price of private jet travel

How Much Does Flying on a Private Jet Actually Cost? (It Might Surprise You)

For those who would rather fly private, there are ample ways to charter a private jet or to purchase individual seats on a private flight. and the cost varies more than most travelers probably realize..

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From booking a seat on a semi-private flight to chartering an uber-luxurious private jet, private jet travel comes in many different shapes and sizes.

Photo by Oskar Kadaskoo/Unsplash

The convenience of flying private became abundantly clear to fans of the hit HBO show Succession as we watched the Roys zip off to exclusive retreats and far-flung business meetings in a matter of hours. That level of ease of travel at a time when flying commercial has become fraught with long airport lines and cascades of cancellations and delays may have some travelers wondering, how much does flying on a private jet cost, really?

It costs anywhere between $2 million and upwards of $100 million to buy a new private jet, and it costs between $1,300 and $13,000 per flying hour to charter a private jet, depending on the size and capacity of the airplane, according to private jet charter company Air Charter Service.

“For many, private travel is something they tried in the pandemic and a luxury they’re not willing to give up now,” global luxury travel agency consortium Virtuoso reported in a recent survey of travel advisors released in August 2023.

According to Virtuoso, now more than ever high-net-worth travelers are seeking privacy and personalization as they plan upcoming trips. “Private aviation is climbing in popularity for domestic and shorter international flights,” the luxury travel network noted.

Not surprisingly, several private jet charter companies and luxury resort and villa properties have partnered to offer travelers just that: private flight service directly to an exclusive villa or resort destination.

For instance, for $148,000 per person, you can fly on a two-week private jet itinerary hosted by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts with stops in Greece, Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and South Africa. The 13-day African Wonders journey takes place on the Four Seasons private jet, and guests stay at Four Seasons luxury properties globally. Four Seasons currently hosts numerous other private jet journeys each year.

Private jets offer access to destinations that you might not be able to get to otherwise.

Photo by Shutterstock

How much does it cost to buy a private jet?

You could, of course, go all out and buy a private jet. Depending on the age, make, and model, private jets cost anywhere between $500,000 for an older used model, to upwards of $100 million for a state-of-the-art private jet with all the bells and whistles. Add to that how much it costs to operate and maintain the aircraft, which can be up to several million dollars per year, and we’re looking at quite the investment.

Dream quashed? Not necessarily. From private jet charter services to companies that sell individual seats on private planes, private jet travel is more accessible than you might think.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

According to private jet charter company Air Charter Service , you can expect to pay between between $1,300 and $13,000 per flying hour to charter a private jet , depending on the size of the aircraft. It typically costs between $1,300 and $3,000 per flying hour to charter a turboprop or smaller jet plane, which seats 4 to 6 passengers; between $4,000 and $8,000 per flying hour for a midsize jet, which typically accommodates up to 9 passengers; and between $8,600 and $13,000 per flying hour for larger private jets, which usually seat from 14 to 19 passengers. You can see how that translates into a cross-country flight below.

The cost for a six-hour cross-country private jet charter flight

Beyond Air Charter Service, other companies that offer private jet charters include Air Partner , PrivateFly , and Jettly , booking platforms for on-demand private jet charters.

How much does it cost to book a seat on a semi-private jet?

Because passengers are not chartering the entire aircraft the way they would when booking a private jet, the cost to book a seat on a semi-private jet ranges from as little as $209 one-way with semi-private carrier JSX to $1,800 one-way with high-end airline Aero.

JSX is one of the most prominent and affordable semi-private air carriers in the United States.

Courtesy of JSX

Which companies offer semi-private flights?

A growing number of companies are offering travelers the ability to book a single seat, similar to how you would on a commercial flight, on a public charter private jet flight or a semi-private jet. They include:

• Aero: Launched in 2020, the semi-private, luxury airline Aero offers one-way flights from Dallas to Aspen starting at $1,000, one-way flights from Los Angeles to Los Cabos starting at $1,800, and one-way flights from London to Nice starting at $1,600. Prices include one checked luggage and one carry-on. Aero flies from Aspen, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Las Vegas; L.A.; Los Cabos, Mexico; San Francisco; and Sun Valley, Idaho. It also flies between some European hubs, including London; Nice, France; and Ibiza, Spain.
• Blade: A helicopter and semi-private flight service, Blade mainly operates flights from New York City to Palm Beach and Miami, Florida; it also offers helicopter service from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark International Airport. One-way flights to Palm Beach start at $1,250.
• JSX: Formerly JetSuiteX, JSX is by far one of the most affordable options for semi-private travel , with one-way fares starting as low as $209 on 30-seat Embraer E135 planes, which includes up to two checked bags as well as snacks and drinks on board. JSX connects several California hubs, including Burbank, Concord, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange County, Oakland, and San Diego. The airline also flies to Austin, Dallas, Denver, Gunnison/Crested Butte (Colorado), Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno-Tahoe, Taos (New Mexico), and Westchester County in New York. JSX planes are outfitted with cushy leather seats and Starlink Wi-Fi.
• Surf Air: Surf Air is a jet membership service that includes both scheduled semi-private flights (such as JSX flights) and on-demand jet service. The semi-private scheduled flights operate from Truckee, San Carlos, Santa Barbara, and Hawthorne in California, and the on-demand flights can be booked to and from hundreds of hubs all across the United States. Memberships range from $199 per month to access the inventory then pay per flight to $2,500 per month to unlock an unlimited flight plan.
• Tradewind Aviation: The Oxford, Connecticut–based Tradewind Aviation operates on-demand and scheduled flights throughout the United States and Caribbean. Scheduled service includes flights to and from Westchester County in New York; Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts; and Newport, Rhode Island. Tradewind also flies between the Caribbean destinations of Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan, St. Bart’s, and St. Thomas. Flights run anywhere from $300 to hop between Caribbean islands to an opening rate of $395 to fly to Nantucket from Westchester. The aircraft fly out of private air terminals and flights include onboard refreshments.

There’s a private jet app for that

There are also several private jet startups that are based on a sharing economy-style model for booking private jets. One of them is XO , an app that allows passengers to book a private charter, a shared charter, or book seats on an available private flight. XO has two styles of payments, a membership fee model and a pay-as-you-go model. Memberships range from $595 per year, which allows you to skip the $395-per-flight service fee that applies to individual private flight bookings, or you can pay a $395 fee for a seat and add to that a $995 trip cost. For $995 per year, you can access the XO Reserve membership with a minimum $250,000 deposit that includes set hourly private charter pricing and no added fees.

Private jet app UberJets also helps users find and book charter aircraft. It doesn’t own or operate a fleet of aircraft and simply serves as a booking tool.

What is an empty leg deal?

An empty leg is a nonrevenue repositioning private jet flight—a private jet that has dropped passengers off on a one-way leg and would otherwise return to its home base empty. Because these are noncommissioned flights, they can often be accessed at a much lower price than a standard private jet flight as operators are happy to recuperate any of the costs and sell the flight for a deal—well, a deal for an entire private jet.

Private jet services such as Jettly and XO will often list their current empty leg deals and routes online.

What is a private jet card membership and how does it work?

A common way to access private jet service is through a private jet card membership. You pay a fee upfront—typically in the range of $100,000 to $200,000, according to Private Jet Card Comparisons , a site that allows users to compare the different programs available. Then private jet flights will be deducted from your initial deposit, typically at a set cost per hour. Hourly rates range from about $2,000 to $4,000 for a turboprop or smaller private jet up to $20,000 or more for a midsize or larger private jet that can fly longer-haul journeys.

“A jet card refers to debit card–style program that typically enables you to prepay for private jet flights at a fixed hourly rate with guaranteed availability,” Private Jet Card Comparisons explains on its site .

There are dozens of companies that sell private jet cards, including Air Charter Service, Air Partner, Airshare , Airstream Jets Inc., Alliance Aviation, Charter Flight Group, Delta Private Jets, Inc., Flexjet, International Jet, JetSuite, Jettly, Magellan Jets , Netjets, PrivateFly, Privé Jets, Quantum Jets, Unity Jets, VistaJet, and Wheels Up , among numerous others. Some companies specialize in shorter, domestic flights, while others offer access to global destinations, such as VistaJet .

For a fee of $250 , Private Jet Card Comparisons breaks down the options and what each card and program have to offer.

Pricing for private jet charters depends on the size and type of aircraft—and the distance you need to fly.

The benefits of flying private

Avoid the crowds at the airport.

If you fly a private jet out of a major airport, you won’t be going through the main commercial air terminals. Most private jet operators use a designated area adjacent to a major airport for check-in, security, boarding, and disembarkation. Some have converted these areas into sleek lounge spaces for more comfortable waiting environments. But the bottom line is, you won’t be going through the same check-in procedures and security lines as everyone else at the airport—you will have a separate, more secluded area only for private fliers. (Prior to check-in, make sure to establish what the luggage restrictions are as well as those for flying with animals—they will vary depending on the size of the aircraft and by operator, though many typically have standard luggage allowances and allow pets to come along.)

Access to more destinations

Many private jet flights skip the larger, more bustling hubs opting instead to take off and land at smaller airstrips that are less congested. Those smaller airports can often get travelers even closer to their destination than a larger hub would, meaning less travel time to and from the aircraft itself. Access to destinations that don’t have regular commercial service or any service at all is another huge potential bonus of flying private.

Customized travel

When looking to book a private jet, travelers can customize the experience to their needs and wants (and budgets), including the size and style of the aircraft and the level of service. This can also translate into more work for the customer as it’s not as easy as simply going online and booking a flight—some back-and-forth communication is required between the private jet operator and the clients as they establish exactly which aircraft, flight routes, and service will be needed. The payoff is arguably worth it when you find the private flying experience that perfectly suits your desires.

The environmental impact of flying private

We’re not going to sugarcoat it. Flying private does not have a good track record when it comes to the environment. In a November 2019 report , U.K.-based nonprofit group Fellow Travellers together with economic democracy advocacy organization Common Wealth estimated that on average a private jet passenger journey within Europe emits around 7 times the greenhouse gases as the same business-class flight and around 10 times as much as an economy-class flight. Consequently, the report advocates for the rapid electrification of the private jet sector, which it notes is the segment of the air industry that is most amenable to going fully electric in the very near future.

That was confirmed by writer Elissa Garay in her AFAR article “ Electric Planes Are Coming Sooner Than You Think ,” which noted that some of the biggest gains in electric air travel include smaller two- to nine-passenger private electric planes.

Investments in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are being made by companies that include Boeing, Airbus, NASA, and Toyota, as well as startups, such as California’s Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, Germany’s Lilium, and the U.K.’s Vertical Aerospace, Garay reports.

While the Biden administration is making a big push to reduce air emissions by focusing on a switch to more sustainable aviation fuels, environmental organizations continue to emphasize that the biggest impact in the private aviation space will ultimately be a gradual conversion to fully electric flights.

This story was originally published in 2019 and was updated on August 16, 2023, to include current information.

