Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which Flight Options program is right for me?

Whatever your travel requirements may be, Flight Options offers a program that will fit your needs. Our knowledgeable sales team will discuss your travel profile with you; where you go, how often, the typical number of passengers, etc. After a clear understanding of your profile is obtained, our sales professionals will then make program and aircraft recommendations to match your requirements.

What is the history of Flight Options?

Founded in October 1998, Flight Options emerged as a leader in the fractional jet industry. In December 2001, Flight Options combined operations with Raytheon Travel Air, effectively doubling the size of the company and moving the company into the sale of both new and pre-owned aircraft.

In December 2005, Flight Options became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon and introduced the Go-Forward Business Plan that rationalized the fleet, which is now one of the youngest fleets, as well as the most effective and efficient fleet, in North America.

Flight Options was acquired in November 2007 by H.I.G. Capital, LLC, a leading global private equity firm with more than $4 billion of equity capital under management. H.I.G. specializes in acquiring companies with great growth potential and helping them achieve their goals. H.I.G. support and investment will allow Flight Options to build on its success as the most innovative company in private aviation.

How does Flight Options compare to its competition?

Flight Options is the only major fractional provider in the world to be awarded the prestigious Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US) Platinum Safety Rating.

Flight Options is the only provider to offer a full spectrum of travel options. From fractional to leasing to membership to aircraft management, they are all available directly from Flight Options.

One of the key differentiators between Flight Options and the competition is the way we embrace the latest technology to improve the customer experience. Flight Options offers a state-of-the-art confidential Owner's Concierge Website. Owners can schedule aircraft, monitor flights in progress, check invoices, and compare the cost of different aircraft on specific missions; all on their own schedule.

Every Flight Options crewmember utilizes a BlackBerry handheld device to communicate with our Operations Control Center. In 2001, Flight Options became the first fractional jet provider to equip its fleet with paperless cockpit technology. The JeppView Flight Guide System serves as a central location for flight planning, arrival and departure. This computerized "paperless" technology has improved fleet readiness, further enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload.

What share sizes are available from Flight Options?

Flight Options offers share sizes from as small as 1/16^th (50 hours per year). If our variety of fractional share sizes does not match your needs, we offer JetPASS Membership. JetPASS Membership can meet all of your travel needs. Make a single deposit and get immediate access – all with one account. Simply specify the aircraft you need for each trip, and it is ready for you. We also have leasing options that may fit your needs. If you require a whole aircraft, our Aircraft Management Service options are the most innovative in the industry. Our experienced Sales Team is here to match your requirements with the best-value option that is perfect for you.

How long is the term of my share?

If your requirements dictate fractional ownership is the best option for you, then the term of your contract will typically be 60 months (5 years). Lease and Membership options offer entirely different term arrangements. Your Sales Team will discuss all of your options with you in depth, so that you can make an educated decision.

What if my requirements change?

Flight Options realizes that your needs may change. For this reason, Flight Options will work with you to accommodate the changes and adapt a program to your new requirements. From the possibility of selling a portion of your share to the ability to purchase supplemental hours, your Flight Options program can adapt to meet changing needs.

How do I book my flights?

Each Flight Options Owner and Member is assigned a personal Owner Services Team according to geographic location. Each Owner Services Team is comprised of a core group of professionals and is headed by a Team Manager. Each team knows the specific needs and preferences of their Owners and Members.

Every time you call your Owner's Only number, you will speak with a professional on your Owner Services team. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to schedule your flights, arrange ground transportation and coordinate catering. They take great pride in arranging every aspect of your travel. Flight Options provides you with the most convenient, personalized service available today.

We've also made trip scheduling available over the Internet, via our Owner's Concierge Website. Accessible through the Flight Options homepage, this site provides domestic trip scheduling, trip analysis, flight confirmations, invoicing and other Owner information.

How far in advance must I call to reserve an aircraft?

For fractional ownership and leasing, guaranteed response times for domestic trips are between 8 and 12 hours, depending upon the size of the interest purchased and the aircraft type. Peak Travel Day and international travel requires a minimum 48-hour notice.

