Westwind Charter Cost Breakdown
The Westwind is a Mid Jet aircraft seating 8 passengers with a cruise speed of 460 kt and 2,570 NM range. Charter rates for the Westwind fall between $4,000 and $6,500 per flight hour.
Your total trip cost depends on flight time, positioning, airport fees, and applicable taxes. The hourly rate covers the aircraft, crew, and fuel for your mission.
What's Included in the Price
Included in Hourly Rate
- Aircraft and professional crew (2 pilots)
- Fuel for your route
- Standard insurance coverage
- Basic cabin provisions (water, snacks)
Additional Costs (Billed Separately)
- Federal Excise Tax (FET): 7.5% on domestic US flights
- Positioning fee: If the aircraft must fly to your departure airport
- Landing & ramp fees: Vary by airport ($100–$1,000+)
- Crew overnight: $400–$800 per night if applicable
- Catering: $200–$2,000+ depending on request
- De-icing: $500–$3,000 in winter months
Sample Trip Costs on the Westwind
Estimated total costs based on average Westwind charter rates. Actual pricing varies by operator and availability.
| Route | Flight Time | Est. Cost | Airports |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 2.8h | $14,700 | TEB→MIA |
| Los Angeles → Las Vegas | 1h | $5,250 | VNY→LAS |
| Chicago → Dallas | 2.3h | $12,075 | PWK→ADS |
| New York → Los Angeles | 5.2h | $27,300 | TEB→VNY |
| Miami → Bahamas | 0.8h | $4,200 | OPF→NAS |
Cost vs Similar Aircraft
How does the Westwind compare to other Mid Jet options?
| Aircraft | Hourly Rate | Speed | Range | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwind | $4,000–$6,500 | 460 kt | 2,570 NM | 8 |
| Citation XLS | $4,000–$6,500 | 441 kt | 2,100 NM | 9 |
| Hawker 800XP | $4,000–$6,500 | 448 kt | 2,540 NM | 9 |
| Citation Excel | $4,000–$6,500 | 430 kt | 1,858 NM | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions about charter costs
A Westwind charters at approximately $4,000–$6,500 per flight hour. Your total trip cost includes flight time, fuel, crew, positioning, and applicable taxes. Contact The Jet Finder for an all-inclusive quote.
The Westwind hourly rate ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 depending on the operator, aircraft age, cabin configuration, and market demand. Peak season rates may be higher.
The Westwind burns approximately 180 gallons per hour. At current jet fuel prices, fuel alone accounts for roughly $1,080–$1,350 per hour of the total charter cost.
The charter rate for a Westwind is the same regardless of passenger count — up to the 8-seat maximum. With a full cabin, the per-person cost drops to as low as $656 per hour per passenger.
A typical Westwind charter quote includes the aircraft, professional crew (2 pilots), fuel for the mission, and basic cabin provisions. Additional costs include positioning fees, Federal Excise Tax (7.5%), landing fees, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering.
At an average rate of $5,250/hr and a range of 2,570 NM, a $15,750 budget covers approximately 3 hours of flight time on a Westwind — enough for routes like New York to Miami or Chicago to Dallas.
Both the Westwind and Citation XLS are Mid Jet aircraft with similar hourly rates of $4,000–$6,500. Actual pricing differences depend on the specific aircraft, operator, and route. The Jet Finder can compare quotes from multiple operators.
Empty leg flights on the Westwind are available when aircraft reposition after charter missions. These can offer 25–75% savings off standard rates. Contact The Jet Finder to check current Westwind empty leg availability.
Book 48–72 hours ahead for best Westwind availability. Same-day charters are possible but options may be limited. For peak travel dates, 1–2 weeks advance booking is recommended.
The Westwind cruises at 460 knots with a range of 2,570 NM, seating up to 8 passengers. These specs make it well-suited for coast-to-coast US flights.
There are 4 Westwind aircraft in the FAA registry. The Jet Finder has access to charter operators flying this model across the US and internationally.
No membership required. The Jet Finder operates on a per-trip basis with no annual fees, no commitments, and no hidden charges. Request a Westwind charter quote and fly.
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Every flight is different. Contact our aviation team for a specific, all-inclusive quote based on your route, dates, and aircraft preference.