The 8 cheapest ways to get the private jet experience

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Once upon a time, extremely wealthy people bought their own planes. Later, other rich people realized they could buy shares in a jet instead of owning one since rare was the person who needed to use it on a daily basis. Today, alternatives to commercial air travel are entering the "Uber age," making airplane travel an on-demand perk as accessible as ordering up a car.

In the space pioneered by venerable players such as NetJets and XO, nimble newcomers are redefining what we'll call "affordable private jet luxury." You no longer necessarily have to pay thousands of dollars per flight; all you need is an app, as little as a few hundred bucks and, often, a tolerance for tiny aircraft.

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The latest wave of growth is just the beginning. "The private jet industry is currently booming," says Andres Morales, executive vice president of global operations for the aviation consultation company Skyline Group MC. "With more companies and individuals buying private aircraft, more jets are flying under capacity, so they look for different ways to offset their cost of ownership. That has resulted in an increase in the accessibility to flying private through different digital platforms that connect the consumer to a private aircraft."

The newer players are capitalizing on three trends.

First, cautious travelers are seeking ways to avoid crowded airport terminals and packed aircraft cabins during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, airlines are pulling back from less-profitable routes to smaller airports, complicating commercial travel to second-tier destinations.

And third, elite flyers who typically travel business class are getting fed up with some hassles of flying commercial. Security lines have grown significantly, legroom is shrinking and personal device holders are replacing inflight entertainment screens on some airlines.

Related: How travelers are using private jets to avoid coronavirus exposure

Private jet operators are seeing a dramatic rise in demand as a result of the pandemic.

"Unsurprisingly, we have witnessed a substantial increase in the demand for private aviation — both from new members of XO and current members — during this sensitive time triggered by the coronavirus," Ron Silverman, chief commercial officer of California-based on-demand private jet charter company XO, told us. "We expect demand to continue to grow as the situation remains unsettled and we are committed to meeting these requests."

With that in mind, let's look at some of the emerging players in the "affordable private jet luxury" space. While some services on this list are not entirely private, they all offer the convenience of flying out of smaller airports and private terminals where you can usually arrive just minutes before your scheduled departure time and avoid long security lines.

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JSX calls itself an "industry disruptor" aiming to "revolutionize the flying experience" with "celeb-worthy flying at an accessible price." Behind the hype is a straightforward proposition: You're buying a seat on a "private" jet rather than chartering the whole plane.

JSX's fleet of Embraer E135 and E145 regional jets operates scheduled service seven days a week between cities throughout the West Coast and Texas, including Burbank, California (BUR); Las Vegas (LAS); Oakland, California (OAK); Santa Ana, California (SNA); Phoenix (PHX); Reno-Tahoe (RNO); Dallas (DAL); Houston (HOU); and more.

JSX also operates various seasonal and pop-up flights, such as to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD). The planes have 30 seats onboard, so they're not truly private, but they're much more spacious than most regional jets and have some other advantages over traditional commercial flights.

Related: Touring JSX's ultra-spacious 1-1-configured jet

A huge part of JSX's selling proposition is being able to arrive just 20 minutes before your flight. The jets operate from private hangars and terminals so there are no long check-in lines, traditional Transportation Security Administration screenings or baggage checks. The Points Guy has experienced JSX multiple times, noting that the experience was remarkably hassle-free .

Flights clock in as low as $129 each way and you can even earn JetBlue TrueBlue points for your flights . Among the believers is JetBlue founder David Neeleman , who invested; JetBlue and Qatar Airways also took a stake.

Related: As close to private as it gets: Flying JSX's new route to LAX

Although perhaps best known for its continuous helicopter service to airports in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, Blade offers on-demand charters for helicopters, turboprops and any class of private jet to practically anywhere in the world. As you'd expect, chartering an entire plane isn't cheap, but much like JSX, Blade also lets you book by the seat on regularly scheduled flights to popular vacation spots such as Aspen, Colorado; Miami; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Blade also offers a feature called "FlightTilt" that allows you to propose a shared charter on your schedule. The flight is confirmed once four other seats are sold. Alternatively, if you're looking to fly between New York and Florida and want to guarantee your shared charter at the time of booking, you can reserve a minimum of two seats for $3,750 each and allow Blade to sell the remaining seats on your flight.

Blade's scheduled New York-to-Miami service, dubbed BladeOne , is operated using uniquely configured Bombardier CRJ200s that fly between Westchester, New York (HPN), and Miami's Opa Locka Airport (OPF). This type of aircraft is typically used as a regional commercial passenger jet and can hold up to 50 people, but Blade's have been converted into luxury jets for 16.

Onboard, passengers enjoy an array of amenities, such as gourmet food provided by BLT restaurants, iPads preloaded with entertainment, cashmere blankets and specially designed amenity kits with personal care products from boutique brands.

One-way tickets start at $2,850 each (or $3,345, including 15-minute helicopter transfers) between Manhattan and Westchester. What ups the value is that if you purchase a set of two round-trip tickets on BladeOne, you'll also get a room for the weekend at the opulent Faena Hotel Miami Beach . I recently got to experience this service and it was truly A-list from beginning to end.

Related: What it's like to fly BladeOne from NYC to Miami

BladeOne flights to Aspen are operated by a Gulfstream G400 Large Jet and start at $3,500 per seat. Regardless of whether it's a BladeOne or FlightTilt flight, Blade is now requiring all passengers to be fully vaccinated .

If you're new to Blade, you can receive $50 off your first flight when you sign up with the code BRIANF&F. Those under 28 can get discounts on flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons in New York; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Miami with a Blade-GX membership.

Much like BladeOne, Aero sells seats on shared private jet flights. It offers routes to popular vacation destinations, such as Los Angeles to Aspen; Napa Valley, California; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Sun Valley, Idaho. On Oct. 14, it will also be launching flights between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Flights depart and arrive in private terminals. They're operated by Embraer ERJ135LR jets, with 16 first-class seats arranged in a 1-1 configuration. Expect generous legroom, ample headroom and complimentary snacks and drinks. Even better, you can change or cancel your trip up to 48 hours before departure.

What if you could fly as often as you want, whenever you want, for a monthly membership fee? That's the concept behind Los Angeles-based Surf Air, which pioneered "all you can fly" in 2013. You can arrive up to 15 minutes before your flight on one of Surf Air's Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprops; New York fashion house Bespoken designed the clubby interiors.

Since its U.S. debut, more than 215,000 guests have flown Surf Air between about a dozen West Coast destinations, including Los Angeles, Oakland and Santa Barbara, California. Moving forward, the company plans to improve its operation by honing in on a few key routes, such as the Bay Area to Los Angeles and Dallas to Houston.

The company offers four membership options, ranging from $199 per month to $2,999 per month:

• Access ($199 per month): Gain access to all flights on a per-seat basis.
• Advanced ($999 per month): Unlimited off-peak flights for free and access to buy everything else.
• Freedom ($2,499 per month): Access the majority of flight inventory, including peak flights, for free.
• Unlimited ($2,999 per month): Fly where and when you want across the entire network with no limits.

The per-seat price for scheduled flights usually starts at $99 for off-peak, $199 for peak and $349 for premium. You can unlock preferred pricing and flight credits with a FoundersCard membership.

Surf Air recently added nationwide on-demand charters to its offerings, with charters starting at $400 per hour. You can choose from thousands of aircraft and book directly online without needing to speak with a broker. Like Blade, Surf Air does not own or operate any aircraft but rather acts as an agent for its members.

Related: The best cards for booking private jet travel

If you frequently travel between California, Arizona and Nevada, you might want to consider a Set Jet membership. For $99.95 per month (plus a one-time $99.95 security-check fee) you can book seats on private jet flights along the West Coast for just $450 to $490 each way — basically the cost of a commercial first-class ticket.

Set Jet currently offers flights between Scottsdale, Arizona; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County, California; San Diego; and San Francisco, as well seasonal flights to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Aspen ($1,000 to $1,700 each way).

Rather than have a fixed schedule, flight times are determined by the first person to request the flight. Flights are operated exclusively by Bombardier Challenger 850 aircraft with 13-16 seats. Onboard, you can expect complimentary top-shelf alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, premium snacks and free in-flight Wi-Fi. Set Jet also doesn't charge extra for bags or if you elect to bring a pet along.

In the next 12 months, Set Jet plans to acquire two Embraer Lineage 1000s and launch a $1,000-per-month "elite membership." With this membership, you'll be able to book cross-country flights between Los Angeles and New York for just $3,799 each way.

Related: The golden age of travel isn't over — it's evolving

Wheels Up is one of the biggest players in the industry and has been growing rapidly through the acquisition of companies including Delta Private Jets, Gama Aviation Signature and Mountain Aviation.

It launched in 2013 with a membership-only model focused on an exclusive fleet of Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft but has since transitioned to a diversified services provider with one of the industry's largest fleets of owned, managed and third-party partner aircraft. Members can choose from more than 1,500 planes, including the King Air 350i, Cessna Citation Excel/XLS, Cessna Citation X and many others in the light jet, midsize jet, super-midsize jet and large-cabin jet categories.

It offers three membership tiers — Connect, Core and Business. Initiation fees range from $2,995 in year one for a Connect membership to upward of $29,500 in year one for the Business membership. Annual dues drop to $2,495 and $14,500, respectively, in year two. However, thanks to a new partnership with American Express, you can now get up to 40% off your membership and other perks if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Connect members get access to some of the most popular Wheels Up features, including Hot Flights, which allows you to book discounted empty leg flights — when an aircraft is scheduled to fly without any passengers — for as low as $320 for an entire plane.

Related: Everything you need to know about Wheels Up private jet memberships

Like JSX and Blade, you can also "fly by the seat" on scheduled shuttle or charter flights to popular events. Core and Business members can take advantage of 24- and 48-hour aircraft-type guarantees, plus dynamic pricing with rates capped at $4,695 per hour for a King Air 350i. A midsized partner jet will set you back $7,695 per hour.

Members also have the opportunity to fast-track Delta Medallion status , earn Delta SkyMiles, get discounts on select Delta fares and more. Non-travel "Wheels Down" benefits include access to events such as private parties at Art Basel Miami , the Super Bowl and a hospitality house at the Masters Tournament.

In early 2021, Wheels Up quietly opened its mobile app to non-members. Now, anyone can book charter flights, but the rates will be higher. Non-members also don't have the same aircraft-availability guarantees as members or access to features such as shared flights or empty leg Hot Flights.

Related: Yes, you can fly private — here's the secret that will help you do it

While XO made a name for itself through its on-demand charter services, it also offers the ability to purchase individual seats on a growing number of regularly scheduled flights, as well as crowdsourced flights. XO-initiated "shuttle" flights, such as between New York and South Florida, start around $995 for members and $1,390 for non-members. These shuttle flights include a cabin attendant and complimentary food and drinks.

XO also frequently offers empty leg specials which can feature savings of about 50%-75%. While most empty leg specials are for the entire aircraft, XO sometimes even lets you book empty legs by the seat. Just be aware that XO is known for canceling empty legs quite frequently so it's a good idea to have a backup option if your flight is canceled.

XO flights are available to non-members for an additional $395 fee. However, considering entry-level Rise memberships cost just $595 per year, it would make more sense to get one of those if you plan on booking more than two seats per year.

