There’s nothing like hiring a rental aircraft. From skipping the never-ending lines at the airport to flying only with your closest friends, families or coworkers, there are countless reasons that people fly private every day. 

Whether it’s your first time chartering a private jet or you’re a seasoned private aviation veteran, here are the ins and outs of aircraft rental and group charters that you should consider before your next flight.

How much does it cost to rent a plane?

Private aircraft rental rates vary widely depending on the type of aircraft you charter, your route, aircraft availability and more. However, smaller aircraft such as a turboprop plane or light jets typically cost less per hour than a heavy jet.

For example, hiring a turboprop plane such as the Beechcraft King Air 90 to fly from New York to Washington, D.C. will likely cost between $10,000 and $11,100. The same route on a heavy jet like the Gulfstream G450, meanwhile, will cost anywhere from $46,000 to $51,000. For an accurate estimate, try our free charter cost calculator.

When deciding on the right plane for your mission, it’s important to consider your needs and your budget. A smaller aircraft will likely cost less but won’t be able to accommodate as many passengers or as much luggage. A larger jet will cost more, but you can potentially split the charter cost between the passengers you invite.

Unsure which aircraft best suits your needs? At Stratos Jets, our private flight advisors are adept at helping travelers choose the right aircraft for every mission. 

Do you need aircraft rental insurance?

Insurance is a must when looking at aircraft rentals. Your charter broker should screen operators and air carriers before each and every flight to ensure that insurance requirements are met.

At Stratos, our in-house Air Carrier Due Diligence Program dictates that each private aircraft carrier in our network must carry liability insurance at a minimum of $25 million for turboprop charters and $50 million for jet charters. Many of the operators we work with exceed these minimums.

We also hold our own $10 million non-owned liability policy to give our clients peace of mind when booking a flight with us. However, we understand that some people may feel more comfortable with additional coverage, and we’re happy to facilitate additional liability insurance.

How much does it cost to rent a 737 plane?

The Boeing 737 is one of the most popular aircraft ever made and is the best-selling commercial airliner of all time. Since its introduction in 1967, the American aerospace manufacturer has released multiple variations of this popular aircraft over the years, each with their own unique features and benefits. 

While most of the estimated 1,200 737 aircraft in the sky at any given moment are flown by commercial airlines, there are many Boeing 737 aircraft available for charter flights as well.

Of course, with configurations that can accommodate anywhere between 85 and 215 passengers, chartering a Boeing 737 comes at a premium price. 737 charter costs vary but often start at about $25,000 per hour. 

How much does it cost to rent a 747 plane?

Like the 737, Boeing’s 747 is another popular aircraft among commercial airlines. However, while the 737 can haul up to 215 passengers, the 747 is often outfitted to accommodate as many as 366 people on board. This is thanks, in part, to its four-engine design.

Of course, a larger aircraft with two extra engines means a higher hourly cost when compared to the 737, with the 747 starting at about $35,000 per hour.

Can you charter a plane for 100 people?

Of course! However, the rules and regulations are different than when you charter a business jet for fewer passengers. Aircraft that can seat 20 or more passengers or have a maximum payload capacity of 6,000 lbs. are subject to Part 125 restrictions. This includes popular jets like the Boeing 737 and 747.

Under Part 125, owners can use aircraft such as the 737 or 747 without the expensive Part 121 certificate required for commercial airlines. However, under Part 125, aircraft are prohibited from what the FAA refers to as ‘common carriage.” 

Last year, we further broke down the differences between Part 125 and Part 135 regulations in our blog post, What You Need to Know About Part 135.

If you have questions about large group charters, our friendly and expert private flight advisors are here to help. 

What is the biggest plane you can rent?

The Boeing 747 is a massive aircraft capable of flying more than 350 passengers and powered by four jet engines, but it isn’t the largest charter airliner available. That honor goes to its direct competitor, the Airbus A380.

Measuring 163 feet long, 21’5 feet across and over 10 feet high in the double-decker cabin, the A380 is truly enormous. Most configurations hold up to 544 passengers and a 150-ton payload, but certain commercial layouts of this jumbo-jet can hold as many as 800 passengers. 

With options for four distinct seating classes, the Airbus A380 can be outfitted to accommodate all types of passengers, with:

  • Comfortable economy configurations, 11-abreast in 18-inch seats
  • Full-flat beds in a business-class arrangement
  • Private three-room suite for CEOs and other VIP travelers

Ready to book your next aircraft rental? At Stratos, we pride ourselves on safe, friendly and reliable charters. Give our private flight advisors a call at (888)593-9066 to get started.