Private Jet Charter Cost Guide 2026: What You Actually Pay
One of the most common questions we receive at VOLO is: "How much does it actually cost to charter a private jet?" The answer depends on several factors, but we believe in radical transparency. Here's what you'll actually pay in 2026.
Charter Costs by Aircraft Category
Private jet pricing is primarily driven by aircraft category, distance, and availability. Here are the typical hourly rates in 2026:
- Light Jets (Citation CJ4, Phenom 300E): $3,000 - $5,500/hour. Ideal for 2-4 hour flights with 4-8 passengers. Think New York to Miami or London to Nice.
- Midsize Jets (Citation Latitude, Praetor 500): $4,500 - $7,500/hour. The sweet spot for business travel. Coast-to-coast capability with stand-up cabins.
- Super Midsize (Citation Longitude, Praetor 600): $5,500 - $8,500/hour. Transcontinental range with full galley and flat-floor cabins.
- Heavy Jets (Challenger 650, Falcon 7X): $7,000 - $11,000/hour. International capability with spacious cabins, full galleys, and sleeping areas.
- Ultra Long Range (Global 7500, Gulfstream G700): $9,000 - $14,000/hour. Non-stop intercontinental range with the most luxurious cabins available.
What's Included in the Price
A typical charter quote includes flight time, crew costs, fuel, landing fees, and basic catering. At VOLO, our AI-generated quotes are all-inclusive with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
How AI Reduces Your Cost
VOLO's AI pricing engine analyzes thousands of data points to find you the best deal. This includes:
- Empty leg matching: Aircraft repositioning after one-way flights. Savings of 40-75% are common.
- Fleet optimization: Sometimes a different aircraft category offers better value for your specific route.
- Timing optimization: Flexible dates can save 15-30% by avoiding peak demand periods.
- Route optimization: AI analyzes fuel stops, overflight fees, and airport charges to find the most cost-effective routing.
Empty Legs: The Insider Secret
Empty leg flights occur when an aircraft needs to reposition after dropping off passengers. These flights are available at 40-75% discounts. VOLO's AI continuously monitors empty leg availability across 500+ aircraft and can alert your AI agent when a match appears for your preferred routes.
Getting a Quote
With VOLO, getting an accurate quote takes seconds, not hours. Simply tell our AI your departure, destination, dates, and passenger count. You'll receive curated options with transparent, all-inclusive pricing. No phone calls, no waiting, no hidden fees.