Founder William Herp calls Linear Air an air taxi for regional trips of 700-800 miles, when you don't want to drive and there's no good airline option. On sites like Kayak, he said, "We come up as the only nonstop option between places like New York City and Ithaca or Harrisburg and Bar Harbor, Maine."

The company was founded in 2004 and has grown by more than 1,600% since then. It doesn't own a single plane; like ride-hailing apps, the company partners with operators across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. A straightforward interface lets you request departure and arrival airports by inputting a street address or ZIP code. Herp told TPG that the average transaction comes to about $2,000 for a passenger configuration of three to eight seats. "When you fill up the seats and maximize the opportunity, you're talking about $500-$800 per person," or less than many commercial flights.

Bottom line

There are a number of companies offering charter subscriptions and private jet-like experiences for less than you might think. Since there aren't any reasonable ways to book private jet flights with points and miles, be sure to use a credit card that maximizes the return on private jet travel because there are some serious points-earning opportunities here.

The Platinum Card from American Express is generally an excellent option for booking flights. It earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar for airfare booked directly with the airline or American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), offers numerous travel protections and now even comes with discounts on Wheels Up. However, private flights often don't code as airfare or even travel at all, so you'll probably be better off using a card with a high return on everyday spending , such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

For more on private jet travel and exclusive travel experiences, see:

• How travelers are using private jets to avoid coronavirus exposure
• What it's like to fly BladeOne from NYC to Miami
• Flying Embraer's super posh, quiet $10 million private jet
• Everything you need to know about booking empty leg private jet flights
• Everything you need to know about LAX's secret VIP terminal PS
• My very first flight on a private jet, Gulfstream's G500
• The best cards for booking private jet travel

All the Ways to Fly Private, Starting at $100 Per Flight

By Debra Kamin

Private jet travel took off in a big way during the pandemic. Flying private, which has long been viewed as a swanky, sometimes out-of-reach indulgence, suddenly became much more attractive in the era of social distancing. And as a flurry of new players entered the market in response to demand, the prices, long considered sky-high, became more accessible as well.

These days, relaxing in privacy at 35,000 feet no longer requires access to your own personal G5. There are now dozens of options for travelers looking to take to the skies in seclusion, many of them with ticket prices that deliver less sticker shock than you might expect. And the fact that most services operate out of smaller airports and private terminals has become even more appealing since the start of the pandemic, increasing demand.

Air Charter Service, the world's largest private aircraft broker, saw its new clients increase 25 percent in 2021. Many of them made the leap to private because it offered a pathway to reunite with family, says Caitlin Uhlmann, CEO of the company's Chicago office. In 2022, one in four of those first-time clients went on to book again and are now repeat clients.

“Being in the industry over 12 years, I’ve never experienced the wave of new clientele and limited aircraft availability due to demand as I had in the last two years,” Uhlmann says. “It doesn’t seem that private travel will slow down in the near future.”

Learning to navigate the multitude of companies and different categories of private air travel—from fly-share services to fractional ownership—can feel overwhelming. Below is a primer on some of the ways to score a seat on a private aircraft. 

Charter open marketplaces

These days, all it takes is a strong Wi-Fi connection (and a handy app or two) to get yourself into a private plane. A number of newer services are connecting fliers directly with charter operators, allowing you to browse, book, and buy within minutes.

JetASAP , a free, self-service app that defines itself as an “Airbnb for air travel,” launched in November 2020, allowing fliers to secure and book private flights directly from their smartphones. There’s a free feature to search in both the app and website, and unlimited access is available for $79.99/month or $399.99/year. Fliers are never required to pay a commission—just punch in a flight request, which includes your airport of departure and preferred flight times. Live operators respond with quotes and can answer any questions, and members get access to an exclusive list of more than 1,000 bookable daily trips.

Another newcomer to the private aviation sphere,  FlyJets  debuted in January 2020. The platform operates like a travel search engine, allowing customers to filter results via their preferred aircraft size, location, and desired departure time. An app, with features including automated scheduling, is set to debut before the end of 2022. Prices can be as much as 50 percent lower than the costs of an average charter, and booking options include full charters, seats on shared charters, and group-purchases. Travelers can even bid on flights that lack a fixed price. They can also earn rewards for flying green, with carbon offsets delivered directly to their user dashboard.

Flyjets enables users to sort results by preferred aircraft size and desired departure time.

Traditional chartering services

If you want to get in the air without strings attached, but need a little more guidance in which plane to choose, charters are a great option. Charter companies work with dozens of private air operators to locate your ideal flight and manage door-to-door logistics, with no long-term commitment required. Many also offer the option to purchase a jet card, which you can load up either with a fixed number of flight hours or with money you spend like a debit card. The field is a crowded one: along with Wheels Up and Blade, there’s also Air Partner, Private Fly, and Jettly, among others. 

Founded in 2019, Aero offers white-glove service on a fleet of sleek 16-seater black jets. The company flies to Aspen, Colorado; Los Cabos, Mexico; Sun Valley, Idaho ; Los Angeles (Van Nuys and LAX); San Francisco ; London ; Ibiza; and Nice, France . Flights to Switzerland are coming at the end of 2022. Tickets on most routes run $1,000 per leg.

Blade  is a popular choice for city-based travelers. It connects fliers not just with jets but also turboprops, seaplanes, and helicopters in their contracted fleet via a user-friendly app. Its Blade One planes offer seasonal service from  NYC  to  Miami , Palm Beach, and Aspen. A jaunt from NYC to Miami on BladeOne starts at $2,975 per leg. There's no membership required and fliers can purchase multipacks of flight passes on certain routes.

Founded in 2013,  Wheels Up  provides access to more than 1,500 aircraft, with a fleet that includes gold-standard planes like the King Air 350i and Citation X. Initially, its offerings were only accessible via three tiers of membership. But late last year, it rolled out the Wheels Up app, which also allows non-members to browse and book one-off flights. Wheels Up Connect memberships have a $2,995 initiation fee plus annual dues of $2,495, and rates jump up from there. Core memberships, which cost $17,500 plus $8,500 in annual dues, include guaranteed access to certain tiers of aircraft plus access to bespoke partners like Abercrombie & Kent, Hertz, Tropic Ocean Airways, and more.

Fly-sharing

Fly-share companies are the easiest on the wallet. Companies like Surf Air , and JSX enable travelers to snag a coveted seat on a private jet charter—sometimes for as little as $100 each way—sharing space with only a handful of other passengers and enjoying perks like no security lines and departure from  private terminals . Here's an in-depth  breakdown of popular fly-share operators  and what each one offers.

JSX, a semi-private carrier, offers flights on 30-seat jets, out of private terminals, starting at $249 each way. The company currently serves 18 markets including Austin, Texas ; Los Angeles ; Miami ; and Westchester County, New York. Thanks to a new partnership with United Airlines, travelers can earn United MileagePlus miles for their flights.

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Wheels Up offers three tiers of membership.

Membership programs 

For more frequent fliers, membership programs can be attractive. Through tiered subscription programs, you’ll pay a monthly or annual fee that unlocks access to an entire fleet of aircrafts that can then be booked on demand. 

Interest in this company is skyrocketing—new client memberships are at the highest they have ever been, and sales in the first months of 2022 were up 185 percent from the same period in 2021. VistaJet’s fleet of silver and red aircraft includes corporate jets and the long-range Bombardier Global 7500, which has a bedroom and full-size kitchen. Membership options include VistaJet VJ25, a three-year private flight subscription for those who fly between 25 and 49 hours per year.

With a $100 monthly membership fee and one-way flights starting at $750,  Set Jet  is one of the most affordable private air travel options on the market. Founded in 2014, the West Coast-based company currently offers domestic routes from  Los Angeles , San Diego , Orange County, Scottsdale , Las Vegas , San Francisco , and Cabo San Lucas, with seasonal charters to Aspen and Salt Lake City . And it’s growing fast—its fleet of Bombardier aircraft will soon also be taking off from  New York , with expansions into Florida and Texas also in the works. It offers good news for spontaneous travelers, too: Set Jet members can book a new flight up to 24 hours before takeoff and snag a seat on an existing flight up to 30 minutes before wheels go up.

One of the largest private aviation firms globally, XO Members and clients have access to more than 2,450 private jets across cabin classes. Seats or entire charters can be booked via the XO mobile app. XO Shared Membership is $595 per year, reducing the seat price for every booking including flights between New York and South Florida that are now offered up to four times daily, seven days a week.

Sentient Jet

Sentient Jet is the inventor of the Jet Card, which allows users to buy 25 hours of flights at a time and choose the aircraft size that fits their needs. The SJ25 Card offers access to light aircraft at a price of $174,375 for 25 hours; SJ25+ gets you 25 hours on mid, super-mid, and large-cabin jets for $224,622.

Magellan Jets

This Boston -based private aviation provider also offers charters, but an easier entry point is their membership program. Explorer100 Private Jet Members receive fixed-rate pricing across four cabin-size categories. With a starting account of $100,000, members receive a 12-month rate lock, guaranteed WiFi on flights, and long-leg/round-trip discounts.

Fractional ownership 

With fractional ownership, your piece of the pie is allocated in hours. Owners purchase a portion or share of an aircraft, which is doled out in hours of flight time. The bigger the share, the more hours you get in the air; and unlike membership programs, it's a one-time investment. Companies like NetJets , the granddaddy of private aviation companies, and Flexjet , whose young fleet includes Embraer's super-light Phenom 300 and the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G450, offer ownership starting at a one-sixteenth interest in an aircraft. Buyers should still be prepared to shell out at least $500,000 and often much more.

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How Much Do Private Jet Flights Cost?

With prices heading up into the millions, cost is a major consideration when flying private.

By Kim Ayling

Private aviation comes with a host of coveted benefits including convenience, comfort and of course, privacy. However, all these advantages do come at a price. To help you understand exactly how much private jet flights cost, we break down the different options and how much you can expect to pay for each.

Despite its reputation for exclusivity, flying privately doesn’t have to be as expensive as you may think, with different jet programs at multiple price points on offer – in fact, depending on how often you fly, going private can be more cost-effective than commercial.

The cost of buying a private jet

Despite being quite the talking point at dinner parties, buying a private jet is unlikely to be cost-effective. A light jet that may seat up to seven passengers, such as the Embraer Phenom 100, can be purchased for less than $3m, while at the other end of the spectrum, the ultra-long-range BBJ 777x is on the market for upwards of $400m.

[See also: Private Jets During Lockdown: A Guide]

The Embraer Phenom 100 / ©Shutterstock

It’s important to remember that these prices are just the cost of the plane itself. In addition to this, you will also have to pay for a pilot and crew, airport fees, maintenance and fuel, which will all contribute to a steadily increasing cost per flight. Also remember that similarly to cars, jets will dramatically deplete in value as they are used.

Alternatively, if buying a private jet outright is a little out of budget, many passengers choose fractional ownership , which gives greater freedom of jet usage but will significantly reduce the price per flight.

