Lifestyle Wanderlust the October 2020 issue

Fly Private, Do Safely

If you can’t sit around any longer, here’s how to travel.
By Carrie Williamson Posted on September 25, 2020

Fly > Private

1

Delta Private Jets offers on-demand charters with all-inclusive pricing and a Jet Card membership, both of which guarantee a flight within 24 hours on one of its 70+ Wi-Fi equipped aircraft at 3,000 U.S. airports. The Jet Card membership also provides perks for flying commercial on Delta Air Lines. You can receive Diamond Medallion Status at select Jet Card levels, use Jet Card funds for commercial flights, and receive 20% off select class fares.

2

NetJets offers three ways to fly: NetJets Share (ideal for people who fly 50+ hours a year and prefer the benefits that come with partial ownership); NetJets Lease (also good if you fly 50 or more hours a year but don’t want an initial capital outlay); and NetJets Marquis Card (a fixed, upfront fee that covers the total charge for all your flight hours).

3

Sentient Jet’s two jet cards both feature all-inclusive fixed rates and the guarantee that a plane will be available if you book at least 10 hours in advance. The SJ25 Jet Card provides 25 hours of flying time on a light aircraft, and the SJ25+ provides 25 hours of flying time for mid and super-mid planes with Wi-Fi as well as larger planes if you book at least 24 hours in advance.

4

VistaJet is a global private jet company that tailors services to your specific needs and preferences. The company has flown heads of state, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals to 187 countries worldwide. Program members have access to its fleet of 70+ branded private jets at a fixed hourly rate with no positioning costs and guaranteed availability with at least 24 hours notice.

5

XO has three ways to fly: XO Private Charter (on-demand charter, which you can book on the company’s app or website); XO Shared Charter (you charter the jet and get flight credits when someone purchases your extra seats); and Fly By the Seat (you book a seat on a shared charter through the app or website). For better rates, purchase one of four memberships that best fits the number of hours you fly in a year.

Do > Safely

1

Purchase medical travel insurance. Healthcare providers outside the United States do not accept domestic health insurance, and since the pandemic, countries including the UAE, Aruba and Costa Rica are requiring proof of international healthcare coverage. Seven Corners, a global travel insurance company, has created several new travel medical insurance plans that cover COVID-19. The Liaison Travel Plus plan includes $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to transport you to a medical facility with appropriate care, if medically necessary.

2

Buy a medical evacuation membership. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue provides medical advisory services through Johns Hopkins’ Department of Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations as well as medical evacuation delivered by teams of critical care paramedics, physicians, nurses and military special operations veterans. They will also provide custom memberships for businesses of all sizes. You can add on advisory and extraction services for natural disasters, civil unrest, and government evacuation orders, which is a good idea these days.

3

Apply for TSA PreCheck. This federal government program will help expedite screening at security. You can use the dedicated TSA lane and don’t have to remove your shoes, laptop and other items. The application process is easy. Apply online in five minutes, attend a 10-minute in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting, and receive your Known Traveler Number shortly thereafter.

4

Enroll in CLEAR. Instead of using traditional ID documents, CLEAR uses biometrics, specifically your eyes and face, to verify your identity. The CLEAR experience is now touchless and available at 50+ airports in the United States.

5

Rent with Silvercar by Audi. This all-Audi rental car company now has 30 locations throughout the United States. Book, locate, and unlock your car using the app for a no-contact rental experience. The company has instituted a 19-step cleaning process that cleans all interior areas and surfaces in between rentals. For $50, you can also have your car delivered to you if you book 48 hours in advance.

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