One of the advantages of flying on a private jet is being able to take more luggage with you. The aircraft type that you hire sets what you can take, rather than any fixed airline limitation. And passengers are not just limited to standard luggage – as long as it fits, it can go.
Guides For Private Jet Owners
No Defined Weight Limit
When you book and fly on a private jet, you will not have a fixed per-person weight limit, as you do with a commercial flight. Instead, you are limited by the available space and the weight limit of the aircraft you are using.
On a smaller aircraft carrying the maximum number of passengers, this is around the same as commercial flying (one large and one small bag per seat). However, if the aircraft is not full – and certainly with larger jets – there can be more flexibility.
Aircraft have a volume of space allocated to luggage storage. For standard luggage, this limit is likely to be reached before the aircraft weight limit becomes an issue.
Variations Between Aircraft
The amount of luggage the whole group can take varies significantly between aircraft. If you have large amounts or oversized luggage, this should be considered when hiring.
Some examples of storage space include:
- Amongst the smaller jets, the Citation Mustang offers 37 cubic feet, and the Embraer Phenom 100 offers 53 cubic feet.
- The mid-size Citation XLS takes this up to 90 cubic feet, but the Hawker 800 only offers 50 cubic feet.
- Moving larger, the Citation Sovereign offers a huge 135 cubic feet, the Gulfstream G200 125 cubic feet, and the Falcon 900LX 127 cubic feet. At these sizes, there is plenty of space for extra sports or music equipment, or other kit.
Even with the maximum 12 to 14 passengers, an aircraft like the Falcon 900LX would allow for at least two large bags each to be stored. A group with fewer passengers could bring extensive amounts of equipment with them.
Not just standard bags
With a private jet, you will not have the same size restrictions as commercial jets. Subject to aircraft space, larger bags or other equipment can be carried. As can items such as golf clubs, skis, and music equipment.
Fragile or valuable cargo will be better catered for too and you may well be able to carry this onboard with you. On the other hand, even if it heads to the aircraft storage area, this is a much simpler and more visible operation than with commercial flights. And with many aircraft, you can get access to your luggage during the flight.
Security Screening
And as a final point to consider, there is more flexibility about what to carry in luggage – both in storage and in the cabin. In most countries, you do not have the same screening requirements and restrictions as with commercial airlines. There is no problem carrying items like liquids onboard, for example. Luggage is, of course, still subject to the same customs rules when flying internationally.
Final thoughts
Private jet flying is much more flexible than commercial flying. It puts the passenger in control of many things – the aircraft type and size, the flight schedule, and who or what is onboard. It’s up to the hirer what to take – just make sure you know the limitations of the particular aircraft you hire.
