So you want to rent a private jet to Aspen?
You want to minimize COVID-19 contact, so you are looking into the cost of a private jet rental as an alternative to the airlines. And you want to find out how much it will cost if you charter a private jet on a one-off basis?
Calling brokers and getting quotes is not the only option if you are looking into private flights to Aspen.
Jet card programs, which begin with deposits of just $25,000, or in some cases paying a membership fee, and then paying until you fly, can also be a cost-effective option.
Most folks who do one-off charters, end up flying privately again. You can’t be the experience, particularly the convenience and time savings. They then find they probably should have considered multiple private flight solutions from the start.
Below you can compare some of the benefits of using jet cards and memberships compared to booking private jet flights on a one-by-one basis.
| What you get | Jet Cards* | On-Demand Charters |
| Fixed Pricing | Yes | No, Varies by trip |
| Booking Window | 4 to 96 hours before departure | At time of booking for lowest price |
| Cancelations | 4 to 72 hours before departure | Not allowed** |
| Guaranteed Service Recovery | Yes | Customer pays extra charges |
| Catering | Yes | Extra charge |
| Deicing | Yes | Extra charge |
| WiFi | Yes | Extra charge |
The biggest advantages of using jet cards include fixed one-way pricing, the booking and cancelation terms, and guaranteed service recovery.
Fixed one-way pricing means you only pay for your actual flight time, and don’t have to worry about repositioning fees.
With on-demand charter, typically you have to pay when you book, and in many cases, you can’t cancel and it’s non-refundable. By contrast, jet cards allow you to book at your guaranteed pricing with as little as 6 to 96 hours.
And if your plans change, cancelation windows, which look all jet card policies, vary by provider and program, range from 4 to 72 hours.
Other benefits included with some jet cards include catering, deicing, which can run in the thousands of dollars and WiFi.
One reason many longtime on-demand charter customers switch to memberships is Guaranteed Service Recovery. With ad hoc charters, if the operator cancels your flight because of a mechanical, the pilot is sick, or the owner of the airplane changes his or her mind, you have to pay any extra expense for the replacement flight. Of course, you have the option not to travel.
With virtually all fixed-rate jet cards, if there is a problem with your designated aircraft or crew, your provider will get you and equal or better private jet at their expense. They may even offer compensation for the delay.
Below is lead pricing from the more than 50 providers in the Private Jet Card Comparisons. Compare your on-demand charter quotes to jet card pricing, and see if you should consider a jet card membership. Flight pricing is directly from our exclusive QUICK COMPARE FLIGHT PRICING tool available to paid subscribers for $250.
| Aircraft Type | Flight Cost | Booking Deadline (in hours) | Cancelation Deadline (in hours) |
| Light | $10,644 | 12 | 72 |
| Midsize | $12,717 | 72 | 48 |
| Super Midsize | $13,886 | 4 | 48 |
| Large Cabin | $20,008 | 24 | 48 |
| Aircraft Type | Flight Cost | Booking Deadline (in hours) | Cancelation Deadline (in hours) |
| Light | $7,667 | 12 | 72 |
| Midsize | $9,183 | 24 | 48 |
| Super Midsize | $10,753 | 24 | 48 |
| Large Cabin | $15,288 | 24 | 48 |
| Aircraft Type | Flight Cost | Booking Deadline (in hours) | Cancelation Deadline (in hours) |
| Light | $7,806 | 24 | 48 |
| Midsize | $9,587 | 24 | 24 |
| Super Midsize | $11,226 | 24 | 48 |
| Large Cabin | $15,960 | 24 | 48 |
| Aircraft Type | Flight Cost | Booking Deadline (in hours) | Cancelation Deadline (in hours) |
| Midsize | $21,050 | 72 | 48 |
| Super Midsize | $27,678 | 24 | 24 |
| Large Cabin | $36,190 | 5 | 72 |
Jet Card pricing is based on one-way pricing with a flying time of 240 minutes, the average of west and eastbound legs with seasonal winds. It includes all additional fees. Lower roundtrip pricing is available for trips of 4 days or less.
| Aircraft Type | Flight Cost | Booking Deadline (in hours) | Cancelation Deadline (in hours) |
| Midsize Cabin | $21,800 | 72 | 48 |
| Super Midsize | $27,678 | 24 | 24 |
| Large Cabin | $37,600 | 5 | 72 |
If you have already spoken to jet card companies or received quotes from charter brokers, we can help you identify the best fit for your private travel needs. We don’t sell private jet charters or jet cards. We are an independent private aviation research site that enables you to make the best choice as an educated consumer. Find out more information here.
The best way to fly by private jet is to do a bit of research first. Get quotes from brokers or operators for your single trip. Make sure you read the fine print! Know the cancelation terms.
Make sure to ask if the quote is based on a confirmed flight, or if it is an empty leg.
Empty leg flights are repositioning flights before or after a full revenue charter. If you are getting quotes that are 30% below what you see above, ask if you are being offered a ferry flight.
When the person on the other end of that flight changes his or her plans, the empty leg is likely to get changed or canceled. That could be your flight! If that happens, it’s up to you to find your way wherever you are going, either through buying a full-price charter flight or booking an airline seat. If you have non-refundable hotel reservations or need to be somewhere at a specific time without much buffer, avoid empty legs.
Beware of illegal charter. If the price is too good to be true. There may be a reason. As a paid subscriber to Private Jet Card Comparisons, we will provide you personal assistance to help you make the right choice, based on your needs and budget.
Aspen Pitkin County Airport is the only airport serving the popular mountain resort and is located about four miles from the town center. Atlantic Aviation is the only FBO at the airport. Verify with your provider that pilots have special training for mountain airports.
