Light jets cost less; midsize jets give you more cabin, more luggage and more range. Which one is right depends on four things: the number of passengers, the luggage, the flying time and how much you value space.
The short answer
- Up to about three hours in the air, and a small party travelling light: a light jet.
- Six to eight passengers, full luggage, or flights of three to five hours: a midsize jet.
- Standing room, a larger baggage hold or very long sectors: step up to a super midsize or heavy jet.
Light jets and midsize jets compared
| Light jet | Midsize jet | |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 4–9 (often 4–6 comfortably) | 6–9 |
| Typical reach | Up to about 3 hours | Up to about 4–5 hours |
| Cruise speed | about 380–450 knots | about 440–460 knots |
| Cabin | Club seating; you sit rather than stand | Taller cabin; stand-up or near stand-up headroom |
| Baggage | Takes proper suitcases; less room for sports gear | More room for a full party’s cases and golf clubs |
| Typical examples | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300E | Citation XLS+, Hawker 900XP |
Typical figures for each class; the exact aircraft is confirmed in your quotation. See the aircraft guide.
How it plays out on Australian routes
- Melbourne to Sydney (about 1 h 25 min by light jet): a light jet is the sensible choice for most parties
- Melbourne to Brisbane (about 2 h 20 min by light jet): a light jet for up to five or six; a midsize jet for a larger group
- Melbourne to Cairns (about 3 h 20 min by midsize jet): a midsize jet is the minimum for comfort
- Melbourne to Perth (about 3 h 50 min by midsize jet): midsize or larger
Questions to ask yourself
- How many people are travelling, and how many bags? Add golf clubs, skis or prams.
- How long is the flight? Over about three hours, step up to a midsize jet for comfort and range.
- Do you want to stand up and move about, or work around a table?
- What matters more: the price, or the cabin?
If it is close, we quote both and let you compare. What a charter costs explains what moves the price.
Smaller and larger than these two
On a flight of an hour or two, a turboprop can be the better choice than either: see turboprop or light jet for short Australian flights. For parties of ten or more, or for Asia, see when to step up to a heavy or ultra long range jet. And for ways to keep the price down, read seven ways to reduce the cost of a private jet charter.
Frequently asked questions
Is a midsize jet much more expensive than a light jet?
A midsize jet costs more to fly than a light jet, because it is larger and faster and carries more. How much more depends on the route and date, so the best way to compare is to ask us to quote both.
How many passengers fit in a light jet?
Light jets typically seat four to nine, but the number that fit comfortably with luggage is lower, often four to six. Tell us how many people and how many bags and we will recommend a class.
Which is better for Melbourne to Perth?
Coast to coast is about four hours, so a midsize jet or larger is the comfortable choice. See Melbourne to Perth.
Ready to plan your flight?
Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.
Keep reading
Turboprop or Light Jet for Short Australian Flights?
On a flight of an hour or two, the slower aircraft is often the better choice. Here is when, and when it is not.
Read the articleAircraftHeavy and Ultra Long Range Jets: When to Step Up
Long sectors, large parties and overnight flights: when a heavy or ultra long range jet is the right tool.
Read the articleCostsSeven Ways to Reduce the Cost of a Private Jet Charter
Flexible dates, the right-sized aircraft and a smarter airport: seven things that move the price of a charter.
Read the article