A midsize jet is the step up from a light jet: a longer cabin, more luggage space and an enclosed restroom, with enough range for most trips within one half of the country.
Typical models: Citation XLS+, Learjet 60. With a practical range of about 2,000 nautical miles (2,302 miles), it can fly roughly 4 hr 45 min without stopping in normal conditions. Seats: 7 to 8 passengers.
A good fit for
- Trips of three to five hours where a light jet starts to feel cramped.
- Ski trips, where luggage takes space and mountain airports cut into range and payload.
- Groups of six to eight.
Worth knowing
- Most midsize cabins are close to stand-up height but not quite.
- The price gap over a light jet is real on short trips, where the extra space matters less.
- Coast to coast usually still needs a fuel stop.
Routes where a midsize jet is the usual pick
7 of our 55 routes, from Dallas to Aspen (about 1 hr 45 min) to New York to Scottsdale (about 5 hr 5 min). Prices are for this jet size on each route.
| Route | Time in the air | One way, estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas to Aspen | about 1 hr 45 min | $11,500–$15,000 |
| Los Angeles to Aspen | about 1 hr 50 min | $12,000–$15,500 |
| San Francisco Bay Area to Aspen | about 2 hr | $13,000–$17,000 |
| Houston to Aspen | about 2 hr 25 min | $15,500–$20,500 |
| Chicago to Aspen | about 2 hr 35 min | $16,500–$22,000 |
| New York to Aspen | about 4 hr 10 min | $27,000–$35,500 |
| New York to Scottsdale | about 5 hr 5 min | $33,000–$43,000 |
2026 estimates with typical fees. How we estimate.
Questions
When should I pick a midsize over a light jet?
When the trip is longer than about three hours, when you carry a lot of luggage, or when you fly into a high mountain airport such as Aspen, where aircraft can't always take off fully loaded.
Do midsize jets have a restroom?
Yes, and it is normally enclosed, which is one of the main reasons people choose them over light jets.