The short answer
As a general guide, one suitcase and one soft bag for each passenger. The real limit depends on the aircraft: the hold of a very light jet takes four or five cases, a midsize jet takes a full party’s luggage, and heavy jets have holds of well over 100 cubic feet. The charter price covers the aircraft, so there are no charges per bag. Tell us what you are bringing when you enquire, and we match the aircraft to it.
Key facts
- General guide: one suitcase and one soft bag per passenger.
- The limit is set by the aircraft: the size of its hold and the weight it can carry.
- Very light jets take four or five cases; heavy jets have holds of 115 to 240 cubic feet.
- Soft bags pack better than hard cases, especially in smaller jets.
- Skis, golf clubs and other long items: give us the dimensions when you enquire.
How much baggage space does each class of aircraft have?
| Class | Passengers | Baggage space, by aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Very Light Jets | 4–5 | Citation Mustang: 4 cases · Citation M2: 46 cu ft (1.3 m³) · Phenom 100: 5 cases · HondaJet: 57–66 cu ft (1.6–1.9 m³) |
| Light Jets | 5–9 | Citation CJ1: 5 cases · Citation CJ2: 65 cu ft (1.8 m³) · Citation CJ3: 5 large suitcases · Citation Bravo: 73 cu ft (2.1 m³) · Phenom 300E: 74–84 cu ft (2.1–2.4 m³) · PC-24: 90 cu ft (2.5 m³) |
| Midsize Jets | 6–9 | Citation XLS+: 90 cu ft (2.5 m³) · Hawker 900XP: 50 cu ft (1.4 m³) · Learjet 60XR: 55 cu ft (1.6 m³) · Citation VII: 51 cu ft (1.4 m³) |
| Super Midsize Jets | Up to 9 | Citation Sovereign+: 100 cu ft (2.8 m³) · Citation Latitude: 127 cu ft (3.6 m³) · Praetor 600: 155 cu ft (4.4 m³) |
| Heavy Jets | 11–14 | Challenger 604: 115 cu ft (3.3 m³) · Legacy 650: 240 cu ft (6.8 m³) · Falcon 900: 127 cu ft (3.6 m³) · Gulfstream G350: 25 standard suitcases · Gulfstream GIV-SP: 169 cu ft (4.8 m³) |
| Ultra Long Range Jets | 9–19 | Global 6000: 195 cu ft (5.5 m³) |
| Turboprops | 6–8 | Pilatus PC-12: 40 cu ft (1.1 m³) · King Air 200: 53–55 cu ft (1.5–1.6 m³) · Piaggio Avanti II: 44 cu ft (1.2 m³) |
Baggage figures from the Charter-A fleet guides, for the aircraft types on this site. Individual aircraft vary, and the usable space on a given flight also depends on weight.
Why does it depend on the aircraft?
Three things set the limit: the volume of the hold, the size of its door, and weight. Every aircraft has a maximum take-off weight that has to cover the passengers, their bags and the fuel, so a full cabin on a long flight leaves less allowance for luggage than a half-empty one on a short hop. That is why the same aircraft can take more luggage on one trip than on another.
Are soft bags really better?
Yes. Baggage holds are irregular in shape, and soft bags fit into spaces that rigid cases cannot use. In the smaller jets, where every inch counts, a party travelling with soft bags can take noticeably more.
Can I bring skis, golf clubs or a pushchair?
Usually, yes. Most private jets carry golf clubs, skis and similar equipment, and pushchairs and child seats are routine. Length is the usual constraint, so tell us the dimensions and weight when you enquire: we confirm that the items fit, or suggest an aircraft that takes them. Some types are built for it — the Pilatus PC-24 has a flat floor and a large cargo door.
Can I reach my bags during the flight?
It depends on the aircraft. On some types the baggage compartment can be reached from the cabin; on others it is a separate hold that stays closed until you land. Keep whatever you need in the air, and anything valuable, in a small bag in the cabin.
Is anything not allowed?
Yes. The rules on dangerous goods apply on a private flight exactly as they do on an airline, so the same items are restricted. If you need to carry something unusual, ask before you travel.
What if I have more luggage than I expected?
Tell us as soon as you know. We can confirm whether it fits, or move you to a larger aircraft if one is available — which is far easier a week ahead than on the day.
More questions
Is there a weight limit for luggage on a private jet?
There is no fixed allowance per passenger as there is on an airline. The limit is the aircraft’s: the size of its hold and the total weight it can carry with your passengers and fuel on board.
How many suitcases fit in a light jet?
Charter-A’s fleet guides give five cases for the Citation CJ1 and five large suitcases for the Citation CJ3. Larger light jets such as the Phenom 300E and the Pilatus PC-24 have holds of 74 to 90 cubic feet.
Can I take golf clubs on a private jet?
Usually, yes. Most private jets carry golf clubs; tell us how many sets when you enquire, so that we can confirm they fit the hold of the aircraft offered.
Do I pay for extra bags on a private jet?
No. The charter price is for the aircraft, not per bag. Extra luggage matters only if it calls for a larger aircraft.
How much luggage can each passenger bring?
As a general guide, one suitcase and one soft bag each. Tell us in advance if you plan to bring more, so that we can check it against the baggage compartment of your aircraft.
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Baggage figures are from the Charter-A fleet guides; the general allowance is the guidance given in Charter-A’s booking confirmation. Charter-A Ltd acts as agent for the passenger; details are confirmed for each flight at booking.