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Aircraft categories, from turboprops to long range jets

Price follows the aircraft. Here is what each category seats, how far it typically flies and what it usually costs per hour, so you can book the cabin you need and nothing bigger.

The categories side by side

All prices are estimated US market ranges, quoted before 7.5% federal excise tax and fees. Range figures include normal reserves and vary with model, load, runway and winds.
Class	Passengers	Usual range	Headroom	Hourly estimate	Common models
Turboprop	6–9	~1,800 nm	Under 5 ft	$1,800–3,200	Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350
Very light jet	4–5	1,400–1,550 nm	Under 5 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	~5.7 ft	$4,500–7,000	Citation XLS+
Super-midsize	8–10	3,200–4,000 nm	~6.0 ft	$6,500–9,500	Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600
Large cabin	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	13–19	7,500–7,700 nm	6.2 ft and up	$12,000–20,000+	Gulfstream G650ER, Global 7500

Very light jets suit one to three travellers on short trips. Ultra long range aircraft fly routes such as New York to Dubai nonstop and are priced accordingly.

Aircraft wing above a layer of white cloud

6–9 seats · ~1,800 nm

Turboprop

On trips under about 500 miles a turboprop usually costs far less than any jet, and the extra time aloft is often 15 to 30 minutes.

Best for: Short hops, island and mountain strips, and bulky luggage.
Estimated hourly range: $1,800–3,200 before tax and fees.
Typical models: Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350.

Light business jet on a ramp at sunset with mountains behind

6–8 seats · 2,000–2,150 nm

Light jet

The default value pick for most domestic trips: jet speed at the lowest jet hourly rates.

Best for: Two to six people on trips up to about three hours.
Estimated hourly range: $3,500–5,500 before tax and fees.
Typical models: Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75.

7–9 seats · ~2,100 nm

Midsize jet

Worth the step up when the cabin height or a private lavatory matters more than the last dollar.

Best for: Groups of six to eight, or anyone who wants to stand up in the cabin.
Estimated hourly range: $4,500–7,000 before tax and fees.
Typical models: Citation XLS+.

Business jet on a wet ramp under a dramatic sky

8–10 seats · 3,200–4,000 nm

Super-midsize

Compare it against a midsize with one fuel stop; the stop can save a meaningful share on longer routes.

Best for: Coast-to-coast nonstop and longer trips with a full cabin.
Estimated hourly range: $6,500–9,500 before tax and fees.
Typical models: Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600.

10–16 seats · 4,000–4,300 nm

Large cabin

Splitting a large cabin across ten or more passengers can cost less per person than two smaller aircraft.

Best for: Big groups, long days and transatlantic trips with the right model.
Estimated hourly range: $8,500–13,000 before tax and fees.
Typical models: Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS.

How to choose the most cost-effective category

Start with people and bags, not prestige. Count passengers, then count bags. Golf clubs, skis and large hard cases fill a light jet's baggage hold quickly, and a turboprop's cargo door can be the easier fit.

Then look at the longest leg. If the longest leg is under about 500 miles, a turboprop is usually the lowest total. Up to about three hours, a light jet covers most trips. Beyond that, compare a super-midsize nonstop with a smaller aircraft and one short fuel stop.

Check the airports. Short runways, high elevation and hot days limit how much fuel and weight an aircraft can carry. That is why Aspen, island strips and some city airports narrow the choice, and why your advisor checks performance before quoting.

Ask for two price points. Every request comes back with options. Seeing a light jet next to a midsize makes the trade-off concrete.