How much luggage fits on a private flight
There is no per-passenger baggage allowance on a private flight, as there is with an airline: the limit is set by the aircraft. In our fleet, the hold ranges from 5 bags in a Learjet 60 to 20 in a Gulfstream V. Helicopters take less: 3 bags in the Bell 429 and 2 in the Robinson R44.
These are reference figures. What actually fits depends on the size and shape of each piece: a small carry-on takes little room, while a large hard trunk can take the space of two bags. That is why, when you request a quote, we ask about the number and type of bags, not just how many people are flying.
Weight matters too. Every aircraft has a maximum take-off weight, shared between passengers, baggage and fuel. On a long flight with a full cabin, a lot of luggage can mean carrying less fuel and making a technical stop. Our operations team runs those numbers before every flight.
Bags per aircraft in the Flyzar fleet
This is the baggage capacity of each aircraft, alongside its maximum passengers. Note how much the ratio changes: a Learjet 60 with eight passengers takes 5 bags, so if everyone brings a large suitcase, it will not all fit. In that case a Challenger 605 or a Gulfstream is the better choice, or travelling with smaller bags.
- Gulfstream V (LV-KLH and LV-VEG): 20 bags, up to 14 passengers.
- Gulfstream G400 (LV-SYG): 16 bags, up to 14 passengers.
- Challenger 605 (LV-HQR): 10 bags, up to 10 passengers.
- Learjet 45 (LV-GVX): 6 bags, up to 8 passengers.
- Learjet 40 (LV-CJY): 6 bags, up to 7 passengers.
- Learjet 60 (LV-CUE, LV-GCK and LV-FUT): 5 bags, 7 or 8 passengers.
- Phenom 100 (LV-GQN): 6 bags, up to 6 passengers.
- Bell 429 (LV-FKY): 3 bags; Robinson R44 (LV-FUP): 2.
Golf clubs, skis and bulky items
You can bring them, and it is one of the reasons many people choose to fly private. The key is to tell us when you request a quote: a golf bag or a ski bag takes the space of several suitcases, and the length of the item decides which hold it fits in.
In the Gulfstreams and the Challenger 605 the hold is roomy, and there is usually space for golf bags and skis alongside the rest of the luggage. In smaller jets space is tighter and not every long item fits: we confirm it before the flight, using the dimensions of each piece.
In ski season, a group with skis or snowboards, boots and snow gear takes up far more room than in summer. For a trip to Bariloche or Chapelco with full equipment, choose the aircraft with the luggage in mind, not just the number of passengers.
The same goes for fishing gear, bicycles, musical instruments or film equipment: give us the approximate dimensions and weight. E-bikes have their own rules because of the battery.
Soft bags or hard cases
In small aircraft, soft bags are better. They adapt to the shape of the hold, which in a jet is not a neat rectangle: it has curves, corners and a smaller door than an airliner's. A large hard-shell suitcase may not fit through the door, or may leave wasted space around it.
On the Phenom 100, the Learjets and the helicopters, medium-sized soft bags work best. The Gulfstreams and the Challenger 605 have more room and hard cases are not usually a problem, although it is still worth telling us if they are very large.
A tip for any aircraft: keep what you will need during the flight in a carry-on bag, such as medication, documents, chargers or a jacket. On some aircraft the hold cannot be opened in flight.
What you cannot bring
Even on a private aircraft, dangerous goods rules still apply. Some items cannot go on board at all, in the cabin or in the hold:
- Explosives, fireworks and flares.
- Compressed gases, such as gas cylinders, camping gas canisters or full scuba tanks.
- Flammable liquids and solids, such as petrol, solvents, lighter fuel or some paints.
- Oxidising, corrosive or toxic substances, such as pool chlorine, acids, poisons or pesticides.
- Radioactive materials.
What can travel under conditions
Other items can travel under certain conditions. Spare lithium batteries and power banks go in the cabin, not the hold, with their terminals protected against short circuits. Firearms and ammunition, for a hunting trip for example, travel only with the authorisation and paperwork required by the authorities, and you need to tell us well in advance.
Medication, perfume and personal-care aerosols can be carried in limited quantities. Pets do not count as luggage: they travel in the cabin, next to their owners.
If in doubt, ask us before you pack. The crew and our operations team confirm what can go on board before every flight. Message us on WhatsApp or by email: we answer 24 hours a day.