Cessna Citation CJ3+ Private Jet Charter
7 Passengers
65 Baggage Capacity
417 Airspeed
1,374 Range
4.83 Cabin Width
4.75 Cabin Height
15.67 Cabin Length
Enlosed Lavatory Style
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is one of the most proven light jets in business aviation, valued for its dispatch reliability, efficient operating costs, and widespread charter availability. For short to medium domestic missions, it offers one of the lowest hourly charter rates in the industry without sacrificing the speed, safety, or comfort expected of a modern business jet.
Powered by twin Williams FJ44-3AP engines and certified for single-pilot operation, the CJ3+ covers routes up to 2,040 nautical miles with seating for up to nine passengers, although six is the practical charter configuration. It is ideally suited to groups of four to six traveling on domestic U.S. routes, regional Caribbean itineraries, and short business trips where efficiency, flexibility, and value are the priorities.
The CJ3+ builds on the proven Citation CJ platform with upgraded Williams FJ44-3AP+ engines that improve climb performance and extend range while retaining the same efficient airframe and cabin. Clients most often choose the CJ3+ for short business flights, regional trips, and same-day itineraries where operating efficiency, broad aircraft availability, and competitive charter pricing matter more than additional cabin space.
| Choose the CJ3+ If... | Consider an Alternative If... |
|---|---|
| Your group is 2 to 6 passengers on a domestic US or regional route under 2,040 nm | Your group exceeds 6 passengers with luggage — the cabin and baggage hold are constrained at full capacity |
| Cost per flight hour is the primary consideration — the CJ3+ is among the lowest rates in the charter fleet | Your route exceeds 2,040 nm nonstop (consider the Phenom 300, G280, or Challenger 350) |
| Short-notice availability matters — the CJ3+ has one of the largest light jet fleets in the US | A stand-up cabin is required — the CJ3+ cabin height is 4.8 ft (consider the Learjet 75 Liberty) |
| Your departure airport has a short runway — the CJ3+ takes off in 3,180 ft at MTOW | A wider, more refined cabin is the priority — the Phenom 300 is wider at 5.1 ft at a comparable rate |
The Citation CJ3+ cabin measures 15.6 feet in usable length, 4.8 feet in width, and 4.8 feet in height. While it is not a stand-up cabin, it is thoughtfully configured for efficient business travel, with comfortable seating for four to six passengers on flights of one to three hours. For longer itineraries or larger groups, JetOptions will discuss whether a larger cabin aircraft would provide a better overall experience.
The standard configuration seats six passengers with a forward club-four arrangement and a rear-facing pair of seats aft, each with fold-out work tables suitable for in-flight productivity. An aft belted lavatory is standard, An aft lavatory with privacy enclosure is standard, although the size and layout vary . The aircraft provides 60 cubic feet of external baggage capacity in a dedicated nose compartment.
The CJ3+ is certified for single-pilot operation, which some operators use to reduce crew costs. JetOptions presents only two-pilot CJ3+ operations to maintain consistency with safety standards across the fleet.
Wi-Fi availability on the CJ3+ varies more widely across operators than on larger-cabin aircraft. Most chartered CJ3+ aircraft offer basic Wi-Fi; Ka-band connectivity is less consistently available than on super-midsize platforms. Power outlets and USB ports are available on most operator configurations. For executives who need confirmed connectivity, JetOptions specifies the standard per aircraft at time of booking.
The CJ3+ carries a compact refreshment area with a coffee maker and storage for catering. The galley footprint is minimal — suitable for beverages and light snacks on short routes. JetOptions coordinates catering for every CJ3+ charter. Catering briefs are collected at time of booking.
JetOptions and its vetted operators provide:
The typical charter rate for a Citation CJ3+ is $4,000 to $5,500 USD per flight hour — among the lowest in the charter fleet for an aircraft with jet performance. For a group of 4 to 5 on a 2-hour domestic hop, the per-person cost can be lower than any other private jet option available. Rates vary based on operator, aircraft age, departure region, and seasonal demand.
A standard CJ3+ charter quote includes a two-pilot crew, fuel for direct routing, standard ground handling at departure and arrival, and one-time landing fees at each airport. Basic catering is included. Additional costs that may apply: positioning fees, international overflight permits, de-icing on winter routes, and catering upgrades. JetOptions confirms all positioning costs before quote acceptance — never added after agreement.
The CJ3+ delivers the most value on short to medium domestic routes where cost efficiency and availability are the priority:
| Route | Airports | Flight Time | Why the CJ3+ | Typical Passenger Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York to Miami | TEB to OPF | 3.0 hrs | Lowest rate on a high-frequency route; strong availability at short notice | Corporate, small team, leisure |
| Dallas to Houston | DAL to HOU | 1.0 hr | Most cost-efficient option for a same-day business hop; 3,180 ft takeoff suits smaller airports | Corporate, executive |
| LA to San Francisco | VNY to SQL | 1.0 hr | Short California corridor; CJ3+ offers the lowest per-person rate for a group of 4 | Corporate, tech, executive |
| New York to Chicago | TEB to MDW | 2.0 hrs | Efficient same-day round trip at the lowest cost for a small group | Corporate, executive |
| Miami to the Bahamas | OPF to MYEF | 0.75 hrs | Short Caribbean hop at the most competitive rate for a group of 4 to 5 | Family, leisure |
| Atlanta to New York | PDK to TEB | 2.0 hrs | Nonstop Southeast to Northeast; CJ3+ is consistently the best value on this corridor | Corporate, executive |
The CJ3+ competes most directly with the Phenom 300 and 300E in the light jet category. The Phenom 300 is wider (5.1 ft vs 4.8 ft), quieter, and has a larger global fleet. The CJ3+ is typically $500 to $1,000 per hour less expensive and has a shorter takeoff distance (3,180 ft vs 3,138 ft — broadly comparable). For groups of 4 to 5 on short domestic routes where the cabin size is acceptable and cost is the driver, the CJ3+ is frequently the more practical choice. For groups who will spend 3 or more hours in the air and notice the 0.3 ft width difference, the Phenom 300 is worth the modest rate increase.
