Every holiday season, private flyers are confronted with the same stressors: skyrocketing demand, disappearing availability, and surprise premiums. Even seasoned travelers find themselves scrambling for aircraft that fit, schedules that work, and pricing that doesn’t change overnight.
The smartest solution to enjoying your Holiday without travel stress? A Private Jet Card.
Unlike one-off charter bookings or fractional programs, a Jet Card gives you the certainty, protection, and flexibility needed to navigate peak-season travel with confidence.
“The holiday season magnifies every challenge in private aviation. A Jet Card solves them by giving you guaranteed access, predictable pricing, and the ability to adapt as your plans change,” explains Steve Ciancio, Senior Vice President of Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets.
Here’s why a Jet Card is your best holiday travel tool.
1. Guaranteed Availability; Even on Peak Days
Most Private Charter flyers find out the hard way: during holiday weeks, availability disappears. Fractional programs face similar restrictions when all owners want to travel on the same high-demand dates. When it comes to a Jet Card program, it’s important to check and see what restrictions you’ll have on travel. While Jet Cards are generally more flexible than other solutions, some private jet companies still impose multiple blackout dates on their Jet Card Owners. Blackout dates are days you are unable to book a flight, and they usually fall on critical travel days. For example, NetJets’ Card275 lists 90 blackout dates per year, restricting a whole quarter of the year for their clients.
“We still guarantee aircraft availability 365 days a year—even on peak days like December 26th or January 2nd,” Ciancio says. “Competitors can’t say that.”
Magellan has zero blackout days. Even on the five remaining Advanced Booking Days (ABDs) of 2025, you simply provide five days’ notice and pay no premium.
2. Predictable Pricing, No Surprise Premiums
Peak holidays are when surcharges and premiums hit hardest. Last-minute flyers often pay thousands more in hidden de-icing costs, slot fees, or surge pricing.
“We designed our Jet Card so that even on December 26th, there’s no surcharge if you follow the Advanced Booking Day guidelines,” says Ciancio. “That’s unheard of in this industry.”
Predictable pricing transforms holiday planning from a guessing game into a guarantee.
3. Rate Lock: Buy Now, Save Later
Private Clients who purchase a Jet Card before Q4 will experience the price benefits well into the new year. Industry pricing typically rises in the fourth quarter, and 2025 is on pace to set records again. With a Jet Card, you can lock 2025 rates and fly through 2026 without a price increase.
“We offer up to a 24-month rate lock. That means you can buy now and shield yourself from inevitable price hikes, all while guaranteeing access for two full holiday seasons,” Ciancio notes.
4. Interchangeability: Scale Up When the Family Grows
Maybe your regular trips are four passengers to Florida. But come Christmas, you’re moving 12 people, two dogs, and several pairs of skis. Most programs can’t handle that without starting from scratch.
“During the holidays, needs change fast. Our Jet Card guarantees you can interchange up to larger cabins, even during peak travel,” Ciancio explains.
That flexibility ensures your aircraft always fits the mission, no matter how many family members join at the last minute.
5. Mechanical Recovery at No Additional Cost
The busiest days of the year are also when mechanical issues create the most havoc. Many operators will replace your aircraft at a massive premium.
“If a mechanical happens, we guarantee recovery at no additional cost. That’s huge during the holidays, when sourcing a replacement jet can be an additional unexpected investment,” Ciancio says.
6. Flexible Cancellation Terms
Life happens, plans shift, weather changes, and relatives cancel. Traditional On-Demand Charter often penalizes you with 100% cancellation fees during holiday weeks.
Magellan Jet Card holders can cancel outside standard notice windows (48 hours, or five days on ABDs) without penalty.
Book Your Jet Card Before the Holiday Surge
During the 2025 Holiday season, private fliers will face scarcity, surcharges, and surprises. A Jet Card neutralizes all three by guaranteeing access, locking pricing, and building in the flexibility you need when plans inevitably change.
“It’s not just about having an aircraft; it’s about having peace of mind,” Ciancio concludes. “That’s what our Jet Card delivers during the most stressful travel season of the year.”
FAQs About Jet Cards and the Holidays
How many blackout days does Magellan Jets have?
Zero. Unlike other programs that restrict as many as 90 days a year, Magellan guarantees aircraft availability 365 days.
What are Advanced Booking Days (ABDs)?
ABDs are simply peak dates that require more than 48 hours of notice. There’s no surcharge and no blackout; just a bit more lead time.
Can I really lock my hourly jet rates into 2026?
Yes. Magellan Jet Cards offer rate locks of up to 24 months, protecting you from typical year-end increases.
What if I need a larger aircraft for holiday travel?
Unlike many competitors, Magellan guarantees interchange up to larger cabins, even in peak season.
What happens if my aircraft has a mechanical on December 26th?
With a Magellan Jets Jet Card, recovery is guaranteed at no additional cost. Most operators pass the premium to the client; we don’t.
Ready to Make Holiday Travel Stress-Free?
With a Magellan Jet Card, you’re not just buying hours; you’re buying certainty, flexibility, and peace of mind. Book now to secure your rates, guarantee your aircraft, and make this holiday season your smoothest yet.
About Steve Ciancio
Steve Ciancio is the Senior Vice President of Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets. With over a decade of private aviation experience at Magellan, Steve is recognized for his ability to translate complex operational challenges into seamless, stress-free travel experiences for clients.
