A Chicago private jet charter puts the whole aircraft on your schedule. You choose the airport, from O'Hare and Midway to smaller fields like Chicago Executive and DuPage, and the flight leaves when your group is ready.
BLADE arranges private charters of jets, helicopters and turboprops. For flights in the United States, BLADE acts as an air charter broker, and every flight is operated by a DOT/FAA licensed carrier.
Key takeaways:
- Your schedule, your airport. Pick the departure time and the Chicago-area airport closest to you.
- Less time on the ground. Private terminals replace airline check-in lines and connections.
- Aircraft for every trip. Light jets for short hops, large and ultra-long-range jets for coast-to-coast and international flights.
- Price depends on the trip. Aircraft, distance, crew time and airport fees all count.
Advantages of Private Jet Charter
1. Convenience and Time-Saving
You fly direct, with no layover or change of planes. You check in at a private terminal (an FBO) instead of an airline terminal, which usually means a shorter walk and no airline queue. And you can use a smaller airport closer to home or to your meeting.
2. Flexible Schedules
The flight leaves when you are ready, early morning or late at night. A charter also suits day trips: fly out for a meeting and fly home the same evening on the same aircraft.
3. Enhanced Comfort and Luxury
The cabin holds only your group. Larger jets add more room to move around, and you can ask about catering and other requests when you book.
4. Privacy and Security
No strangers share the cabin, so you can talk business or rest in private. Charter flights for hire are flown under FAA Part 135 by operators that hold an FAA air carrier or operating certificate.
Types of Private Jets Available for Charter in Chicago
1. Light Jets
Light jets suit small groups on shorter regional trips. Cabins and baggage space are smaller than on bigger jets, so check that your bags will fit.
2. Midsize Jets
Midsize jets add cabin room and range for longer domestic flights.
3. Super Midsize Jets
Super-midsize jets carry more people and bags over longer distances. The Bombardier Challenger 300, for example, is rated at about 3,100 nautical miles.
4. Large Jets
Large-cabin jets add cabin room and the range for long nonstop flights.
| Model | Passengers | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream G650 | Up to 19 (maximum certified) | About 7,000 nautical miles |
| Dassault Falcon 7X | 12 to 16 | About 5,950 nautical miles |
The Falcon 7X cruises at about Mach 0.80, roughly 528 mph.
5. Ultra-Long Range Jets
Ultra-long-range jets are built for the longest nonstop flights. The Bombardier Global 7500 is rated at about 7,700 nautical miles, and the Gulfstream G650 at about 7,000.
Popular Destinations for Private Jet Charter in Chicago
BLADE lists private jet charter from the main Chicago airports. Each suits a different part of the region.
1. O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare (ORD) is about 14 miles northwest of downtown. It is open around the clock and has customs landing rights for international arrivals. Ask about private terminal options when you book.
2. Midway International Airport
Midway (MDW) is about 9 miles southwest of downtown, the closest major airport to the Loop. It is open around the clock, with private aviation services from Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation.
3. Chicago Executive Airport
Chicago Executive (PWK) is in Wheeling, about 18 miles northwest of downtown, convenient for the North Shore and the northwest suburbs. It is attended around the clock, and its main runway is 5,001 feet. Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation and Ascension operate there.
4. DuPage Airport
DuPage Airport (DPA) is about 29 miles west of downtown Chicago, near the western suburbs. Its longest runway is 7,571 feet, it is attended around the clock, and it offers U.S. customs as a user-fee airport.
BLADE also lists Gary/Chicago International, Waukegan National, Chicago Rockford International, Lewis University, Joliet Regional and Lansing Municipal for trips that start outside the city. See Joliet private jet charter for the southwest suburbs.
How to Charter a Private Jet in Chicago
1. Choose a Reputable Charter Company
Ask who operates the flight and check the operator's FAA certificate. When you book through a broker, U.S. rules require the broker to tell you, before you sign, which carrier has operational control of the aircraft. Ask about any third-party safety audits the operator holds.
2. Select the Right Aircraft
Start with passenger count and bags, then check range: the aircraft should fly your route nonstop with your group on board. Then compare cabin size and amenities.
3. Determine the Itinerary
Pick departure and arrival airports that suit both the aircraft and your final destination. Set your dates and times, and plan any return leg or stops.
4. Arrange Additional Services
Ask about catering, ground transportation and special items such as pets, skis or golf clubs when you book.
To request a flight, open the BLADE app or go to blade.com and choose Charter. Enter your Chicago airport, destination, date, time and number of passengers.
Cost of Private Jet Charter in Chicago
1. Hourly Jet Charter Rates
Charter is priced mainly by flight time, and the hourly rate rises with aircraft size. A light jet costs less per hour than a midsize, super-midsize or large jet. Rates also change with availability and demand, so check current options for your dates. For more detail, see private jet cost per hour.
2. Additional Costs to Consider
- Fuel surcharges, where an operator applies them
- Landing and handling fees, which vary by airport and aircraft size
- Crew overnight and waiting time on multi-day trips
- Repositioning, if the aircraft has to fly empty to reach you or return home
- Catering and ground transportation
Ask for a quote that lists each of these, so you can compare options on the same basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airports can accommodate private flights in Chicago?
Chicago Midway, Chicago O'Hare, Chicago Executive, DuPage, Gary/Chicago, Waukegan, Chicago Rockford, Lewis University, Joliet Regional and Lansing Municipal all appear on BLADE's airport list for private jet charter.
What are some popular places to visit in Chicago?
The Chicago Cultural Center, the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street shopping and the city's art galleries.
What is the cost of renting a private jet to or from Chicago?
It depends on the aircraft, the distance, how long you stay and the airports used. Request a quote with your route and dates for a current price.
What types of aircraft are available for private jet charter to Chicago?
Light, midsize, super-midsize, large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets, as well as turboprops and helicopters.
Which airports near Chicago offer private jet services?
Midway, O'Hare, Chicago Executive, DuPage, Gary/Chicago and Lansing Municipal, among others.
This article is part of an experimental series that was created by leveraging AI. It may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information, or produce offensive or biased content.