NY Times: Beware of start-ups selling travel on private jets
Jun 17, 2016, 9:01 am
#1
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NY Times: Beware of start-ups selling travel on private jets
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/14/bu...s-make-it.html
I've found over the years that when any company promises you a great deal on services to be delivered far in the future in exchange for a one-time payment up front, you are unlikely to receive those services. Companies making such offers tend to be in serious financial trouble.
I bought a lifetime Ionosphere Club membership from Eastern Airlines in what turned out to be its last months. The membership was for their lifetime, not mine. After some initial resistance, Continental stepped up and honored Eastern memberships, making me a lifetime Presidents Club member. The merger with United made me a United Club lifetime member. This is the one case I can recall where up front payment actually delivered a great deal.
When you see an offer with a large up-front payment you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?"
New companies pop up frequently, many with apps that allow travelers to book seats in minutes. But not all of them will survive.
BlackJet was founded in 2012 and aimed to apply the Uber model to private jets. It was backed by a founder of Uber, Garrett Camp, and celebrities like Ashton Kutcher. But about a year after it began, it laid off staff and suspended service.
BlackJet was founded in 2012 and aimed to apply the Uber model to private jets. It was backed by a founder of Uber, Garrett Camp, and celebrities like Ashton Kutcher. But about a year after it began, it laid off staff and suspended service.
I bought a lifetime Ionosphere Club membership from Eastern Airlines in what turned out to be its last months. The membership was for their lifetime, not mine. After some initial resistance, Continental stepped up and honored Eastern memberships, making me a lifetime Presidents Club member. The merger with United made me a United Club lifetime member. This is the one case I can recall where up front payment actually delivered a great deal.
When you see an offer with a large up-front payment you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?"
Jun 17, 2016, 1:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: wine cellar or in the rough (occasionally fairway)
Posts: 171
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/14/bu...s-make-it.html
I've found over the years that when any company promises you a great deal on services to be delivered far in the future in exchange for a one-time payment up front, you are unlikely to receive those services. Companies making such offers tend to be in serious financial trouble.
I bought a lifetime Ionosphere Club membership from Eastern Airlines in what turned out to be its last months. The membership was for their lifetime, not mine. After some initial resistance, Continental stepped up and honored Eastern memberships, making me a lifetime Presidents Club member. The merger with United made me a United Club lifetime member. This is the one case I can recall where up front payment actually delivered a great deal.
When you see an offer with a large up-front payment you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?"
I've found over the years that when any company promises you a great deal on services to be delivered far in the future in exchange for a one-time payment up front, you are unlikely to receive those services. Companies making such offers tend to be in serious financial trouble.
I bought a lifetime Ionosphere Club membership from Eastern Airlines in what turned out to be its last months. The membership was for their lifetime, not mine. After some initial resistance, Continental stepped up and honored Eastern memberships, making me a lifetime Presidents Club member. The merger with United made me a United Club lifetime member. This is the one case I can recall where up front payment actually delivered a great deal.
When you see an offer with a large up-front payment you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?"