With over a decade in private aviation, Justin Firestone is the co-founder of Wheels Up, a company that charters small passenger aircraft. Justin Firestone aims to place private air travel prices within the reach of a larger customer base.
Chartering a private jet can cost up to $9,500 per hour. Wheels Up offers plans that set that price at $4,495 for its lowest membership level. That amount is part of the Connect plan. Joining the plan carries an initiation fee of $2,995 and yearly dues of $2,495. Core members (the next level up) pay $17,500 upfront and $8,500 annually. Offering the most features, a Business membership runs to $29,500 and $14,500, respectively.
Connect members have open access to charter and shared flights. Core and Business members are guaranteed a flight from the company’s reserved fleet on up to 300 days per year with a day’s notice.
In business since 2013, Wheels Up has attracted over 5,000 members nationally, with several hundred based in South Florida. Air travel offers a time-saving alternative to ground trips in that large state, which can take up to six hours. Frequently-used routes include Miami to Jacksonville and West Palm Beach to Tampa. Many customers shuttle between Miami and the state capital of Tallahassee.
Chartering a private jet can cost up to $9,500 per hour. Wheels Up offers plans that set that price at $4,495 for its lowest membership level. That amount is part of the Connect plan. Joining the plan carries an initiation fee of $2,995 and yearly dues of $2,495. Core members (the next level up) pay $17,500 upfront and $8,500 annually. Offering the most features, a Business membership runs to $29,500 and $14,500, respectively.
Connect members have open access to charter and shared flights. Core and Business members are guaranteed a flight from the company’s reserved fleet on up to 300 days per year with a day’s notice.
In business since 2013, Wheels Up has attracted over 5,000 members nationally, with several hundred based in South Florida. Air travel offers a time-saving alternative to ground trips in that large state, which can take up to six hours. Frequently-used routes include Miami to Jacksonville and West Palm Beach to Tampa. Many customers shuttle between Miami and the state capital of Tallahassee.
