Light jets are the most common private jets in the US charter market. They seat a small group, fly fast enough for trips of two to four hours, and cost much less to run than larger jets.
Typical models: Phenom 300, Citation CJ3. With a practical range of about 1,700 nautical miles (1,956 miles), it can fly roughly 4 hr 20 min without stopping in normal conditions. Seats: 6 to 7 passengers.
A good fit for
- Groups of up to about six with normal luggage.
- Business trips and weekends between nearby cities, such as New York to Boston or Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
- Travelers who want a jet without paying for cabin space they won't use.
Worth knowing
- The cabin is not tall enough to stand up straight.
- Luggage space is limited: golf bags and skis may not all fit, so tell the broker in advance.
- The restroom is small, and on some models it is not fully enclosed.
Routes where a light jet is the usual pick
44 of our 55 routes, from Boston to Martha's Vineyard (about 30 min) to Chicago to Las Vegas (about 3 hr 55 min). Prices are for this jet size on each route.
| Route | Time in the air | One way, estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Boston to Martha's Vineyard | about 30 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Boston to Nantucket | about 30 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| New York to Boston | about 40 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Boston to New York | about 40 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| New York to Martha's Vineyard | about 40 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Dallas to Austin | about 45 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| New York to Nantucket | about 45 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| New York to Washington | about 50 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | about 50 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Las Vegas to Los Angeles | about 50 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Dallas to Houston | about 50 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Los Angeles to San Francisco Bay Area | about 55 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles | about 55 min | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Los Angeles to Scottsdale | about 1 hr 10 min | $6,500–$8,500 |
| San Francisco Bay Area to Las Vegas | about 1 hr 10 min | $6,500–$8,500 |
| Atlanta to Palm Beach | about 1 hr 30 min | $8,500–$11,000 |
| Denver to Scottsdale | about 1 hr 35 min | $8,500–$11,500 |
| Atlanta to Miami | about 1 hr 40 min | $9,000–$12,000 |
| New York to Chicago | about 1 hr 55 min | $10,500–$14,000 |
| Chicago to New York | about 1 hr 55 min | $10,500–$14,000 |
2026 estimates with typical fees. How we estimate.
Questions
How many people fit in a light jet?
Usually six or seven passengers, but four to five is more comfortable once luggage is on board.
Can a light jet fly coast to coast?
Not nonstop in most cases. A transcontinental trip in a light jet usually needs a fuel stop, which is why a super-midsize jet is the usual pick for those routes.