Three numbers decide it: how many people, the longest single leg, and the shortest runway on the itinerary. Everything else — cabin height, catering, Wi-Fi — is refinement. Tell an advisor those three and the category is usually obvious in a sentence.

Per hour, yes. Per trip, not always. A midsize that flies nonstop can come in under a light jet that needs a fuel stop, extra crew time, and an overnight. We quote the trip, not the hour.

Runway length and surface, field elevation and temperature, customs hours at the destination, and — on islands — whether the airport takes jets at all. We check each of those against the specific tail before quoting rather than assuming the type will fit.

Often the smartest way to fly. A heavy jet for the ocean crossing and a helicopter or turboprop for the last leg to a small island is common. One itinerary, one advisor, one invoice.

Domestic legs, twenty-four to forty-eight hours gets good aircraft at fair rates. International heavy and ultra long range trips want a week or more for permits, slots, and crew planning. Holiday weekends in South Florida book weeks out.

Because the honest number depends on the tail. Age, interior, crew, home base, and whether the leg positions empty all move it. A band tells you the market; the quote itemises the actual trip.