Jet card hourly rates rose 1.1% quarter over quarter, reaching an average of $11,273 as of March 31, according to the latest pricing analysis from Private Jet Card Comparisons. That marks a 2.9% year-over-year increase as operational pressures continue to shape the market. These figures are based on North American jet card programs that offer guaranteed availability and fixed or capped hourly pricing, inclusive of fuel surcharges and the 7.5% federal excise tax.
Doug Gollan, editor-in-chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons, attributes the increase to rising labor costs and lingering supply-chain issues. “Providers are facing higher salaries for pilots and maintenance technicians, and delays in getting aircraft back in the air are impacting revenue,” he said.
Despite the uptick, many providers are quietly offering promotional discounts, often negotiated individually rather than broadly advertised. According to Gollan, customers flying popular routes where repositioning flights are minimal are better positioned to negotiate rates.
Jet cards remain popular for their ease of use and guaranteed access, but Gollan cautioned that program rules are key. “The biggest mistake consumers make is not understanding how terms like peak days, Wi-Fi charges, pet policies, and cancellation windows can impact usage and cost.”
The average number of peak days per program held steady at 35.6 in the second quarter but fell 23.3% compared to last year, potentially giving flyers added flexibility during high-demand periods.