Michael Turner
Short answer and recommendation: most charter jets provide dedicated baggage compartments–confirm specific weight limits, compartment dimensions and door clearances with the operator before you book.
Typical capacity by aircraft class (approximate ranges): very-light jets: 120–350 lb (55–160 kg) total, usually enough for 2–4 soft bags; light jets: 400–800 lb (180–360 kg); super-midsize/midsize: 1,000–1,800 lb (450–820 kg); heavy-category jets: 2,500–4,000+ lb (1,100–1,800+ kg) with large external bays that accept golf bags, skis and multiple suitcases. Cabin stowage (overhead bins, closets) supplements below-deck bays but sizes vary substantially by model.
Practical packing guidance: prefer soft-sided bags to maximize usable volume, keep individual pieces under about 50 lb (23 kg) where possible, and measure each bag (L×W×H). Request the aircraft’s cargo-door opening dimensions and internal compartment drawings so you can verify whether specific items (golf bags, ski bags, camera cases, musical instruments) will fit.
If an item exceeds compartment limits, options include switching to a larger aircraft, shipping the item ahead via the fixed-base operator (FBO) or arranging special stowage with operator approval and advance paperwork. Provide a manifest listing weights and dimensions at least 24–48 hours prior so the operator can perform weight-and-balance calculations and confirm loading feasibility.
Quick checklist: verify per-aircraft capacity and door clearance, declare oversized/heavy items, use soft-sided bags when feasible, supply passenger count plus total bag weights in advance and get written confirmation of accepted items from the operator.
Typical baggage capacity by aircraft class (light jet, midsize, heavy)
Plan packing by class: light jets typically carry 2–4 soft duffels (roughly 20–40 cu ft total); midsize jets accommodate 4–8 medium suitcases (60–120 cu ft); heavy jets accept 10–20+ large cases plus dedicated bays for golf bags, skis and bikes (150–500+ cu ft).
Light jets – common models (e.g., Citation CJ, Phenom 300) offer external belly compartments with ~20–40 cubic feet. Typical allowed pieces: 2–4 soft-sided bags up to ~62 linear inches each; combined payload commonly limited to 300–800 lb depending on aircraft and passenger count. Use soft packing to squeeze around curves and verify door opening dimensions before bringing rigid cases.
Midsize jets – examples (Citation XLS, Hawker 800, Embraer Legacy 450) provide ~60–120 cu ft split between forward and aft bays. Expect to fit 4–8 standard checked suitcases (24–28″ wheels-on) plus 1–2 bulky items. Per-bag weight often limited to 40–70 lb; total compartment weight allowance typically 800–2,000 lb. Measure any long items against compartment length (often 60–80 in) and advise the operator in advance for oversized gear.
Heavy jets – long-range types (Gulfstream, Bombardier Global, large Bizliners) feature 150–500+ cu ft with large volume and higher floor loadings, enabling 10–20+ large suitcases, multiple sports bags, instruments or freight. Some models support palletized or bulk cargo and permit items up to 8–12 ft in length via cargo doors. Payload caps vary widely (often 2,000–10,000 lb); exact allowances require reference to the specific model’s baggage bay limits.
Packing recommendations: prefer soft-sided bags to maximize usable volume; compress bulky clothing; distribute weight fore/aft as instructed by the operator; label and photograph contents for transfer. For cabin or lavatory cleaning supplies and maintenance tips, see how to clean toilet bowl scrubber. Always confirm compartment dimensions and weight limits with the operator or flight coordinator before departure.
Where bags are stowed on small-cabin jets and turboprops
For predictable loading, place soft-sided roll-on bags in the cabin-accessible closet or behind the rear seats and reserve external belly or aft fuselage bays for hard-shell suitcases, golf bags and heavy equipment.
- Cabin-accessible closet / behind seats: Door openings typically 20–28 in (50–70 cm) wide, 12–20 in (30–50 cm) high; acceptable pieces: soft roll-aboards up to ~22×14×9 in (56×36×23 cm) and duffels that can be compressed. Max single-piece weight commonly limited to 25–50 lb (12–23 kg) for floor/cloak areas – check operator limits.
