Last updated: October 22, 2026 · By Seth Semilof

Six to nine passengers is where aircraft choice for a coast-to-coast trip gets serious. Light and midsize jets run out of seats, bags or range, so most groups this size look at super-midsize or large-cabin jets. This guide covers the aircraft that fit, the airports on each coast, and why the westbound flight home is the harder one. For the general route guide, see Private jet charter Los Angeles to New York.

How far is Los Angeles to New York?

By our great-circle calculation from airport coordinates, the main airport pairs are roughly 2,120 to 2,150 nautical miles apart. For example, Van Nuys (VNY) to Teterboro (TEB) is about 2,130 nm. The distance actually flown is usually longer because of airways routing and weather.

Aircraft that fit 6–9 passengers

AircraftCategoryPassengers (manufacturer)Range (manufacturer)Range basis
Bombardier Challenger 3500 (successor to the Challenger 350)Super-midsizeUp to 103,400 nm4 passengers, 2 crew, NBAA IFR reserves, Mach 0.77
Embraer Praetor 600Super-midsize8 standard, 12 maximum4,018 nm4 passengers, long-range cruise, NBAA IFR reserves with 200 nm alternate
Bombardier Challenger 650Large cabinUp to 124,000 nm6 passengers, 2 crew, NBAA IFR reserves, long-range cruise
Dassault Falcon 2000LXSLarge cabin8–104,000 nm8 passengers, NBAA IFR reserves
Dassault Falcon 900LXLarge cabin, three-engine12–144,750 nmDassault maximum range
Gulfstream G500Large cabinSeats up to 195,300 nm8 passengers, 3 crew, Mach 0.85, NBAA IFR reserves
Gulfstream G600Large cabinSeats up to 196,600 nm8 passengers, 4 crew, Mach 0.85, NBAA IFR reserves
Gulfstream G450Large cabin (out of production)Gulfstream no longer publishes G450 specifications on its website. Confirm seating and range with the operator for the specific aircraft.

Manufacturer figures are theoretical and use the passenger loads shown. More passengers and bags, headwinds and routing all reduce real-world range. The operator confirms whether a specific trip can fly nonstop.

Super-midsize: Challenger 3500/350 and Praetor 600

Bombardier's Challenger 350 page now redirects to the Challenger 3500, which Bombardier lists with up to 10 passengers and 3,400 nm of range. Many charter fleets still fly the Challenger 350, so confirm which model you're quoted. The 3500 cabin is 25 ft 2 in long, 7 ft 2 in wide and 6 ft 0 in high. Embraer lists the Praetor 600 with eight passengers as standard and up to 12 maximum, 4,018 nm of range with four passengers, and a six-foot-tall, flat-floor cabin. With six to eight passengers and bags, super-midsize jets work well eastbound. Westbound, ask the operator early about a possible fuel stop. Compare more on our Challenger 350 page and in Challenger 350 charter.

Large cabin: Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS and Falcon 900LX

Bombardier lists the Challenger 650 for up to 12 passengers and 4,000 nm, with a cabin 25 ft 7 in long, 7 ft 11 in wide and 6 ft 0 in high. Dassault lists the Falcon 2000LXS for 8–10 passengers and 4,000 nm, with a 26 ft 2 in cabin, 7 ft 8 in wide and 6 ft 2 in high, typically laid out in two seating zones. The Falcon 900LX adds a third lounge area in a 33 ft 2 in cabin with the same width and height, room for up to 14, and 4,750 nm of range. For nine passengers with luggage, these wider cabins give everyone a proper seat. See the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900 pages.

Gulfstream G450, G500 and G600

Gulfstream lists the G500 with up to three living areas, 5,300 nm of range and a 41 ft 6 in cabin, and the G600 with up to four living areas, 6,600 nm and a 45 ft 2 in cabin. Both seat up to 19. These have the most range margin of any aircraft here for the trip home. The G450 is out of production but still flies in charter fleets. Confirm its layout with the operator. See the Gulfstream G450 page.

