Guides
Private Jet Cargo Charter Rules and What Fits in 2026
What Part 135 rules allow in the cabin, what fits, and what to verify before flying
You can put cargo on a private jet charter if it meets federal stowage rules under 14 CFR 135.87 and stays within the aircraft compartment dimensions. At Jet & Beyond, we read the federal rule so you can ask the operator better questions. Whether an item flies in a baggage compartment or secured inside the cabin depends on weight limits, dimensions, and tiedown points.
Federal safety regulations govern cargo restraint, exit clearance, and dangerous goods declarations on every chartered flight. This guide is for a charter passenger carrying oversized, fragile, or high-value items, rather than a commercial freight forwarder moving scheduled air cargo.
Moving Cargo on a Charter Jet: The Short Answer
You can carry cargo on a private jet charter under federal aviation rules. Federal Aviation Administration regulations allow cargo on on-demand Part 135 charter flights provided that the items are stowed in approved compartments or secured according to federal safety standards. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 135.87 governs the carriage of cargo and baggage aboard these aircraft.
Under this rule, items cannot simply be set down in an empty seat or placed loose in the aisle. Cargo must ride in an approved rack, bin, or compartment, or be secured with an approved tiedown method. Whether an item can physically fit aboard depends on the dimensions of the aircraft door, the internal shape of the baggage hold, and seat or floor load limitations.
Hazardous materials cannot ship without formal declaration and handling. If you plan to move items alongside passengers, the items must also not block emergency exits or passenger views of required signs. Charter pricing for moving cargo, hourly flight rates, and exact payload capacities are unpublished and vary by operator, so confirm these figures directly with the certificate holder.
What Federal Rules Require for Cargo in the Cabin
Federal regulation 14 CFR 135.87 sets strict requirements for any cargo carried aboard a Part 135 flight. The rule establishes that no person may carry cargo, including carry-on baggage, in or on any aircraft unless it meets clear stowage criteria:
- Approved installation. The cargo must be carried in an approved cargo rack, bin, or compartment installed in or on the aircraft.
- Approved restraint. The cargo must be secured by an approved means.
- Safety belt or tiedown strength. Under 14 CFR 135.87(c)(1), cargo must be secured by a safety belt or other tiedown strong enough to eliminate shifting under all normally anticipated flight and ground conditions. For passenger carry-on baggage, the restraint must prevent movement during turbulence.
- Protective packaging. Under paragraph (c)(2), cargo must be packaged or covered to avoid possible injury to occupants in the cabin.
- Structural load limitations. Under paragraph (c)(3), cargo must not impose any load on seats or the floor structure that exceeds their load limitation.
- Unobstructed exits and signs. Under paragraph (c)(4), cargo cannot be positioned to obstruct access to or use of any required emergency or regular exit, block the aisle between the crew and passenger compartment, or obscure any passenger view of required signs unless an auxiliary sign is provided.
- No cargo above seated passengers. Under paragraph (c)(5), cargo cannot be carried directly above seated occupants.
- Takeoff and landing stowage. Under paragraph (c)(6), all cargo must be stowed in compliance with the regulation for takeoff and landing.
The regulation includes two operational exceptions. For cargo-only operations, the obstruction limits in paragraph (c)(4) do not apply if cargo is loaded so that at least one emergency or regular exit gives all occupants unobstructed exit from the airplane. Under paragraph (e), when cargo sits in a compartment that requires a crewmember to physically enter to fight a fire, it must be loaded so the crewmember can reach all parts of the compartment with a hand fire extinguisher.
The licensed Part 135 charter operator holds operational control of the flight. For more detail on legal responsibilities between passengers, brokers, and flight operators, consult our guide to operational control in private jet charter.
Dangerous Goods: What Never Ships Undeclared
Hazardous materials can cause severe safety incidents aboard an aircraft if they are packed improperly or shipped without notice. The Federal Aviation Administration Hazmat division explains that dangerous goods, also called hazardous materials, as well as cargo and luggage, can contribute to catastrophic incidents in flight. The agency emphasizes that cargo safety and preventing undeclared dangerous goods is everyone’s responsibility.
