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
Nov 27, 2016, 3:01 pm
#841
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
Hi All,
I just signed up for JetSmarter a few months back but unfortunately have not been able to use any of the JetDeals or shuttle program's yet. I am based out of Chicago and it seems there are very limited shuttle destinations from here? Are there any other members based out of the Midwest who have positive experiences with JetSmarter?
Does anyone know of a similar program to SurfAir in the Midwest? I primarily fly within the Midwest for business (Chicago to Detroit, or Louisville, Indiana, Iowa, MO most frequently. I do travel to Boston, LAX or other major metros (NYC, Dallas, etc.) but that is only once a month or every other month. I can see the value of JetSmarter if one lives in NYC, but looking for a similar program for Midwest travel. The $2K/mth is even worth it to fly private as long as there is unlimited shuttle travel just like JetSmarter.
I just signed up for JetSmarter a few months back but unfortunately have not been able to use any of the JetDeals or shuttle program's yet. I am based out of Chicago and it seems there are very limited shuttle destinations from here? Are there any other members based out of the Midwest who have positive experiences with JetSmarter?
Does anyone know of a similar program to SurfAir in the Midwest? I primarily fly within the Midwest for business (Chicago to Detroit, or Louisville, Indiana, Iowa, MO most frequently. I do travel to Boston, LAX or other major metros (NYC, Dallas, etc.) but that is only once a month or every other month. I can see the value of JetSmarter if one lives in NYC, but looking for a similar program for Midwest travel. The $2K/mth is even worth it to fly private as long as there is unlimited shuttle travel just like JetSmarter.
Nov 28, 2016, 8:55 am
#842
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 319
Did anyone else see the latest email:
"Our rates are going up incrementally on the first day of December and on January 1st.
Take advantage of this advanced notice, and lock in the current rates today. It will be our pleasure to welcome you aboard.
Here’s what to expect:
1) On December 1st, our annual membership fee for the SMART plan goes up.
2) For new SMART members who join after January 1st, flights longer than three hours will be charged a service fee."
I wonder if they'll charge these "service fees" to those renewing their membership after Jan 1st
"Our rates are going up incrementally on the first day of December and on January 1st.
Take advantage of this advanced notice, and lock in the current rates today. It will be our pleasure to welcome you aboard.
Here’s what to expect:
1) On December 1st, our annual membership fee for the SMART plan goes up.
2) For new SMART members who join after January 1st, flights longer than three hours will be charged a service fee."
I wonder if they'll charge these "service fees" to those renewing their membership after Jan 1st
Nov 28, 2016, 9:16 am
#843
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Did anyone else see the latest email:
"Our rates are going up incrementally on the first day of December and on January 1st.
Take advantage of this advanced notice, and lock in the current rates today. It will be our pleasure to welcome you aboard.
Here’s what to expect:
1) On December 1st, our annual membership fee for the SMART plan goes up.
2) For new SMART members who join after January 1st, flights longer than three hours will be charged a service fee."
I wonder if they'll charge these "service fees" to those renewing their membership after Jan 1st
"Our rates are going up incrementally on the first day of December and on January 1st.
Take advantage of this advanced notice, and lock in the current rates today. It will be our pleasure to welcome you aboard.
Here’s what to expect:
1) On December 1st, our annual membership fee for the SMART plan goes up.
2) For new SMART members who join after January 1st, flights longer than three hours will be charged a service fee."
I wonder if they'll charge these "service fees" to those renewing their membership after Jan 1st
No doubt they continue to hemorrhage cash and flail away in an attempt to boost revenue to try to slow the bleeding.
Nov 28, 2016, 2:54 pm
#844
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 4
I just signed up for a 3 month JetSmarter trial for empty legs via another membership club. I haven't taken a flight yet, but signed up because it was an easy/inexpensive way to test it out.