- External belly bays (light jets): Typical compartment depth 30–50 in (75–125 cm), width 25–40 in (64–100 cm). Best for medium suitcases and hard-shell rollers oriented sideways. Many light-cabin jets allow total bay payload 300–800 lb (140–360 kg) depending on model; confirm exact figure before loading.
- Aft fuselage / rear cargo bay (turboprops): Often larger and accessible from ground level; usable for long items like skis, instrument cases and golf bags. Depths commonly 40–80 in (100–200 cm) and can accept longer soft bags laid longitudinally. Some turboprops have unpressurized external bays – avoid fragile items unless protected.
- Special lockers and wing lockers: Rare on small-cabin jets but present on a few turboprops; opening geometry is restrictive (narrow, shallow). Use only soft or flexible items and measure before flight.
Practical loading checks before arrival:
- Measure each piece: record length, width, height and weight; compare to door opening and compartment depth.
- Prefer soft-sided bags for tight openings; use hard-shell only if door and bay dimensions clear the case with 2–3 in (5–8 cm) clearance.
- Group heavy items into the external bay and distribute forward/aft to avoid concentrating mass behind the center of gravity.
- Label oversized soft bags to aid handlers and keep smaller carry items in the cabin for in-flight access.
For handling on the ramp, choose compact trolleys and collapsible carts that fit narrow aisles and 28–36 in (70–90 cm) hangar doors; see best luggage trolleys for suitable models and dimensions.
How to calculate weight and balance impact of passenger baggage
Compute individual moments for every person and bag, add those to empty weight and empty moment, then divide total moment by total weight to get new CG; confirm result fits inside the aircraft’s certified envelope.
Step-by-step method: 1) Obtain empty weight (W_e) and empty moment (M_e) from the AFM/POH. 2) For each occupant or bag record weight (w_i) and arm (a_i). 3) Calculate moment for each item: m_i = w_i × a_i (lb·in or kg·m). 4) Sum weights W_total = W_e + Σw_i and moments M_total = M_e + Σm_i. 5) Compute CG = M_total / W_total. 6) Compare CG to forward and aft limits in the weight-and-balance envelope.
Formula set (imperial): moment (in-lb) = weight (lb) × arm (in). CG (in) = total moment (in-lb) ÷ total weight (lb). Metric equivalent: moment (kg·m) = mass (kg) × arm (m); CG (m) = total moment ÷ total mass.
Practical example: empty weight 6,500 lb, empty moment 780,000 in·lb (CG = 120.0 in). Occupants: pilot 170 lb at 75 in (m=12,750), pax1 170 lb at 82 in (m=13,940), pax2 160 lb at 95 in (m=15,200). Aft bay load 500 lb at 220 in (m=110,000). W_total = 6,500 + 1,000 = 7,500 lb. M_total = 780,000 + 12,750 + 13,940 + 15,200 + 110,000 = 931,890 in·lb. CG = 931,890 ÷ 7,500 = 124.25 in → exceeds an example aft limit of 124.0 in.
Correction calculation: required moment change to move CG back inside limit = (target_CG − current_CG) × W_total. To shift CG from 124.25 in to 122.0 in with W_total = 7,500 lb requires ΔM = (122.0 − 124.25) × 7,500 = −16,875 in·lb (negative means move weight forward). If moving weight from aft bay (220 in) to forward compartment (80 in), moment change per pound = 220 − 80 = 140 in·lb. Required weight to move = |ΔM| ÷ 140 ≈ 121 lb. Moving ~125 lb forward restores CG inside limits.
Quick practical checks: weigh heavy items when >25 lb instead of estimating; treat soft bags as denser than roller bags; distribute large single items near the datum or in a forward bay if the aircraft tends to be tail-heavy. Record actual weights and arms on the load manifest and keep copies for dispatch and pilot reference.
Rules of thumb: use 7–15 kg (15–33 lb) per carry-on and 11–23 kg (25–50 lb) per checked bag for planning unless measured; round weights to the nearest pound and arms to the nearest inch; when CG approaches an envelope boundary, move the smallest practical weight across the greatest feasible arm difference for maximum correction.
When rapid adjustment needed, calculate required weight shift: required_weight = (desired_CG − current_CG) × total_weight ÷ (arm_from − arm_to). Log the change and re-run the CG calculation to confirm compliance before departure.
