Private jets make air travel more convenient and comfortable, but finding the right aircraft and hiring appropriate staff can be time-consuming. Charters can be complicated as well. Jet card membership deposits were designed to simplify the process.
In a typical business structure, the member places a deposit, which is then used for subsequent flights. The member can buy more credits or leave the program altogether as the balance draws down.
Private jet card membership deposits offer rate stability, which isn’t always available in a standard air charter program. This structure also costs less than fractional aircraft ownership.
It’s such an attractive option that the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.7% between 2025 and 2033.
Element Aviation’s membership program looks to simplify access to quality equipment at an elite value. We’ve moved beyond overly complicated models of the past to offer our members ultimate value and control when flying private.
Source: Element Aviation Elite Access MembershipWhat Is a Jet Card Membership?
A jet card membership is a contract between an aircraft provider and a customer. A deposit made by the customer upfront acts as a credit balance from which the cost of future flights is deducted. Often, that cost is predetermined, locking in savings.
The deposit model is an alternative to fractional or full ownership of a private jet. A card provides the benefit of predictable pricing without the large capital commitment and operational overhead.
A deposit essentially lets you lock in favorable hourly rates across our fleet, with the flexibility to draw down as you fly, giving you control and predictable budgeting for your private air travel.
The Role of Deposits in Jet Card Memberships
Private aviation programs are structured in many different ways. Deposits form the basis of the most common and flexible membership model, acting as a pre-payment system for the customer’s subsequent flights.
What a Deposit Means (vs. Hour Blocks)
Two common structures in jet card and private aviation programs exist. Understanding their differences is critical, and this table will help:
| Pre-Paid Block hours | deposit / draw down model |
|---|---|
| A member buys a set number of flight hours at a discounted rate tied to specific aircraft categories. | A member deposits a specific amount of money to secure a rate card that can be used for flights with different aircraft. The flights are charged against the balance. |
The draw-down model offers a consumer the opportunity to use their funds for a heavy jet for one trip and a light jet the next, as no aircraft restrictions exist. The deposit sets contracted hourly rates only.
How Deposits Are Held & Managed
Companies have several structures they can use for customer deposits, including these:
- Escrow accounts: A neutral third-party agent safely holds funds. These funds are protected if the operator goes bankrupt however this requires advance notice to release funds along with approvals which may delay bookings. Added Escro costs are also added to this format
- Segregated accounts: The operator holds funds in an account clearly distinguished from general operating funds.
- Operating accounts: Funds are placed directly into the operator’s general business account and can be used to cover daily operations.
Jet Card Deposit Amounts & Tiers
Jet card providers structure their programs into tiers (such as bronze, silver, and gold) corresponding to larger deposit amounts. The more you put in, the larger your potential membership benefits.
Perks could include the following:
- Lower hourly rates
- Reduced peak-day surcharges
- Shorter lead times for flights
Draw-Down & Usage Mechanics
When a member books a flight, the provider calculates the total cost of the trip, including the flight rate and associated fees, such as these:
- Federal excise tax
- International fees
- Catering
- Ground transportation
The total cost is subtracted from the member’s account, and the unused balance remains in place for the next trip. Some providers allow an unused balance to remain indefinitely, but others have a use-it-or-lose-it expiration policy.
Some companies also have rules that govern flights, such as the required lead time for booking and the minimum amount of flight time that can be charged.
Benefits & Risks of Deposit-Based Jet Card Memberships
While the jet card deposit model offers convenience and value, the upfront costs can be significant, and there are important risks to consider.
Benefits for Members
Jet card companies often load their programs with benefits to ensure they stand out. Common perks include the following:
- Rate locks: Some companies guarantee the same rate for 24 months of flights, while others use the same rate until the funds are completely used, no matter how long it takes.
- Preferred availability: Companies often offer their members first pick of flight times, even during busy seasons.
- Flexibility: Jet card memberships allow customers to use different aircraft sizes as needed with the same pool of funds.
- Simplicity: A single point of contact and billing process makes the entire travel experience easier.
Risks & Considerations
While jet card deposits can be ideal for some consumers, they do come with important risks to understand, including the following:
- Financial exposure: Large deposits can be at risk if the company doesn’t secure them with a third party. For example, when JetSuite went bankrupt in 2020, its members lost an estimated $50 million in deposits.
- Hidden risks: Some companies tack on fees and surcharges to their flights, making the trips more expensive than those booked on the open market.
- Low cash flow: Deposits remain with the company until they’re used, and some companies have no refund option.
Questions to Ask Before Making Your Deposit
Customers should vet their aviation partner carefully before signing a contract and moving forward.
These are good questions to consider:
- What portion of my balance is refundable if I need to cancel my membership?
- Do my deposits expire?
- Are there blackout dates I should know about?
- What surcharges and fees come with each flight?
- What is your commitment to financial transparency, so I know my funds are held securely?
How Element’s Elite Access Handles Deposits
Through Element Aviation’s Elite Access program, you’ll get the best flight rate and know that your money is held safely and securely.
Your deposit is 85% refundable in our platinum program, and the funds never expire. Your rates are capped so you can capitalize on under market rates while knowing you have a not-to-exceed rate, and the cancellation fees are reasonable, even for international flights.
At Element, our commitment is to our members’ financial peace of mind. We ensure every Elite Access deposit is managed with the utmost professionalism and financial security, so our clients can focus entirely on their travel needs, not their funds.
What You Get With Elite Access
Become a member of Element Aviation’s Elite Access program, and you’ll tap into a suite of benefits that make flying a real pleasure. Three tiers are available:
| deposit tier | deposit amount | loyalty credits | capped hourly rates? | refundability / terms | key perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $100,000 | — | Yes | Non-refundable; expires in 1 year | Affordable point of entry |
| Tier 2 | $250,000 | 2% | Yes | 75% refundable; expires in 2 years | Easy to use and several years of flights |
| Tier 3 | $500,000 | 4% | Yes | 85% refundable; never expires | Highest flexibility and refundability |
How to Decide if a Deposit-Based Jet Card Is Right for You
A jet card program is ideal for customers who complete at least 25 flight hours yearly and need aircraft of varying sizes based on their trips. Jet cards are also suitable for customers concerned about restricted travel during pandemics and times of political unrest.
The pre-paid block-hour model is better for those who fly less frequently and are willing to lock in the same aircraft type for a significant discount.
Contact us here at Element Aviation to learn more about your options. We’ll help you decide what is the best choice for you.
Fact Checked & Reviewed By:
Chris Blanchard has spent more than two decades in the private aviation industry. He began his career with an on-demand charter operator and played a critical role in transforming a small operation into one of the largest and most successful in the country. His experience and commitment to excellence make him a trusted innovator in the field of private aviation.
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Last modified 04 Dec 2025