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
Last edited by rerenegade; Nov 28, 2016 at 3:03 pm
Nov 28, 2016, 3:08 pm
#845
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
I just signed up for a 3 month JetSmarter trial for empty legs via another membership club. I haven't taken a flight yet, but signed up because it was an easy/inexpensive way to test it out.
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
Nov 28, 2016, 3:49 pm
#846
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 4
There's also daily plane service from here in Bowling Green, KY to Atlanta now so that opens up a few additional possibilities. At least until the federal grant money runs out and they stop offering flights.
Nov 28, 2016, 5:04 pm
#847
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
Thank you for the response & social suggestion. I'm about an hour north of Nashville and 1 1/2 hours from Louisville so I can fly from either, but the possibilities for empty legs in this part of the country is obviously limited.
There's also daily plane service from here in Bowling Green, KY to Atlanta now so that opens up a few additional possibilities. At least until the federal grant money runs out and they stop offering flights.
There's also daily plane service from here in Bowling Green, KY to Atlanta now so that opens up a few additional possibilities. At least until the federal grant money runs out and they stop offering flights.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:36 pm
#848
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 637
Received today
Your lifestyle demands a higher level of flexibility. We have the answer. Based upon your travel history, we invite you to a whole new level of JetSmarter access and service.
Our Sophisticated Membership Plan - the highest we offer - gives you even more ways to benefit from everything that makes flying with JetSmarter the unparalleled way to travel. We’ve just added three new features to make it even easier to reduce your reliance on expensive jet cards
and fractional ownership.
Lower fares on SharedCharter flights
•
Lower fares for JetShuttle companion seats
•
Gift complimentary JetDeals seats
for unaccompanied non-members
SOPHISTICATED MEMBERS ALSO ENJOY:
4 JetShuttle tokens for long-haul flexibility
•
Priority boarding & seating on JetShuttle flights
•
Free cancellation on JetDeals & Scheduled JetShuttle flights up to 24 hours prior to take-off
•
Complimentary HeliTransfers in select markets
and much more
CALL TODAY AND UPGRADE BEFORE OUR $2500 PRICE INCREASE ON DECEMBER 1ST.
View the full Sophisticated Membership
Plan benefits here
CALL +1 888 9 VIP JET
TO BECOME A SOPHISTICATED MEMBER
TODAY
To enjoy the benefits listed above, purchase of Sophisticated tier of membership is required. Seat selection is subject to availability and offered on a first come first served basis. Standard cancellation fees will apply for cancellations of all on-demand flights, including on-demand shared charter flights, and all flight cancellations within 24 hours. Complimentary helicopter transfers are available in select markets when paired with Jet Charter, Jet Shuttle or on-demand shared charter flights; helicopter transfers paired with other flights are available for purchase. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact your aviation specialist for more details. JetSmarter may offer a number of programs, including single-entity charters and Public Charters. Seats obtained under the Public Charter Program are subject to the Public Charter rules contained in 14 CFR 380. JetSmarter does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by FAA licensed and DOT registered air carriers.
Our Sophisticated Membership Plan - the highest we offer - gives you even more ways to benefit from everything that makes flying with JetSmarter the unparalleled way to travel. We’ve just added three new features to make it even easier to reduce your reliance on expensive jet cards
and fractional ownership.
Lower fares on SharedCharter flights
•
Lower fares for JetShuttle companion seats
•
Gift complimentary JetDeals seats
for unaccompanied non-members
SOPHISTICATED MEMBERS ALSO ENJOY:
4 JetShuttle tokens for long-haul flexibility
•
Priority boarding & seating on JetShuttle flights
•
Free cancellation on JetDeals & Scheduled JetShuttle flights up to 24 hours prior to take-off
•
Complimentary HeliTransfers in select markets
and much more
CALL TODAY AND UPGRADE BEFORE OUR $2500 PRICE INCREASE ON DECEMBER 1ST.
