Apr 16, 2016, 7:33 am
Last edit by: elitetraveler
JetSmarter is a membership program that allows members to fly on empty legs of private jets (JetDeals) and seats on scheduled private jet shuttles (JetShuttle).
JetSmarter - discussion and experiences
Oct 11, 2016, 1:04 pm
#721
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Wheels Up, Inspirato Pass, Marriott Titanium Elt, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Pres, Ntl P
Posts: 248
Oct 11, 2016, 2:09 pm
#723
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 32
When I signed up, I thought that I'd be a member for life. Now, I highly doubt that I'd renew when my membership ends in a few months--especially with the recent emails.
I'm starting to feel like I'm involved in an elaborate private jet ponzi scheme, where instead of money, I receive flights.
How unfortunate. I had high hopes.
I'm starting to feel like I'm involved in an elaborate private jet ponzi scheme, where instead of money, I receive flights.
How unfortunate. I had high hopes.
Oct 11, 2016, 4:32 pm
#724
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 469
We want to make it clear that this isn't about taking advantage of demand so we can make more money. What we are doing is adding supply during this peak period so our members can continue getting where they want, when they want.
The dates covered will be November 22-27th, December 16th-18th, 22-24th, 26th-27th and the 30th. Also, January 1st-4th.
The costs will be an additional 30 cents a mile, which translates to $330
from NY-Miami, $700 coast-to-coast, and $1,000 NY-London.
While we are never happy to bring you news of additional charges, we've worked hard to minimize these fees, despite the enormous holiday rush. We never want to call a price increase trivial, but given the fundamental value of our membership, we are tempted to.
The dates covered will be November 22-27th, December 16th-18th, 22-24th, 26th-27th and the 30th. Also, January 1st-4th.
The costs will be an additional 30 cents a mile, which translates to $330
from NY-Miami, $700 coast-to-coast, and $1,000 NY-London.
While we are never happy to bring you news of additional charges, we've worked hard to minimize these fees, despite the enormous holiday rush. We never want to call a price increase trivial, but given the fundamental value of our membership, we are tempted to.
Oct 11, 2016, 4:52 pm
#725
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 13
It is a lie and I have the email to prove it...
As I said I replied to the email and had a back and forth with one of their 'customer service' reps.
I suggested that what they should have done was left the existing shuttles alone and simply released a new offering to cover the increased demand. On those added shuttles (or whatever they could/should have called them) added an additional fee. Since the email specifically states they are adding supply to meet the demand.
The rep said that this isn't to add any supply but that charter costs go up during the holiday season and this added fee was to keep the existing charters running. Uh, say what?
When I told her that was in direct contradiction to the email they released and that it was now obvious that they decided to bang us over the head with a rubber mallet she had nothing...
I suggested that what they should have done was left the existing shuttles alone and simply released a new offering to cover the increased demand. On those added shuttles (or whatever they could/should have called them) added an additional fee. Since the email specifically states they are adding supply to meet the demand.
The rep said that this isn't to add any supply but that charter costs go up during the holiday season and this added fee was to keep the existing charters running. Uh, say what?
When I told her that was in direct contradiction to the email they released and that it was now obvious that they decided to bang us over the head with a rubber mallet she had nothing...
Oct 12, 2016, 10:59 am
#727
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 32
Oct 12, 2016, 1:00 pm
#728
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 637
Sorry to raise the alarm on this. I meant "free helis" are ending to/from HPN. These have been free for me since signing up, and I was told that I will still get them through my membership year, but then when the new membership year starts, I will have to pay.
Oct 12, 2016, 1:08 pm
#729
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 637
Yea it's cool to fly on a gulf stream. But you can't keep reverting back to that same argument every time they take a little more away. That's been the trend.
They are losing money. Every time they fly a shuttle pretty much. This introduction of surge pricing is an attempt to monetize its memberships. The email they sent out yesterday specifically states they are adding to supply during the busy times to meet demand. If the demand is higher and you've got more members, and some who use it left frequently are now going to be using it during holiday seasons, they should be able to as expected. The added charge changes all that.
When I emailed the rep back about it she exposed the truth. That the price of those charters goes up during holiday seasons. And to keep the SAME number shuttles available they need to pay more. So you guessed it they are passing the cost on to the membership.
I guess they figure the ones who can afford to pay, or don't mind, paying $660 for a NY-Miami round trip on top of 10k fee will eventually support this model. The problem is the entire thing loses its shine.
Most shuttles are fully booked and fly at scheduled times - that is not private. They have simply commercialized private jets. There is no grace for arriving late. That is not private. The cancellation fee structure is egregious. Your tokens are tied up for your seat. Which controls the supply. If you arrive late due to traffic or an accident the plane will be gone and you will be charged thousands in yet another scheme to monetize the members.
They are showing signs of cracking already. The model isn't sustainable as is. They lose money every time they fly.
They are losing money. Every time they fly a shuttle pretty much. This introduction of surge pricing is an attempt to monetize its memberships. The email they sent out yesterday specifically states they are adding to supply during the busy times to meet demand. If the demand is higher and you've got more members, and some who use it left frequently are now going to be using it during holiday seasons, they should be able to as expected. The added charge changes all that.
When I emailed the rep back about it she exposed the truth. That the price of those charters goes up during holiday seasons. And to keep the SAME number shuttles available they need to pay more. So you guessed it they are passing the cost on to the membership.
I guess they figure the ones who can afford to pay, or don't mind, paying $660 for a NY-Miami round trip on top of 10k fee will eventually support this model. The problem is the entire thing loses its shine.
Most shuttles are fully booked and fly at scheduled times - that is not private. They have simply commercialized private jets. There is no grace for arriving late. That is not private. The cancellation fee structure is egregious. Your tokens are tied up for your seat. Which controls the supply. If you arrive late due to traffic or an accident the plane will be gone and you will be charged thousands in yet another scheme to monetize the members.
They are showing signs of cracking already. The model isn't sustainable as is. They lose money every time they fly.
"They have simply commercialized private jets" - exactly. In fact, upon getting on the G4 in Chicago, 4 of us were told to "wait" so they could do"priority boarding" for the Sophisticated member. I think I physically cringed when they said that.
IMO, their mistake is in communication and naming. If they called it, "Beta helicopter service" in Chi and stated it would be trialed for 3 mos, everyone would be cool. But saying it is a guaranteed benefit and then taking it away is the mistake. I hope they tread with caution with this in the future.
Overall, they are providing a fantastic service, and I imagine most early adopters expected some growing pains. But you all rightly point out some issues.
Oct 14, 2016, 5:27 pm
#731
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
Yep, exactly what I was told.
Our heli transfers are free until we renew on Jan 28th, then... not. 
Oct 14, 2016, 9:04 pm
#732
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Wheels Up, Inspirato Pass, Marriott Titanium Elt, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Pres, Ntl P
Posts: 248
Oct 15, 2016, 5:05 pm
#735
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Virtuoso Travel Agent, Commercial Pilot
Posts: 2,117