How much does a charter plane cost? Knowing how much chartering an aircraft costs will give you a better idea of what you can afford if you decide to choose this option for travel.
Charter planes cost an average of $1,200-$10,000 for each billable flight hour. Variables that impact the price, in addition to the rate, include the size and type of plane.
When deciding to charter a plane, you’ll want to look at the total cost breakdown, as well as the plane type, for the most accurate picture of your costs. These factors will matter the most as you make your decision.
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How Much Does a Charter Plane Cost? Taking a Closer Look
The billable flight time is an essential part of the cost. This cost includes the hourly rate times the number of hours on the flight.
Crew fees are typically on a per diem basis. Meals and hotel fees are among some of the costs included.
Handling, landing, and incidental fees are also part of the flight cost. The airport and the type of aircraft will have the most significant role in these fees.
A fuel surcharge is involved with every flight. The cost of fuel, total distance, and plane type will determine this cost.
Cost Breakdown for Private Plane Rentals
The cost breakdown for a flight will depend on the route and total flight time each way. One example would be a flight from John Wayne Airport in Los Angeles, CA, to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO, that takes two and a half hours each way.
A typical plane used for this type of trip would be a midsized jet with a cost of $3,400 per hour. The typical duration of a journey of this type is two days and one night.
The five-hour flight time would cost $17,000, making it the most considerable trip expense. Usually, the size of the plane plays a role in the hourly charge for its use.
Fuel surcharges for flights of this type could average $550. Landing fees at the airports would cost $750 on average.
Crew fees would average $600. These fees would include accommodations and food for the aircrew, as well as transportation between their airport and hotel.
Domestic flights are subject to a Federal Excise Tax (FET). This FET is 7.5% on top of the other charges associated with the flight.
How is the billable flight time determined for private planes?
When calculating the costs of a flight, the billable flight time will account for most of this cost. As a reminder, the billable hourly price is the same as the hourly rate.
Daily minimum flight time adjustments and repositioning fees may also apply along with the spent in the air. Any ground time does not come into this number.
How Does the Aircraft Type Determine the Cost?
Turboprops, such as the Pilatus PC12, are among the least expensive planes to charter, starting at around $1,200 per hour. These jets hold up to eight passengers and feature propellers.
Very light jets like the Phenom 100 are among the smallest, carrying up to five passengers. These planes feature an average hourly price of $1,500.
Light jets that take up eight passengers, like the Hawker 400XP, have a slightly higher cost. Booking one of these planes will start at around $2,200 an hour.
Midsized jets, such as the Lear 60, that take up to nine passengers have a somewhat higher price than their light counterparts. This type of plane will cost you at least $2,800 an hour.
Super mid-size jets, like the Citation Sovereign, which holds up to ten passengers, will have a dramatic hourly cost increase. Booking one of these jets will cost a minimum of $3,800 per hour.
Heavy jets, such as the Gulfstream G-IV, taking as many as 16 passengers, have the highest hourly rate. These planes’ hourly rates start at around $5,000 an hour.
FAQs
What does it cost to take a charter plane?
Charter plane costs vary, depending on the plane type and size. For example, a turboprop averages $1,200 an hour, while a heavy jet may cost $5,000 or more an hour.
How much does a full-size plane charter cost?
Full-size private charters may average $2,000-$11,000 per hour. There are enough types of charter planes available for passengers to book anything from a turboprop to an executive jet.
Is chartering a plane worth it?
When you charter a plane, you can travel alone or with a group as you see fit. You’ll be able to reduce your total travel time and spend more time enjoying your destination.
How much does a charter plane for ten passengers cost?
Most mid-size jets, with an hourly cost of $3,000-$6,000 an hour, can accommodate up to ten passengers. The largest jets that hold more than ten passengers have average costs of $5,000-$11,000.
Final Thoughts
How much does a charter plane cost? A charter plane can cost between $1,200 and $11,000 an hour or more.
