Midpoint estimate. Range includes base charter, fuel surcharges, and standard landing fees. Excludes gourmet catering, de-icing, and repositioning.
Get a Quote via WhatsAppIn this guide
Pricing by aircraft class (2026)
Charter pricing is governed almost entirely by the aircraft category you choose. Hourly rates reflect fuel burn, crew requirements, maintenance cycles, and the operator's cost of ownership — not simply the cabin size. The table below reflects 2026 market rates across the global fleet.
| Class | Hourly Rate | Typical Range | Max Passengers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Jet | $3,500 – $5,500 | Up to 3 hours | 6 – 8 | Regional hops, small groups |
| Midsize Jet | $5,800 – $9,000 | Up to 5 hours | 8 – 10 | Domestic transcontinental |
| Super Midsize | $9,000 – $12,000 | Up to 7 hours | 10 – 12 | Cross-country, short international |
| Heavy Jet | $12,500 – $18,000 | Up to 10 hours | 14 – 16 | Transatlantic, large groups |
| Ultra Long Range | $19,000 – $28,000 | 12+ hours nonstop | 16 – 18 | Ultra-long haul, global routes |
Key insight
Aircraft class affects more than comfort. A Heavy Jet burns 3–4× the fuel of a Light Jet, and crew minimums double. For routes under 2 hours with fewer than 6 passengers, a Light Jet almost always delivers the best value per seat.
Sample route costs
To ground the numbers, here are real-world charter estimates for popular city pairs in 2026. These reflect a one-way, one-aircraft booking at midmarket rates — peak season and last-minute availability can push prices 20–40% higher.
| Route | Flight Time | Light Jet | Midsize | Heavy Jet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | ~3 hrs | ~$14,000 | ~$22,000 | ~$42,000 |
| London → Ibiza | ~2.5 hrs | ~$18,000 | ~$28,000 | ~$52,000 |
| Dubai → Maldives | ~4 hrs | ~$22,000 | ~$36,000 | ~$68,000 |
| New York → London | ~7 hrs | N/A | ~$80,000 | ~$130,000 |
| Los Angeles → Tokyo | ~12 hrs | N/A | N/A | ~$220,000+ |
Hidden fees decoded
The quoted hourly rate is only the starting point. Savvy charter clients account for the following variables before signing off on a booking — each of which can meaningfully affect your final invoice.
Landing Fees
Charged by airports per arrival. Vary dramatically between small regional strips and major international hubs.
$250 – $2,500 per stopDe-icing
Required in winter conditions to clear ice from wings and control surfaces before departure. Non-negotiable for safety.
$1,500 – $5,000 per flightRepositioning Fees
When the aircraft must fly empty to your departure point, this "ferry time" is billed at the same rate as occupied flight.
50–100% of charter rateCatering
Standard refreshments are included on most charters. Full gourmet catering — chef-prepared multi-course meals — is priced separately.
$150 – $800+ per personInternational Permits
Overflight permits and customs facilitation for international routes require advance coordination and regulatory fees.
$500 – $3,000 per tripCrew Overnight
If your schedule requires the crew to stay overnight at the destination, accommodation and per-diem costs are passed to the client.
$300 – $800 per crew per nightEmpty legs: the smart buyer's edge
When a charter aircraft needs to return to its home base — or reposition for the next booking — it flies empty. Operators offer these "empty leg" flights at 50–75% below standard charter rates to recover some cost rather than flying empty.
The tradeoff is flexibility: departure times and routes are fixed to the operator's needs. For travellers with agenda flexibility, empty legs represent exceptional value, particularly on popular corridors like New York–Miami, London–Ibiza, and Dubai–Geneva.
How to access empty legs
Our concierge team maintains live visibility into repositioning inventory across our global operator network. Send us your origin, destination, and a ±24-hour flexibility window and we'll match you to available inventory — often within the hour.
Request a formal quote
Prefer email over WhatsApp? Submit your details and a concierge will respond within 2 hours.
Enquiry received
Thank you. A concierge will be in touch within 2 hours. For urgent requests, connect via WhatsApp below.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average hourly rate for a private jet in 2026?
Hourly rates span $3,500 (Light Jet) to $28,000+ (Ultra Long Range), depending on aircraft category. Most domestic bookings land between $5,000 and $15,000 per flight hour once fuel surcharges are included.
Can I get a private jet for less than $10,000?
Yes — a Light Jet on a 2-hour domestic leg typically costs $7,000–$11,000 all in. Empty-leg bookings can reduce this further by 50–75%, though times and routes are operator-determined.
What hidden fees should I watch for?
The main variables are landing fees ($250–$2,500), repositioning charges (if the aircraft is based elsewhere), winter de-icing ($1,500–$5,000), overnight crew accommodation, and premium catering. Our quotes itemise every variable upfront.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak travel periods (Christmas, New Year, summer in Europe, Monaco GP) book 4–8 weeks ahead. Off-peak domestic routes can often be arranged within 24–48 hours. Last-minute availability does exist but limits your aircraft choice.