Instant estimates across 7 aircraft categories, any route worldwide
Charter pricing operates on an hourly rate model. The operator sets a per-hour cost for each aircraft type, and your total is calculated by multiplying that rate by the estimated flight time for your route. A Cessna Citation CJ3+ flying New York to Miami at $7,000 per hour for a 2.8-hour flight produces a base cost of approximately $19,600.
That base figure is the starting point. From there, the operator factors in positioning (where the aircraft sits before your flight), fuel surcharges pegged to current Jet-A pricing, landing and handling fees at your destination FBO, crew costs if an overnight is required, and the 7.5% federal excise tax applied to all domestic charter flights.
| Category | Hourly Rate | Speed | Max Range | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | $4,125/hr | 280 mph | 1,200 mi | 4–9 |
| Very Light Jet | $5,940/hr | 392 mph | 1,000 mi | 3–5 |
| Light Jet | $7,700/hr | 403 mph | 1,500 mi | 5–8 |
| Midsize Jet | $9,680/hr | 432 mph | 2,000 mi | 7–9 |
| Super Midsize | $11,550/hr | 450 mph | 3,000 mi | 8–10 |
| Heavy Jet | $12,980/hr | 428 mph | 3,500 mi | 10–16 |
| Ultra Long Range | $18,150/hr | 443 mph | 6,500 mi | 12–19 |
Rates reflect 2026 market averages calibrated against real operator pricing data. Your actual quote will fall within an 8% band of these figures depending on aircraft age, configuration, and operator positioning.
If the aircraft is not based at your departure airport, the operator flies it empty to you. That repositioning cost is built into one-way pricing, which is why round trips are more cost-efficient per leg.
The IRS applies a 7.5% FET to all domestic charter flights, plus a $4.50 per-passenger segment fee. International flights departing the U.S. are subject to a flat $21.10 international departure tax per passenger.
Jet-A fuel prices fluctuate weekly. Most operators quote a base fuel price and apply a surcharge when current prices exceed that baseline. As of April 2026, national average Jet-A is $5.72 per gallon.
Every airport charges landing fees based on aircraft weight. FBO handling fees cover ramp parking, ground power, and passenger services. Combined, these range from $150 for a turboprop to $800+ for a heavy jet at a major metro FBO.
Flights exceeding 4 hours or requiring a layover trigger crew rest requirements. Overnight costs include hotel, meals, and ground transport for two pilots, typically $800-$1,200 per night depending on the destination.
Bookings within 48 hours of departure carry a 10% surcharge. Aircraft availability narrows, crews must be rescheduled, and operators absorb the urgency cost. Planning 7-14 days ahead consistently produces better pricing.
Do not book a heavy jet for a 2-hour flight with 4 passengers. A light jet covers the same route at half the cost. If your route is under 800 miles and you have fewer than 6 passengers, a turboprop or very light jet handles the mission. We will tell you when a smaller aircraft is the better call.
A short-stay round trip (1-3 days) typically costs 1.8x the one-way price rather than 2x, because the aircraft waits at your destination instead of repositioning empty. Longer stays (4+ days) run closer to 2x since the operator may reposition the aircraft for other missions during your stay.
When an aircraft repositions empty after dropping off passengers, operators sell those legs at 25-50% below standard rates. The catch: fixed routes, fixed dates, limited flexibility. If your schedule aligns, the savings are significant.
Teterboro (TEB) landing fees are three times higher than Morristown (MMU), 30 miles west. Scottsdale (SDL) undercuts Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) by a wide margin. Choosing a nearby secondary airport with lower fees and faster ground access often saves $1,000-$3,000 per flight.
Calculator estimates are for planning. For a binding quote with real aircraft availability and final pricing, reach out directly.
Charter costs range from $3,750 per flight hour for a turboprop to $16,500 per flight hour for an ultra-long-range jet. A one-way light jet flight from New York to Miami typically costs between $18,000 and $28,000. Pricing depends on aircraft category, distance, trip type, and market conditions.
The primary factors are aircraft category, route distance, trip type (one-way vs. round-trip), positioning costs, fuel prices, landing and handling fees, crew overnight expenses, federal excise tax (7.5%), and segment fees ($4.50 per passenger). Short-notice bookings within 48 hours typically carry a 10% surcharge.
Yes. Round-trip charters eliminate the empty-leg repositioning cost. A short-stay round trip (1-3 days) typically runs 1.8x the one-way price rather than 2x. Longer stays (4+ days) cost approximately 2x since the aircraft must reposition and return.
Book a turboprop or very light jet for short routes under 1,000 miles. Flexible dates allow operators to offer better positioning. Empty-leg flights can reduce costs by 25-50%. Round-trip bookings also save compared to two separate one-way charters.
Estimates are calibrated against current 2026 market rates and reflect real operator pricing within an 8% band. Actual quotes may vary based on aircraft availability, positioning, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Use these figures for planning; contact us for a binding quote.
A standard charter quote includes the aircraft, two-pilot crew, fuel, landing fees, and basic catering. It does not include ground transportation, premium catering, international handling fees, de-icing, or hangar charges. Federal excise tax of 7.5% and a $4.50 per-passenger segment fee are added to domestic flights.
One-way flights require the aircraft to reposition empty back to its base. The operator absorbs that dead-leg cost and factors it into the one-way price. Round trips eliminate this because the aircraft waits for your return.
For the best pricing and availability, book 7-14 days ahead. Flights can be arranged in as little as 4 hours for domestic routes. Bookings within 48 hours typically incur a 10% short-notice surcharge.