Frequently asked questions

Typical US light jet rates run about $3,500–5,500 per flight hour before tax and fees. A one-hour trip often comes to roughly $3,800–5,900 once the 7.5% federal excise tax and segment fees are added, before any daily minimum, repositioning or airport fees. Your quote shows the real number for a specific aircraft.

If the aircraft has to fly back to its base empty, that repositioning flight is usually part of the price. Departing from an airport where aircraft are based, being flexible on timing, or finding an empty leg going your way all help.

Many operators bill a minimum number of hours for each day you have the aircraft, commonly 1 to 2 hours. On a 40-minute flight you may pay for the minimum. Grouping short legs into one day spreads it out.

The aircraft time, the 7.5% federal excise tax on domestic US flights, segment fees, and the landing, handling and crew costs we know about when we quote. Costs that depend on the day, such as winter de-icing, are listed as possible extras.

Often, yes: 25–75% off is common. The route and time are fixed by the original trip, and the flight can be cancelled if that trip changes, so they suit flexible plans.

Yes. Demand peaks around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, Presidents’ Day, spring break and summer holiday weekends. Moving a trip by a day, or flying against the main flow, often saves the most.

No. A quote is free and there is no club to join. You pay once you decide to book and the charter agreement is signed.

For holidays and big events, as early as you can, because the best-value aircraft are committed first. For ordinary dates, many trips can be arranged at short notice, subject to aircraft availability and operator confirmation.

Yes. Choose multi-city on the form and list each extra leg with its date in the notes. We’ll price the whole itinerary, including any waiting days.

Usually. Many operators accept pets, with approval given aircraft by aircraft. Tell us the animal’s size and whether it travels in the cabin, and only aircraft that accept it will be quoted.

Most charter flights leave from a private terminal, called an FBO. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before departure is usually enough. Your trip details include the terminal address and the crew’s contact.

Usually not through an airline-style checkpoint. Bring government-issued photo ID, which the crew checks, and passports for international trips. Rules on hazardous items still apply.

It depends on the aircraft. On a light jet, plan for roughly one medium suitcase per person plus soft bags. Tell us about golf bags, skis or large cases so we can confirm the fit.

A certificated direct air carrier: an FAA Part 135 operator in the US, or the foreign equivalent abroad. Cheap Jet Charter is the broker that arranges it. You’ll see the operator’s name before you book.

Safety comes from the operator, its crews and its maintenance, not from the size of the aircraft. Every flight we arrange is operated under Part 135 or its equivalent, and we share any ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO audit the operator holds.