How the Calculator Works
This tool calculates the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the Earth's surface) between any two airports in our database. It then estimates flight time based on the average cruise speed of each jet category, plus approximately 15 minutes for taxi, takeoff, climb, descent, and landing.
The result is a reliable baseline. Actual flight times can vary by 10–15% depending on prevailing winds, air traffic routing, and weather. These estimates are consistent with what charter operators quote.
Cruise Speeds by Category
| Category | Cruise Speed | Passengers | Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Jet | 380 knots | 4–7 | 1,500–2,000 NM | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Midsize Jet | 430 knots | 7–9 | 2,500–3,500 NM | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Super-Midsize | 470 knots | 8–10 | 3,500–4,500 NM | $5,500–$8,500 |
| Heavy Jet | 500 knots | 10–16 | 5,000–7,000+ NM | $7,000–$12,000 |
Airport Coverage
The calculator includes 12,600+ airports across every major private aviation market:
- United States: 1,033 airports across all 50 states
- Canada: 18 airports (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary)
- Caribbean: 64 airports (Bahamas, Puerto Rico, USVI, BVI, St. Barths, Turks & Caicos)
- Mexico & Central America: 33 airports (Cancún, Cabo, Costa Rica, Panama)
- South America: 49 airports (São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Lima)
- Europe: 57 airports (London, Paris, Geneva, Nice, Zurich, Ibiza, Mykonos)
- Middle East: 29 airports (Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Tel Aviv)
- Africa: 33 airports (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Zanzibar)
- Asia-Pacific: 40 airports (Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney)
Understanding the Cost Estimate
Our cost estimates use a formula based on flight hours multiplied by average hourly charter rates for each jet category. The actual price you pay depends on several factors:
- Aircraft availability: If a jet must reposition to your departure airport, expect additional ferry fees
- Seasonal demand: Peak travel periods (holidays, major events) increase pricing 15–30%
- Day of week: Midweek flights are typically 10–20% cheaper than weekend departures
- Aircraft age and condition: Newer aircraft with updated interiors command premium rates
- International fees: Customs, overflight permits, and handling add to international route costs
For routes under 500 NM, light jets offer the best value. For transcontinental routes (1,500+ NM), midsize or super-midsize jets provide the ideal balance of speed and cost. For intercontinental flights, heavy jets are required for the range.