Private Jet Charter Cost

By Ricky Gomulka

Updated August 18, 2022

Fact Checked By Kevin Bales

The average cost to charter a private jet ranges from about $1,800 to $14,000 per flying hour. The price varies based on the jet’s size and type. For example, smaller jets cost around $1,800 to $2,300 per hour, midsize jets range from $6,400 to $8,000 per hour, and larger jets are between $10,000 and $14,000 per hour. Renting a Gulfstream G650 plane costs about $10,000 per hour. For a 5-hour flight, it would be around $50,000. Plus, there are extra charges for landing at airports.
Chartering a private jet offers unparalleled luxury and convenience, but what does it truly cost? Here at JetLevel Aviation, we simplify this complex equation for you. in this comprehensive guide, you’ll find real-world case studies, a private plane charter cost estimator, and insights into the true cost of chartering a private jet. New to JetLevel Aviation? Sign up for our daily newsletter for industry insights and special deals.

What Will Your Private Charter Flight Cost Really Amount to?

KJFK ⇾ KMIA 947 nm New York (KJFK) John F Kennedy International Airport Distance 947 nm Time (est.) 2h 8m Miami (KMIA) Miami International Airport

KJFK ⇾ KMIA New York (KJFK) John F Kennedy International Airport Distance 947 nm Time (est.) 2h 8m Miami (KMIA) Miami International Airport

Case Study: New York to Miami on a Learjet 60

Let’s consider a hypothetical route from New York to Miami for a more concrete understanding. First, the aircraft type is a pivotal factor. A mid-size jet, such as a Learjet 60, which can cover the distance between New York and Miami at approximately 525 miles per hour, might be suitable for this journey. This means the flight would take roughly 2.1 hours, although companies typically charge for a minimum of 2 hours per day, rounding up our flight time for costing purposes. The hourly rate, influenced by aircraft type and size, contributes substantially to the overall cost. A Learjet 60 might come at around $6400 per hour, contributing to the private charter flight cost, resulting in a base flight cost of $12,800 for this 2-hour trip. However, the cost doesn’t end here. Another factor to consider is positioning. If the aircraft has to fly back to its home base empty, this “empty leg” flight often doubles the base flight cost, which brings our total to around $25,600 so far for the New York to Miami journey. Additional fees also contribute to the overall cost, including landing fees, ramp fees, and any overnight fees if the journey requires the crew to stay overnight. These charges can vary widely but, for the sake of this example, could add an extra $2,000, thus raising the total cost to approximately $27,600. While this example gives a basic idea of how jet charter costs are calculated, it’s essential to remember that various other components may influence the final price. These can include the aircraft’s age and model, international fees for cross-border flights, fuel surcharges in response to fluctuating fuel prices, crew overnight expenses for multi-day trips, and specific requested services such as onboard catering or ground transportation. Therefore, the total cost of our example private jet charter from New York to Miami could range between $27,600 to $30,000 or even more, depending on the numerous factors mentioned. It’s always important to discuss these details with your charter company to gain a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved in your specific charter flight.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
Chartering a private jet typically costs between $1,300 to $13,000 per hour, depending on the jet type and flight requirements. Light jets are generally more affordable, while larger jets are costlier.

Other Influencers

  • Aircraft’s age and model
  • International fees
  • Fuel surcharges
  • Onboard catering
  • Ground transportation
Expert Insight: “Always ask for the all-inclusive price to avoid any last-minute surprises,” says Ricky Gomulka, a Founder & Managing Partner of JetLevel Aviation.

Interactive Cost Calculator

For a quick and easy way to estimate these costs, feel free to use our private plane charter cost estimator to get a personalized estimate, helping you plan your dream private jet charter with greater accuracy and confidence.

How Does The Cost of Chartering a Private Jet Work?

The majority of automatic pricing jet cost estimators obtain the data from a national database where operators have uploaded them with a set hourly minimum cost. They merely retrieve that data depending on your search requirements, while the app raises the price by 15-30% over what we regularly see. This is not a restricted cost but a mere estimate. The original cost can vary from the estimated one depending on the fuel cost at that time and other variables, affecting the charter flight prices.

