Private jet charter costs: frequently asked questions

It depends mostly on the aircraft and the hours flown. Estimated US hourly rates run from about $1,800–3,200 for a turboprop to $8,500–13,000 for a large-cabin jet, before tax and fees. A one-way light jet trip from Teterboro to Palm Beach, about 2.5 hours, typically lands somewhere around $11,000–18,000 all-in once positioning, the 7.5% federal excise tax and fees are added. Your quote replaces these ranges with the operator’s real figures.

Yes. Each option shows flight time, positioning, federal excise tax, segment fees and the airport and handling charges known in advance. Costs that depend on the day, such as winter de-icing or an extra crew night if you change plans, are listed with how they would be charged, so nothing arrives as a surprise.

If the aircraft is based away from your destination, someone pays for it to fly home empty. Some operators build that return into a one-way price; others price only the hours you fly. That is the single biggest reason one-way quotes vary, and why a well-timed empty leg can cost far less.

Many operators bill a minimum of one to two flight hours for each day the aircraft is assigned to you. A 50-minute hop is often billed as one or two hours, and a multi-day trip can include minimum charges for days you are not flying. We show where a minimum applies and whether sending the aircraft home would cost less.

An FAA Part 135 certificated air carrier, or the foreign equivalent abroad. Cost to Fly Private is a broker: we find and compare aircraft, then name the operator in your quote and agreement before you book.

No. There is no membership, card, deposit or sign-up to request a quote. Payment terms only start once you choose an aircraft and sign a charter agreement.

Many operators accept dogs and cats once they have approved them in advance. Note the size and number of pets on your request and we will only price aircraft whose operators say yes.

An operator holds the air carrier certificate and has operational control of the aircraft: it employs the crew, maintains the aircraft and is responsible for the flight. A broker such as Cost to Fly Private arranges the charter on your behalf with operators and does not own or operate aircraft. Your quote and agreement always name the operator.

On domestic US charter, the 7.5% tax applies to the amount paid for the flight, which in practice covers flight time, positioning and most charges billed with it. Per-passenger segment fees are separate. International flights are taxed differently, with their own arrival and departure taxes.

Often, yes. An empty leg is a one-way repositioning flight sold at a discount, commonly 25–75% off. The catch is that the route and time are fixed by the original trip, and the flight can be cancelled if that trip changes, so they suit flexible plans.

The price in your agreement is the price, but some items depend on the day: winter de-icing, an extra crew night if you change the return date, or catering added late. These are listed on the quote with how they are charged, so you know the rules in advance.

A jet card is prepaid flight hours at fixed rates, usually with peak-day surcharges and daily minimums. Fractional ownership buys a share of an aircraft, for example a 1/16 share for about 50 hours a year, plus monthly and hourly fees. Charter has no commitment: you pay per trip.

Yes. We arrange trips worldwide with carriers holding the local equivalent of a Part 135 certificate. International quotes include the relevant taxes and fees, and we flag customs, permits and documents you will need.