JetPASS Membership requires 12-hour notice for guaranteed domestic availability, 48 hours for international and 120-hours notice for Peak Travel Days and days contiguous to them.

Will I always fly on my aircraft?

All Flight Options Owners sign The Master Interchange Agreement which states that all Owners have an undivided interest in an aircraft and desire to enter into an interchange program under the terms of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

This means that as an Owner, you may fly on any of the aircraft within the program - all meticulously maintained to the highest standards for a consistent and enjoyable experience each and every time you fly.

How often will I be chartered on a non-Flight Options aircraft?

Although demand does occasionally exceed the Flight Options fleet supply of aircraft (most often on Peak Travel Days) and unexpected maintenance issues can produce the need for a chartered aircraft, the average Owner is chartered a very small percentage of the time.

Can I get a smaller or a larger aircraft when I need one?

Flight Options realizes that there are times when you may need a larger or smaller aircraft, depending upon your mission. Flight Options offers this flexibility by allowing you to request an upgrade or downsize to other aircraft types when you book your trip. Just inform your Owner Services Team at the time that you schedule your flight. The flight hours will be deducted from your Allocated Hours based on the then current Hourly Interchange Rate (flight time multiplied by Interchange Rate). Interchange requests are subject to availability. With JetPASS Membership you have the ability at gain immediate access to light, mid-size, super mid-size and large-cabin aircraft with just one account.

How and when am I billed?

Flight Options Owners receive a monthly account statement through the mail that summarizes all account activity for the previous month. This information can also be accessed online using the Owner's Concierge Website.

What is Flight Options’ relationship with H.I.G. Capital?

Flight Options was acquired in November 2007 by H.I.G. Capital, a leading global private equity investment firm with more than $4 billion of equity capital under management. They have U.S. offices in Miami, Atlanta, Boston and San Francisco, as well as international offices in London, Paris and Hamburg. H.I.G. specializes in providing capital to small and medium-sized companies where a well thought out strategy and superior execution can significantly improve growth and profitability, and where they can play a significant role in helping to unlock a company’s value potential. They are currently a significant investor in over fifty companies in the U.S. and Europe. H.I.G. aviation-related holdings include Amerijet International, Gemini Air Cargo and Rotorcraft Leasing Company. Other H.I.G. holdings include Allegient Systems, APS Healthcare, Gulf Fleet Management, MSC, Orius Corp., Pinkerton Computer Consultants, PlastiFab, ServiceCraft Logistics, Source Electronics, SpringAir, True North Custom Publishing and Wexler Video. For additional information about H.I.G., please visit www.higcapital.com.

How are Flight Options pilots trained? What is their experience level?

All Flight Options pilots are trained at CAE SimuFlight. Flight Options goes above and beyond in our pilot training program with a state-of-the-art on-line supplemental ground training system.

Aircraft are flown by two pilot-in-command qualified crewmembers. Both pilots are type-rated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in their aircraft with Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) classification. Every Flight Options pilot receives annual simulator-based training and completes a semi-annual instrument check flight.

The average pilot has accrued more than 6,900 hours of flight time. All pilots are full-time employees and are trained at the company's expense.

What are Flight Options' safety and security policies and procedures?

Flight Options is the only major fractional provider in the world to be awarded the prestigious Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US) Platinum Safety Rating.

All flights are operated under CFR Part 135 regulations, providing the highest possible safety level to all of our customers on each and every flight.

Flight Options raises the industry bar when it comes to safety and security, by employing two full-time Operations Security Coordinators (AOSCs), who serve as the primary and secondary points of corporate contact for security-related activities and communications with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Your safety and security are always our number-one priority, and these key positions provide a vehicle for clear communication between Flight Options and the TSA.

With Flight Options, you have the comfort of knowing that every passenger who has flown on the aircraft before you and your family has been screened by TSA standards.

In order to maintain the highest possible safety standards for both our Owners and our employees, the following policies and procedures are followed at all times: