Set Jet, Semi-Private Flying, and the New Era of Private Jet Access

The rise and fall of Set Jet, a membership-based semi-private jet service, reshaped how many travelers think about private aviation. Set Jet’s business model allowed members to purchase individual seats on semi-private flights, bridging the gap between commercial first class and full private jet charter. Its abrupt shutdown in February 2024 left thousands of members without flights or refunds, highlighting the risks and evolution of private jet access. This article explores what happened to Set Jet, compares its model to new digital charter platforms like Jettly, and examines what the changing landscape means for travelers today.

This article is for travelers, business professionals, and aviation enthusiasts interested in understanding how Set Jet's innovative model changed private jet access, what led to its closure, and what options exist today for semi-private and on-demand private flying.

Here is what happened, what it means for air travel today, and how platforms like Jettly offer a more flexible path forward.

Key Takeaways

• Set Jet popularized a semi-private options model by selling individual seats on business jets along fixed routes in the American Southwest and Mexico.

• The company ceased service operations in early 2024, leaving members without refunds and highlighting the financial risks of route-bound membership models.

• Jettly is a private jet charter platform offering on-demand access to private flights globally. It connects travelers with a network of over 20,000 aircraft for business and leisure trips, making private aviation simple, transparent, and tech-driven.

• Jettly offers instant pricing, no long-term jet cards required, and optional memberships for lower fees, emphasizing value, convenience, flexibility, and time-saving benefits.

• Travelers comparing semi-private shuttles, traditional charter, and digital marketplaces should weigh cost, privacy, flexibility, and route coverage before choosing.

• For those seeking future flights, Jettly provides a tech-driven alternative at jettly.com.

What Was Set Jet and How Did It Fit Into Private Aviation?

Set Jet was a privately held, membership-based private jet service headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was founded and conceived in 2014 by Tom Smith and co-founder Trey Smith, designed to fill the gap between commercial first class and full aircraft charter.

The company's model was straightforward. Members paid about $99 per month in membership dues, completed a security pre-screening process to become approved members, and then could purchase individual seats on scheduled flights between popular city pairs. Per-seat fares on Set Jet ranged from $750 to $1,550 depending on the route, making it comparable to premium commercial tickets but with access to private terminals and a more comfortable cabin environment.

During its first six months and beyond, Set Jet attracted frequent travelers who wanted to fly without the hassle of commercial airports but couldn't justify the cost of chartering an entire jet. Traditional private jet charters can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a single flight, so Set Jet's pricing offered a clear entry point—lower than full aircraft charters by a wide margin.

Comparison Table: Set Jet vs. Traditional Private Jet Charter

Feature	Set Jet	Traditional Private Jet Charter
Pricing	$99/month membership + $750–$1,550 per seat	Tens of thousands of dollars per full aircraft charter
Booking Model	Membership-based, seat purchase on fixed routes	Charter an entire aircraft on demand
Route Flexibility	Fixed routes, mainly the American Southwest and Mexico	Fully flexible, global destinations
Cabin Privacy	Shared cabin with vetted members	Exclusive use of the entire aircraft
Boarding Experience	Private terminals, faster boarding	Private terminals, customized service
Suitable For	Frequent regional travelers on specific routes	Business or leisure travelers needing full control and privacy

Set Jet Routes, Hubs, and Focus on Scottsdale

Scottsdale Airport served as Set Jet's primary hub, chosen for its private FBO infrastructure and proximity to affluent neighborhoods across the Phoenix metro area. The company primarily operated fixed routes along the American West Coast and into Mexico.

Key routes included Scottsdale to Los Angeles (Van Nuys or Burbank), Scottsdale to Las Vegas (LAS or Henderson), Scottsdale to San Diego, and leisure destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos. Other cities such as San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Aspen, and Orange County in California appeared on the network at various points.

Set Jet's network focused on city pairs with inefficient commercial flights—routes where commercial options meant connecting flights, crowded terminals, or inconvenient schedules. The service catered to leisure routes like Cabo San Lucas while also serving weekend getaways and business commuters. This was a fixed-route model, not a global on-demand service. Trips such as London typically call for longer-range, on-demand aircraft rather than a fixed regional shuttle model.

Interestingly, many of these destinations also benefit from a broader travel trend called set-jetting, where fans visit filming locations of movies and TV shows. Set-jetting is a travel trend where fans visit filming locations of movies and TV shows. It transforms passive viewing into an active travel experience, as travelers visit picturesque locations to experience settings from their favorite shows or films, often diving into local culture and traditions depicted on screen.

These routes are popular for both business and leisure.

Membership Community vs. On-Demand Private Jet Charter

Set Jet's membership community sold seats on shared, scheduled flights. Members could participate in a curated travel lifestyle alongside like-minded travelers. Set Jet's model emphasized convenience over the price premiums associated with full charter. Membership required security pre-screening for approval before customers could join, but approval and route limits are only one consideration when comparing private aviation models.