Transporting oversized items and sports gear
Reserve an aircraft with a dedicated external baggage compartment or cargo pod and notify the operator at least 72 hours before departure with exact dimensions and gross weight for any item longer than 1.5 m (59 in) or heavier than 23 kg (50 lb).
Packing and disassembly recommendations
Bikes: Remove pedals and front wheel, turn handlebars parallel to frame, partially deflate tires. Packed dimensions to target: 120 × 85 × 30 cm (47 × 33 × 12 in). Minimum acceptable gross weight: 18–25 kg (40–55 lb). Use a hard case or padded bike bag.
Skis and snowboards: For standard ski compartments limit lengths to 180–210 cm (71–83 in) depending on aircraft type; if longer, require external pod or cargo. Use a rigid ski case, separate poles, and pad tips. Typical packed weight per pair: 5–10 kg (11–22 lb).
Surfboards, windsurf, SUPs: Boards longer than 2.1 m (83 in) generally need a belly pod or freighter service; split boards when possible. Expect surcharge or special loading if length exceeds 2.4 m (95 in). Protect fins with removable inserts or fin savers.
Golf bags: Standard packed dimension: 125 × 35 × 35 cm (49 × 14 × 14 in); weight typically 12–18 kg (26–40 lb). Use waterproof covers and secure club heads.
Restrictions, documentation and special items
Declare items containing lithium batteries (e-bikes, e-scooters, power tool packs). Most operators prohibit lithium batteries in cargo; batteries often must be removed and transported as carry-on with battery terminals insulated and state of charge ≤30%. For large battery packs arrange specialized shipping or ground transport.
Firearms and sporting ammunition require written advance notice, proper cases, and local regulatory paperwork; ammunition commonly limited to a specified quantity per flight and stowed in approved containers in a locked compartment.
Oversize or overweight pieces exceeding compartment dimensions require a preflight plan: operator will list exact fit dimensions, indicate tie-down points, and update weight-and-balance for approval. Expect handling charges for items over 32 kg (70 lb) per piece and escort personnel for boarding/unloading.
Final checklist before travel: measure packed dimensions, photograph items, label with owner contact, confirm acceptance and any fees 72–48 hours out, and verify battery and hazardous-material rules applicable to the departure and arrival jurisdictions.
Booking tips: declaring extra bags and arranging ground handling
Declare extra pieces early
Declare additional pieces at booking or no later than 48–72 hours before departure, supplying: piece count, linear dimensions (L×W×H), declared weight per item (kg or lb), item type (fragile, lithium batteries, oversized), and passenger full names and passport numbers for international legs.
Standard piece guideline: 23 kg / 50 lb per checked item; request approval for items up to 32 kg / 70 lb. Operators may charge per extra piece ($50–$300) or per kilogram over allowance ($2–$8/kg). Get written fee confirmation on the charter quote or booking confirmation.
For carry-on-style items intended for cabin stowage, use soft-sided bags and record exact dimensions; oversized hard cases often require acceptance as manifest cargo and advance approval. Photograph odd-shaped items and include photos with the booking request.
Ground handling and FBO coordination
Request FBO/handler contact details at booking and confirm services 24–48 hours prior for domestic flights, 72+ hours for international clearances. Specify ramp services needed: marshalling, baggage handlers, GPU, air-start, stairs, lav/water service, and customs processing.
Provide estimated arrival/departure times with a ±15-minute window and confirm parking or transient ramp slot. Typical ramp handling fees range $100–$600 depending on region and aircraft size; overtime or wait charges commonly run $50–$250 per 15–30 minutes–obtain the handler’s rate sheet in advance.
Request written confirmation that the handler will complete weight & balance inputs for extra pieces and will use two-person lifts or lifting equipment for items above 32 kg / 70 lb. For international movements, supply advance passenger information (API) as required by the destination authority and confirm who will file it (operator, broker or handler).
Prepay or provide a credit authorization for ground charges if available to avoid on-ramp delays. When transporting fragile or temperature-sensitive items, specify packaging, on-ramp handling instructions and that an acceptance checklist will be completed and signed by the handler before departure.
