Q. I’ve been a fairly regular user of on-demand charter flights but I’m considering a charter jet card now. How do I figure out if this is the right step up?

A. First, clearly identify what you are trying to achieve. Are you having trouble booking an airplane? Has your favorite aircraft been sold? Is there a customer service problem that you are unhappy with? Tired of paying for ferry charges (fees that cover the cost of an empty plane getting to and from its home base) when you travel?

While most jet card programs offer benefits like guaranteed availability, occupied hour pricing, and some degree of service consistency, none of this comes free. At a minimum, you will need to put money into a draw account with the operator--often times $100,000 or more --in order to realize these perks. Bottom line: look at what on-demand charter is not doing for you, and see if a jet card program can help you achieve it. Many individuals are drawn to two key elements of jet card programs: guaranteed availability and a simplified pricing schedule (usually a flat $/occupied hour).

Q. The private aviation marketplace is getting fairly crowded. Is there a way to segment the various programs to make shopping around a little easier?

A. There are many ways to approach the market. One way to frame the market is by considering programs in terms of increasing “commitment” – that is how much time and resource you need to invest in order to achieve a particular end-game. On-demand charter, essentially charter “by the hour”, is the easiest and requires the least up-front work. Next is the jet card programs, whether offered by a charter operator or fractional provider, which offer travelers easier access to an aircraft once enrolled. Fractional ownership is a bit more complex – but well worth the investment if it fits your travel needs. And, last but not least, is whole plane ownership – the utmost in flexibility and convenience, but requiring a great deal of time and commitment to achieve.

Q. What is the best way to compare costs?

A. If all you are doing is looking at the bottom-line number, then I recommend “all-in” occupied hourly cost. That is, take the bottom line amount on your bill (being sure to include everything – fuel, catering, landing fees, pilot overnights, etc.) and divide it by the amount of time you are actually in the airplane to come up with an “all in” occupied hourly rate.

But remember that many factors won’t show up in an hourly cost comparison. How hard is it to find an airplane where you live? Can you find an airplane that meets your requirements, or do you have to settle for something less? Who finds a replacement if the airplane breaks at the last minute? In other words: besides cost, what is important to you and how much is it worth?

“Ask a Jet Expert” is a regular column from Craig Bowers, president of JetForward Aviation, an executive aviation search and acquisition firm based in San Jose, Calif. Craig’s unique background combines an extensive aviation career with an accomplished sales track record. As a former military test pilot, commercial airline captain and general aviation pilot, he is able to provide clients with a first-hand knowledge of the aviation business to achieve a safe, cost-effective solution focused on an individuals’ unique travel requirements.