What is Needed to Acquire an Accurate Estimate

See the source image A private jet cost-estimator is super-convenient to use and gives you the cost estimate within seconds. There are a variety of estimators available, but the basic requirements are always similar. An estimator requires a few steps of information to bring an accurate estimate. These four steps include
  1. Select either One-way or Round Trip
  2. Enter your departing airport/city information
  3. Enter your travel destination
  4. Your email/contact information for discounted rates
Estimator brings about the jet cost perfectly aligned with your demands. It also comes up with more than one jet option and cost estimation. You can choose from various jets such as very light jets, light jets, midsize jets, or Heavy jets per your feasibility and budget.

Factors affecting private jet charter pricing?
The cost of chartering a private jet is influenced by aircraft type, flight duration, route, additional services, and the time of booking. Operational costs like fuel, crew, and maintenance also play a role.

Factors Determining The Cost of Chartering a Private Jet


There is not one factor that can estimate the cost of chartering a private jet; chartered flight costs are influenced by a myriad of variables such as aircraft size, maintenance cost, insurance fee, and more as detailed below.
  • Aircraft Size: The size of the aircraft directly affects the cost. Bigger jets offer more amenities but come at a higher price.
  • Maintenance Cost: Routine and unexpected maintenance can inflate the cost of a private jet charter. Always check for maintenance fees.
  • Insurance Fee: Jet charter companies usually include insurance costs in the fee, covering risks like accidents and loss of luggage.
  • Airport Landing Fee: Aircraft landing fees are additional costs to consider, varying by airport and influenced by the size and weight of the jet.
  • Federal Excise Tax (FET): In the USA, FET is levied on private jet charters and is usually 7.5% of the total cost, affecting the final price.
  • Passenger Segment Fees: Additional per-passenger fees may apply, especially for international flights, impacting the overall cost of your charter.
  • Fuel Surcharges: Fluctuating fuel prices lead to varying fuel surcharges, affecting the total cost of your private jet charter experience.
  • Fixed-Based Operator Facility Fee: FBO fees cover the cost of using airport facilities like lounges and hangars, varying by location.
  • Number of Passengers: The passenger count influences the cost. Higher numbers may necessitate larger, more expensive jets.
  • Flight Crew: The number and expertise of the flight crew can add to the charter cost. Expect to pay more for experienced pilots.
  • Additional Facilities: Extra amenities like gourmet meals or extra cargo space can incrementally increase the cost of your private jet experience.

External Factors Influencing The Cost of Chartering a Private Jet

cost of chartering a private jet Apart from these, a few other factors greatly influence the cost of private jet travel; these include

Availability of the required aircraft

The availability of the preferred private jet is the most significant factor to consider. That’s why it’s always better to search for aircraft closest to your starting location to reduce repositioning expenses. This will significantly impact the cost if the aircraft has to cover a long distance to the departure location. It is essential to do an in-depth analysis of these factors before hiring a jet, as fuel cost is the significant price determinant of air travel.

Duration of private jet stay at the airport before return

Another essential factor that you may overlook is the post-flight stay of the aircraft at the airport. The airport fee will be lower if you are on a one-day trip. But for more than one day trip, the cost of empty leg flights or private jet stay at the airport will be higher. In both cases, you have to bear higher expenses. To know the total cost of a private jet, you need to consider all these factors. You have the privilege to add or exclude additional facilities and adjust the price accordingly.

Seasonal and Geographical Variations

Be aware that costs can fluctuate depending on the season and departure location. For example, de-icing in winter can add to your expenses.

Tips for Savings

While chartering a private jet is often considered a luxury, there are ways to save on costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most value for your money:

Empty Leg Flights:

What They Are: An “empty leg” flight is a flight where the aircraft is returning to its home base or another location without passengers after dropping off passengers at a previous destination. How to Find Them: Many charter companies list their upcoming empty leg flights on their websites. There are also specialized apps and services that notify you when an empty leg flight is available on your desired route. Savings Potential: Empty leg flights can offer savings of up to 75% compared to a standard charter fare. However, these flights are less flexible in terms of timing and destinations. Caveats: While they are much cheaper, these flights are usually non-refundable and can be canceled or changed without much notice.