To support safe transport, the agency publishes distinct resources for shippers, passengers, and air carriers:
- PackSafe: Resources designed to help individual passengers identify hazardous items before packing bags.
- SafeCargo: Guidance for shippers preparing cargo for air transport to ensure proper packaging and declarations.
- OperateSafe: Information for air carriers and operators to maintain safety compliance and procedures during flight operations.
Lithium batteries represent a frequent concern for travelers carrying electronics, specialty tools, or battery-powered gear. The FAA lithium batteries page provides specific information on battery handling. Because battery rules depend on configuration, equipment type, and carrier approval, consult the official page for battery handling guidelines. Never attempt to ship undeclared batteries or hazardous chemicals on a private jet charter.
How Much Different Jets Can Carry
Charter aircraft baggage compartments provide varying amounts of volume depending on aircraft size and airframe layout. The table below lists manufacturer-published baggage compartment totals for standard aircraft configurations. These figures reflect baggage space rather than total cargo payload ratings, which depend on trip fuel, passenger count, and flight conditions. Tail numbers vary by operator configuration.
| Aircraft Model | Class | Baggage Volume | Access Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beechcraft King Air 350 | Turboprop | 71 cu ft | Ground access only | 55 cu ft aft hold plus external nose and wing lockers |
| Embraer Phenom 300 | Light Jet | 84 cu ft | Ground access only | 74 cu ft external plus 10 cu ft in galley/lavatory area |
| Cessna Citation X | Super-Midsize | 82 cu ft | Ground access only | Heated and pressurized; baggage limit of about 770 lb |
| Bombardier Challenger 350 | Super-Midsize | 106 cu ft | In-flight accessible | External compartment accessible during flight |
| Dassault Falcon 8X | Ultra-Long Range | 140 cu ft | In-flight accessible | Internal hold accessible during flight |
| Gulfstream G650 | Ultra-Long Range | 195 cu ft | In-flight accessible | Pressurized compartment accessible during flight |
Baggage compartment volume does not represent the weight of freight an airplane can lift. Every flight has weight-and-balance parameters that the pilot in command calculates before departure. The Cessna Citation X carries a published baggage limit of about 770 lb in its 82-cubic-foot compartment. Other aircraft models require the operator to calculate allowable payload based on route distance and passenger count. If you need a comprehensive overview of luggage limitations across categories, review our private jet baggage capacity guide.
Why the Pilatus PC-24 Is the Exception
The Pilatus PC-24 offers a unique cargo capability within the business jet market. Built by Pilatus Aircraft, the model is certified for up to 10 occupants in an executive layout. Most charter operators configure the cabin for six to eight passengers plus baggage.
Unlike traditional corporate jets, every standard PC-24 features a flat cabin floor and a large aft cargo door. This door design allows ground crews to load pallets, medical stretchers, or oversized equipment that cannot pass through a conventional airstair door.
The PC-24 is also the only light jet certified to land on short, unpaved runways. This capability allows travelers to land closer to remote destinations, transfer large items through the dedicated aft cargo door, and load the cabin without navigating narrow passenger entryways.
Cargo Door, Compartment Access and Floor Loading
Moving an item on a charter jet requires confirming door frame clearance as well as compartment volume. A container that easily fits the total cubic volume of a Bombardier Challenger 350 or Gulfstream G650 hold can still be turned away if its exterior dimensions exceed the entry door frame.
Access during flight also differs significantly across aircraft classes:
- Ground-access compartments: Aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air 350 and Embraer Phenom 300 store cargo in compartments loaded from outside the aircraft. You cannot access these items once the door closes on the tarmac.
- In-flight accessible holds: Aircraft such as the Bombardier Challenger 350, Dassault Falcon 8X, and Gulfstream G650 feature pressurized baggage holds that passengers can reach in flight.
Structural floor limits must also be verified. Under 14 CFR 135.87(c)(3), cargo loaded into a passenger cabin cannot impose loads exceeding seat or floor limits. These limits are engineering values managed by the certificate holder. The operator’s flight operations team evaluates whether an item meets cabin floor loading limits before clearing it to fly.
