The Complete Beginner's Guide to Private Jet Charter in 2026

What Is Private Jet Charter?

Private jet charter gives you access to an entire aircraft for a single trip — no shared cabins, no layovers, no rigid schedules. Unlike commercial airlines where you buy a seat, chartering means renting the whole plane. You decide when to depart, where to fly, and who comes along. In 2026, the private aviation market has become more accessible than ever, with on-demand booking platforms like VOLO making it possible to arrange a flight in minutes rather than days.

There are three primary ways to access private aviation. On-demand charter is the most flexible: you book a single flight when you need it, with no long-term commitment. Jet cards let you pre-purchase flight hours (typically 25 hours) at a fixed hourly rate, guaranteeing availability and consistent pricing. Fractional ownership means buying a share of an aircraft — usually 1/16 to 1/2 — which grants you a set number of flight hours per year. For most first-time flyers, on-demand charter is the ideal starting point.

How Much Does It Cost? 2026 Pricing by Aircraft Category

Private jet pricing is based on hourly flight rates, which vary by aircraft size and category. Here is what to expect in 2026:

• Light Jets (4–8 passengers, range up to 2,000 nm): $3,000–$5,000 per flight hour. Popular models include the Citation CJ4, Phenom 300E, and HondaJet. Ideal for short hops of 1–3 hours.
• Midsize Jets (7–9 passengers, range up to 3,500 nm): $5,000–$8,000 per flight hour. Models like the Citation Latitude, Learjet 75, and Hawker 800XP offer stand-up cabins and coast-to-coast range.
• Heavy Jets (10–16 passengers, range up to 6,000 nm): $8,000–$15,000 per flight hour. The Gulfstream G550, Challenger 650, and Falcon 900 deliver intercontinental range with spacious cabins.
• Ultra-Long-Range Jets (12–19 passengers, range 6,000+ nm): $15,000–$22,000 per flight hour. The Gulfstream G700, Global 7500, and Falcon 8X can fly nonstop from New York to Tokyo or Dubai to Los Angeles.

These rates typically include crew, fuel, and standard landing fees. Additional costs may include catering, de-icing, international handling fees, and overnight crew expenses. Use the VOLO Charter Cost Estimator to get a personalized estimate for your route.

The Booking Process and What to Expect at the Airport

Booking a private charter is straightforward. With VOLO, you can request a quote by providing your departure city, destination, dates, and passenger count. Our AI matches you with the optimal aircraft and provides transparent pricing within minutes.

On departure day, you will arrive at a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) — the private aviation equivalent of an airline terminal. FBOs are typically separate buildings on the airport grounds, offering lounges, concierge services, and direct tarmac access. You can arrive as little as 15 minutes before departure. There are no security lines, no boarding groups, and no gate changes. You drive up, walk in, and board your aircraft directly from the tarmac.

Most FBOs offer complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, conference rooms, and even shower facilities. Your crew will greet you personally, assist with luggage, and brief you on the flight plan.

Luggage, Pets, and Tipping Etiquette

Luggage: Private jets have dedicated baggage compartments, but space varies by aircraft size. Light jets typically accommodate 4–6 standard bags, while heavy jets can handle 10+ bags plus oversized equipment like golf clubs or skis. There are no weight fees, but it is important to communicate oversized items in advance so the operator can confirm capacity.

Pets: One of the greatest advantages of flying private is bringing your pet in the cabin with you — no cargo hold, no breed restrictions, and no sedation requirements. Dogs, cats, and even exotic pets can fly in the main cabin. For international travel, ensure you have the required health certificates and import permits. VOLO's concierge can help with pet documentation.

Tipping: Tipping your flight crew is appreciated but not mandatory. A common guideline is $50–$200 per crew member for domestic flights and $200–$500 for longer international trips. You can tip in cash after the flight or request that a gratuity be added to your invoice.

Start Your Private Aviation Journey with VOLO

Whether you are flying for business or leisure, private charter offers unmatched flexibility, privacy, and comfort. VOLO simplifies the entire process — from AI-powered aircraft matching to transparent pricing and white-glove concierge service. Explore our charter services or use our Charter Cost Estimator to see what your next trip might cost. Your first flight is closer than you think.