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How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

As with all private aviation, the charter flight costs will vary greatly depending on the aircraft model, journey length and the number of passengers, as well as the chosen charter company. For example, hourly rates for a short-haul flight on a light aircraft could set you back as little as $1,000. However, long journeys in larger or newer planes can easily stretch into the millions of dollars per private flight.

While this may sound expensive, especially considering that a private jet can be bought for less than $2m, remember that charter costs will usually be inclusive of the hidden extras that make buying so financially unviable. This includes crew and pilot hire, as well as maintenance and fuel.

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Despite its reputation for exclusivity, flying privately doesn’t have to be as expensive as you may think /©Shutterstock

Private jet empty leg flights

One of the cheapest ways to fly privately is by scouring for an empty leg journey , which makes use of an unoccupied charter aircraft as it travels to its next take-off destination. As these flights would otherwise be empty, operators usually offer significant discounts with savings of up to 70% available on super last-minute journeys, but be prepared to be flexible with timings, dates and even destination.

Private jet cards

Another option for private jet travel is a jet card . Offered by a multitude of jet operators including NetJets , VistaJet and Flexjet, jet cards allow travelers to book and pay for private jets on an hourly basis. Pricing will differ across the aviation industry depending on provider, aircraft and level of service, but you will typically pay an upfront fee which can range from $50,000 to $200,000, with the hourly cost ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

However, it’s important to be careful of hidden fees for extras like aircraft repositioning, fuel and taxes when opting for a jet card, as well as surcharges for short-haul flights. These additional fees can quickly hike the cost of private jet flights – it’s often more cost-effective to opt for an all-inclusive jet card.

An empty leg flight can be secured for as little as a few thousand dollars, whereas a long-haul journey in your own private jet can stretch upwards of $1m / ©Shutterstock

Ultimately, the answer to how much do private jet flights cost is a difficult one to give, with the price varying hugely depending on what program you opt for and the distance you need to go.

An empty leg flight can be secured for as little as a few thousand dollars, ensuring that private aviation is accessible to entry-level passengers, whereas a long-haul journey in your own state-of-the-art private jet can stretch upwards of $1m.

[See also: Designing the Most Luxurious Private Jet Interiors]

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Private Jet Charter Cost Estimator

From business trips to bachelor parties, those special trips to Vegas and James Bond-type flights – everything’s possible and you don’t have to own a jet or be a British super spy to make those dreams come true. As mentioned above, nowadays the pricing is more attractive than ever and depending on the details of you charter, they can be quite reasonable. Wondering how much a flight will cost? Let’s take a look at some values below.

Private Jet Charter Cost Estimations

Even though we can only offer you a board overview of what price looks like, it’s still extremely helpful. But remember, the size of the aircraft is only one aspect – you also have to take into account the crew, dates, airports used, among other factors as we’ll explain throughout this article. Patrick Harris, the President at Velocity Jets, has a really helpful and realistic way to estimate jet charter costs. Let’s take a look at his “calculator” below:

Why Fly Private?

Apart from feeling fancy and ostentatious, there are a few advantages to taking a private jet. For one, there are about 500 airports for commercial flights and about 5,000 airports and airstrips for private aircraft in the US alone.

So you might find an airport a lot closer to your final destination than you imagined. This is great in terms of cost and when flying to remote areas.

Yes, this is one of those cases where size matters also because it is an important bullet point on your jet charter cost estimator.

How to Estimate Private Jet Charter Cost

Let’s take a look at how the essential details (type of aircraft, hours of flight, airports and more) have an effect on your overall cost estimation.

Types of Aircraft

Speaking of size, this aspect weighs heavy for more than one reason. The size dictates how much fuel it can hold. Which means you don’t have to stop mid-way to refuel while on a long trip.

But remember that a bigger jet and more fuel while convenient will cost you more money. Size also allows capacity. Common sense dictates that more people means more luggage.

A standard service operator will give you four choices.

• Turboprop : On a jet charter cost estimator, this is the cheapest option. These planes can’t go beyond 1,800 nautical miles and are slower than most other jets in the business.Capacity: 4-9 people. Examples: Beechcraft King Air 350i and Pilatus PC12.
• Light jet : This is the next model with a maximum space of 80 cubic feet for luggage and goes up to 2,000 nautical miles. They can access smaller airports and airstrips, but unsurprisingly, the cabin space is limited.Capacity: 6-9 people. Examples: Embraer Phenom 300 and Nextant 400XTI.
• Mid-size jet : This is slightly bigger so it has 200 cubic feet for luggage. It can go up to 2,500 nautical miles and the cabin is taller than the previous models.Capacity: 8-10 people. Examples: Cessna Citation Latitude and the Hawker 800XP.
• Super midsize jets : These are recommended for trans-continental trips. So obviously their flight capacity is more than the previous models but the final number on the jet charter cost estimator varies depending on the model you pick.Capacity: 8-12 people. Examples: Bombardier Challenger 350 and Gulfstream G200.
• Heavy jets : Now these are big jets. They can travel as far as 4,000 nautical miles which makes them an excellent choice to travel between continents.Capacity: 18 people and their luggage. Examples: Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000 and Gulfstream GIV.

While you’re at it, you might also want to check about smoking and pet preferences. Granted they come with their own “baggage” on the jet charter cost estimator but it might just be a priority for you.

How Cost Is Determined

This is the second-most important factor in hiring a private jet, first being safety. The jet charter cost estimator takes a variety of things into account before showing you the first draft of your final invoice.

This is particularly useful because some companies do not give you a break up of the charges in the invoice.

Each airport levies a different charge for the many services it provides to your pilot and aircraft. This money is used to maintain runways and airport buildings.

Your jet charter cost estimator will show a charge for landing fees. The airport levies this depending on the size and weight of the aircraft.

There is also something called ramp fees which depends on how long you will park your jet. It will be higher for a multi-day round trip compared to a one day one-way trip.

Destination

When you start your trip, you want to decide between getting picked up at the nearest airport or going to the jet’s homebase. If you want to be picked up, the jet charter cost estimator will add something called reposition fees.

As you now know, distance dictates the size of the aircraft unless you are okay with stopping for refuelling. If you do stop, consider the charges levied by another airport (apart from your destination).

Now, if you are flying a short distance, it is called short leg. You can take a small aircraft which is cheaper but it will fly at a low altitude which uses more fuel.

If you’re going on a one-way trip, your jet charter cost estimator will call it an empty leg. The aircraft has to return to its base empty and you have to make up for it.

If you’re going on a multi-day trip, you have to pay a minimum amount whether you use up all the nautical miles or not. Kind of like hiring a cab for an outstation trip.

For example, if you were travelling from Miami (KOPF) to Van Nuys (KVNY) in the first week of June 2020, these are your estimates.

Waiting Time

This one comes from the service operator. When you book a jet for a round trip, whether it is a few hours or a few days, the aircraft loses business while it waits at the airport. You’ve got to pay for that.

The food and transportation of the onboard crew is also your responsibility. If it’s a multi-day trip, you must also take their lodging into account.

Peak Season

The pricing is also higher before and after the holidays when there is more travel. The most common law of the market: greater demand, higher prices.

If you’re flying international, you will be charged for permits, customs and taxes. There is also a catering charge for meals beyond the standard food and beverages. And, of course, there is a price on in-flight phone services and cleaning the aircraft once you’re done.

You obviously have to pay for fuel which depends on the market rate. Sometimes, the estimator adds a surcharge to accommodate fluctuation in projected and actual cost.

Make room for unexpected charges, like your destination airport being shut due to bad weather. Some charge you for flying to an alternate airport while some don’t. Apart from these, there is a federal excise tax of 7.5% per flight.

Even though it can sound like a lot of math and complex details, estimating a jet charter’s cost really isn’t that complicated as long as you have the general guidelines as seen above. Plus, you have to know what you’re paying for so that you get what you need. If you feel like you’re ready, then jet, set and go!

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Guys were very happy with the jet this week and all the arrangements so thank you. Until the next time! Enjoy your weekend.

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How much does a private jet cost.

It's the first question everyone asks about private aviation and private jet charter. The cost of a private jet trip is a variable one and there are several different ways to access private jet travel (including on-demand charter, private jet cards, fractional ownership or outright ownership). The usual entry point is on-demand charter, whereby you book a private jet for a specific trip, for a one-off price.

How Much Does a Private Jet Cost?

On-demand private jet charter pricing depends on a number of factors including the type of aircraft, length of trip, airport landing fees, and time between flights. It's also a fragmented market, so there are market-driven factors that impact the price, including supply and demand.

We've put together some example routes and typical market pricing below to give you can idea of the scale of private jet prices for on-demand charter. PrivateFly offers premium private jet charter from a range of accredited aircraft suppliers, in addition to our Jet Card and membership solutions - which give enhanced benefits to those who fly more frequently.

Call our flight experts on {{telephone}}  to discuss how our premium private jet charter and Jet Card programmes could work for you.

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Private jet prices

Private jet charter prices are calculated based on a combination of factors including aircraft hourly rate, flight distance, flight route, aircraft availability and aircraft positioning. Prices for every flight can vary based on these factors.

Jet Cards & private jet membership

The PrivateFly Jet Card  offers a more personalised and seamless way to book private flights, if you fly more frequently. You benefit from the certainty of fixed hourly rates and guaranteed availability for your chosen category of accredited aircraft, based on a handpicked selection from our family fleet and premium operators. We also offer membership solutions for market-based private jet charter - talk to our team for more details.

More information on private jet flight prices

For private jet charter prices on any route use our private jet cost calculator , or call one of our expert team on {{telephone}} (24 hours).

Jet Charter Quote

Private jet charter cost estimator, private jet cost.

How much does a private jet charter cost? A private charter flight cost depends on aircraft size, distance and locations you are traveling, trip duration and other factors. Get an estimate on private jet charter prices with our flight cost calculator or see our charts below for more details. We have a large, diverse charter fleet and access to thousands of aircraft worldwide. We will provide the perfect jet for your next flight.

Use our interactive map to receive an instant jet charter quote.

Private Jet Prices

Rates provided include the aircraft, crew, and fuel, and are not inclusive of additional trip specific related expenses such as aircraft positioning flight time, overnight expenses, international handling, federal excise taxes, etc. Contact one of our travel advisors to obtain a guaranteed private jet price quote for your specific aircraft and itinerary.

Private Jet Charter Estimate

Private jet rental prices are estimated and quoted as either same-day round trip flights or include one overnight stay. Private jet rental costs may increase for multi-night stays, changes to the itinerary and other variables. Contact a travel advisor and request a personal flight analysis for a more detailed quote.

Sample One-Way Jet Charter Costs

What is a private jet charter.

A private jet charter is when an individual or company hires a private jet charter company, authorized by the FAA under FAR part 135, to conduct a flight between two or more points. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 135 grants authorization to a company through Air Carrier Certificate to offer on-demand flights on private jets.

How can I charter a private jet?

To charter a private jet, contact an FAA Part 135 certified Air Carrier like Clay Lacy Aviation who is authorized by the FAA to conduct private jet charter flights for individuals, businesses and governments.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

Private jets are chartered by the hour ranging from $3,500 to $18,000 per hour and vary by the size, make, model, and age of the private jet. Sample round-trip quotes include: New York to Los Angeles on a Gulfstream G450 – $102,000. Los Angeles to Aspen on a light jet – $21,500.

