The Best Charter Plane Options for Your Next Business or Leisure Trip

When you think of private jet charters, you might picture celebrities or CEOs flying above the clouds in luxury. But today, private aviation is more accessible than ever—especially with more innovative, more affordable options such as empty-leg flights through platforms like Hoppyn.

Whether you're traveling for business, heading on a weekend getaway, or need last-minute travel flexibility, private jet charters offer a faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable alternative to traditional commercial flying.

Forget long security lines, delays, and cramped seating. Chartering a jet lets you skip the chaos and fly on your terms—direct to your destination, on your schedule.

Why More Travelers Are Choosing Charter Flights

Private jet charter demand has soared post-pandemic. Business executives, families, and even solo travelers are looking for safer, more convenient ways to travel. And it’s not just about status—it’s about control, comfort, and time savings.

Whether you're managing a tight itinerary or want to relax with your family en route to a vacation home, private aviation delivers. Plus, with access to thousands of aircraft worldwide, there's always a jet to suit your mission. Chartering a private jet also offers flexible scheduling and access to thousands of airports worldwide—over 5,000 in the U.S. alone —compared with approximately 500 served by commercial airlines.

Benefits of Flying Private

Flexibility That Fits Your Schedule

One of the biggest perks of flying private is the ability to control your schedule. No more building your day around airline timetables. Charter flights operate on your time—departing when you’re ready and arriving closer to your final destination (thanks to access to smaller, regional airports). Additionally, chartering offers flexible scheduling, allowing for changes due to delays or cancellations with available backup aircraft. Business travelers can also enhance productivity by holding meetings in flight or working without distractions.

This is especially valuable for business travelers who need to attend meetings in multiple cities or respond quickly to changing plans.

Time-Saving Convenience

Say goodbye to hours spent at TSA checkpoints and waiting at crowded gates. With a private flight, you arrive 15–30 minutes before takeoff and board directly. Upon landing, your car or driver can be waiting on the plane side. Private jet charters also provide access to private terminals, enabling faster check-in and boarding than commercial flights. Travelers can often check in much closer to departure time when using private terminals than on commercial airlines. Additionally, many services offer personalized support from dedicated charter specialists who assist with booking and travel arrangements.

That time savings adds up—not just in hours, but in reduced stress and increased productivity.

Comfort and Privacy

Private jets offer a quiet, spacious cabin, fully stocked with refreshments and often customized amenities. You can stretch out, hold confidential conversations, or even sleep in a lay-flat seat. Travelers can also enjoy more luggage space and greater comfort on private jets than on commercial airlines, making them ideal for leisure trips.

Whether you're flying with colleagues or family, the experience is designed to feel like your own flying lounge or office.

Personalized Services

From in-flight meals tailored to your dietary needs to chauffeured ground transport, the level of personalization is unmatched. Some aircraft even offer pet-friendly travel or luxury bedding for overnight trips. Private jet charter services often emphasize personalized service and safety for travelers.

Safety and Security

Private charter operators must adhere to strict FAA safety regulations, and many go above and beyond by obtaining additional certifications (such as ARGUS or Wyvern). Private aviation safety depends on certified operators, trained pilots, and rigorous maintenance standards. Many private jet charter companies also emphasize safety and operational excellence, ensuring a high standard of service for their clients. Private jet charter companies are required to conduct thorough vetting of their aircraft and crew to ensure safety, further enhancing the reliability of their services. Safety management systems are essential for private jet operators to maintain high safety standards.

Plus, you're not sharing space with strangers. It’s just you and your chosen passengers onboard—a significant plus in today’s health-conscious world.

Types of Private Jets and Their Uses

Light Jets

• Seats: 4–7 passengers

• Range: ~1,500 miles

• Best For: Short-haul trips, quick business hops, smaller groups

Light jets are agile, fuel-efficient, and perfect for regional travel. Think New York to Chicago or Los Angeles to Aspen. They offer speed and comfort for short flights without the cost of a larger cabin. Typically, light jets seat four to eight passengers and can fly up to 1,500 miles before refueling. For even shorter distances, turboprop aircraft are a cost-efficient option, typically flying between 600 and 1,000 miles.

Midsize Jets

• Seats: 6–9 passengers

• Range: ~2,000–3,000 miles

• Best For: Domestic business travel, small teams, longer leisure flights

Midsize jets balance space and speed, often featuring enclosed lavatories and modest stand-up cabins. Ideal for cross-country trips or multi-city itineraries, these jets can accommodate six to nine passengers and are suitable for flights up to 2,450 miles, making them perfect for coast-to-coast travel.

Super-Midsize and Heavy Jets

• Seats: 8–16 passengers

• Range: 3,000+ miles

• Best For: Cross-country or international travel, group trips, comfort-seekers

These aircraft offer higher cabin heights, more luggage space, and often include onboard Wi-Fi, flight attendants, and enclosed staterooms. Great for long-haul routes like New York to London.

Ultra-Long-Range Jets

• Seats: 12–18 passengers

• Range: 6,000–7,500+ miles

• Best For: Transcontinental or global travel in high style. Heavy jets are designed for international travel, typically flying up to 7,000 miles and accommodating larger groups.

Designed for nonstop flights across continents, these jets feature full beds, luxurious lounges, and office amenities—making them the ultimate choice for business or luxury travel.

