Why On Demand Charter Is Better Than Buying a Jet Card

Written By Jetsetter Marketing Team | 09.24.25

When it comes to private aviation, travelers are often presented with two options: buying a jet card or booking on demand charters. At Jetsetter Charter Jet Service, we believe flexibility, transparency, and value should always come first. That is why on demand charter is the smarter way to fly. Here is why:

1. Pay Only When You Fly

With a jet card, you are committing upfront, often depositing six figures or more, without knowing exactly when or how often you will use those hours. On demand charter gives you the freedom to pay only for flights you actually take. No large deposits, no locked in contracts, no risk of unused hours.

2. Greater Flexibility in Aircraft Selection

Jet cards typically limit you to one category of aircraft or a narrow fleet. That means you may be stuck flying a midsize jet when a light jet would do, or paying for more airplane than you need. With on demand charter through Jetsetter, you have access to over 5,000 aircraft worldwide. Each trip can be tailored to your exact needs, whether that is a Citation CJ1 for a quick hop or a Gulfstream for a transcontinental flight.

3. Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees

Many jet card programs include blackout dates, peak day surcharges, and hidden restrictions that drive up costs. On demand charter provides clear, upfront pricing for every trip. You will always know exactly what you are paying for, with no surprises.

4. No Long Term Commitment

Buying into a jet card program ties up your capital and locks you into their rules. On demand charter gives you the ultimate freedom, fly as little or as often as you want. Your travel adjusts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

5. Personalized Service Every Time

With Jetsetter, every trip is customized for you. From aircraft selection to catering preferences, our team ensures that every detail is covered. Jet cards may give you hours in the air, but they cannot match the tailored experience of flying with a brokerage that puts you first.

The Jetsetter Advantage

Private aviation should be about convenience, not compromise. On demand charter with Jetsetter gives you access to the right aircraft, at the right time, for the right value, without the limitations of a jet card.

“Jet cards lock you into their terms. On demand charter gives you freedom, flexibility, and real value. At Jetsetter, our clients get the aircraft they want, when they want it, without compromise.” — Mike Howard, CEO of Jetsetter Charter Jet Service

Insurance Versus Addendum

General Insurance Information

All interstate moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods which they transport.

However, there are different levels of liability and consumers should be aware of the amount of protection

provided and the charges for each option. Basically, most movers offer four different levels of liability under the

terms of their tariffs and pursuant to federally approved Release Rates Orders which govern the moving industry.

These four levels (options) are described below.

Option 1: Released Value

This is the most economical protection option available. This no-additional-cost option provides minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. For example, is a 10 pound stereo component, valued at $1000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6.00. Obviously, you should think carefully before agreeing to such an arrangement. There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it.

Option 2: Declared Value

Under this option, the valuation of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. For example, a 4000 pound shipment would have a maximum liability value of $5000.00. Any loss or damage claim under this option is settled based upon the depreciated value of the lost or damaged item(s) up to the maximum liability value based on the weight of the entire shipment. Under this option, if you shipped a 10 pound stereo component that originally cost $1000, the mover would be liable for up to $1000, based on the depreciated value of the item. Unless you specifically agree to other arrangements, the mover is required to assume liability for the entire shipment based on this option. Also, the mover is entitled to charge you $7.00 for each $1000 (or fraction thereof) of liability assumed for shipments transported under this option. In the example above, the valuation charge for a shipment valued at $5000 would be $35.00.

Option 3: Lump Sum Value

Under this option, which is similar to Option 2, if the value of your shipment exceeds $1.25 per pound times the weight of the shipment, you may obtain additional liability coverage from the mover. You do this by declaring a specific dollar value for your shipment. The amount you declare must exceed $1.25 per pound times the weight of the shipment. The amount of value that you declare is subject to the same valuation charge ($7.00 per $1000) as described in Option 2. For example if you declare that your 4000 pound shipment is worth $10,000 (instead of the $5000 under Option 2), the mover will charge you $7.00 for each $1000 of declared value, or $70.00, for this increased level of liability. If you ship articles that are unusually expensive, you may wish to declare this extra value. You must make this declaration in writing on the bill of lading.

Option 4: Full Value Protection

Many interstate movers offer a fourth level of added-value protection, often referred to as “full value protection” or “full replacement value”. If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Unlike the other options, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection. The exact cost for full value protection may vary by mover and may be further subject to various deductible levels of liability which may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for the specific details of its plan. Under these four options, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound. Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. It is your responsibility to study this provision carefully and to make the necessary declaration.

In addition to the above options, your mover can also sell you, or procure for you, separate liability insurance if you release your shipment for transportation at a value of 60 cents per pound per article (Option 1). Then, in the event of loss or damage which is the responsibility of the mover, the mover is liable only for an amount not exceeding 60 cents per pound per article and the balance of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company (up to the amount of the insurance purchased). The mover’s representative can advise you on the availability of such liability insurance and the cost. If you purchase liability insurance from or through your mover, the mover is required to issue a policy or other written record of the purchase and to provide you with a copy of the policy or other document at the time of purchase. If the mover fails to comply with this requirement, the mover becomes fully liable for any claim for loss or damage attributed to its negligence.