How Much Is It to Rent a Private Jet: A Transparent Guide by Aircraft Type

Renting, also known as chartering, a private jet offers unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and luxury. However, understanding the full costs involved, especially when factoring in additional fees, is crucial to making an informed choice. This comprehensive guide provides clarity on the costs associated with chartering different types of private jets, from Turbo-props to Heavy Jets, along with insights into hidden fees like landing charges, FET (Federal Excise Taxes), catering, and more.

Turbo-Prop Aircraft

Turbo-props offer cost-effective solutions for short to mid-range flights. Typically seating 4-9 passengers, these aircraft are ideal for regional travel.

Hourly Charter Rate: $2,000 - $4,000/hr
Common Models: Swearingen Merlin SA226, Socata TBM 700
Use Cases: Flights under 3 hours (e.g., Miami to Bahamas, NYC to Nantucket)
Amenities Typically Included: Limited storage, small refreshment center, no lavatory or a basic lavatory.

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Very Light Jets (VLJs)

Perfect for quick trips or small groups of 2-4 passengers, VLJs balance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Hourly Charter Rate: $3,000 - $4,500/hr
Common Models: Hondajet Echelon, Cirrus Vision Jet
Use Cases: Short regional flights (e.g., LA to San Francisco, Boston to Philadelphia)
Amenities Typically Included: Limited storage, basic refreshment center, minimal or curtained lavatory.

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Light Jets

Offering slightly larger cabins and longer range than VLJs, Light Jets comfortably seat up to 7 passengers.

Hourly Charter Rate: $4,500 - $6,500/hr
Common Models: Cessna Citation CJ4, Learjet 55
Use Cases: Cross-country flights under 4 hours (e.g., Chicago to New York, Dallas to Atlanta)
Amenities Typically Included: Moderate storage, basic galley or refreshment center, enclosed lavatory.

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Midsize Jets

Ideal for longer flights, midsize jets seat 7-9 passengers with ample cabin space and amenities.

Hourly Charter Rate: $6,500 - $9,500/hr
Common Models: Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS
Use Cases: Flights of 3-5 hours (e.g., NYC to Miami, Los Angeles to Aspen)
Amenities Typically Included: Good storage space, galley or kitchenette, enclosed lavatory, more comfortable seating.

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Heavy Jets

Designed for ultimate luxury, comfort, and range, heavy jets accommodate 10-16 passengers for international and transcontinental travel.

Hourly Charter Rate: $12,500 - $20,000+/hr
Common Models: Gulfstream G550, Dassault Falcon 7X, Global 6500
Use Cases: International or long-haul domestic flights (e.g., New York to London, San Francisco to Tokyo)
Amenities Typically Included: Luxurious and spacious cabin, fully equipped galley with catering options, large storage compartments, fully enclosed lavatories, advanced entertainment systems, private sleeping areas.

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Understanding Additional Costs

Charter rates are just one piece of the puzzle. It is essential to account for additional expenses:

Landing Fees

Charged by airports based on aircraft weight and airport popularity, ranging from $100 at smaller regional airports to over $1,000 at major hubs.

Federal Excise Tax (FET)

FET is 7.5% of the total charter cost and applies to domestic flights within the U.S.

Fuel Surcharges

Depending on current fuel prices and aircraft type, surcharges may add 10-20% to your flight costs.

Catering

Custom catering requests incur additional fees, ranging from $150-$500 for standard orders, or more for specialized menus.

Overnight and Crew Fees

If your trip involves overnight stays, additional fees for crew accommodations and aircraft hangarage average $500-$2,000 per night.

De-icing and Incidental Costs

Seasonal weather conditions might require de-icing services, costing $1,000-$5,000 depending on the aircraft size.

Getting the Best Pricing

With over 35 years in private aviation, Flyte leverages extensive industry relationships to secure competitive pricing and exceptional service. Our partnerships with vetted operators ensure transparent, optimized rates, reducing hidden fees and ensuring a seamless experience.

Flyte Jet Card: A Cost-Effective Option

Flyte's Jet Card program offers prepaid flight hours at fixed hourly rates, providing predictability and savings compared to on-demand charters. Members also enjoy benefits like waived repositioning fees and priority aircraft availability.

Considering chartering a private jet for your next trip? Book online or call us to speak to a Flyte concierge: (833) 359-5893