One of the greatest myths about private aviation is that you can bring “anything you want.”
While you certainly avoid the hassle of airline baggage fees and lost suitcases, private jets, especially smaller ones, have strict physical limits based on weight and balance. There is nothing worse than arriving at the tarmac only to find that your hard-shell suitcases simply won’t fit in the nose or tail compartment.
At Charter Wind, we want your departure to be seamless. This guide breaks down exactly how much luggage you can bring on every class of aircraft, so you can pack with confidence.
The Golden Rule: Soft vs. Hard Luggage
How much luggage can you take on a private jet? As a general rule, expect to bring one standard roller bag and one personal item per passenger. However, capacity varies wildly by aircraft. A Light Jet offers roughly 50-70 cubic feet (6-7 bags), while a Heavy Jet can hold 150+ cubic feet (15-20 bags).
Pro Tip: The secret to maximizing space is Soft-Sided Luggage.
Private jet cargo holds are often oddly shaped (curved to fit the fuselage). Rigid, hard-shell cases leave “dead space” that cannot be used. Soft duffel bags or leather weekender bags can be molded to fit into every nook and cranny, allowing you to bring significantly more gear.
Luggage Capacity by Aircraft Class
1. Light Jets & Turboprops
- Aircraft: Phenom 100, Citation Mustang, Pilatus PC-12.
- Capacity: ~50-70 Cubic Feet.
- The Reality: These aircraft are designed for speed and short hops. The baggage compartments are often located in the nose or rear and are not accessible during flight.
- What Fits:
- 5-6 Soft-sided bags.
- 2-3 Small Roll-on suitcases.
- Warning: Golf clubs and Skis often will not fit in Very Light Jets (VLJs). You must upgrade to a standard Light Jet or Super-Light for these items.
2. Midsize & Super-Midsize Jets
- Aircraft: Citation XLS, Hawker 800XP, Challenger 350.
- Capacity: ~70-90 Cubic Feet.
- The Reality: These are the workhorses of Executive Charters. They offer decent dedicated cargo space, often accessible from the exterior.
- What Fits:
- 7-9 Large suitcases.
- 4-5 Golf bags.
- Skis and Snowboards (usually fit easily in the tail).
3. Heavy & Ultra-Long Range Jets
- Aircraft: Gulfstream G650, Global 6000, Falcon 7X.
- Capacity: ~150-200+ Cubic Feet.
- The Reality: These are “flying apartments.” The luggage compartment is usually located at the rear of the cabin and is fully accessible during the flight. This means you can grab your coat or change your outfit mid-air.
- What Fits:
- 15-20 Large suitcases.
- Full sets of Sport/Team Charter equipment.
- Multiple wardrobe boxes or large trunks.
Special Items: Skis, Golf Clubs, and Strollers
If you are booking a Luxury Getaway for a ski trip or golf retreat, you must inform your broker before booking.
- Golf Clubs: Require length. Some Light Jets (like the Hawker 400XP) have small baggage doors that make loading golf clubs difficult or impossible.
- Skis: Require a “pass-through” or a long tail compartment.
- Strollers/Wheelchairs: Must be collapsible. Rigid prams often require a Midsize jet or larger.
What Happens if It Doesn’t Fit?
Safety is non-negotiable. If the pilot determines the aircraft is overweight or the baggage cannot be safely secured, it will be left behind.
To avoid this, we recommend:
- Send a Photo: Send us a picture of your luggage pile before your flight.
- Upgrade Early: If you are on the borderline, upgrading from a Light Jet to a Midsize Jet is cheaper than shipping your bags separately overnight.
Unsure if your bags will fit?
Get a free consultation and quote. We will match your cargo load to the perfect aircraft.