View the full Sophisticated Membership
Plan benefits here
CALL +1 888 9 VIP JET
TO BECOME A SOPHISTICATED MEMBER
TODAY
To enjoy the benefits listed above, purchase of Sophisticated tier of membership is required. Seat selection is subject to availability and offered on a first come first served basis. Standard cancellation fees will apply for cancellations of all on-demand flights, including on-demand shared charter flights, and all flight cancellations within 24 hours. Complimentary helicopter transfers are available in select markets when paired with Jet Charter, Jet Shuttle or on-demand shared charter flights; helicopter transfers paired with other flights are available for purchase. Other restrictions may apply. Please contact your aviation specialist for more details. JetSmarter may offer a number of programs, including single-entity charters and Public Charters. Seats obtained under the Public Charter Program are subject to the Public Charter rules contained in 14 CFR 380. JetSmarter does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by FAA licensed and DOT registered air carriers.
Nov 28, 2016, 8:04 pm
#849
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Virtuoso Travel Agent, Commercial Pilot
Posts: 2,117
I just signed up for a 3 month JetSmarter trial for empty legs via another membership club. I haven't taken a flight yet, but signed up because it was an easy/inexpensive way to test it out.
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
Based on the changing membership fees every month, I'm not sure I could get comfortable enough to pay a large JetSmarter membership fee, but my question is for others who have/who are contemplating similar types of services.
What do you believe is the smartest play if someone will be signing up for one of these jet membership services by the end of the year? (Mainly just to start picking up a few empty legs every now and then, although I might charter short trips a couple of times next year)
1) Go ahead and sign up for JetSmarter and hope they don't go under during the next year as the value vs price paid is okay and # of empty legs is relatively high.
2) At the end of my existing JetSmarter trial, try to negotiate a much lower than advertised fee and only sign up if I could do so at a much lower than advertised fee.
3) Bite the bullet & sign up for a service that has better reviews like Wheels Up, but fewer emply legs. ($17,500 sign up/1/2 yearly renewals)
4) Just sign up for something like the limited Wheels Up 8760 program at $5,950 and the wait and see whether some charters move away from JetSmarter to Wheels Up during the year.
Todd
I wouldn't expect any big breaks if you negotiate on the fees, but they offered a friend of mine in a second tier city a $2k discount off of initiation so it's definitely worth discussing. I wouldn't plan for a timeline beyond one year, so consider the initiation as part of the annual cost when evaluating the deal.
Nov 28, 2016, 10:41 pm
#850
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 3
Hi Townshend,
Thanks for the info. What is the 8760 program? I tried to google that name but nothing showed up? I hope to be able to use the membership sometime soon as I think its a great concept, but just wish there were more Chicago shuttles. Do you know if there has been any indication of expanding the Chicago destinations to at least match that of NYC? I actually use American's Airlines Airpass Program which ends up being more expensive than JetSmarter Membership, but I have a lot of flexibility of flights from anywhere in the world since it is commercial. Of course, I still have to deal with the whole TSA security checkpoints and getting to airports 40-45 mins prior to departure.
Also what has everyone's experience been with Chartering whole jets with JetSmarter? I find that the min 72 hour notice to get a good rate defeats the purpose of private travel. My regular broker typically gets rates at about half the price of what I've been quoted.
I really do hope JetSmarter succeeds as the concept is brilliant, but so far as a Chicago/Iowa resident, I'm not finding it very useful.
Thanks for the info. What is the 8760 program? I tried to google that name but nothing showed up? I hope to be able to use the membership sometime soon as I think its a great concept, but just wish there were more Chicago shuttles. Do you know if there has been any indication of expanding the Chicago destinations to at least match that of NYC? I actually use American's Airlines Airpass Program which ends up being more expensive than JetSmarter Membership, but I have a lot of flexibility of flights from anywhere in the world since it is commercial. Of course, I still have to deal with the whole TSA security checkpoints and getting to airports 40-45 mins prior to departure.