What is included in the cost of chartering a private jet?

Private jets are chartered by the hour ranging from $3,500 to $18,000 per hour and vary by the size, make, model, and age of the private jet. This cost includes the use of the entire jet to any location in the world including crew members, fuel, etc. Additional costs beyond the hourly rate can include overnight parking charges, highly customized catering, international handling fees for permits and landing rights.

How to find the best private jet charter company?

The best private jet charter companies are certified by the FAA as Air Carriers and should provide you with their Air Carrier Certificate. In addition, they should be audited and certified by third party safety providers Wyvern Wingman and ARGUS Platinum .

Can you get a last minute private jet charter?

Private jet charters are offered “on-demand” which means they are not pre-scheduled flights, but flights that are conducted when and where the passenger requests. You can schedule last minute private jet charters however it will usually take between 3-6 hours from the time of booking to takeoff which allows the crew time to get to the airport and prepare the plane for your flight.

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Linear Air is reinventing charter flights. We make air travel easier by flying on your   schedule with the private jets or planes you choose.  You’ll have a better air charter service experience than with charter brokers and companies because there’s no wait for quotes and no jet cards or memberships needed. Plus, all costs are included in our charter pricing  instead of paying by the flight hour.  See why flying private is better and say goodbye to flying commercial.

Private Charter Flights Are More Convenient and Save You Time:

• Fly where and when you want – you’re not tied to airline schedules anymore and can go where you want across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe.
• You pick the airports closest to your destination – more airports means no more connecting flights or transfers, so you can find the private flights near you.
• Use private terminals – there’s no need to arrive at crowded airports hours before your private or semi private flights and deal with long lines with private aviation, because you’ll use private terminals .
• Pick the private aircraft to fit your needs , from prop-powered air taxis and turboprops, to light jets,  midsize ones, or heavy business jets.
• Enjoy privacy and comfort in a luxurious cabin interior – when chartering a jet or plane, you have the whole plane to yourself.
• Increased productivity when using your flight time to work or talk without distractions or just relax.
• A more convenient, flexible and cost-effective alternative to commercial first and business class flights   or if you buy a seat on a private jet.

How to Charter Private Flights with Linear Air

1. FIND YOUR AIRPORTS

Simply enter your private flight search above for airports and destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Europe. For more help on booking a charter flight, please see How It Works . Private flights and air taxis fly to 10x more airports than airlines. Your search will help you find the closest one to you!

2. SELECT YOUR PLANE

Once you’ve searched above, select your flight. Choose your private plane type : luxury jet, business-class turbo-prop, or affordable air taxi: based on number of seats, speed, and non-stop range. And the entire plane is yours!

If you’re new to flying private, check out our essential guide to renting private jets .

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Share extra seats and receive credit for future plane or jet rental. Simply enter your flight search above, select your flight, continue your purchase, and, as you enter your Billing Address, simply check “I would like to share my extra seat!”

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Popular Routes for Private Flights

• New York to Miami
• Tampa to Miami
• Houston to Dallas
• New York to Chicago
• Dallas to Austin
• Boston to Martha’s Vineyard
• Orlando to Key West
• Albany to Orlando
• Atlanta to Memphis
• Atlanta to Savannah
• Austin to Houston
• Denver to Bozeman
• Denver to Durango
• Fort Lauderdale to Key West
• Miami to Tallahassee
• New York to Nantucket
• New York to West Palm Beach
• Lubbock to Dallas
• Los Angeles to Miami
• Chattanooga to Orlando
• Denver to Albuquerque
• Tampa to Key West
• Houston to Washington D.C.
• New York to Los Angeles
• San Francisco to Las Vegas
• Boise to Spokane
• Boston to Nantucket
• Midland to Houston
• Orange County to San Francisco
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas
• New York to Washington D.C.
• Tampa to Tallahassee
• Orange County to Las Vegas
• Austin to Lubbock

Popular Destinations for Private Flights

• New York City
• Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Washington D.C.
• Palm Springs
• Jackson Hole
• Teterboro Airport (TEB)
• Burbank Airport (BUR)
• Boca Raton (BCT)
• Martha’s Vineyard
• The Hamptons

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Popular Cities

The freedom and flexibility that private jet travel offers is unparalleled. With evoJets, you can fly to almost any airport in the world with as little as 2hrs notice. See below for some of our most popular private jet charter cities.

Houston, TX

We handle Houston private jet charters all year round at evoJets. Our network of aircraft can handle any Lone Star State itinerary.

• Chicago, IL

Chicago private jets are available 24/7/365 at Evo. We can depart or arrive from any of the city’s many airports – call us for your next trip.

West Palm Beach, FL

Planning a charter flight to West Palm Beach for a weekend retreat? South Florida is an evoJets hub – we have planes available every day of the week.

Founded in Aspen in 2006, evoJets is a leader in charter flights to Aspen. Mountain experience is crucial – fly with the experts at Evo.

• New York, NY

Based in Manhattan, evoJets lives and breathes the New York private jet market. Contact us 24/7 to book your next private jet to New York.

• Los Angeles, CA

With thousands of aircraft available, Evo can schedule a private jet to Los Angeles on a moment’s notice. Fly to any LA airport with ease.

Jet Charter Costs & Pricing Basics

How much does a private jet charter cost.

Learn about private jet rental costs and familiarize yourself with key price drivers.

What Is A Private Jet Broker?

Charter brokers provide a range of services to private flyers..

Learn how your jet broker can be a trusted advocate in a complex and unpredictable marketplace.

Popular Aircraft

Private jet charter can serve many purposes, from short-range day trips to international travel spanning weeks. No matter what type of private jet charter service you’re looking for, we have the aircraft you need. See below for some of our most popular aircraft.

King Air 200

King Air charters are a versatile and cost effective option. Try the legendary King Air 200, the most reliable and versatile turboprop on the market.

Call evoJets today for Phenom 100 charter rates and info. This popular Very Light Jet seats 4 and is perfect for short-to-mid-range missions.

Citation Excel

Book a Citation Excel charter and see why this aircraft is a best-seller. Enjoy excellent range, cargo capacity and a lush cabin experience.

Challenger 300

With coast-to-coast range and a massive interior, this aircraft is a client favorite. Click here for Challenger 300 charter rates and info.

Falcon 900EX

Falcon jets are among the most capable and luxurious aircraft available. Charter a Falcon 900EX for incredible performance and comfort.

Gulfstream G-650

View Gulfstream G-650 charter rates and info. This popular business jet offers an unparalleled cabin experience and best-in-class range.

Empty leg charter flights are a core offering of any on-demand charter provider. Browse upcoming empty legs below.

“ Seth L “The flight was great, and the pilots were very capable and nice. Jake did a good job coordinating everything and making sure we had a good experience. As always, I appreciate your team's personal, and yet professional, style in assisting us.”

“ Bradley R Manhattan, NY “Wow! What a superb plane and a wonderful and professional flight crew. Kudos to you. I would not hesitate to fly that equipment again and will be calling you soon to book our next trip.”

“ Elizabeth L. Attorney “..if the subject ever comes up, please be assured that your company will get the highest recommendation from me. You were awesome, and we couldn't have been more grateful.”

“ Executive Assistant to Mr. P Mack Los Angeles, CA “I continue to be impressed by your customer service! Thanks so much for everything - I look forward to working with you again!”

Fly on demand. Pay as you go.

Request a quote today to get started.

About evoJets

evoJets is a global provider of private aviation solutions, founded in Aspen, CO and headquartered in NYC.

evoJets is an Indirect Air Carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. View our full disclaimer  here .

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Best overall

Best for design enthusiasts, best for luxury, best subscription service, best for a wide range of aircrafts, flying private is cheaper than you think — here are 6 airlines to consider for your next flight.

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I'm a travel writer, but it's not always as glamorous as it sounds. When I fly, I often book commercial in coach for the best price to get my family of four where we need to go. 

However, there are posher options that are affordable on a case-by-case and route-by-route basis, and I'm not talking about first class.

Rather, it's entirely possible to fly private or semi-private. In some cases, it can even be cheaper than flying economy and removes the long waits and crowded lines associated with busy airports. And with boarding taking place in private hangars and planes allowing a much lower passenger count, private jets lend more naturally to social distancing. 

Considering that June had more private flights in the U.S. than any month since October 2007, and after my own positive experiences flying semi-private , I rounded up some of the best carriers, from chartering your own flight to booking a publicly available seat on a semi-private jet flight. The best part? They offer prices that the average person can afford.

Here are the best private jet companies with affordable prices:

Book a flight with JSX

JSX is a private regional airline that feels like a posh private-flying experience, except the public can purchase tickets. JSX caps flights at just 30 people and operates out of private terminals and hangars (technically known as "fixed-base operators," or FBOs), which are adjacent to many major airports.

JSX saw a 55% increase in new leisure-market customers from February 2020 to February 2021, according to a statistic provided by the brand's internal analytics team. I've flown it multiple times and always choose it when rates are cheaper or equivalent to flying commercial, which they often are.

With JSX , you'll bypass the traditional airport altogether and travel through a private jet terminal. You also won't encounter crowds and TSA lines, but can still feel secure since JSX uses TSA Secure Flight, the same TSA-provided background-check processes that major airlines use.

On ordinary or off-peak dates, the airfare is quite competitive (even lower than some budget carriers' for certain legs) and the experience is far superior, including snacks, drinks (alcoholic and non), checked bags, and pet fees.

Read our review of JSX here .

Book a flight with Aero

Aero is among the country's newest airlines, launching in February 2021. It offers premium seating on direct flights between private terminals, using custom-designed 16-seat jets; no flight will have more than 16 passengers.

This shared-charter model offers the benefits of private aviation — like bypassing commercial airport terminals and packed airliners — for a fraction of the cost with access to a curated list of coveted destinations.

Aero offers a seamless experience through its personalized concierge service available to all guests, which includes hosts giving personalized attention, from booking on-the-ground transportation and localized experiences to curating in-flight amenities and sourcing special beverages and artisan snacks — basically any preflight and post flight logistics that the passenger wants to be handled.

Interiors are designed by Aero's in-house design team (not common among startup airlines, where design is typically outsourced). Interiors include dynamic lighting, a custom Bongiovi Acoustic Lab sound system built into the panels of the walls for 360-degree sound, hand French-stitched Italian leather seat covers, custom suede sidewalls, and signature ultra-leather piping on the ceiling.

Book a flight with Set Jet

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Set Jet is a membership-based private jet charter, available for security pre-screened and pre-approved members. While there is a monthly membership fee, if you fly often, the value can be quite strong.

Only members may fly and to be eligible, you must be a U.S. resident with a valid driver's license or passport issued domestically.

Set Jet facilitates private jet charters to six of the most frequently traveled destinations on the West Coast, as well as nonstop private jet charter flights between Los Angeles and New York City, and seasonal flights to Cabo San Lucas and Aspen. The service operates through private terminals without the traditional inconveniences related to commercial air travel.

