Ten ways to fly private for less

The ten habits

1. Match the aircraft to the group, not the occasionEach step up in category adds roughly $1,000–3,000 an hour, and most groups of four fit a light jet on trips under three hours.10–25%
2. Fly a turboprop on hops under 90 minutesTurboprops cost about $1,800–3,200 an hour and use short island runways; on a short leg the time difference is often 10 to 20 minutes.15–30%
3. Ask about empty legs on your routeRepositioning flights often sell 25–75% below a one-way price when your dates and times can match theirs.5–25%
4. Keep a few hours of flexibilityA wider window lets your advisor use an aircraft already positioned nearby instead of paying to fly one in.3–10%
5. Avoid peak daysHolidays and big event weekends push demand up and some operators add peak-day surcharges; a day either side can help.5–15%
6. Book two one-ways for longer staysOn a stay of more than a few days, a round trip can bill daily minimums and crew costs while the aircraft waits.5–20%
7. Accept a fuel stop on longer tripsA smaller jet with one short technical stop can undercut a larger jet flying the same trip nonstop.10–20%
8. Choose the airport that fits, not just the closestLanding and handling fees, slot rules and where aircraft are based all differ; a nearby alternative can cost less.2–8%
9. Compare all-in prices, not hourly ratesHourly rates leave out repositioning, fees and taxes, so the cheaper-looking quote is not always cheaper.3–10%
10. Request early and decide promptlyMore lead time means more aircraft to choose from, and quotes reflect availability on the day you receive them.2–6%

Percentages are typical savings on the trip price when the habit applies. They are estimates, they overlap, and some depend on luck, such as an empty leg matching your dates.