Also what has everyone's experience been with Chartering whole jets with JetSmarter? I find that the min 72 hour notice to get a good rate defeats the purpose of private travel. My regular broker typically gets rates at about half the price of what I've been quoted.
I really do hope JetSmarter succeeds as the concept is brilliant, but so far as a Chicago/Iowa resident, I'm not finding it very useful.
Nov 29, 2016, 12:41 am
#851
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: DL, UA
Posts: 596
yep - I posted a week ago on this!
Todd - there's no better judge than you. My advice would be use it as much as you can based on your trial membership, then assess later. Everyone I've met who has used JetSmarter has wildly fluctuating stories/experiences. Some amazing - some terrible. You'll be confused if both of those people post here as to what they believe you should do! Good luck!
Todd - there's no better judge than you. My advice would be use it as much as you can based on your trial membership, then assess later. Everyone I've met who has used JetSmarter has wildly fluctuating stories/experiences. Some amazing - some terrible. You'll be confused if both of those people post here as to what they believe you should do! Good luck!
Nov 29, 2016, 12:42 am
#852
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: DL, UA
Posts: 596
http://sophisticated.jetsmarter.com looks like $45k for year one! 
Last edited by T-15.01; Nov 29, 2016 at 12:42 am Reason: url mod
Nov 29, 2016, 1:00 am
#853
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Oakland CA
Programs: DL Gold, AS MVPG, Globalist
Posts: 1,008
http://sophisticated.jetsmarter.com looks like $45k for year one!
Nov 29, 2016, 6:45 am
#854
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
Hi Townshend,
Thanks for the info. What is the 8760 program? I tried to google that name but nothing showed up? I hope to be able to use the membership sometime soon as I think its a great concept, but just wish there were more Chicago shuttles. Do you know if there has been any indication of expanding the Chicago destinations to at least match that of NYC? I actually use American's Airlines Airpass Program which ends up being more expensive than JetSmarter Membership, but I have a lot of flexibility of flights from anywhere in the world since it is commercial. Of course, I still have to deal with the whole TSA security checkpoints and getting to airports 40-45 mins prior to departure.
Also what has everyone's experience been with Chartering whole jets with JetSmarter? I find that the min 72 hour notice to get a good rate defeats the purpose of private travel. My regular broker typically gets rates at about half the price of what I've been quoted.
I really do hope JetSmarter succeeds as the concept is brilliant, but so far as a Chicago/Iowa resident, I'm not finding it very useful.
Thanks for the info. What is the 8760 program? I tried to google that name but nothing showed up? I hope to be able to use the membership sometime soon as I think its a great concept, but just wish there were more Chicago shuttles. Do you know if there has been any indication of expanding the Chicago destinations to at least match that of NYC? I actually use American's Airlines Airpass Program which ends up being more expensive than JetSmarter Membership, but I have a lot of flexibility of flights from anywhere in the world since it is commercial. Of course, I still have to deal with the whole TSA security checkpoints and getting to airports 40-45 mins prior to departure.
Also what has everyone's experience been with Chartering whole jets with JetSmarter? I find that the min 72 hour notice to get a good rate defeats the purpose of private travel. My regular broker typically gets rates at about half the price of what I've been quoted.
I really do hope JetSmarter succeeds as the concept is brilliant, but so far as a Chicago/Iowa resident, I'm not finding it very useful.
Nov 29, 2016, 9:44 am
#855
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 469
I also notice the new sophisticated tier doesn't mention the ability to book every available seat on Jetdeals. By allowing their high-revenue members to gift Jetdeal seats to nonmembers, they're working hard to make sure every plane (shuttle and deal) is full. Makes sense from a money standpoint maybe, but it makes it less and less likely that I'll renew with every change. I'm just not as interested in sharing small planes packed to the brim with a bunch of strangers as I am in taking a few friends or family members on an occasional fun trip. I get that opinions may vary.