Certain days will be blacked out if you use a fixed-rate jet card program. You can still fly on these days, but not at the fixed rate; you’ll incur extra charges. However, with private charter, there are no such restrictions – you can fly anytime throughout the year.
Periods like Christmas and New Year’s are often called ‘high-flying times’ or ‘blackout dates.’ These dates are usually unavailable on a fixed-rate jet card program.
When using a broker, they can locate available aircraft and provide you with options. The more advance notice you give, the better your chances. Even with just a day or two before Christmas, a broker might still find an aircraft for you, though you might need to travel a bit farther to reach it.
During blackout dates, both fixed-rate jet cards and private jet charter options may be limited. These dates typically include holidays like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. Fixed-rate services cannot guarantee aircraft availability during these periods.
For instance, if you have 25 hours left on a fixed-rate service and want to book for the 4th of July, you can’t use your hours due to the blackout day. They might offer an aircraft at an additional fee – usually double the charter rate – or they may have no availability at all.
On the other hand, a broker will be upfront from the beginning of your booking. They’ll find you an aircraft for blackout dates at the most economical rate. Not only can you fly when other card programs have blackout dates, but you’ll also end up paying less.