High Polloi

Private jet travel for the rest of us

May 31, 2007—While upstarts like Eos and Silverjet lure customers with the prospect of all-business-class travel, two new outfits are offering a similar service—minus the other annoying business-class travelers. Jumpjet, which launches this week with a fleet of mostly Learjets and Gulfstreams, offers the perks of private aviation at a price that shouldn't raise too many red flags on your expense account. Pay a one-time $500 fee, then pick from one of four plans, which range from $2,000 for two domestic round-trips a month (plus three free guests per flight) to $25,000 for a top-level corporate membership. "Our key is to appeal to a market that flies business, first, or even full-fare economy," says Jumpjet founder and CEO Will Ashcroft. The downside is you'll have to book ahead like a regular old commercial passenger. The company requires several days' advance notice, so the service is more for planners than playboys.

Another brand-new contender, DayJet, comes with its own caveat—the service is currently available only in Florida (40 airports in the Southeast will be added next year, with more on the horizon). That aside, DayJet offers an important advantage: Its smaller, three-seat Eclipse 500 "light jets" (above) allow for greater scheduling flexibility, meaning they'll have a plane ready to whisk you away with only four hours' notice. Hmmm, what's Lakeland like this time of year, anyway?

Jumpjet, $2,000–$20,000 per month, plus $500 initiation, (888) FLY-JUMP, www.jumpjet.com; DayJet, from $1 per mile, plus $250 initiation, (866) 4DAYJET, www.dayjet.com