Aircraft Guide · Category Comparison
Light jets and midsize jets cover the majority of US private charter trips. The right pick depends on group size, route length, baggage, and cabin comfort preferences. Light jets are the most cost-efficient option for 1–3 hour trips with up to 6 passengers; midsize jets add a stand-up cabin, more range, and more baggage for 3–4 hour flights with up to 8 passengers.
| Spec | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 5–7 | 7–9 |
| Range (nm) | 1,500–2,000 | 2,000–3,000 |
| Cruise speed | 400–460 kts | 430–480 kts |
| Cabin height | Sit-up (≈4.9 ft) | Stand-up (≈5.7–5.9 ft) |
| Baggage | 40–55 cu ft | 60–80 cu ft |
| Hourly rate* | $4,500–$6,500 | $6,500–$9,500 |
| Best route length | 1–3 hours | 3–4.5 hours |
| Lavatory | Enclosed (most) | Full enclosed |
*Indicative all-in hourly rates including fuel surcharges, FET, and segment fees. Live pricing varies by date and market.
Group of 2–6 passengers
Most light jets are configured for 6 club seats, ideal for couples, families, and small business groups.
Trips under 3 hours
Miami → New York, NYC → Chicago, LA → Aspen — light jets cover these routes non-stop without compromise.
Budget-conscious flyers
30–40% lower hourly cost than midsize. Best dollar-per-seat value on shorter routes.
Short-runway airports
Light jets access smaller fields like Aspen (ASE), Telluride (TEX), and Caribbean strips that midsize jets cannot.
Group of 6–8 passengers
More headroom, more legroom, and a true full-size cabin for working or sleeping in-flight.
Coast-to-coast or transcontinental US
NYC → LA, Miami → Seattle, Dallas → Vancouver — midsize jets fly these legs non-stop in most wind conditions.
Extensive baggage
Golf bags, ski equipment, multiple large suitcases — midsize is the floor for heavy-luggage trips.
Stand-up cabin requirement
5.7+ ft headroom, full lavatory, galley with hot/cold service.
| Category | Top Models | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Light jet | Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300, Learjet 75, Citation M2 | 1,500–2,000 nm |
| Midsize jet | Citation XLS+, Hawker 900XP, Learjet 60XR, Praetor 500 | 2,000–3,000 nm |
Light jet routes
Miami → Bahamas, Miami → New York, NYC → DC, LA → Las Vegas, NYC → Nantucket, Aspen → Denver.
Midsize jet routes
NYC → Miami (with full baggage), NYC → LA, Dallas → LA, Chicago → Aspen, Boston → Palm Beach, Atlanta → Caribbean.
Frequently Asked
Light jets typically charter for $4,500–$6,500 per hour, while midsize jets range from $6,500–$9,500 per hour — roughly 30–45% more. On a 3-hour trip, expect $13,500–$19,500 for a light jet vs. $19,500–$28,500 for a midsize jet, all-in including fuel surcharges and segment fees.
Most light jets are configured for 5–7 passengers in a club seating arrangement. Common models like the Citation CJ3+ and Phenom 300 carry up to 7 passengers with full baggage, though 6 is the most comfortable configuration for longer trips.
A light jet such as the Citation CJ3+ or Phenom 300 is ideal for Miami to Bahamas. The flight is under one hour, and light jets can access shorter runways at Bahamian out-island airports like Staniel Cay (MYES) and Harbour Island (NMEH) where midsize and heavy jets cannot land. For groups over 6 or trips loaded with luggage, a midsize jet into Nassau (NAS) or North Eleuthera (ELH) is the next step up.
Yes — virtually all modern light jets (Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300, Learjet 75) have a fully enclosed lavatory. Some entry-level light jets like the Citation M2 have a privacy-curtained lavatory. Midsize and larger always have a full enclosed lavatory.
No — light jets have a sit-up cabin (approximately 4.9 ft of headroom). Midsize jets are the entry point for a true stand-up cabin at roughly 5.7–5.9 ft.
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