Members fly on the Bombardier Challenger 850/CRJ 200 and CRJ900 aircraft, specifically customized with 15- to 19- seat cabin configurations. Top-end amenities and finishes make these planes resemble luxury hotel suites with high-gloss wood, marble accents, buttery leather, and plush carpeting. Pilots are typically military-trained jet fighter pilots with significant experience and pristine records.

Read our review of Set Jet here .

Book a flight with Wheels Up

Wheels Up allows travelers to book private charter flights at an all-inclusive hourly rate. Founded in 2013 and a publicly traded company as of July 2021, Wheels Up is one of the major players in private aviation, having acquired many others along the way.

Originally a membership-only model, the company now allows anyone to book available flights on-demand using the app. There are 1,500 planes in the fleet, including the King Air 350i (an eight-seater propeller jet), the Cessna Citation Excel/XLS in the middle category (with a four-hour range), and the ultra-fast and high-flying Cessna Citation X, with a large, posh cabin. It can fly over six hours nonstop.

I got to try out two of these on a company-sponsored trip between Los Angeles and Napa. With seven to 10 seats in each aircraft (compared with, say, 30 for JSX or up to 19 on Set Jet), Wheels Up offers a truly elite private jet experience. When I flew the Citation X, the cabin had eight luxurious leather seats and even a posh leather-covered loo. Snacks and beverages were available on-demand in a small lounge area, and the ride was smooth, quiet, and peaceful.

Wheels Up members also receive benefits at Wine Access, Waldorf Astoria hotels; pay-by-the-seat shuttle service from Westchester to Nantucket through Nantucket Shuttle Service; AmEx membership discounts; and many other perks and benefits.

Book a flight with SurfAir

Los Angeles-based Surf Air offers members access to private charter flights for a fixed monthly fee.

The service focuses on scheduled short-haul flights across California and Texas, with frequent flight options similar to commercial airlines but with the posh feel and perks of private air travel. Members can book trips via an easy-to-use mobile app, and then arrive at the airport just 15 minutes before takeoff without lines or crowds.

Memberships start at an accessible $199 per month, which allows access to all flights on a per-seat basis. For $999 per month, travelers get unlimited off-peak flights and access to buy everything else. Prices go up from there: for $2,999 per month, you can fly without limits across the entire network.

Book a flight on Blade

Blade allows travelers to book by the seat on scheduled flights throughout the Northeast and West Coast, or charter or crowdsource a flight anywhere in the world. The fleet includes not just jets but also helicopters, turboprops, and seaplanes for mega flexibility. In doing so, they offer many options at multiple price points for a range of travelers, and the diversity of the Blade fleet is unique in the field.

No membership is required to fly Blade . Users simply download the app or book online for scheduled flights. Travelers may also use the app to book their own private charter, crowdsourced charter, or individual seats on a scheduled flight.

In New York, it's become quite a popular way to reach JFK to connect to major flights as opposed to the slog of traffic.

Read our review of Blade here .

FAQ: Cheap private jet flights

How much does it cost to fly private.

It depends on the airline you choose. The ones on this list that are only semi-private start as low as $119 per flight with no membership fees. 

If you charter a totally private flight, however, expect to pay thousands of dollars in most cases.

What is the cheapest private jet company?

We've seen strong value on a per flight basis from JSX as their fares are pretty low so long as you don't book during peak times.

Subscription model private airlines, however, such as Set Jet or SurfAir come out as affordable in the long run if you're someone who flies frequently.

How do I find private flights?

Start with our list here. Many of these companies allow you to book cheap private flights either on their website or via their mobile app.

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How to Charter a Private Jet in 5 Steps

That dream of flying via private jet may be more attainable—and practical—than you expected..

Learn more about how private jet charter flights compare to other forms of travel. [Credit: CanvaPro]

Billionaire bankers, pop stars…international spy? This is probably who you picture walking down the steps of their own private jet. Who can blame you? The convenience, comfort, and privacy make flying private perfect for these demographics. 

But in the last few years—especially following the pandemic—this life of luxury has become more accessible than ever through the growing popularity of charter services. In this article, we’ll discuss what a charter flight is, some of the (less obvious) benefits, and how to charter a private jet.

What Is a Charter Flight?

Here’s a dirty little secret: That celebrity you follow who always posts pictures of trips on a private jet likely doesn’t own it (we’re not talking about Taylor Swift here, folks). Given that the cost of a new private jet can easily reach $70 million, plus hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual operating costs, owning a private jet is out of reach for even the average celebrity. Even at the higher end of wealth, many people opt for fractional ownership (think timeshare for planes) through companies like NetJets . 

The far more common, cost-effective, and accessible path to flying private, however, is chartering a plane. Chartering a plane is distinct from flying commercial in that, when you charter a plane, you are effectively renting the entire plane. Essentially, you tell the charter company what kind of plane you want, where you want to go, and when you want to go. It does the rest.

There are a number of benefits to chartering planes. For example, it enables you to:

• Avoid regular airport terminals and security, saving time and a lot of headache.
• Fly to smaller, more convenient airports, potentially allowing you to visit multiple. locations (i.e. that factory or satellite office) in less time. 
• Not be subject to the airlines’ schedules, providing more flexibility.
• Stay away from other passengers.

To be clear, flying commercial—even first class—will almost certainly be cheaper. But if you value your time, convenience, and flexibility, the benefits of chartering your own private jet may be worth it. Luckily, thanks to increased demand and competition, booking a private jet has never been easier.

5 Steps to Book a Private Jet Air Charter Service

From finding a plane to charter to receiving a private jet quote, charter companies have stepped up their game in recent years to make this option extremely accessible. Here are the steps you should follow to charter a private jet.

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Step 1: Identify Your Executive Jet Charter Needs

If you need to fly from Los Angeles to New York City on a Monday morning and return Tuesday afternoon, you can likely find a first-class ticket on an airline that provides the convenience and comfort you desire. However, if you need to fly from Midland, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, for a business meeting at 8 a.m. then drop off your dog in Billings, Montana, by noon before a 4 p.m. meeting in San Diego on a Wednesday, a commercial airliner probably isn’t going to work. 

That’s where the flexibility of a charter jet can be beneficial. Most people don’t realize that in addition to the major international airports in large cities, there are hundreds of regional airports that airlines service less frequently, if at all. Private jets, on the other hand, can access these locations easily, providing greater convenience to passengers. 

If you crave such convenience, then start thinking about your budget . We’ll break down private jet quotes in another step, but generally speaking, the bigger the jet, the bigger the bill. Size depends on two variables: the number of passengers and distance to travel. Private and business jets can carry anywhere from four to 19 passengers, plus crew. However, even if you are the sole passenger, small jets simply cannot carry enough fuel to fly long range. You’ll need to pay for a larger jet with greater range if you are expecting to travel from, say, New York to Milan.

Based on your destination and passenger requirements, charter jet companies like Trilogy Aviation Group will determine the type of plane you need.  

Step 2: Research Private Jet Charter Airlines

Next you’ll want to do a little research. Unlike the extremely regulated airlines, charter companies vary in quality. The FAA’s Safe Air Charter initiative encourages customers to be weary of deals that seem too good to be true. While competition may drive down prices slightly, licensing, maintenance, and jet fuel aren’t cheap.  

Well-known companies like NetJets and Leviate Air Group have excellent safety and service records. Deciding between similarly reputable companies might come down to availability based on the size of their fleet and the type of jets offered. Some companies specialize in light jets, such as the Cessna Citation CJ3, while others may focus their businesses on longer range jets, such as the Global 6000 or Gulfstream G550. 

These considerations can seem dizzying to the average customer. That’s where a private jet broker can come in. Brokers are like realtors for planes. They match customers to charter companies based on all of the requirements discussed above, hunt for deals, and charge a commission for their service. You can also check out our guide to the best charter jet services for recommendations.

Step 3: Get Private Jet Quotes and Compare Options

Obtaining a private jet quote has never been easier online. For example, Trilogy Aviation Group empowers you to obtain a quote with just your origin and destination, travel dates, and number of passengers—it’s like Google Flights for chartering a private jet.

Keep in mind these are estimates, and the cost will be affected by a number of factors, including the:

• Type of plane 
• Distance to travel 
• Airport fees (i.e. landing fees) 
• Jet fuel surcharges, which are the primary variable costs

Additionally, insurance, cost of regulatory compliance, maintenance, and flight crew are rolled into these prices. Regardless, expect to receive quotes for hourly rates (i.e. $4,000 per hour). In rare cases you may see “all-in” fees, but these are typically only offered for empty legs .

While these fees quickly add up, keep in mind you are flying private, and chartering is usually far more cost-effective than owning your own jet. Still, with so many charter companies competing, don’t be afraid to compare quotes and negotiate certain fees. 

Step 4: Book Your Charter Flight

Once you’ve decided on a private jet operator or broker, booking is fairly straightforward. You’ll receive a service contract, which you should read carefully, sign, and remit with payment. Some companies accept credit cards, while others require wire transfers (after all, we are talking tens of thousands of dollars, in most cases). Additional fees, such as limousine services coordinated by the charter company for instance, will be calculated and added to the final bill.

While flying private offers some level of anonymity, you’ll still need to provide proof of identification and, for international flights, passports and visas (if applicable) for all passengers. Don’t be surprised if the pilots also ask about things like food or plants in your luggage, as you are required to report such items to customs.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Flight

There are a few things to know before you go. 

First of all, say goodbye to busy airport terminals. Private jets operate out of FBOs. These are usually located on the opposite end of the airport from commercial terminals, and provide all of the comfort and convenience you would expect when paying for a private jet. In most cases, you can show up just minutes before your flight, check in with the FBO desk, and have a seat in the lounge. 

The FBO will notify your pilots of your arrival, and you’ll be escorted to your plane. If you opt for limousine service booked through the operator, you may skip the FBO altogether and instead be driven directly to your plane. 

That’s right: no TSA, no luggage check. The pilots are obligated to ensure none of the baggage poses a safety to flight, but unless you’re traveling internationally, don’t expect to go through metal detectors or remove your shoes. Just hand your bags to the flight crew and settle in for a quick preflight briefing, and you’ll be taxiing within minutes. 

Depending on the size of the plane, you can expect first-class service from the flight crew, including meals if available. Many operators will allow pets and even your own beverages. Watch movies, prop your feet up, and relax. Do as you please, so long as you don’t cause a safety concern for the flight crew. 

So, Now You Know How to Charter a Private Jet…

Expensive? Relative to commercial flying, yes. Convenient and comfortable? Absolutely. If you value your schedule, flexibility, and privacy, chartering a plane can be worth the cost and has never been more accessible. 

Still, do your research and ensure the operator is safe and reputable . And most of all, enjoy it! Flying in a private jet is true luxury. 

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

Costs vary greatly based on the size of the jet, which is primarily determined by the number of passengers and the distance to be flown. Short domestic flights for 5-9 passengers may average about $2,000 per hour, while international flights may start around $10,000 per hour. Check out this private jet charter cost estimator for more information.

