Private jet categories, compared

From turboprops for island hops to ultra long range jets for intercontinental trips. Typical figures for US charter; the aircraft and operator on your quote set the exact numbers.

Gulfstream jet climbing past snow-covered mountains

Specifications

All categories at a glance

Hourly figures are estimates before the 7.5% federal excise tax and fees. Range is a typical maximum with reserves; passengers, bags, winds and runway length reduce it.

Private jet categories compared
Category	Seats	Typical range	Cabin height	Est. hourly (US)	Examples
Turboprop	6–9	≈ 1,800 nm	≈ 4.8 ft	$1,800–3,200	Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350
Very light jet	4–5	1,400–1,550 nm	≈ 4.8 ft	$2,800–4,200	HondaJet, Citation M2
Light jet	6–8	2,000–2,150 nm	4.8–4.9 ft	$3,500–5,500	Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75
Midsize jet	7–9	≈ 2,100 nm	≈ 5.7 ft	$4,500–7,000	Citation XLS+
Super-midsize	8–10	3,200–4,000 nm	≈ 6.0 ft	$6,500–9,500	Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600
Large cabin	10–16	4,000–4,300 nm	6.0–6.2 ft	$8,500–13,000	G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS
Ultra long range	13–19	7,500–7,700 nm	6.2 ft+	$12,000–20,000+	G650ER, Global 7500

Flight deck of a single-engine aircraft with control yoke and glass displays

Turboprop

Short runways, short hops

Turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350 cruise more slowly than jets but use runways many jets cannot, which makes them the practical choice for islands and small regional airports. On trips under about 90 minutes the time difference is small and the saving can be large.

Seats: 6–9
Range: ≈ 1,800 nm
Est. hourly: $1,800–3,200
Examples: Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350

Good for

Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the islands
Regional trips of up to two hours
Small airports close to the destination

Light business jet parked on a wet ramp under grey skies

Light jet

The workhorse for regional trips

Light jets carry six to eight passengers on trips of two to three hours, such as Teterboro to Palm Beach with a small group. Cabins are compact, so they suit travellers who value speed and price over standing room. Bags are limited; tell us about golf clubs or skis.

Seats: 6–8
Range: 2,000–2,150 nm
Est. hourly: $3,500–5,500
Examples: Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75

Good for

Trips of up to about three hours
Four to six passengers with light bags
Business day trips

Business jet in flight with landing gear down against a cloudy sky

Midsize jet

Stand-up comfort on mid-length routes

Midsize jets such as the Citation XLS+ add a taller cabin, often an enclosed lavatory and more room for bags. They are a comfortable fit for two- to four-hour trips with six or seven passengers.

Seats: 7–9
Range: ≈ 2,100 nm
Est. hourly: $4,500–7,000
Examples: Citation XLS+

Good for

Coast-to-coast with a fuel stop
Groups of six to eight
Trips where cabin space matters

Cream leather seats facing each other in a jet cabin

Super-midsize

Coast to coast without stopping

Super-midsize jets like the Challenger 350 and Citation Longitude fly most US coast-to-coast routes nonstop, with a flat floor, a six-foot cabin and room to work or rest. For many travellers they are the best balance of range, comfort and cost.

Seats: 8–10
Range: 3,200–4,000 nm
Est. hourly: $6,500–9,500
Examples: Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600

Good for

Nonstop transcontinental trips
Ski trips with bags and equipment
Long days with work on board

Wide cabin of a large private jet with club seats and a galley at the rear

Large cabin

Room to rest on long flights

Large-cabin jets such as the Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650 and Falcon 2000LXS seat ten or more in several zones, often with a galley and seats that make into beds. They suit transatlantic trips, larger families and anyone who wants space to sleep.

Seats: 10–16
Range: 4,000–4,300 nm
Est. hourly: $8,500–13,000
Examples: Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS

Good for

Transatlantic and long overwater trips
Ten or more passengers
Overnight flights

Choosing

How we match an aircraft to your trip

We start with the passengers and bags, then the distance and the runways at both ends, then the time you will spend on board. Only then do we look at price, because the cheapest aircraft that needs a fuel stop is rarely the best value.

Very light jets suit two or three travellers on short trips. Ultra long range jets such as the G650ER and Global 7500 connect cities like New York and Dubai or Los Angeles and London nonstop. Ask and we will quote both ends of the range when it helps you decide.

Not sure which category?

Tell us the route and group. We will suggest the categories that fit and price the best options.

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