Los Angeles airports

  • Van Nuys (VNY). Los Angeles World Airports says VNY is one of the world's busiest general aviation airports and is dedicated to noncommercial flying. Its main runway is 8,000 ft long. The four major FBOs are Castle & Cooke Aviation, Clay Lacy Aviation, Jet Aviation and Signature Aviation.
  • Los Angeles International (LAX). Private flights use FBOs such as Signature LAX and Atlantic Aviation LAX. LAX is convenient for the Westside and South Bay.
  • Hollywood Burbank (BUR). Close to Burbank, Glendale and Hollywood. BUR's voluntary curfew applies to scheduled commercial operations. Private flights follow the airport's noise rules, which your operator checks.
  • Santa Monica (SMO). Still open, but with a single 3,500 ft runway. Under a 2017 settlement with the FAA, the City of Santa Monica plans to close the airport at midnight on December 31, 2028. The short runway limits which jets can use SMO for a fully fueled coast-to-coast trip, so most groups this size depart from VNY, LAX or BUR.

New York airports

  • Teterboro (TEB). The Port Authority's business aviation airport in New Jersey, closest to Manhattan. TEB does not permit aircraft with an actual gross weight over 100,000 lb, and operators of heavier-rated aircraft must certify a lower operating weight. More in Private jet charter Teterboro.
  • Westchester County (HPN). Convenient for Westchester, Fairfield County and Connecticut. The county asks all operators to voluntarily refrain from flying between midnight and 6:30 a.m.
  • LaGuardia (LGA). Close to Queens and Midtown east. Under the FAA's LaGuardia order, now extended to October 28, 2028, non-helicopter unscheduled flights need a reservation from 6 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. ET on weekdays and from noon to 9:59 p.m. on Sundays. Only three are available per hour, so plan LGA early.

For a side-by-side of airports on both coasts, see Best private jet airports in Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

Westbound headwinds and fuel stops

NOAA explains that jet stream winds blow from west to east and are strongest in winter, sometimes over 275 mph. Flying Los Angeles to New York, the jet stream is usually a tailwind. Flying New York to Los Angeles, it is usually a headwind, which lengthens flight time and uses more fuel over the same distance.

That's why an aircraft that easily makes the eastbound leg nonstop may need a fuel stop on the way home, especially in winter, with a full cabin and bags, or from a shorter runway. When you request a quote, tell us your passenger count, bags and any must-fly-nonstop dates. The operator then plans winds, fuel and payload for each leg and tells you up front whether a stop is likely. If you need nonstop in both directions with nine passengers, the large-cabin Gulfstreams and Falcons above have the most margin. For the return direction, see New York to Los Angeles super-midsize jets and heavy jets.

How Haute Jets helps

Haute Jets is a private jet charter broker, not an aircraft operator. We arrange flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated FAA Part 135 operators and have access to 3,500+ vetted aircraft. No jet cards and no membership fees to work with our VIP Team. You get your quote within 60 minutes. Learn more about Wyvern and ARGUS ratings.

Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661.

FAQs

What is the best private jet for Los Angeles to New York with 8 passengers?

Super-midsize jets like the Challenger 3500/350 and Praetor 600 suit eight passengers eastbound. For more space or a better chance of flying nonstop westbound, look at the Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS, Falcon 900LX or Gulfstream G500/G600.

Can a super-midsize jet fly Los Angeles to New York nonstop?

Often, yes. Bombardier lists the Challenger 3500 at 3,400 nm and Embraer lists the Praetor 600 at 4,018 nm, both with four passengers, while the main airport pairs are about 2,120–2,150 nm apart. Heavier loads and headwinds reduce range, so the operator confirms each trip.

Why might the flight from New York to Los Angeles need a fuel stop?

The jet stream blows west to east and is strongest in winter, so westbound flights usually face headwinds. Combined with a full cabin and bags, that can make a fuel stop necessary.

Which Los Angeles airport is best for private jets?

Van Nuys (VNY) is the most common choice, with an 8,000 ft runway and four major FBOs. LAX and Burbank (BUR) also work. Santa Monica (SMO) has a 3,500 ft runway and is scheduled to close at the end of 2028.

Which New York airport should I land at?

Teterboro (TEB) is closest to Manhattan for business aviation. Westchester (HPN) suits Westchester and Connecticut. LaGuardia (LGA) requires an FAA reservation for unscheduled flights during slot-controlled hours.

Do I need a jet card or membership?

No. There are no jet cards and no membership fees to work with our VIP Team.

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