Seven categories, from turboprops to ultra long range jets. The figures below are typical for each class; your advisor confirms the exact aircraft, seats and range for your trip.
Category 01
Typical aircraft: Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350
Short regional hops and smaller runways, such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The most economical way to fly an hour or two.
Estimate a trip on a turboprop
Category 02
Typical aircraft: HondaJet, Citation M2
Two to four passengers on trips of up to about two hours, such as Los Angeles to Las Vegas or Boston to Washington.
Estimate a trip on a very light jet
Category 03
Typical aircraft: Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75
The everyday choice for two to three hours in the air, such as New York to Palm Beach, with room for golf bags and weekend luggage.
Estimate a trip on a light jet
Category 04
Typical aircraft: Citation XLS+
More headroom and, on most aircraft, an enclosed lavatory. Comfortable for three to four hours, such as Dallas to Los Cabos.
Estimate a trip on a midsize jet
Category 05
Typical aircraft: Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600
A stand-up cabin and coast-to-coast range without a stop. A strong fit for New York to Aspen or to Los Angeles.
Estimate a trip on a super-midsize jet
Category 06
Typical aircraft: Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS
Transatlantic range, a full galley and room to sleep. Longer trips are usually flown with a cabin attendant.
Estimate a trip on a large cabin jet
Category 07
Typical aircraft: Gulfstream G650ER, Global 7500
Nonstop between continents, such as New York to Dubai, with separate zones for dining, work and sleep.
Estimate a trip on a ultra long range jetAt a glance
| Category | Seats | Typical range | Cabin height | Per hour, est. | Typical aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 6–9 | ~1,800 nm | about 4.8 ft | $1,800–3,200 | Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 |
| Very light jet | 4–5 | 1,400–1,550 nm | about 4.8 ft | $2,800–4,200 | HondaJet, Citation M2 |
| Light jet | 6–8 | 2,000–2,150 nm | 4.8–4.9 ft | $3,500–5,500 | Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75 |
| Midsize jet | 7–9 | ~2,100 nm | about 5.7 ft | $4,500–7,000 | Citation XLS+ |
| Super-midsize jet | 8–10 | 3,200–4,000 nm | about 6.0 ft | $6,500–9,500 | Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600 |
| Large cabin jet | 10–16 | 4,000–4,300 nm | 6.0–6.2 ft | $8,500–13,000 | Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS |
| Ultra long range jet | 13–19 | 7,500–7,700 nm | 6.2 ft or more | $12,000–20,000+ | Gulfstream G650ER, Global 7500 |
Choosing
Start with the trip, not the aircraft. These five questions narrow the choice quickly.
Range shrinks with headwinds, heavy loads and cold-weather fuel reserves. A trip near the edge of a category’s range often means a fuel stop; the next size up may fly it nonstop.
Count passengers and bags together. Skis, golf clubs, strollers and large hard cases decide the aircraft as often as seat count does.
Short runways, high elevation and noise or size limits rule some aircraft out. Aspen, Saint-Tropez and Cannes are examples where the airport shapes the choice.
Under two hours, most people are comfortable in a light jet. Beyond three, headroom, an enclosed lavatory and a galley start to matter.
The hourly rate rises with size, but a larger aircraft that avoids a fuel stop can narrow the gap. Your quote shows both options when it is close.