What XO is and how it differs from other private jet options

XO is a membership-based platform that lets you book private jet flights by the hour without owning a plane or committing to a long-term lease. You pay an upfront membership fee, then book flights through their app or website at published hourly rates. The company handles aircraft sourcing, crew, and logistics — you show up at a private terminal and fly.

XO differs from fractional ownership (where you buy a share of one plane) and jet cards (where you prepay for flight hours in blocks). With XO, there is no ownership stake and no prepayment requirement beyond membership. You pay only for the flights you take, at rates that vary by aircraft size and route distance.

The platform sources aircraft from a network of operators rather than owning its own fleet. This means availability depends on what planes are in the network at any given time, and the specific aircraft you fly may change from one booking to the next.

Key Takeaways

  • XO membership requires an upfront fee (currently $5,000 annually for the standard tier) plus hourly rates for each flight you book, with no prepayment or minimum flight hours required.
  • You book flights through the XO app or website, and the company matches you with available aircraft from its operator network based on your route and date.
  • Hourly rates vary by aircraft category (light jets, midsize jets, super-midsize jets, and heavy jets) and typically range from roughly $2,000 to $8,000 per flight hour, though prices change based on demand and route.
  • XO handles all logistics including crew, fuel, maintenance, and ground handling, so you do not manage aircraft operations yourself.
  • Membership tiers offer different benefits: the standard tier includes basic booking access, while higher tiers may offer priority booking, discounted rates, or may provide availability windows.

Membership tiers and annual fees

XO offers multiple membership levels, each with a different annual cost and set of benefits. The standard tier currently costs $5,000 per year. Higher tiers cost more but may include perks like rate discounts on flights, priority access to aircraft, or may provide availability during peak times.

The membership fee is separate from flight costs. You pay the annual membership once per year, then pay the hourly rate each time you book a flight. Some tiers offer a discount on hourly rates, which can offset the higher membership cost if you fly frequently.

XO occasionally runs promotions for new members, such as reduced first-year membership fees or flight hour credits. These offers change, so checking the XO website directly will show current pricing and any active promotions.

How to book a flight and what the process looks like

Booking on XO begins in the app or on the website. You enter your departure city, destination, preferred date, and number of passengers. XO then shows available aircraft in its network for that route and time, along with the hourly rate for each option.

You select the aircraft that fits your needs and budget, review the total cost (membership fees are separate), and confirm the booking. XO handles crew assignment, fuel, and ground handling. You arrive at the private terminal at the scheduled time, and the flight departs as booked.

Cancellations and changes are subject to XO's policy, which typically allows modifications up to a certain number of hours before departure. Cancellation fees vary depending on how close to departure you cancel.

Hourly rates and what affects the price you pay

XO publishes hourly rates for each aircraft category on its platform. A light jet typically costs less per hour than a midsize jet, which costs less than a super-midsize or heavy jet. Rates also depend on the specific route: flights during peak travel times (weekends, holidays, early morning or evening) may cost more than off-peak flights.

The total cost of a flight is the hourly rate multiplied by flight time, plus any applicable fees (such as landing fees at certain airports or fuel surcharges). XO shows the full estimated cost before you confirm the booking, so there are no hidden charges added later.

Rates fluctuate based on demand and aircraft availability. A route with few available planes may have higher rates than a route with many options. Booking further in advance sometimes offers lower rates, though XO also accommodates last-minute bookings if aircraft are available.

Aircraft categories and what each type offers

XO's network includes light jets (typically seating 4 to 6 passengers), midsize jets (6 to 8 passengers), super-midsize jets (8 to 10 passengers), and heavy jets (10 to 14+ passengers). Light jets are the most affordable per hour and work well for short trips or small groups. Midsize jets offer more comfort and range for longer flights.

Super-midsize and heavy jets provide more cabin space, longer range, and amenities like fully enclosed lavatories and galley service. The specific aircraft within each category varies — you might fly a Citation in one booking and a Learjet in another, depending on what the network has available.

When you book, you choose the category that fits your group size and trip length. XO does not may provide a specific aircraft model, but all planes in a category meet similar standards for passenger capacity and range.

How XO compares to fractional ownership and jet cards

Fractional ownership requires buying a share of a specific aircraft, typically 1/16 to 1/8 of the plane's value. You pay a purchase price upfront, then monthly management fees and hourly operating costs. You own an asset and have may provide access to that aircraft type, but you also bear the risk if the plane loses value.

Jet cards require prepaying for a block of flight hours (often 25 or 50 hours) at a fixed rate per hour. You commit capital upfront and must use the hours within a set timeframe. Rates are locked in, so you know the cost per hour regardless of demand.

XO requires no ownership, no prepayment, and no minimum hours. You pay only for flights you take, at rates that reflect current demand. This makes XO more flexible for occasional flyers, but it also means rates can be higher than jet card rates if you fly frequently, because you are not locking in a bulk discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the membership fee every year even if I do not fly?

Yes, the annual membership fee is due each year regardless of whether you book flights. If you do not plan to fly at least a few times per year, the membership cost may not be worth it. Some members cancel and rejoin only when they plan to fly, though this means losing any membership benefits during the gap.

Can I book a flight less than 24 hours in advance?

XO accepts last-minute bookings if aircraft are available in its network. Same-day or next-day flights are often possible, though availability varies by route and time of day. Last-minute bookings may have higher rates than flights booked further ahead.

What happens if the aircraft I booked is no longer available?

XO will offer you an alternative aircraft in the same category or a higher category at no additional cost. If no suitable alternative exists, XO will refund your booking. The company aims to minimize cancellations by maintaining a large operator network, but availability is never may provide.

Are there extra fees beyond the hourly rate?

The hourly rate covers the aircraft, crew, and fuel. Some airports charge landing fees or handling fees that XO passes through to you. These are shown in the total cost estimate before you confirm the booking. Fuel surcharges may explore on certain routes, also disclosed upfront.

Can I use XO for international flights?

Yes, XO books flights within the United States and to Canada and Mexico. International flights beyond North America are not currently part of the standard XO platform, though this may change. Check the XO website to see which destinations are available from your departure city.