Q: I’m considering purchasing a jet card, but I’m not sure whether to go with a fractional card or charter card. Can you explain the benefits and differences of the two formats?

A: One of the biggest difference between the two is that fractional cards work within a “defined fleet”—that is the fleet of aircraft that they have sold to owners in the form of fractional shares. Charter cards, in general, are offered by charter companies that are typically in the business of offering aircraft for charter on their Part 135 certificate. In order to satisfy a client trip, they will usually first look to the fleet of managed airplanes and then, if necessary, look outside the fleet to find a plane appropriate for a client’s trip. In the end, a big differentiator is size. Most of the fractional fleets number 100 or more aircraft. The largest fractional company, NetJets, has over 500 aircraft. Depending on your objectives and travel destinations, that may or may not be an advantage.

Q: Can you explain how the ferry fees work?

A: Ferry fee is a term loosely applied to the charges paid for moving an airplane when you are not in it. In other words, if the plane has to leave its base of operations to pick you up, or return after dropping you off, these are considered ferry legs (also known as deadheads) that someone has to pay for—namely, you. Some programs may bury these in other costs, or not list these specifically on the invoice, but rest assured there is a charge for every time that airplane moves, whether or not you are in it. Not surprisingly, even aircraft owners have to worry about ferry fees occasionally, especially if they need to move the airplane for maintenance or repositioning.

Q: Will I really be getting a better rate from a jet card than I would if I just stuck with chartering a plane for each trip?

A: Very unlikely. Listen, there is no such thing as a free lunch in the world of private aviation. There are certain features of jet card programs that many people like—and most of them have to do with convenience. However, that convenience comes at a price. Depending on the nature of your trip and factors like the point of origin, destination, and days away from base, charter is often the lowest cost option in terms of dollars. However, beware that there are a number of elements in the world of jet charter that can be very costly, not the least of which is the owner that pulls an aircraft two days before your trip because he just landed a deal in Topeka.

“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. Got a question for the Jet Expert? E-mail us at editor@halogenguides.com