Private Jet vsFirst Class Calculator

How the private jet price is estimated

We measure the great-circle distance between the two airports and work out the flight time for aircraft of the chosen size in our fleet: distance divided by 85% of the aircraft's cruise speed (an average over climb, cruise and descent), plus about 25 minutes for taxi, climb and descent on each leg. If the route is longer than the aircraft can fly with a full cabin and reserves, we add a fuel stop.

The price is the estimated hourly rate multiplied by those hours (with the minimum hours operators bill per flying day), plus typical landing and handling fees and 7.5% for taxes. Among the aircraft that can do the trip, we show the middle one by price, so the figure is typical for the size, not the cheapest. The aircraft's empty flight home is not included, because it depends on where the aircraft is based.

How the first-class side works

First class is simply your fare multiplied by the number of passengers. The fare is pre-filled with a rough estimate for the distance band (short-haul under 1,500 km, medium-haul up to 4,000 km, long-haul beyond). These are conservative one-way figures, not live prices. Many short routes only sell business class, and published first-class fares on long routes are often higher than our figure. Enter the fare you have been quoted for a fair comparison.

What the numbers leave out

• Time. We assume 2 hours at the airport for an airline flight and 15 minutes at a private terminal. On a busy hub, or with a connection, the gap is bigger.
• Schedules. A charter leaves when you are ready and can use smaller airports closer to where you are going.
• Round trips. Flying back on the same aircraft changes the maths. So can an empty leg, a one-way repositioning flight sold at a discount.
• Baggage. Small jets have limited hold space. Check the aircraft's baggage volume for skis, golf bags or large cases.

Reading the result

The per-passenger figure is the useful one. With one or two travellers, first class almost always costs less. With a full cabin on a short or medium route, the gap narrows and can reverse. For firm numbers on your dates, request a quote. To check whether a jet can fly your route nonstop, use the private jet range map.