What is block time?

Block time is a prepaid package of flight hours purchased at a discounted hourly rate. The larger the block you purchase, the lower your hourly rate. Your hours remain on your account and are deducted as you fly, giving frequent customers a simple way to save on future trips while locking in their hourly rate.

Do my block hours expire?

No. Block hours never expire. You can use them as frequently or infrequently as you like, and any unused hours remain on your account until they are flown.

Can my family, employees, or friends use my block hours?

Yes. Your block account can have up to four authorized users, and you do not have to be on the aircraft for your hours to be used. Flights can be booked for family members, friends, employees, coworkers, or other passengers you authorize.

Can I add or change the authorized users on my account?

Yes. Block Time accounts may have up to four authorized users who are permitted to book travel using the account (so You plus 3 others.). If you need to add or change an authorized user, contact our team so we can update your account. The account owner remains responsible for all travel booked using their Block Time.

Can two people on my block-time account fly on two different planes at the same time?

No. A block-time agreement provides access to one aircraft at a time. You may authorize other people to use your block hours, but trips booked under the same block-time agreement cannot overlap.

How are hours deducted from my account?

We deduct the actual flight time after each trip rather than the estimated time quoted when you book. Flight time is measured using the aircraft's Hobbs, or engine meter, and rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour. This means you are charged for the time actually flown.

Are there additional deductions for wait time or overnight trips?

Yes. For same-day round trips, we can typically wait up to 6 hours depending on the length of your flight, wait times of 4 hours or more will deduct an additional ½ hour from your Block balance. If your trip requires the pilot and aircraft to remain overnight, an additional 1 hour will be deducted. We’ll let you know about any additional deductions when your trip is booked so you know what to expect ahead of time.

Are there ever additional costs for special events?

Yes, sometimes. Many airports charge additional landing, parking, or overnight fees during special events or other high-demand periods. This can include college football games, concerts, the Masters Tournament, the Kentucky Derby, or busy holiday weekends in popular destinations, such as Destin over Memorial Day. When these additional costs apply, Block customers will typically have the equivalent amount deducted from their Block Time balance rather than receiving a separate invoice. We’ll always let you know about any additional fees at the time of booking, so there are no surprises.

Are there additional taxes and fees for international flights?

Yes. International flights involve additional taxes, customs, processing, and other fees that are not included in the standard Block Time rate. For flights to and from the Bahamas, Block customers will have one additional hour deducted from their Block Time balance for each international leg. For example, a round trip from the U.S. to the Bahamas and back would result in two additional hours deducted—one for the outbound international leg and one for the return. We’ll let you know how these deductions apply when your trip is booked so you know what to expect in advance.

Can I choose between a Saratoga and Malibu?

No. Because Saratogas and Malibus are offered at the same Block Time rate, aircraft assignments are made by our Operations team based on the needs of each trip, including passenger count and weight, distance, weather, aircraft positioning, maintenance, and overall fleet availability. We’ll always assign an aircraft that is appropriate for your trip, but we cannot guarantee a Saratoga or Malibu by request.

This is the case regardless of how far in advance you book. Booking several weeks or months ahead does not reserve a particular aircraft, as fleet positioning, maintenance needs, weather, and scheduling can change between the time you book and the day you fly. Your assigned aircraft may also change after booking if operational needs require it.

Does purchasing block time guarantee aircraft availability?

No. Block customers receive the benefit of allowing us to better anticipate their travel needs, and we can often accommodate trips with relatively short notice, but block time does not guarantee that an aircraft will be available for every requested date or time. All flights remain subject to aircraft and crew availability, weather, maintenance, operational considerations, and whether the requested trip is appropriate for our fleet.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend at least 1 week’s notice for booking during normal periods, 3-4 weeks for school breaks, special events and holidays. If you are flexible on your departure times (“I need to go Tuesday but can leave any time.”) we can often squeeze you in with less notice, like 48 hours.

What happens if Capital Air Express raises its prices after I purchase?

Your purchased block hours remain at the rate you paid. Future retail or block-time price increases do not change the hourly value of hours already on your account.

Am I grandfathered into my Block Time pricing?

No. Block Time pricing is subject to change, and purchasing a Block does not grandfather you into that rate for future purchases. Any additional Block Time you purchase will be at the pricing in effect at the time of purchase. However, any hours you have already purchased remain on your account under the terms and value of the Block you originally purchased.

Can I purchase additional hours before my current block is used up?

Absolutely. You do not need to wait until your account reaches zero to add additional block time. If you know you'll continue flying regularly, you can purchase another block and add those hours to your account.

Can I use Saratoga/Malibu Block hours on the Navajo, or vice versa?

Yes, with some limitations. Saratoga/Malibu Block customers may use their hours toward a Navajo flight at a current 2:1 rate, meaning each hour flown in the Navajo will deduct two hours from your single-engine Block balance. Because we reserve Navajo availability first for customers who have purchased Navajo-specific Block Time, these requests generally require more advance notice and may not be available during holidays, peak travel periods, or other high-demand dates.

Navajo Block customers may also request a Saratoga or Malibu when appropriate, or choose to use a single-engine aircraft if a Navajo is unavailable and the trip can be comfortably accommodated by the smaller aircraft. In that case, single-engine flight time is deducted from the Navajo Block balance at a 0.65:1 rate—so one hour of flight time uses 0.65 hours from your Navajo Block.

Are block-time purchases refundable?

No. Block Time purchases are nonrefundable. Block Time is a prepaid commitment toward future travel, please review the full Block Time Terms & Conditions before submitting payment. These terms cover important details including scheduling and availability, cancellations, additional deductions, authorized users, and aircraft assignments. We’re always happy to answer questions or clarify how the program works before you purchase so you can be confident Block Time is a good fit for your travel needs.

Can anyone purchase block time?

Not necessarily. We periodically limit Block Time sales to protect aircraft availability and continue providing a high level of service to our existing Block customers. Because Block Time is designed for customers who fly with us regularly, we also want to make sure our fleet and operating model are a good fit for the way you plan to travel.

When speaking with your sales associate, be sure to discuss how you expect to primarily use your Block Time—your most common destinations, typical passenger count, trip frequency, and any recurring travel needs. This helps us make sure the program is a good fit before you make a significant prepaid commitment.

What forms of payment do you take for Block Time?

All Block Time must be paid via wire or ACH.

How do I know which block is right for me?

It depends primarily on how often you expect to fly. Our sales team can look at your typical destinations, passenger count, trip frequency, and expected annual travel and help you determine whether a 25-, 50-, or 100-hour block makes the most sense. Our goal isn't to sell you the largest package—it's to put you in the block that realistically fits the way you'll use it.

How do I book my flights?

Block Time customers book flights through our customer web app. The app keeps your passenger information, frequent airports, regular travel companions, pets, and other details on file, so you can submit a flight request without having to send the same information each time. Once submitted, your request goes directly to our scheduling team, where a real person reviews the trip, confirms aircraft and crew availability, and works with you on any necessary adjustments. You can also use the app to view and manage your upcoming bookings.

What happens to my Block Time if a flight is canceled due to weather?

If a flight is canceled due to weather, you will not lose the Block Time for the flight. We’ll work with you to reschedule when conditions improve. As with all of our flights, weather decisions are made with safety as the priority, and we’ll communicate with you as early as possible if we anticipate a problem with your trip.

What happens if I cancel my Block Time flight?

Block Time cancellations may be made up to 24 hours in advance of the departure date without deduction. Flights canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure date may incur a charge.