Jettly operates differently. As a digital charter marketplace, it gives clients access to over 20,000 private charter aircraft worldwide. There are no fixed routes, no mandatory jet cards, and no long-term ownership plans. Customers can request a quote for any route—whether a weekend hop from New York to Miami or a cross-country flight—and see instant pricing. Route coverage, aircraft access, and provider stability should also be part of the consideration.

For routine Scottsdale to California trips, a seat-based model, such as Set Jet, worked. For one-off trips, multi-city itineraries, or international travel, on-demand charter through Jettly is the strongest available option.

Pros and Cons of Semi-Private Seat Models Like Set Jet

Semi-private models changed how travelers think about private jets by lowering per-trip cost, but added constraints:

• Advantages: Lower entry price than full charter, private terminals for faster boarding, predictable shuttle-style schedules on popular routes, and a group travel atmosphere among vetted members.

• Drawbacks: Limited destinations and cities served, dependence on specific departure times, shared cabin with reduced privacy, and vulnerability to operator or funding issues. Set Jet's shutdown meant all flights and memberships were canceled, and the company stated there would be no refunds for money already paid.

Advantages of On-Demand Private Jet Charter with Jettly

Jettly's platform gives customers full control over timing, routing, and aircraft type, supported by tools like its airport locator platform. Key benefits include:

• Choose exact departure hours and fly between thousands of airports worldwide, including smaller regional fields that semi-private shuttles never served.

• Transparent, instant pricing with no hidden fees. No long-term commitments or jet card prepayments—important for travelers cautious after Set Jet's collapse.

• Optional private jet memberships to reduce per-flight cost and access concierge support, while still allowing pay-as-you-go charter.

This flexibility appeals to travelers who want a luxury business experience grounded in efficiency and predictability rather than brand theatrics. The cabin environment is typically luxurious without losing that practical focus.

Onboard Experience: Semi-Private Seats vs. Fully Private Jets

A Set Jet flight typically seats 13–15 passengers in a shared cabin. Passengers arrived at private terminals for faster boarding, usually about 20 minutes before departure, with limited catering and a cabin host. The experience was a step above commercial first class, but far from a fully private environment.

A Jettly charter provides an exclusive, luxury cabin for the customer's party only. Custom catering through Jettly Eats, in-flight catering, flexible seat layouts, Wi-Fi for meetings, and the ability to adjust departure times around business schedules define the business travel experience. Whether a confidential board meeting on a midsize jet or a family flying with pets, the aircraft is yours alone in the sky.

Aircraft Types and When They Make Sense

Set Jet mostly used Bombardier CRJ-100/200 aircraft configured with premium interiors—larger regional-jet-style planes on fixed routes. Jettly taps multiple categories:

• Light jets (4–8 seats): Short hops like LA to Las Vegas. Lower operating cost.

• Midsize jets (6–9 seats): Regional business trips with stand-up cabins and better range.

• Heavy jets: Transcontinental or international flights for larger groups.

• Turboprops: Efficient for shorter runways or lower-cost regional access.

• Helicopters: Short urban transfers connecting airports or city views.

Safety, Regulation, and What Sets Jet's Shutdown Teaches Travelers

All credible private aviation providers depend on certified operators. Semi-private flights may fall under FAA Part 135 or Part 121 regulations. Set Jet flights were operated by licensed air carriers, not by Set Jet itself—safety oversight typically sits with the certificated operator. Common safety benchmarks include pilot minimum flight hours, crew training standards, and maintenance protocols refined over decades.

Operator audits and third-party ratings (such as ARGUS or Wyvern) are critical for safety. After Set Jet's collapse due to revenue shortfalls and a failed SPAC merger, the lesson is clear: travelers should make this assessment with careful consideration of provider stability and reliability, not aircraft safety alone.

Choosing a provider should involve exhaustive deliberation around safety oversight, financial stability, and operating reliability.

Practical tips before booking any private jet:

1. Verify the operator's FAA Part 135 certificate.

2. Ask about third-party safety audits.

3. Check insurance coverage.

4. Review cancellation and refund terms carefully.

Jettly works only with vetted operators and provides transparent operator information to clients, including partners such as Dexter Air Taxi and Zenflight.

Environmental Considerations and Smarter Private Flying

Both private jets and semi-private services carry environmental impacts. Semi-private models like Set Jet improved average seat utilization compared to flying a large jet nearly empty, but still relied on fossil fuels.

Jettly helps reduce emissions by matching travelers with right-sized aircraft, offering carbon offset options, and connecting customers with operators exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Offsets and SAF mitigate but do not erase emissions—efficiency and smart routing matter most.