Is it worth it to charter a private jet?

If you require flexibility in location and schedule, chartering a private jet may be the perfect option for visiting multiple rural sites in a single day. Private charters have access to airfields that airlines don’t and can offer massive time savings by bypassing TSA and airline delays.

Is it better to own or charter a jet?

Unless you fly more than 300 hours a year, chartering is likely more cost effective than owning. Chartering also provides more flexibility in the types of planes on which you fly and allows you to hunt for deals across charter companies. See this analysis of owning vs. charterin g a private plane for a more detailed breakdown.

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ACS charter experts are available 24/7. Contact us now for a no obligation quote.

Air charter service offers private air charters for business and leisure at the best prices.

For hardworking executives and discerning travellers, flying on a private jet gives you all the convenience of road travel without the limitations of fixed routes and traffic, not to mention saves you an enormous amount of time.

At ACS we work hard to deliver leading-edge private air charter options and services that put you at the center of a personalized, on-demand travel experience whether you’re flying on business or leisure.

Private charter flights for business

A private business jet rental is your fast track to time-saving convenience and travel flexibility. It’s the only truly effective solution for executives, senior management and key personnel who have strict schedules to stick to, meetings in different cities or several site visits in a single day. 

Being able to  hire a private jet anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice is about more than taking back control of your travel schedule. The space and comfort of an executive jet allows you to choose how you’ll spend your time in the air. This could be working on a presentation, meeting with clients or colleagues, or relaxing so you arrive energized for the next push ahead.

With so many popular business planes to choose from, your dedicated jet charter specialist will make sure you always enjoy the ideal aircraft for a particular journey, whether it’s a light jet for domestic travel, a turboprop for those hard to reach areas, or an executive airliner for transcontinental flights.

Need a private business jet rental? Call your local office or 

Private aircraft rental for leisure

Private plane rental for leisure travel is becoming extremely popular. Why? Because we value every moment of our leisure time, which means the journey is as important as the destination. 

When you fly with a small charter airline, like those we work with, you avoid the frustrating issues around commercial air travel – easy airport parking, access to private terminals, no queuing in long security lines, and the peace of mind that your aircraft charter will wait for you if you’re a few minutes late. You can also take more luggage or equipment on board, relax and stretch out in a comfortable recliner, and enjoy good food without a plastic knife or fork in sight.

Whether it’s a short trip for a weekend’s skiing or a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, your dedicated charter expert will guide you through the easy process of booking a private jet and help you choose from a variety of popular private planes to get you and your loved ones to your destination in comfort and with a minimum of fuss. You arrive relaxed, well-rested and ready to make the most of your adventure.

Need a private air charter? Call your local office or

THE EMPYREAN CARD BY AIR CHARTER SERVICE IS THE WORLD'S MOST FLEXIBLE JET CARD

Learn more about our Jet Card to see if we can beat the terms of your current product.

OUR PRIVATE JET CHARTER PROCESS

We take the confusion out of chartering a private jet with a simple, four-stage process. Your dedicated charter consultant, backed up by our global network of offices and 24-hour operations team, ensure no matter what your requirements, your charter goes off without a hitch.

Why charter a private jet with ACS?

• Our experience works for you: We have over 25 years’ experience transporting people across the globe with bespoke charter services.
• Luxury and comfort: Flying should be a pleasure – we make your private flight luxurious, comfortable and convenient, whether you’re focused on productivity or a great start to your vacation.
• Discretion and security: An ACS charter guarantees your privacy, and where necessary, we work closely with your security provider on all aspects of your charter.
• Take control of your schedule: Connect with commercial flights or fly to your own timetable – whatever your time and location requirements, we put together charter flights that suit you.
• Access to more airports: You can charter to or from a remote location, leaving from an airfield with little or no infrastructure and landing closer to your final destination at more airports and airfields than a scheduled service would allow.
• Global coverage: No matter where you want to go in the world, our international network of offices puts our local knowledge to work for you on a global scale.
• Private terminal access: Avoid queues and frustrating delays – you can board your private plane just minutes before take-off.
• Cost efficiency: Our buying power and reputation allows us to get the best jet charter prices for you so you always enjoy the most cost-effective solution for your travels.
• Choice of aircraft: With access to 50,000 private airplanes and 130 different aircraft types, we always supply the right aircraft for your trip.
• Personal account manager: Your dedicated charter specialist is available 24/7 to help you with any requirements you may have, from arranging in-flight cuisine to making last minute changes to your flights.

Need an instant price estimate on a charter flight?

If you’re thinking about flying by private jet, our pricing guide is a good place to start.

You can use our price estimate tool to get an approximate cost for an entire aircraft category or individual aircraft types on your requested dates.

Questions about Flying by Private Plane

How do i charter a private jet.

After you’ve inquired about a charter jet, you’ll be assigned a personal charter specialist. This person will send you a selection of quotes to choose from, each of which will have a clear breakdown of aircraft and airports as well as the reasons they’ve been chosen for you. If you want to go ahead, your account manager will make the bookings and send you the flight details. This includes directions to the terminal and any other important information to do with your charter.

Your personal account manager is your go-to person for any questions or requests you have up to the flight and, if possible, they’ll meet you at the terminal to see you off. Throughout the process, they’ll be contactable 24/7, and you can call from anywhere, whenever you like – that’s how easy it can be to rent a private jet!

How do I choose a plane for my private flight?

Your dedicated account manager will narrow down your best options from the many aircraft available to you. When helping you to make your final choice, we always base our advice on your needs for that specific trip. You can take a look at our aircraft guide for more information.

How fast is a private jet?

This depends on the class of jet. Typically, Heavy Jets, Super Midsize Jets and Midsize Jets fly at speeds from 400 to 500 mph, Light Jets around 400 to 480 mph, and Turboprops at 220 to 315 mph. But keep in mind when choosing a charter jet, that the speed of an aircraft can be affected by things like headwinds, jet streams, altitude, flight turbulence, weather conditions, and the number of passengers and baggage onboard.

How far can a private jet fly?

Heavy jets are designed to carry as many people and as much baggage as possible over longer distances. Used mainly for international travel, the average range of a Heavy Jet is 7,000 miles or eight hours of nonstop flying time.

Midsize Jets are a good choice if you want to fly 2,450 miles – that would be the equivalent of flying from New York to Los Angeles in less than five hours without having to stop to refuel. But keep in mind that the distance an aircraft can fly depends on a number of things like payload which includes the number of passengers and baggage onboard as well as the amount of fuel carried and wind and weather conditions.

Light jets that usually seat four to eight people, are a luxurious way to travel distances of up to 1,500 miles before having to refuel, or three to four hours of flying time. Turboprops are especially cost-efficient over distances of 600 to 1,000 miles.

How much luggage can I take with me on charter flights?

We will let you know how much the hold can take on the aircraft you’ve chosen. You will be able to upgrade if you need more space. Usually, you would be able to take more baggage with you on a private aircraft rental than on a commercial airline. You might need to upgrade if taking onboard items like golf clubs or skis.

When do I need to check-in before my charter flight?

When using private terminals, you can check in much closer to take-off than on a commercial airline flight. Sometimes you can arrive just 15 minutes before your airplane is due to depart, and in some cases you can be driven directly to the aircraft for boarding.

Can I fly with my pet on a charter flight?

Yes, although there are rules when flying into or out of the US with a companion animal. They will need a pet passport as well as being microchipped, and their rabies vaccinations must be up to date. A private air charter is one of the kindest ways to transport your pet from one destination to another.

How much is a private jet flight?

The cost of a private plane rental depends on the distance you travel and the aircraft you’ve chosen. A short 40-minute flight in a small plane could cost around $2,800, while the price of a 1.5-hour flight in a Midsize Jet will be closer to $34,500. As the size of jet and flight times increase, how much you’ll pay to rent a private jet will also increase.

How to book a private jet

If you want to find out more about chartering a private plane, you can speak to our team about all the benefits there are to flying private. In a hurry? Get an instant private jet cost estimate as a starting point. We’d also be happy to speak to you about your other options for flexible, cost-effective travel, like our short-haul air taxi service or our jet card that gives you a range of benefits that are unmatched by any other product on the private aviation market.

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How much is it to charter a private jet?

Private jet charter has long been associated with exclusivity and convenience in the world of luxury travel. While the benefits are undeniable, renting a private jet is more expensive than purchasing tickets for a regular scheduled flight. The cost of private jet rental can vary significantly due to several factors. Understanding the components of private jet rental costs helps potential seekers of luxurious experiences grasp why each private flight is unique and why quotations can vary significantly.

This article aims to explore the various factors that influence private jet charter costs. Additionally, we will provide indicative prices for popular private jet routes, offering valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions for your next travel adventure.

Factors Affecting Private Jet Charter Costs

Aircraft type.

The type of aircraft you choose impacts the cost of your private jet charter. From light jets for shorter flights to spacious ultra-long-range jets, each category comes with its own price range and characteristics. It is important to consider your budget, travel needs, and desired level of comfort when selecting the right aircraft for your journey.

Trip Length

The duration of your trip plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Longer flights incur higher costs due to factors like fuel consumption and crew expenses. Longer flights require more fuel to cover the distance. This can significantly increase the overall cost of the trip. Additionally, longer flights also mean more hours for the crew, which can lead to higher expenses in terms of salaries and other related costs.

Travel Periods

During peak travel seasons or busy periods, such as holidays or major events, demand for private jet charters increases. This surge in demand puts pressure on the private jet operators to accommodate the increased requests, resulting in a limited availability of aircraft and crew. Because of the high demand and limited supply, prices for private jet charters may increase during these peak periods.

Airport Landing Fees

Airports differ in their landing fees, which directly affects the total cost of your private jet charter. Major airports and popular destinations necessitate more resources and infrastructure to handle the high volume of flights, leading to higher fees for private jet operators. In contrast, smaller and less congested airports not only have comparatively lower landing fees but also provide a cost-effective choice by offering increased flexibility and convenience. These airports are typically less crowded and have shorter wait times for takeoff and landing, enhancing the overall efficiency and value of your private jet experience.

Additional Services

Private jet charters elevate the travel experience through a variety of additional services. These encompass in-flight catering, WI-FI connectivity, ground transportation, customized cabins, and more. These services are designed to create a personalized and unforgettable journey. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that these services also contribute to the higher cost of private jet rentals.

Indicative private jet rental costs

Here are a few examples of popular business and leisure routes, along with the prevailing market rates for on-demand charter services.

Prices are subjected to the aircraft availability.

To get a more accurate estimate of private jet charter costs, please get a quote from our private jet charter team now..

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Auxerre Angers Loire Aix-lex-Milles Bourges Chalon-Sur-Saône Cherbourg Dijon Dole Lorient Marseille Nimes Paris Paris CDG Reims Toulouse Toulouse TLS Tours Troyes

IVORY COAST

Tokyo Haneda Tokyo Narita Kansai Osaka

Agadir Casablanca Dakhla Marrakech Rabat

Muscat Salalah

Barcelona Ibiza Madrid Madrid-Torrejón Malaga

Abu Dhabi Dubai DWC/OMDW Dubai DXB/OMDB (Global HQ)

Kiev Zhuliany

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What Is The Price Of A Boeing 757 Private Jet?

