A private jet charter means renting an entire aircraft, with its pilots, for your own trip. You choose where and when you fly; the plane waits for you, not the other way around. In the US, charter flights are operated by companies holding an FAA Part 135 certificate.
How it works
- You ask for a quote with your route, date, time and number of passengers.
- We match an aircraft that fits your group, luggage and range, from a certified operator.
- You confirm and pay; the operator plans the flight, crew and catering.
- You fly from a private terminal (an FBO), usually arriving just 15–30 minutes before departure.
Charter at a glance
| What you get | The whole aircraft and crew |
| Route and time | Yours to choose |
| Price | By flight hour and aircraft size, plus taxes and fees |
| Typical rates (2026) | ~$2,000–6,500/hr light jet; ~$7,000–15,000/hr heavy jet |
| Best for | Groups, tight schedules, small airports, round trips |
What it costs
Charter is priced by the flight hour for the whole aircraft, so the size of the jet matters most. On top come US taxes (7.5% on domestic flights plus a per-passenger segment fee), airport fees, and sometimes repositioning or overnight crew costs. A New York–Miami light jet typically runs $15,000–28,000 one way. Full breakdown: How much does a private jet cost in 2026?
Who arranges it
You can book directly with an operator, or through a charter broker like Summit Jet, which finds the right aircraft among many certified operators. US brokers are regulated by the Department of Transportation and must tell you the operator's name before you sign. Before booking with anyone, it's worth five minutes to check your charter is legal.
Questions & answers
What does it mean to charter a private jet?
It means renting the whole aircraft with crew for your own trip, on your route and schedule, rather than buying seats on an airline.
How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
It depends mostly on the jet size and flight time: roughly $2,000–6,500 per hour for a light jet and $7,000–15,000 for a heavy jet in 2026, plus taxes and fees.
Is a charter one way or round trip?
Either. One-way trips can cost more if the jet has to fly back empty, which is also where empty-leg deals come from.
Who operates charter flights?
In the US, companies with an FAA Part 135 certificate. A broker may arrange the flight, but the certified operator flies it.
