In an age where airplane seats are shrinking, meal service is being replaced by "fun-size" candy bars, and basic economy is on the rise, it pays to elevate your in-flight experience—and what better way to do that than by upgrading in serious style? So long, business class on a 747, 777, or even a much-hyped Airbus A380: You can now use your airline miles to book a seat on a private jet.
As of October 25, Delta SkyMiles members can redeem their miles toward the company's Delta Private Jet division, which has a fleet of some 70 Wi-Fi equipped aircraft. The catch, however, is that you need to have miles to spare—at least 2.5 million of them, to be exact. Here's how it works: The 2.5 million miles buy you $25,000 value on a Delta jet card, which, in turn, can be redeemed for travel on the private jet fleet. (According to Forbes, the hourly rate for a light jet is approximately $5,500, so $25,000 equates to just under five hours of private jet travel.) Have 20 million SkyMiles? Trade them for $200,000 in private jet travel. Jet-card buyers also receive Diamond Medallion status, Delta's highest in its frequent flier program.
Much like a debit card, a jet card can be purchased from providers, who deduct from your account as you fly. In addition to the obvious benefit of having fewer passengers on the planes, other pros typically include a fixed hourly rate and a guarantee that you'll be able to fly at your own designated time and convenience, provided you book a few hours in advance. David Sneed, chief operating officer of Delta Private Jets, notes the normal minimum to buy a jet card is $100,000, making the $75,000 drop look even more enticing. Don't have quite enough SkyMiles for a jet card just yet? Worry not: Sneed hinted to Bloomberg that last summer's $300-$800 paid upgrades to private jets may be coming back soon.