Wheels Up introduces revamped tiered membership plans

New York-based Wheels Up overhauls its private-jet membership tiers, aiming to simplify pricing and add perks for frequent flyers. NEW YORK — Wheels Up is shaking up the way travelers buy into private aviation. The company has rolled out a redesigned portfolio of membership tiers that promise clearer pricing, added lifestyle benefits and a smoother path for upgrading as flying needs evolve, according to a press release by Wheels Up.

Why a Tiered Overhaul Matters to Travelers

For several years, Wheels Up marketed a small handful of programs that combined on-demand charter, capped hourly rates and access to an owned and managed fleet. The fast-growing customer base, however, has grown more diverse: leisure flyers who want an occasional regional hop now sit beside corporate road warriors who log hundreds of annual flight hours. Wheels Up’s new framework is meant to accommodate those extremes—and everything in between—without forcing travelers into contracts that feel either too restrictive or too expensive.

Four Core Levels—Plus Room to Grow

The updated lineup is built around four principal memberships. While Wheels Up declined to share specific dollar figures or minimum-hour commitments in the press release, each tier is designed to scale in both price and benefit:

• Entry Tier: Aimed at first-time private flyers who favor regional trips and want the flexibility to book by the seat or charter an entire aircraft when a special occasion arises.
• Mid-Level Tier: Geared toward families and small businesses that require regular access to light jets or turboprops, this plan includes capped hourly rates and limited empty-leg credits.
• Premium Tier: Created for travelers racking up higher flight hours, it unlocks the full fleet—including super-mid and large-cabin aircraft—along with preferred pricing on peak travel days.
• Corporate Tier: Structured for enterprise accounts and sports teams, this top-level plan folds in flight-department-style services such as trip-planning, enhanced insurance coverage and the ability to interchange aircraft types without penalties.

Each membership can be customized with optional add-ons, such as guaranteed Wi-Fi, supplemental lift during peak periods and leisure travel credits.

Streamlined Booking and Transparent Pricing

When Wheels Up burst onto the scene, its draw was a straightforward app that reduced the hassle of calling traditional brokers. Over time, the menu of options grew more complicated, and many members complained that they spent too much time hunting through fine print to understand when capped rates applied. The new framework introduces a single pricing table per tier that covers peak and non-peak days, reposition fees, de-icing and overnight charges. Members can still pay as they fly or pre-fund an account for more favorable rates. “Clarity was the guiding principle behind every change,” a Wheels Up spokesperson said in the release.

Aircraft Access: From Turboprops to Heavy Jets

Although Wheels Up’s signature King Air turboprop remains available, the company notes that members increasingly request mid-cabin and large-cabin jets for cross-country journeys. The revamped program keeps the King Air front and center for short hops while spotlighting its Citation Excel/XLS, Citation X and Gulfstream offerings for coast-to-coast and transcontinental itineraries. As before, members can opt for an entire aircraft or buy by the seat on select scheduled shuttles between high-demand city pairs.

Guaranteed Availability and Peak-Day Protection

A sticking point for many on-demand charter clients is what happens during holidays. Wheels Up’s new tiers introduce a revision to guaranteed aircraft availability that reduces blackout dates and allows certain members to lock in flights with as little as [Not specified in release] hours’ notice. Premium and Corporate members receive first priority during peak events such as the Super Bowl or Art Basel Miami Beach.

Added Lifestyle Perks Beyond the Runway

Private-jet companies frequently sweeten the deal with concierge add-ons, and Wheels Up is no exception. The new membership structure bundles airport transfers, hotel partnerships, culinary experiences and access to invitation-only sporting events. Wheels Up also retains its partnership with American Express, letting eligible cardholders apply membership dues toward qualifying spending thresholds.

Elevated In-Flight Experience

The company continues to invest in outfitting its cabin interiors with upgraded leather seating, enhanced connectivity and curated snack boxes. Members may also request pet-friendly amenities or child-safety equipment at booking.

What Seasoned Travelers Should Know Before Joining

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum term commitment?

[Not specified in release]. Travelers should clarify whether contracts renew annually or can be terminated with notice.

Can I share my membership with family or colleagues?

According to the company, certain tiers allow multiple authorized users; specifics depend on the plan selected.

What payment options are available?

Members may either pay per flight via credit card or pre-fund an account for lower hourly rates. Wheels Up did not disclose minimum funding thresholds in the release.

Do these changes affect existing members?

Current members can stay on legacy plans or transition to the new structure at renewal time. Incentives to switch were hinted at but not detailed.

The Competitive Landscape

Wheels Up’s refresh comes amid heightened competition among private-aviation providers. NetJets, Flexjet and newer entrants like Surf Air all tout membership products with fixed hourly pricing and lifestyle add-ons. By simplifying its tiers and emphasizing transparency, Wheels Up hopes to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded field. For travelers, the news out of New York signals more choice—and potentially better value—in the private-jet space. Whether the revamped tiers ultimately lower total trip costs will depend on individual flying patterns and the fine print each member negotiates. — Source: Wheels Up press release