Luggage on a private jet: how much fits and what you can bring
There is no set luggage allowance on a private jet: what fits depends on the aircraft's baggage space and on its weight for the trip. Light jets carry roughly 50 to 85 cubic feet, large jets two or three times that. The aviation safety rules still apply, so power banks, spare batteries and vapes travel in the cabin with you.
How much fits
There is no fixed allowance. What fits depends on the size and shape of the aircraft's baggage hold, and on how much weight it can carry on the day, so the right aircraft is chosen for your bags as well as your group.
As a rough guide, a large suitcase holds around 100 to 120 litres, about 4 cubic feet. Soft bags fit a shaped hold far better than hard cases, which can't be squeezed into corners.
Typical baggage space by aircraft
| Class | Seats | Baggage space |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 5–8 | About 35–71 cu ft (1,000–2,000 litres) |
| Very light jet | 4–5 | About 30–66 cu ft (850–1,850 litres) |
| Light jet | 6–7 | About 53–84 cu ft (1,500–2,400 litres) |
| Super light jet | 7–8 | About 65–90 cu ft (1,850–2,550 litres) |
| Midsize jet | 8–9 | About 48–150 cu ft (1,350–4,250 litres) |
| Super midsize | 9–10 | About 82–155 cu ft (2,300–4,400 litres) |
| Heavy jet | 12–14 | About 115–240 cu ft (3,250–6,800 litres) |
| Ultra long range | 13–19 | About 140–226 cu ft (3,950–6,400 litres) |
Published figures for the aircraft in our aircraft guide; individual aircraft vary with their layout. VIP airliners are left out because their holds vary too much to summarise.
Shape and weight matter too
- Skis, golf clubs, bikes and prams: tell us what you're bringing and roughly how big it is, so we can check it fits the hold and its door.
- On a long flight or from a short runway, an aircraft may not be able to take full fuel, a full cabin and full bags at once. A larger aircraft, or a fuel stop, solves it.
- On some jets, the Challenger 350 among them, the hold is inside the cabin, so you can reach your bags during the flight.
Security at the private terminal
Security rules for private flights are set by the Department for Transport and depend on the airport, the aircraft and the type of flight, so they vary from one terminal to the next. Where your terminal has a passenger security point, the airport's liquid rules apply to cabin bags: at most airports no container over 100 ml, though some now allow up to 2 litres. Larger containers can go in the hold. We tell you what to expect at your terminal before you fly.
What has to travel in the cabin, and what needs approval
The international dangerous goods rules apply on every charter flight, whatever the size of the aircraft.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries: cabin only, no more than two power banks per person, and never recharged on board. Up to 100 Wh is fine; 100 to 160 Wh needs the operator's approval; over 160 Wh can't be carried in passenger baggage.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes: carried on you, and not charged on board.
- One lighter or small packet of safety matches, carried on you. Jet-flame and blue-flame lighters are forbidden.
- Spirits between 24% and 70% alcohol: in retail packaging, up to 5 litres per person. Drinks up to 24%, such as wine and beer, aren't restricted by these rules.
- Toiletries and aerosols: no more than 0.5 litres per item and 2 litres in total per person.
- With the operator's approval: an avalanche rescue backpack (one per person), medical oxygen cylinders (up to 5 kg each) and dry ice for perishables (up to 2.5 kg per person).
- Fireworks and party poppers are forbidden. Christmas crackers need their retail packaging, and some operators refuse them.
What you do
- Tell us how many bags you're bringing, and the rough size of anything large such as skis, golf clubs, bikes or a pram.
- Pack soft bags where you can.
- Keep power banks, spare batteries and vapes in your hand luggage.
- Tell us in advance about medical oxygen, dry ice or an avalanche backpack.
What we handle
- Match the aircraft to your luggage as well as your group.
- Check the weight against the fuel needed for long flights and short runways.
- Get the operator's approval for anything that needs it, before the day.
- Tell you what security to expect at your terminal.
Questions
Is there a luggage allowance on a private jet?
Not a fixed one. It depends on the aircraft's baggage space and on its weight limits for the trip. Light jets carry roughly 50 to 85 cubic feet of bags; large jets two or three times that.
Can I take liquids over 100 ml?
In the hold, yes, within the safety limits for toiletries and alcohol. In cabin bags, wherever your terminal has a passenger security point, the airport's limit applies: 100 ml at most airports, up to 2 litres at some. We tell you what to expect at yours.
Can I bring skis or golf clubs?
Yes. Tell us what you're bringing and roughly how big it is, and we'll choose an aircraft whose hold takes it, with the rest of the group's luggage.
Can I take my power bank?
Yes, in the cabin: up to two per person, not recharged on board. Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100 to 160 Wh needs the operator's approval.
How much alcohol can I take on board?
Spirits between 24% and 70% alcohol can be carried in retail packaging, up to 5 litres per person; wine and beer aren't restricted by the safety rules. Customs allowances apply when you land.
Related guides
Flying between the UK and Europe since Brexit
Passports, the EU's new border checks, ETIAS, the UK's ETA and customs allowances for private flights between the UK and Europe, from official sources.
ChildrenFlying with children and babies on a private jet
Under-2s can travel on a lap; older children need their own seat. Passports, permission letters, baby milk and children flying without a parent.
FirearmsFlying with shotguns and rifles on a private jet
Guns can fly with you on a private jet if the operator agrees and they travel unloaded, out of reach. Certificates, export rules and ammunition limits.
Sources
- What items can I travel with and which are restricted (Civil Aviation Authority)
- Pack right, safe flight (Civil Aviation Authority)
- Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports (gov.uk)
Checked against these sources on 20 October 2026. Rules change, and this is a guide, not legal or veterinary advice; we confirm the current rules for your flight.