Digital Booking: From Set Jet Apps to Fully Flexible Marketplaces

Set Jet's booking platform allowed seat reservations online through a website and a mobile-style platform. Members could manage flights, browse available options on their fixed route network, and reserve seats up to four months in advance.

Jettly's platform takes this further. Users enter any two airports, choose dates, and instantly see pricing and aircraft options from a global fleet. Real-time quotes, membership dashboards, dedicated support, and crowdsourced flights that share empty seats help travelers plan future flights quickly without phone tag across multiple brokers.

Empty Legs and Smart Ways to Save on Private Jets

Empty leg flights are repositioning segments flown without passengers, sold at significant discounts. While Set Jet offered lower individual seat prices on its network, Jettly provides both standard charter and empty leg deals.

Example: a short-notice Los Angeles to Scottsdale trip when an aircraft needs to reposition could save thousands. These empty leg flights require flexibility on timing, making them ideal for leisure or opportunistic travel rather than mission-critical business flights expected to depart on time.

Choosing Between Semi-Private Seats and Full Private Jet Charter

Set Jet made semi-private flying popular, but today, travelers have a wider spectrum, including multiple ways to buy a seat on a private jet. Key decision factors include budget per trip, need for privacy, flexibility on dates, desired destinations, group size, and tolerance for shared cabins.

Consider these personas:

• A Scottsdale entrepreneur doing weekly trips to LA might still seek seat-based options where they remain.

• A family planning a vacation needs an aircraft that they can customize and fly directly.

• A corporate team needing multi-city meetings across the world benefits from an on-demand charter that adapts to changing plans.

Many frequent flyers combine options—using semi-private shuttles where available and relying on on-demand charter for routes not covered by any membership model, drawing on a range of approaches for getting a seat on a private jet easily.

Why Jettly Is Positioned for the Future of Private Air Travel

The private aviation market is moving toward flexible, tech-enabled solutions. Models conceived around single-route memberships face challenges in scaling and sustaining revenue without consistent demand.

Jettly's differentiators—large global aircraft inventory, instant transparent pricing, optional memberships instead of jet cards, and the ability to handle everything from short regional hops to long-haul international flights—position it well for this shift. Business executives, families, and high-frequency travelers who value time savings and control increasingly prefer this approach. Learn more about Jettly’s charter options at https://www.jettly.com.

FAQ: Set Jet, Semi-Private Flights, and Jettly

These questions address common concerns about Set Jet's closure and the alternatives now available, including how to estimate costs with a jet card flight cost calculator, compare corporate jet card programs, and explore affordable private jet charter pricing.

Is Set Jet still operating today?

No. Set Jet ceased operations in February 2024 after financial difficulties and a failed merger. Its membership-based semi-private service is no longer available. Former members now look to alternative private jet solutions, including digital charter platforms such as Jettly or established providers profiled in resources like this overview of NetJets, a leader in private aviation.

Can I still book semi-private style flights on the same routes Set Jet used?

Set Jet's specific shuttles are gone, but travelers can still arrange private jets on similar routes, like Scottsdale to Los Angeles or Las Vegas, using brokers and marketplaces. Jettly can quote full private jet charters on these routes and, when available, offer cost-saving empty legs.

How does pricing with Jettly compare to Set Jet's per-seat model? First-class

Set Jet sold individual seats at a price comparable to or slightly above first-class commercial tickets. Jettly prices the entire aircraft, with the total cost divided among passengers when traveling as a group. For groups of four to eight travelers, a charter via Jettly can be competitive on a per-person basis, especially on short regional sectors.

Do I need a long-term membership or a jet card to use Jettly?

No. Jettly allows customers to search and book on-demand private jets without committing to a jet card or fractional ownership program. Memberships are available for those who want lower service fees and faster support, but they are optional.

How quickly can I arrange a private jet if I used to rely on Set Jet's set schedule?

Depending on aircraft and crew availability, Jettly can often arrange private jets within a few hours for urgent trips. Travelers who value spontaneity or last-minute changes typically find on-demand charter via a digital platform more flexible than pre-scheduled semi-private flights.

Conclusion: From Set Jet to Jettly and the Future of Private Jet Travel

Set Jet introduced many travelers to a membership-based, semi-private way of flying, but its 2024 shutdown exposed the limits of route-bound models. Modern travelers increasingly prefer flexible, tech-driven solutions that let them choose aircraft, timing, and routes for each trip.

Jettly fits this future: a global digital marketplace with transparent pricing, on-demand access to thousands of private jets, optional memberships, and tools to plan future flights efficiently. It appears in independent guides to the best private jet charter companies, broader overviews like the ultimate list of charter airlines, and as a flexible NetJets alternative for travelers comparing models.

Ready to experience private travel on your terms? Explore flight options or request a quote at https://www.jettly.com, learn about Jettly's ULTRA high ticket affiliate program, or plan market-specific trips such as private jet charter in Atlanta and private jet charter in New Delhi.