Considering a Jet Card Program? A Quick Buying Guide

In the business aviation industry, nearly every air charter company offers some form of membership; either in the form of a pre-paid jet card or debit program.

For frequent flyers, jet membership can make a lot of sense and offer great value. The benefits of private jet membership are only attainable through large cash deposits with your air charter provider. For those considering a jet card or private jet membership, we suggest you do some homework. You should be asking at least these basic questions:

Will I get what I pay for?

Recently there have been many new entrants in the jet charter industry. In an attempt to emulate the more established companies, they offer their version of the jet card. These programs require a substantial upfront payment. Without first doing a little homework, joining their membership program could put you at risk. An important question to consider is: Will they be around to service your contract once they have taken your money? Make sure the company you work with has an established reputation and some proof of their financial strength. (Such as a Dun & Bradstreet report)

Is the membership program I am considering jet specific?

For those who fly to multiple destinations or who may occasionally have a large (or small) passenger count; being locked into a specific aircraft type could be a major disadvantage. These are just a few reasons why a jet specific program is not a wise choice. Private jet membership programs that are category specific offer a greater level of flexibility and are usually better able meet your ever changing needs. The Stratos Jets membership program allows access to hundreds of available aircraft and is not type or category specific, providing the greatest value of all private jet membership programs.

What type of notice do I need to give to book a jet, and are there blackout dates?

Some jet card programs give priority access to aircraft, or "flight precedence", to other members with a higher level of membership. Limited access to aircraft and blackout restrictions shouldn’t be a part of any jet card program. That's why Stratos Jet Chaters offers guaranteed availability to aircraft, with as little as 10 hours notice. So consider these possible restrictions and your travel needs first.

Does the company I am dealing with carry adequate liability insurance coverage for the jets they fly or book?

Before you purchase a membership plan, you should confirm that the provider adheres to strict safety standards. Other questions that should be asked include: what are the minimum levels of liability insurance required by the provider? What standards are the pilots held to? What assurance will I have that all my charter flights will adhere to the FAA regulations?

Does my jet card program have an expiration date?

With many block hour programs, unused flight hours expire at the end of each year. With jet cards, you purchase hours of flight time in set increments, often in 25 hour blocks. This means you must accurately predict (or guess?) your amount of flight time over the coming year to the nearest 25 hours. Since the cards are prepaid, unused time on a card = money wasted. Purchasing a 25 hour jet card isn't a wise choice if you're only planning to fly 10 or 15 hours. In this scenario, you'd be better off utilizing on-demand charter service.

Stratos Jets believes that an educated consumer is the best client. Jet cards are a big investment, so make sure you understand what you are receiving when comparing your options in the air charter marketplace.

Stratos Jet Charters Expands Air Charter Safety Program

Stratos Jet Charters' first and foremost priority has always been to provide our clients with the safest aircraft for their charter flight. We believe our role as air charter agents is to ensure that every flight is conducted on the safest and most well maintained aircraft with flight crew specifically trained to pilot your charter jet.

With that said, Stratos Jets has recently expanded its air charter safety program, establishing a new partnership with Wyvern to provide an additional independent safety audit on all private flights booked through Stratos Jets. Stratos Jets has a long established relationship with Aviation Research Group US (ARG/US). This relationship has helped Stratos Jets define our minimum standards of safety for private charter flights. Expanding on our safety program through our partnership with Wyvern will enable Stratos Jets to provide clients additional auditing information through the Wyvern Pilot & Aircraft Safety Survey (PASS) report system.

The Wyvern PASS report system gives Stratos Jets air charter agents the ability to access in-depth information about aircraft operators and their aircraft and pilots. The PASS report requires aircraft operators to provide safety information about their operation including safety records, pilot certifications and experience levels, aircraft photos and insurance verification. Wyvern has been a respected global leader in aviation safety auditing since 1991, and has conducted more than 2,100 charter audits worldwide. The Wyvern database is continuously updated by operators and verified by Wyvern, making it one of the most reliable and valuable safety auditing resources in the business aviation industry.

Stratos Jets will continue to make safety our number one priority. Our commitment to pursue excellence in business aviation begins with the assuring the safest charter aircraft for each of your charter flights.

Thanks,
Joel Thomas

Emergency Charter Evacuations and Humanitarian Relief Assistance

The recent major earthquake in Haiti provides another example of how quickly events can occur and evacuation needs can arise. When a catastrophe like this happens, it's hard to know what to do next. If you were impacted by a natural disaster while in a foreign country, who would you call?

If you or a loved one was seriously injured during a disaster like this one, would you receive adequate medical care? The needed medicine(s)?

The effects of the disaster itself, the added language barrier and the long distances involved can quickly turn a bad situation into a horrible nightmare for many families.

When you or loved ones are abroad and need emergency evacuation services, Stratos Jet Charters is always here for you. Stratos Jets will help get you out of your destination country and back to the U.S. as quickly as possible, sometimes within hours.

We also stand ready to arrange the delivery of life saving supplies - such as food, water. vital medicine and medical equipment, or shelter and clothing.
We also have a Spanish speaking staff member here at Stratos Jets, 24-hours-per-day, who can immediately assist you to arrange your safe return home or to medical facilities in the United States by emergency air charter transportation from Latin American countries.

Regardless of your situation, no matter what your needs may be, arranging for emergency evacuations or other critical, urgent travel needs is a forte here at Stratos Jets. It could save your life.

And of course we can facilitate other travel requirements as well, caused by potential violence or social unrest, medical emergency or life-threatening illness, or an emergency family situation back at home. The bottom line: we will always do whatever possible to assist you during a time of crisis!

For more information, give us a call at 888 478-7286 to find out more about your many options and all of our services here at Stratos Jet Charters.

We all wish we could avoid every natural disaster, like this current emergency in Haiti. But when the situation arises, we look forward to the opportunity to provide critical assistance during your time of great need.

Joel A. Thomas, Owner – Stratos Jet Charters
Phone: 888 478-7286
Email: joel@stratosjets.com

Super Bowl Charter Flights to Miami

Looking for a charter flight to Miami for this year's Super Bowl? Have the trip of a lifetime, and travel in style this season with Stratos Jet Charters.

The big game takes place on Sunday, February 7th this year, but the entire Super Bowl weekend is packed with free concerts, parties and other fan celebrations. You can find a host of great events by visiting the official 44th Super Bowl site.

Can’t score tickets to the Super Bowl? You can still have a unique NFL experience. How? This year Land Shark Stadium in Miami is also home to the 2009-10 Pro Bowl, taking place on Sunday, January 31st. Tickets are still available!

And of course, even without the biggest game in the world, you'll always find lots to do in Florida. It's probably no surprise that the Sunshine State is the most popular winter destination for leisure private charters from New York and the Northeast. Miami edged West Palm Beach for the top spot among Florida destinations, and ranks overall in the Top Ten nationwide.

Now is the time to reserve your charter flight today!