Comparing Private Jet Charter Options

Traditional Charter vs. Empty Leg Flights

Most private flyers book on-demand charters—where you choose a specific jet, departure time, and pay per hour. But there’s a more innovative, more affordable alternative: empty leg flights. For example, the average cost of a short flight in a small private jet is about $2,800 for a 40-minute trip, making it a viable option for quick trips.

These are one-way flights scheduled to reposition a jet for another booking. Rather than fly empty, operators list them at a steep discount—sometimes up to 75% off standard charter pricing.

With Hoppyn’s membership, you get unlimited access to these empty leg flights for a flat annual fee. No bidding. No hidden charges. Just log in and book available flights instantly.

Fractional Ownership and Jet Cards

Some travelers opt for fractional ownership (buying a share of a specific jet) or jet cards (pre-paying for flight hours). These can be useful for high-frequency fliers but come with hefty upfront costs and complex rules. The cost of chartering a private jet can vary significantly depending on the aircraft's size and model. The cost of chartering a private plane typically covers the entire aircraft, crew, and fuel, providing a comprehensive service for those who value convenience and exclusivity.

For most leisure and business travelers, on-demand charter or empty-leg access offers greater flexibility and cost efficiency. Private jet charter prices typically range from $2,000 to over $20,000 per hour, depending on factors such as aircraft type, route, and time of day. It is essential to choose the option that best fits your needs. Additional costs for private jet charters may include operational, landing, and taxes, which should be factored into your budget.

How to Choose the Right Aircraft for Your Trip

Choosing the best charter plane depends on a few factors:

1. Trip Distance and Duration

Short flights under two hours? A light jet or turboprop will do. Crossing the country? Midsize or super-midsize jets offer the right range. Flying internationally? You'll want a heavy jet or long-range model.

2. Passenger Count

Group size matters. Don’t cram six people into a four-seat cabin. Plan for comfort, luggage, and any special equipment (e.g., golf clubs, musical gear, presentation materials).

3. Cabin Features

Need Wi-Fi for remote work? Hoping to sleep on the way? Want an enclosed lavatory or conference-style seating? Choose a jet with the cabin setup that fits your priorities.

4. Budget and Booking Flexibility

Empty-leg flights offer the best pricing, but you'll need to be flexible with timing and routing. Chartering on demand gives you complete control—at a premium. However, private jet charter costs can increase for multi-night stays or itinerary changes, so planning is key to managing expenses.

If you're a frequent traveler or value the simplicity of a flat rate, Hoppyn’s membership model might be your ideal match. Keep in mind that private jet charter pricing can be influenced by peak travel days, which may lead to higher costs during busy periods.

Empty Leg Flights: The Smarter Way to Fly Private

Empty leg flights are the private aviation industry’s best-kept secret. Here’s why:

What Are Empty Leg Flights?

When a private jet is booked one-way, it often needs to return empty to its base or reposition for its next client. These one-way “deadhead” flights are offered to savvy travelers at steep discounts.

Hoppyn aggregates these flights from top-tier operators and makes them available exclusively to members—at no additional cost beyond the flat annual fee.

Who Should Consider Empty Legs?

• Business travelers with flexible return times

• Vacationers heading to major destinations or hubs

• Last-minute planners looking for instant availability

• First-time private flyers exploring private aviation without breaking the bank

It’s a perfect middle ground between commercial flights and expensive charter bookings.

How Hoppyn Makes Private Jet Travel Simple and Affordable

A New Way to Fly

Hoppyn isn’t a broker. It’s a platform that offers unlimited free access to empty-leg flights for a single flat membership fee.

No per-flight charges. No hidden fees. No guessing. Members browse a live flight board, select available trips, and fly private—often at a fraction of traditional costs.

Who It’s For

• Entrepreneurs and executives who want flexibility without the jet card commitment

• Adventurous couples or families seeking private escapes

• Digital nomads and travel creators looking to elevate their travel game

• Anyone tired of paying a premium for business class with fewer perks

Why It Works

Because Hoppyn works directly with operators worldwide, you get the real flights with real savings, not “phantom inventory” that disappears when you try to book.

And because there are no per-flight fees, members are free to explore more—whether that’s flying to a ski chalet in Utah, a client meeting in Miami, or a spontaneous weekend in Cabo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to fly on an empty leg with Hoppyn?

Just the membership fee. Once you’re a Hoppyn member, you can fly on available empty leg flights at no per-seat or per-flight cost.

How do I find out what flights are available?

Log in to your Hoppyn account to browse the live flight board, updated daily. You’ll see routes, dates, and aircraft type.

Are there restrictions on who can fly?

Members can bring guests, friends, or family. Please follow the guidelines for passenger count and ID requirements.

What types of jets are available?

Flights vary by operator and location, but you’ll see a broad mix—from light jets to heavy cabin aircraft. Certified private jet companies operate all flights.

Final Thoughts: Your Best Jet Options Are Now at Your Fingertips

Private aviation is no longer reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Thanks to options such as empty-leg flights, the skies are open to savvy, flexible travelers who value convenience, time, and peace of mind. Private jets are categorized by size and range, including light jets, midsize jets, heavy jets, and turboprops.

Whether you're planning a business trip or a spontaneous leisure escape, understanding the best charter plane options—and how to access them affordably—can completely change the way you travel.

Want to skip the stress and fly smarter?
Join Hoppyn today and unlock access to private jet travel without the private jet price tag.