Over at forbes.com, Rich Karlgaard discusses The Private Jet Boom, rehashing the dysfunction of commercial air travel and the disinterest of former first-class full-fare customers. Karlgaard mentions the exciting very light jet (VLJ) developments from Eclipse, Adam, Cessna, Honda and Embraer. Can’t afford even a VLJ? Try air taxi, he exhorts, hedging his enthusiasm: “The air taxi model is unproven and may flop. But I don’t think so. “

Unmentioned are the options of fractional ownership and jet cards. Though fractionals like NetJets or Flight Options can cost more than an entire VLJ, they deliver superior service in a more spacious cabin with greater range, speed, baggage capacity and overall performance. As we outlined previously, there’s no mistaking an Eclipse 500 for a Learjet, or even business class on a jumbo.

A jet card is often a better fit, especially if a fractional share is too rich for your blood or too rigid for your schedule. Flexjet, Marquis Jet, JetPASS Ultimate Travel and Vector Jet all offer much lower entry cost ($40,000 – $100,000+) than buying a VLJ, with all the benefits of a fractional fleet. Sentient Jet Membership, Skyjet and Delta AirElite offer similar service from charter-sourced planes.

There’s a lot to be excited about the prospect of VLJs and air taxi, but they’re unproven and not even available yet. it’s important to take a look at the complete spectrum of private jet options. The Helium Report Decision Guide to Private Jet Travel provides objective, in-depth coverage of each of these options, and is available as a free download here.

Note to Readers: Halogen Guides is the new name of Helium Report.