The private aviation company recently launched a new Sky Access membership option that gives access to the empty leg flights on their fleet and also provides fixed price hourly rates on four private jet categories.
The two main features of this new Sky Access product are:
1. Empty Leg Flights
Empty legs are flights without passengers that are flown to get an aircraft positioned for a trip at the right airport and the right time ie they get the aircraft in the right place ready for a full fare paying passenger. This repositioning creates opportunities for last-minute trips at no fee for Sky Access members.
There is no limit on the number of free booked empty legs and Sky Access members book the entire aircraft, not just individual seats.
2. Fixed Hourly Rate Private Jet Travel
Sky Access members can book private jet travel with the comfort of knowing the fixed hourly rate. So just like a jet card, the hourly rates are fixed in advanced and are updated annually.
The current rates, including FET and all fuel charges are:
| Jet Category | Hourly Rate |
| Light | $5,995 |
| Midsize | $7,950 |
| Super-Midsize | $10,995 |
| Large | $14,400 |
The service area for the program is the United States, Mexico, Canada, and various Caribbean countries , although there is a premium of 10% for any international flights.
Booking and payment of these flights is all available online via the Delta Private Jet’s Sky Access client portal or through the Delta Private Jets app. Bookings must be made more than 24 hours before departure time for a domestic flight and more than 48 hours before departure time for an international flight. There are 20 blackout days a year when members cannot book aircraft, so if you travel on these peak days, such as around Christmas, you will need to find another option.
The other benefit of Sky Access membership is a 20% discount off select, published Delta Air Lines fares
Membership Fees
The annual membership fee for Sky Access is $8,500 in the first year and $6,000 in subsequent renewal years. If the empty legs work for you, this could be a great deal, but be aware that empty legs can change all the time, so you really do need to be flexible in your travel plans.
“We are delighted to offer this suite of services and options for our Sky Access members at a reasonable price,” said Gary Hammes, president, Delta Private Jets. “In fact, just one empty leg’s value could be greater than the cost of a full Sky Access membership, making luxury travel affordable and a sound investment for those individuals who don’t want to feel like travelers.”
The current Delta Private Jets fleet consists of more than 70 Wi-Fi equipped aircraft positioned throughout the United States.