
- Flexibility? Go for XO or Wheels Up.
- Luxury & consistency? Look at NetJets or Flexjet.
- Affordability & frequency? Surf Air has your back.
For me? I started with XO to dip my toes in. A few shared flights, some empty leg wins, and eventually—my first full charter. And let me tell you: walking up to your own jet never gets old.
If you’re tired of delays, missed connections, and losing precious time… maybe it’s time to look up and level up.
Quick Recap: Top 5 Jet Memberships
| Program | Best For | Starting Price | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels Up | Business travelers | $2,995/year | Flexible plans + concierge |
| XO (JetSmarter) | Spontaneous travelers | $595/month | Real-time app booking |
| NetJets | High-end, frequent flyers | $165,000 (25 hours) | Guaranteed aircraft access |
| Flexjet | Premium service seekers | $150,000 (25 hours) | Bespoke travel experience |
| Surf Air | Regional West Coast flyers | $1,950/month | Unlimited scheduled flights |
Ready to fly private? These membership programs could be your passport to a whole new level of travel.
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