Off-Peak Booking

What It Is: Off-peak hours generally refer to times when there’s less demand for flights, such as weekdays or outside of holidays and busy seasons. How It Works: Flying during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your charter costs. This is because operators are more willing to negotiate prices when their aircraft would otherwise be sitting idle. Savings Potential: The savings can vary, but some travelers have reported saving up to 20% by flying during off-peak times. Best Times: Weekdays are generally less expensive than weekends. Also, flying during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can be more affordable than during peak summer and winter months. Caveats: If you’re flying internationally, consider time zones and local peak travel times. Always consult the charter company for the most accurate and current pricing information.

Average Cost of Chartering a Private Jet

Private jet charter rates, a significant component of the private charter flight cost, vary based on various criteria, but the primary factor influencing the price is the size of a private jet. Hence, smaller jets are more affordable with a 4-8 passenger capacity. A turboprop charter costs roughly $1700-4300 per hour, but a large jet charter costs over $12000-16000 per hour.
Jet Type Passenger’s Capacity Range (nautical miles) Hourly Average Cost
Turboprop  6-8 seats Up to 900 $1,800 – $2,300
Very Light Jets 4-5 seats Up to 1350 $3,000 – $3,800
Light Jets 6-8 seats Up to 1200 $5,400 – $6300
Midsize Jets 7-9 seats Up to 2760 $6,400 – $8,000
Super Midsize Jet 8-10 seats Up to 3500 $8,900-10,000
Heavy Jets 10-16 Up to 7500 $10,000-$14,000
Ultra Long-Range 12-19 Up to 6250 $14,000 – $16,000

What Determines the Cost? A Detailed Analysis

We provide clients with a selection of aircraft and several pricing options within their affordable range. We aim to provide clients with information about each airline’s operational history and aircraft capabilities to make informed purchase selections. To provide customers with the most accurate private jet charter trip cost estimate, our flight experts evaluate all cost-influencing factors, such as
  • Normal accessibility,
  • Seasonal costs such as deicing
  • Fees for airports and landings.
You can avail of expert services for estimation who will carry out the analysis, keeping in mind all the significant factors. Request a detailed market analysis tailored to your needs.

Private jet charter cost estimator and savings tips?
Estimating the cost of a private jet charter involves considering the aircraft type, flight length, and extra services. To save money, consider flexible travel dates, choosing smaller aircraft, or opting for empty leg flights.

The Bottom Line

This guide brings out a detailed review of how much does a charter flight cost, unraveling all the factors influencing the cost of chartering a private jet. While every bit of detail required for estimation is mentioned in the blog. Hence, you can find everything about air travel estimation in one place and don’t need to roam from one website to another. Use our interactive calculator and expert services to get the most accurate estimates for your specific needs. Ready to experience luxury like never before? Request a quote for your private flight today! Request a Quote for a Private Flight

Frequently Asked Questions on Chartered Flight Costs


How much does it cost to rent a private jet for a month?

Private jet flights are usually priced by the hour. The cost can vary depending on factors like the size of the plane, the duration of the journey, and the number of passengers on board. Typically, a private aircraft charter can cost between $1,200 and $12,000 per hour based on type of aircraft.

How much does it cost to charter a small plane?

The cost of chartering a small plane varies and can be anything between $1,800 and $14,000 per billable flying hour. This category encompasses everything from modest turboprops to the most expensive luxury business jets. For example, if you are looking to charter a midsize jet for a 2.5-hour one-way flight, you might also need to account for landing fees of around $750.00 and a fuel surcharge of approximately $550.00.

How to charter a plane for cheap?

Most charter companies offer what are known as “empty leg” flights. These are flights where the plane is flying back empty after completing a prior journey. These flights are often offered at a fraction of their original cost, as a way for the charter company to save on fuel and other expenses.

How much is it to rent a private jet per hour?

The charter flight prices per hour for private jets the most cost-effective private jets, such as Turboprops, Very Light Jets, and Executive Light Jets, have hourly rates ranging from $1,800 to $6,300. Midsize or Super Midsize Jets will cost between $6,400 to $10,000 per hour. In the United States, Heavy and Ultra Long-Range Jets will generally cost between $10,000 to $14,000 per hour, and probably more in other countries.