Charter is priced by aircraft size, not by seat. Picking the right size is the single biggest decision on price: too small and you need a fuel stop or leave luggage behind, too big and you pay for space you don't use.
| Size | Passengers | Practical range | All-in per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 6–8 | 1,200 nm | $4,500–$6,000 |
| Light jet | 6–7 | 1,700 nm | $5,500–$7,300 |
| Midsize jet | 7–8 | 2,000 nm | $6,500–$8,500 |
| Super-midsize jet | 8–9 | 3,000 nm | $7,800–$10,000 |
| Heavy jet | 10–14 | 4,000 nm | $10,000–$13,500 |
Hourly ranges include typical taxes and fees and are calibrated against prices that charter companies publish. See the cost calculator for any pair of airports.
A quick rule of thumb
- Under about an hour and a half: a turboprop or a light jet.
- Two to four hours: a light jet for small groups, a midsize jet if you carry a lot of luggage.
- Coast to coast: a super-midsize jet, which usually flies it without stopping.
- Ten passengers or more: a heavy jet.