Ground handling equipment at private terminals must also be considered. Fixed base operators (FBOs) coordinate luggage handling on the ramp, but equipment availability varies across airfields. You can learn how private terminal ramps manage vehicles, staff, and passenger access in our guide to private jet FBO parking.
What to Ask Before You Book a Cargo Move
Because Jet & Beyond does not sell, broker, or operate charter flights, you will need to finalize all cargo arrangements directly with a licensed air carrier. Use this checklist when speaking with the operator or your charter broker:
- Ask for exact door opening dimensions. Give the operator the height, width, length, and weight of each crate to confirm it passes through the door frame.
- Confirm floor and seat load limits. Ask if your cargo exceeds the structural floor load limitations under 14 CFR 135.87(c)(3) for that specific tail number.
- Verify tiedown and restraint equipment. Confirm the operator has safety belts or approved tiedown hardware capable of securing the cargo against in-flight shifting.
- Identify dangerous goods requirements. Clarify whether any portion of your shipment contains lithium batteries, chemicals, or materials covered by FAA dangerous goods rules.
- Check compartment accessibility. Ask whether your cargo will ride in an external hold or in a pressurized space accessible during flight.
- Confirm ground handling support. Check if the departure and arrival FBOs have the ground equipment needed to load and unload your specific items.
Working through these questions in advance prevents loading refusals on departure day. For a complete look at charter contracts and planning, consult our guide on how to charter a private jet.
Who This Is Not For
Chartering a business jet to transport cargo does not suit commercial freight forwarders moving pallet-scale cargo on regular distribution schedules. Business jets are configured for passenger comfort and executive luggage, so volume freight belongs with a dedicated cargo operator.
It also does not suit shippers who cannot accompany or closely coordinate their shipment, or those moving regulated hazardous materials that require specialized cargo aircraft. Private charter flights operate under Part 135 on-demand safety rules that are designed around executive travel. Shippers moving bulk commercial goods should work with specialized cargo airlines or commercial freight forwarders instead.
What Would Change This Answer
The guidance in this article is based on current federal regulations and published airframe specifications. This answer would change if you select an aircraft model other than the ones listed in our table, as each airframe has distinct compartment shapes and door frames.
It would also change if the FAA modifies 14 CFR 135.87 or revises its hazardous materials regulations. Finally, an operator may establish internal safety policies that are stricter than federal baseline rules. If a specific Part 135 air carrier prohibits in-cabin cargo or restricts certain items on its fleet, the operator’s operational limits govern the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a package on a private jet?
You can transport a package on a charter flight if it complies with 14 CFR 135.87 and does not contain undeclared dangerous goods. Cargo pricing and acceptance policies are unpublished and depend on the Part 135 operator. Contact the charter operator directly to confirm whether they will accept your specific package.
Are lithium batteries allowed in cargo on a charter jet?
Lithium batteries are subject to FAA dangerous goods regulations and cannot be shipped undeclared. The FAA Hazmat division provides specific packaging and handling guidance on its lithium batteries page. You must review the FAA rules and notify the flight operator before bringing lithium batteries aboard.
Is cargo cheaper by private jet than commercial air freight?
Pricing for private jet cargo charter is unpublished and varies by operator, route distance, and aircraft type. Review charter quotes with a licensed operator to compare costs against commercial air freight options.
Can a light jet carry a pallet?
The Pilatus PC-24 is an exception in the light jet class: it comes standard with a large aft cargo door and a flat cabin floor designed to fit pallets and oversized gear.
Who is responsible for securing cargo?
The Part 135 charter operator holds operational control and is legally responsible for ensuring all cargo is stowed according to 14 CFR 135.87. Regulation 135.87 requires cargo to be restrained so it does not shift under normally anticipated flight and ground conditions.
Do I need to be on the flight?
Federal regulation 14 CFR 135.87 includes specific provisions for cargo-only operations regarding emergency exit clearance. However, whether an operator accepts an unaccompanied cargo flight is entirely up to the individual charter carrier. Ask the operator if they support cargo-only moves when requesting a quote.
We update this guide as aircraft, program, and route pricing changes. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it.