From enabling fast transactions outside of traditional banking hours to improved security through blockchain technology, chartering a private jet with crypto brings plenty of benefits for private fliers.

However, many brokers don’t yet accept cryptocurrency as payment. At Stratos, we started working with crypto partners in 2021 to empower our clients to pay for flights using their preferred currencies. 

But what is cryptocurrency, how do you use it to book a private jet charter and why might you consider it? Here’s what you need to know.

1. What is cryptocurrency?

Crypto is a digital and decentralized currency, meaning it isn’t controlled by any single entity. These currencies are stored in digital wallets and are mostly used in online transactions.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most widely-used cryptocurrencies and boast fast and secure transactions. However, the crypto market can be volatile with dramatic spikes and dips in value.

2. Which currencies are accepted for chartering a private jet with crypto?

It depends on the air charter broker. At Stratos, we use BitPay to allow our clients to pay for charter services with 16 different cryptocurrencies, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC: on-chain, off-chain with Coinbase, and Lightning)
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
  • Ethereum
  • Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
  • Dogecoin (DGC)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
  • Apecoin (APE)
  • Polygon (MATIC)
  • Euro Coin (EUROC), a euro-backed stablecoin
  • 5 USD-pegged stablecoins, including GUSD, USDC, USDP, DAI and BUSD

Integrated through our online marketplace, clients can also use their preferred crypto wallet to pay for private flights.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

Whether you pay with crypto or traditional currency, the cost to book a private flight varies depending on several factors, including your flight time and distance, your destination and origin, your aircraft type and when you choose to travel.

When you’re flying private, a more important question is, “How much is a private jet per hour?” Typically, flights on smaller, turboprop planes cost less per hour than larger jets, with costs ranging from as low as $2,000 to more than $15,000 per hour.

With so much variance, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to use our online cost calculator.

3. How secure is it to pay for a jet charter with crypto?

When you make any large purchase, you want to be able to trust that your transaction is secure.

Cryptocurrency uses sophisticated encryption technology to protect your money from hackers and fraud. Your digital wallet is also secured to protect your assets.

While digital-first currency does bring several benefits, it requires good security practices just like traditional money.

4. How do you book a private jet with crypto?

When you charter a private jet with crypto, the process always begins the same way: a call with one of our private flight advisors.

After deciding on your itinerary and aircraft with the support and guidance of our trained and skillful team, you’ll be connected to our online booking platform.

Through our partnership with BitPay, you can pay for your private flight directly through the Stratos Marketplace. Here, you also unlock access to flight information, crew details and the air carrier’s operational history and travel records.

“With the unprecedented level of demand for private aviation, we were looking for a more secure and efficient way of securing client payments for charter flights,” says Stratos CEO Joel Thomas. “Clients can secure top-quality aircraft more quickly and get where they need to be with even more ease and efficiency.”

Want to learn more about using crypto to charter a private jet? Reach out to our private flight advisors at (888)593-9066 to get started.