• The Boeing 757 transitioned to a sought-after private jet, with prices ranging from $20 million to $40 million for pre-owned ones.
• High customization needs drive up the price - gold-plated furnishings, marble, advanced tech, and lavish amenities are a big factor.
• The high operating costs of the Boeing 757, including fuel consumption, maintenance, hangar storage, and crew salaries, make it astonishingly expensive.

First introduced in the 1980s, the Boeing 757 immediately became a popular aircraft choice by many airlines worldwide, thanks to its impressive range, profitable capacity, and excellent performance. Although the type has mostly disappeared from the commercial aviation sector, it continues to thrive healthily in the private aviation industry after becoming of interest to numerous high-profile flyers.

These flyers include high-net-worth individuals, prominent and private corporations, and even government officials. Seeing as how the Boeing 757 has transitioned from being a once-popular commercial aircraft to a now highly sought-after private jet , one might wonder how this change affects the price of the aircraft. Let's find out.

What is the base price of a Boeing 757?

While the actual base price of a single Boeing 757 in the 1980s is uncertain at this time of writing, it's worth noting that the initial list price for the -200 variant was about $45 million in the 1980s before it dropped to between $36 and $37 million. As another rough gauge, the bulk orders from the airlines back then saw prices of approximately $2 billion for fifty of these medium-to-long-range aircraft going to American Airlines .

British Airways and Eastern Airlines' orders for a total of 40 of the Boeing 757 back then also saw an estimated cost of $1.3 billion. However, since Boeing ceased aircraft production in 2004 due to high production costs, the only place available to get the aircraft would be the pre-owned market. In today's prices, a used Boeing 757 aircraft still configured for commercial aviation goes from as low as $1.5 million to as high as $10 million.

But when looking at the price of a privately configured pre-owned Boeing 757, the difference is quite significant, with prices starting from around $20 million at least and upwards to $40 million. While keeping in mind that those prices are for pre-owned aircraft, private owners such as ex-US President Donald Trump have a prized Boeing 757 private jet that costs a massive $100 million, and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has the same aircraft that is priced at $170 million .

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What makes the aircraft so expensive?

Considering the significant jump in prices for a pre-owned commercially configured Boeing 757 and a private jet-configured version of the aircraft, one might question why. Once an owner acquires a pre-owned Boeing 757, they will most definitely want to beautify the aircraft according to their personal preference, aesthetics, and usage , hence the pain to their wallets.

These customizations often contribute the heaviest to the private jet's overall pricing, and can include options such as changing the interior layout and configuration. Some owners would want private sleeping quarters, bathrooms, living quarters with kitchens, meeting rooms for business talks, and other different quarters. There's also the use of luxurious materials, such as how some owners would want gold-plated furnishings, while others would prefer expensive marble instead.

There's also the customization option to include a lot of high-end technology. For instance, Abramovich upgraded his Boeing 757 private jet to include a master bedroom, a dining room, a lounge, a kitchen, and an office, as well as a radar jamming device, an anti-missile system, and even bulletproof windows for top security. As for Trump's private jet, the ex-president has a bathroom with a gold-plated sink, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, a video conferencing system, and even a satellite phone system.

Any other contributing factors?

Besides the personal customization options, the high price for a Boeing 757 private jet can also be attributed to the high operating cost of the aircraft itself - which was primarily what played into its eventual demise from the commercial aviation industry . With fuel prices being a long-term significant expense, the inefficient fuel consumption of the Boeing 757 makes it an extremely expensive aircraft to operate, especially for long-haul flights as fuel cost could average at least $7,000 per hour of flight.

Then there is also the required hangar storage and additional fees, as the Boeing 757 is no small aircraft and owners would have to incur quite a hefty expense when the aircraft is on the ground. On average, the annual hangar expense for this aircraft can be around $175,000, and when paired with the insurance premium for the aircraft, which is likely substantial due to its size and high value, the total is already likely over $300,000.

Not forgetting the required maintenance and repairs for the aircraft, which can cost around $1,700 per hour for the maintenance labor and about $1,400 per hour for the parts. In addition, overall crew salaries to the pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and contractors could total at least $700,000 per year, and training expenses per annum could add up to at least $125,000, so it's beginning to make sense why the Boeing 757 private jet is shockingly high as owners are paying at the very least, over $6 million per year for it.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here !

Are charters equally expensive?

Despite the overwhelmingly high price tag, the Boeing 757 private jet still appeals greatly to certain buyers worldwide due to the aircraft's relatively impressive specifications concerning range and performance and its large cabin that provides ample space for unlimited customization to their preferences and needs. But since owning a Boeing 757 private jet might not be the best financial decision, some might look into chartering it for flights to get the experience.

For some, chartering might also help with savings as, on average at this time of writing, the hourly rate for chartering a Boeing 757 private aircraft is around $19,800 per hour, which is slightly pricier than the average hourly rate of chartering a Boeing Business Jet for about $16,800. However, there are slightly more expensive private charters - such as special and exclusive flight journeys across the globe with international five-star hotel chain Four Seasons on its VIP-configured Boeing 757 private jet .

Nicknamed the Four Seasons Jet, this aircraft is fitted with a luxurious interior of comfortable lie-flat seating, a kitchen with locally sourced food, and even an onboard chef and physician. This charter welcomes high-net-worth individuals for different 10-day trips to destinations worldwide with the hotel chain's holiday packages, for a price of around $2 million just to charter the aircraft.

Stock Code: BA

Date Founded: 1916-07-15

CEO: Dave Calhoun

Headquarters Location: Chicago, USA

Key Product Lines: Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

Business Type: Planemaker

Simple Flying

How much does it cost to own & operate a hondajet.

If you are budgeting for a private jet next year and a HondaJet is in your sights, this might help you steer in the right direction.

• HondaJet is a fuel-efficient private aircraft with a capacity of up to six people.
• Owning a private jet can be costly, but there are ways to offset expenses.
• Costs for a HondaJet can vary, with estimates ranging from $200,000 to $919,144 annually.

HondaJet is one of the most technologically advanced and fuel efficient aircraft on the private aviation market. With a total capacity of up to six people (including flight crew), HondaJet can fly a range of 1,223 NM (1,407 miles, 2,265 km) with a cruise speed of 422 knots (486 mph, 7882 km/h).

Irrespective of the size or type of jet, owning and operating a private jet is a very high-cost adventure. There are ways to offset those expenses, such as welcoming paying passengers or signing up for fractional private jet ownership – similar to timesharing a condo – and sharing direct and indirect costs of having a business aircraft to your name. At the same time, not all private jets are created equally, even if AvGeeks love them equally since there are very different types of jets, ranging from light to heavy or long-range aircraft.

One such aircraft is the HondaJet, developed and built by a subsidiary of Japan’s Honda, the same company that makes cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and even marine engines. Nevertheless, the HondaJet has become one of the most iconic private aircraft, with its unique design exemplified by the over-the-wing engine mounts, which are not a sight you will typically see when visiting an airport. Nevertheless, if you ever wished to own a HondaJet, how much money would you have to reserve to fuel your passion and the aircraft?

Interested in private aviation? Find more articles like this here.

HondaJet operating costs

• NBAA IFR Range (4 occupants): 1547 nm (2865 km)
• Maximum Cruise Speed (FL300, ISA): 422 KTAS (782 km/h)
• Takeoff Distance (SL, ISA, MTOW): 3,699 ft (1,128 m)
• Landing Distance (4 Occupants, NBAA IFR Reserves, Unfactored): 2717 ft (829 m)

Owning an aircraft can be split into two categories regarding costs: fixed and variable. Fixed costs include depreciation, rentals, insurance, and others, such as various fees. Variable costs include fuel and other lubricants, maintenance, and crew-related expenses, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . In comparison, commercial airlines also have direct (fixed and variable costs) and indirect costs, such as promotional or marketing expenses, sales costs, and others, making up a complicated equation to be profitable.

Still, cost estimates differ. For example, evoJets estimated that the acquisition costs of a HondaJet are between $5 million and $6 million, with annual fees, including depreciation, around $1.1 million. Meanwhile, direct operating expenses are $1,080 per flight hour (FH), which includes fuel, maintenance, crew, and other costs. Being certified as single-pilot aircraft, those fixed costs can be relatively low, with evoJets naming a ballpark of around $200,000 of annual fixed costs.

Meanwhile, SherpaReport shows that the base price for a new HondaJet Elite S, the HondaJet variant that was unveiled in May 2021 and was replaced by the HondaJet Elite II, was $5.4 million, with a pre-owned HondaJet HA-420 starting at $2.5 million. However, prices vary between aircraft due to age, FH, flight cycles (FC), condition, and other factors.

In addition, SherpaReport estimated that the variable costs for a 300 nautical mile (555.6 kilometers) mission was $922, while flying to a destination 1,000 NM (1,852 km) away, the variable expenses are $2,691. Summarizing its estimates, the company indicated that with the aircraft averaging 250 FH per year, the total annual fixed costs would be $311,443, yearly variable owner costs would be $242,625, and total annual trip support costs would be $25,220, coming to a total yearly cost of $583,288.

High Efficiency: The Top 5 Private Jets With The Lowest Fuel Burn

Lastly, the Aircraft Cost Calculator said that flying 450 hours per year would have fixed costs of $328,744 and variable costs of $590,400, and the annual budget would be $919,144. If flying an additional 200 charter hours, the same costs go up by $143,344, $590,400, and $733,744, respectively.

In terms of flying hour, the 5-passenger HondaJet HA-420 costs $1,134.90 per hour to operate, as estimated by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) . The hourly cost is inclusive of fuel, maintenance (parts and labor), engine reserves, crew travel, catering, cabin supplies, landing and parking fees, and auxiliary power units, if applicable. The AOPA provides a very comprehensive list of variable costs boiled down to just one number, i.e. cost per hour.

HondaJet characteristics

Exterior dimensions.

• Length: 42.62 ft (12.99 m)
• Wing Span: 39.76 ft (12.12 m)
• Height: 14.90 ft (4.54 m)

Interior Dimensions

• Length: 17.80 ft (5.43 m)
• Width: 5.00 ft (1.52 m)
• Height: 4.83 ft (1.47 m)

Baggage Space

• Combined Stowage: 62 cubic ft
• Aft Compartment: 53 cubic ft
• Nose Compartment: 9 cubic ft

So, what does that money get you? According to Honda Aircraft Company, the latest iteration of the business aircraft, the HondaJet Elite II, is the “continuation of the Elite program’s vision to redefine the very light jet category with superior performance and efficiency born from aerodynamic breakthrough.”

The aircraft manufacturer advertised that the HondaJet Elite II’s range is 1,547 NM (2,865 km), with a maximum cruise speed at FL300 being 422 knots true airspeed (KTAS, 782 km/h) and a takeoff distance of 3,699 feet (1,128 meters). The landing distance with four occupants is 2,717 ft (829 m).

HondaJet Elite II Gets FAA Certification - Here's What $7 Million Buys