Originally Posted by
millions
There was an initiation fee of $3,000 when I learned about JetSmarter in February and when I joined a few weeks later. And there were very few shuttles at the time. Many of the members I know are from cities that had no shuttle access when they joined. But it's cakiwi's world, so we should all start thanking our lucky stars for every jetdeal we confirm.
Sorry, I wasn't aware initiation fees were brought in earlier than mid 2016...my mistake. I think the LA to NYC shuttle started a year ago, and by the time you joined there were at least 4 or so more. My due diligence prior to sign up vetted specifically which shuttle flights originated near where I travel from often. Sounds like you know people who signed up without shuttles departing from where they are, and for me, I probably wouldn't have done that as it would yield way less value.
For you, me and every other member... Surely it is a pretty simple situation. If you think the value you're getting is subpar, based for example on lack of deals confirming, you just don't renew right? I have a different perspective to you, obviously, and do consider myself fortunate to ever confirm a jetdeal as part of membership with JS. It's a bonus to me, unexpected, and each time a pleasant surprise. I fully get that you see and/or saw value directly as part of membership tied to the jet deals you could confirm on. While empty legs are a part of what JS market themselves on offering I haven't ever felt that they are marketing their membership (smart and sophisticated levels at least), on the basis of jetdeals being a big part of it. Those flights are unconfirmed, sporadic, often changed, and many members have variable at best success in getting on such flights. That said, I understand many many flights in the app listed as deals still go off empty, so clearly there's not a lack of supply. Good luck nabbing a bunch this year and look forward to seeing you in the sky!