Understanding Blackout Dates When Jet Chartering 

In 2022, airlines in the United States carried 194 million more passengers than they did in 2021. Often, those customers wanted to travel during the holidays or in the middle of summer. Airlines handle this demand by enforcing blackout dates. 

While not all jet charter companies use this pricing tactic, some do. As a customer, it’s critical to understand your partner’s policies. Your research can help you avoid paying too much for your next trip.

What Are Blackout Dates? 

The term blackout dates typically refers to rewards programs. When these dates are in effect, you can’t use your benefits (such as reward certificates, credits, vouchers, or coupons) to pay for your tickets. 

Companies use blackout dates to entice customers to travel on slightly different days (such as three days before Thanksgiving instead of the day before). By smoothing the imbalance, they can provide better customer service. 

Researchers predict that problems with peak travel times will intensify in the future as more people travel for leisure rather than for work. More companies may take on blackout dates to help to deal with the demand. 

How Do Blackout Dates Impact Jet Chartering? 

In a 2022 study, researchers found that 36% of airports experience significant seasonal shifts in flight bookings. The researchers mentioned that larger airports experience a smaller impact than smaller ones. Since jet charters often fly into and out of smaller airports, this suggests that jet charter companies may encounter high demand. 

If your jet charter company uses blackout dates to smooth demand, you could be asked to pay more for your tickets. If you’re part of the company’s rewards program, you might not be able to use your benefits during the blackout time frame. 

At Element Aviation, we don’t use blackout dates in our Elite Access private jet membership program. You can tap into your benefits at any point, no matter when you want to travel.

Common Blackout Periods in Private Aviation 

Every company sets different policies, so no two schedules of blackout dates are exactly the same. That’s why it’s so important for you to read the fine print of any jet charter membership program. Knowing the details can help you avoid paying for a plan you’ll never use. 

Common blackout dates include the following:

• Thanksgiving weekend
• December 23-26
• December 30-January 2
• Memorial Day weekend 
• July 3-4
• Labor Day weekend 
• Spring break

Navigating Blackout Dates 

If your jet charter company uses blackout dates, flexibility is key. Shifting your travel dates by a few days could help you to save money. Scheduling travel early could also help, as your charter company might tack on fees to any flights booked later during the busy season.

Understanding your charter company’s policies and procedures is critical. Ensure that you know about blackout dates and how they might impact you before you become a member. 

Join the Elite Access program through Element Aviation and never worry about blackout dates. We don’t use this type of pricing.

Questions to Ask When Comparing Charter Companies

Since blackout dates can have such a big impact on your trip’s costs, it pays to ask questions before you sign up for any membership program. These are good questions to ask any potential partner:

What Are Your Blackout Dates?

Ask the potential partner to define the specific blackout dates they uphold. Determine how you’ll be notified if the company adds new dates to the calendar. For example, if the company adds blackout dates for the Summer Olympics, how will you find out about those dates? 

At Element Aviation, we don’t use blackout dates. You’ll never deal with this problem when you charter jets with us. 

How Do You Handle Bookings During Peak Times?

Your jet charter company may add fees or restrictions during times when most people want to travel. Ask any potential partner to define those rules for you and highlight how you’ll be notified if the peak dates change. 

At Element Aviation, we don’t use peak pricing or add fees during busy seasons. 

Are There Additional Fees Associated With Blackout Dates?

Some companies add fees for things like luggage, booking, or amenities during the peak season. Ask your company about these policies, and request a full sheet of changed fees, as needed. 

Since Element Aviation doesn’t use blackout dates, we also don’t adjust our fee schedule. 

What Is Your Cancellation Policy During Blackout Periods?

Some jet charter companies assess fees for itinerary changes during peak travel times. Ask about those fees, and ideally, you’ll get a list of the costs to study. 

Since Element Aviation doesn’t use blackout dates, we also don’t adjust our fee schedule. 

Can You Guarantee Aircraft Availability During Blackout Dates?

Peak travel times can be difficult for small charter companies, and some simply run out of aircraft. Before you join a membership program, ensure the company always has jets available for your use. 

At Element Aviation, we have a large fleet available for our customers. We can help you find the perfect one for your trip.

How Element Aviation Addresses Blackout Dates 

At Element Aviation, we don’t use blackout dates or peak pricing. With Element’s Elite Access membership, you don’t have to worry about blackout dates and unusual fees. The amount you’ll pay is capped and consistent. 

We are transparent about our pricing, and we believe in clear communication. We’ll never change our costs or policies without telling our customers first. 

Fly With Element & Forget About Blackout Dates 

Before you join any jet membership program, it’s important to learn about the company’s potential blackout dates and peak pricing shifts. That information can help you decide whether to join that program or keep looking. 

Choose Element Aviation’s Elite Access membership and stop worrying about blackout dates. Our fees are capped and consistent, so you’ll never pay too much to get where you need to go. Contact us today to get started.