When trying to determine whether a private jet will fit into your budget, typically flying time is only considered in charter plane costs. However, that’s not always the case. Private jet travel is often charged by the hour but there are a few different factors that also play into private jet charter cost.

Let’s highlight the major areas of consideration when it comes to charter plane cost: 

How Different Types of Aircraft Affect Charter Flight Cost

When estimating charter flight costs, aircraft type is the first factor that should be considered. The size and weight of the plane selected will guide the costs of flying, as bigger planes with higher capacities will have a higher cost per flight hour. 

We offer our charter clients access to a variety of aircraft. Some of the basic types of aircraft include:

VLJ (Very Light Jets): Also known as personal jets or microjets, VLJs are an economical solution for frequent flyers. Designed for short-to-medium length flights, these Very Light Jets are perfect for flying non-stop to popular U.S. cities for meetings and family vacations. A VLJ is the way to go when determining the best type of aircraft to select to keep charter plane costs low for groups between 4 and 7.

Light Jets: Ideal for larger groups, light jets were crafted to carry groups of 6 to 10 in luxury. While still budget-friendly, charter flight costs for light jets maintain the same security of a small, personal jet but make it easier to conduct meetings while in-air.

Midsize Jets: Midsize jets are one of the most popular types of charter planes. While they aren’t as economical as the smaller, lightweight jets, midsize aircraft often make coast-to-coast flights without needing to refuel and seat 7 to 10 passengers.

Super Midsize: Offering comfort, luxury, and speed, super-midsize jets are a perfect solution for groups of 8 to 14. Super midsize jets have a longer non-stop flight range than midsize, light, and VLJ planes, which balances between luxury and decreased air time in regard to private jet charter costs.

Heavy: Heavy jets are known for spacious luxury but they’re also a great solution to save downtime on non-stop intercontinental travel, as far as charter plane cost goes. Heavier than light and midsize jets, heavy jets are great for travelers looking to rest on flight ranges up to seven thousand nautical miles. With seating from 10 to 19, heavy jets are usually the best solution for teams that need to convene.

Jet Airliners: Film production and live entertainment companies find the charter flight cost of jet airliners to be perfect for ensuring that there’s enough cargo space for their gear, and for their teams. With seating from 120 to 470, jet airliners are great at keeping large groups together.

Charter Plane Costs by the Hour

Based on the type of aircraft selected, private jet charter costs can vary by the hour, typically landing somewhere between a range of $1,000 to $9,000 per flight hour.

Generally speaking, Light Jets that seat 4 to 8 passengers and typically range between $2,600 to $3,500 per flight hour.

Midsize Jets that seat between 6 and 8 range from $3,100 to $4,100 per flight hour. Super Midsize Jets that seat 8 to 10 cost between $4,400 to $4,600 per flight hour.

Heavy Jets that seat between 9 and 19 passengers are in the $5,000 to $7,000 range per flight hour.

Private Jet Charter Cost and Destinations

Where are you going? How far away is it from your departure location?

Yes, we did already cover flight time as being a major factor in affecting charter plane cost but there’s a variety of reasons why destinations that are quite a distance away can affect cost significantly.

Consider where you’re going and how that can change cost—not that you need to change where you’re vacationing, but maybe where you’re landing. Certain airports charge additional fees for landing. These landing fees, which usually range from $100 to $500, are based on a combination of the size and weight of your aircraft. 

To get a better idea of what your private jet charter cost will be, consider the differences in landing costs at different airports. If landing fees are a concern, please let your STM Charters Operations Coordinator know and we will work with you to make your flying experience as seamless as possible.

For help estimating the costs of your private jet charter, contact us today to get in touch with one of our air charter consultants.