Best charter jets for trans-continental flights
Flying coast to coast is one of the best ways to experience private air charter. You’ll save hours off commercial air travel times and of course avoid the hassles of busy hubs. You’ll also have the time to enjoy all of the benefits private air charter affords. When it comes to traveling from one end of the country to another there are several aircraft options. ELEVATE is here to help guide you based on your budget and preferences.
Citation X super-midsize jet
Super-midsize jets
The most common and cost-effective options for a nonstop flight will be in the super- midsize and heavy jet categories. If you are fewer than 9 people then a super-midsize jet offers the best value for money, but for larger groups you will need a large cabin/heavy jet.
Inside a Citation X super-midsize jet.
Popular super-mids include the Citation X, Citation Sovereign, and Hawker 1000 that seat between 8 and 9 passengers. The Challenger 300/350, Gulfstream 200/280 and Falcon 50 seat a similar number of people but offer more room to stretch out for a step up in price. The latter will give you access to a larger galley, a divan to relax on, and often more on board amenities. Newer players like the Citation Latitude, and Embraer Legacy 450/500 series are also great options albeit generally higher priced. No matter their size, most super-mids come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Gulfstream’s GIV-SP large cabin (Heavy-) jet
Large cabin (heavy-) jets
In the large cabin/heavy jet category the Gulfstream IV/ IV-SP and Challenger 601/604 are good value for groups of 10 or more.
For a little more money and an even larger cabin, consider stepping up to the Dassault Falcon 900 and 2000. The three engine design of the Falcon 900 has the advantage of getting out of shorter runways and providing exceptional range under almost all conditions.
Heavy jets offer taller and wider cabins, expanded galley areas, and entertainment systems. A cabin attendant is standard.
Inside the Gulfstream IV’s large cabin
What it costs
Typical pricing on a super-midsize jet coast to coast starts around $30,000 each way, and above $35,000 each way for a heavy jet once all costs are factored in. A round-trip may save you a little bit off the one-way rate depending on the aircraft and the duration of your trip. ELEVATE can help determine the best option and savings.
Is there a light or midsize jet option?
A potentially more cost-effective solution for traveling coast to coast might consist of a well-priced light or midsize jet, if you don’t mind a fuel stop en-route. While there are one or two jets within this category that may get you coast to coast nonstop, most smaller jets will need to stop when chartered. Some people may in fact enjoy taking time to stretch their legs while the plane is re-fueled. Depending on where you live, remember that the total travel time flying private, even with a brief stop, will still be hours less than flying commercial through a hub. One-way cost to coast pricing on a light or midsize jet is normally between $20,000-$29,000, depending on the aircraft type, point of origin and destination.
Want to enjoy all of the benefits afforded by private charter? Let ELEVATE source the right plane for you.