Against the Learjet 75 Liberty, the CJ3+ gives up cabin height — the Learjet 75 has a 5.9 ft ceiling and is a partial stand-up cabin, a meaningful advantage on routes over 2 hours. The Learjet 75 typically runs higher in hourly rate. For groups where standing during the flight matters, the Learjet 75 Liberty is the stronger option.
For routes beyond 2,040 nm or groups that need a wider and taller cabin, JetOptions will recommend the Phenom 300, Challenger 350, or G280 depending on the route and group size. See flyjetoptions.com/fleet/phenom-300 and flyjetoptions.com/fleet/challenger-350.
Tell us your route, travel date, group size, and any specific requirements. Your JetOptions Aviation Account Executive will respond within the hour with operator options, aircraft details, and pricing.
No obligation. No pressure. JetOptions provides quotes alongside relevant alternatives so you can make the best decision for your trip.
JetOptions Private Jets is an ARGUS and Wyvern registered charter company with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. We provide on-demand access to rigorously vetted Citation CJ3+ operators, with every aircraft meeting or exceeding FAA safety standards and backed by $50 million to $250 million in liability coverage.
Is the CJ3+ a stand-up cabin?
No. The Citation CJ3+ has a cabin height of 4.8 ft — passengers will need to duck to move through the aircraft. When seated, the cabin is comfortable and the seat pitch is generous for a light jet. For groups where standing in-flight matters, JetOptions recommends the Learjet 75 Liberty (5.9 ft ceiling) or the Challenger 350 (6.1 ft full stand-up). JetOptions proactively flags the cabin height when presenting the CJ3+ for routes over 2 hours.
What is the difference between the CJ3 and the CJ3+?
The CJ3+ is a direct evolution of the CJ3 with the same airframe and cabin. Textron upgraded the engines to the Williams FJ44-3AP+ variant, which delivers improved climb performance and a modest range increase from approximately 1,875 nm to 2,040 nm. The avionics and cabin are the same. Most CJ3+ aircraft in the current charter fleet are relatively recent production, which generally means better-maintained interiors and more current avionics than older CJ3 variants.
Why does the CJ3+ have a higher pressurization altitude than other aircraft?
The CJ3+ cabin pressurizes to an equivalent altitude of 8,000 ft — higher than the 6,000 ft equivalent of the Challenger 350 or the 5,800 ft of the Praetor 500. In practical terms, passengers may notice slightly more fatigue on longer flights compared to aircraft with lower cabin altitudes. For short domestic routes under 2 hours, this is not a meaningful factor. For routes approaching 3 hours, passengers who are sensitive to cabin altitude may prefer a super-midsize aircraft with a lower pressurization equivalent.
How many bags does the CJ3+ hold?
The CJ3+ has 60 ft³ of baggage capacity in an external nose compartment — not accessible in-flight. In practice this accommodates approximately 4 to 5 standard suitcases. For groups of 6 with full luggage, the baggage hold is a constraint. JetOptions advises PAs on baggage planning at time of booking. Groups with significant luggage requirements are often better served by the Phenom 300 (74 ft³ external plus 9 ft³ internal) or the Challenger 350 (106 ft³).
Is the CJ3+ suitable for international routes?
With 2,040 nm of range, the CJ3+ covers short international routes from the US: Miami to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and most Caribbean island destinations nonstop. Longer Caribbean destinations such as Barbados (approximately 1,900 nm from Miami) are at the edge of range and require confirmation per booking. Mexico and Central America from US southern departure points are generally within range. For longer international routes, JetOptions recommends the Phenom 300 or Challenger 350.
Why is the CJ3+ less expensive than the Phenom 300?
The Phenom 300 is a newer aircraft with a wider cabin (5.1 ft vs 4.8 ft), a larger baggage hold, and better short-notice availability due to its larger global fleet. It commands a modest rate premium — typically $500 to $1,000 per hour above the CJ3+. For groups of 4 to 5 where the cabin width difference is not a priority and the rate savings over a 2-hour route is $1,000 to $2,000, the CJ3+ is a rational choice. JetOptions will present both and let the brief decide.
What is a positioning fee and will I be charged one?
A positioning fee applies when the nearest available CJ3+ is not at the departure airport. The CJ3+ has one of the largest light jet charter fleets in the US, which means positioning distances are typically short and competitive. JetOptions confirms all positioning costs before quote acceptance — never added after agreement.
How far in advance do I need to book?
For domestic US CJ3+ charters, same-day to 12 hours notice is often achievable. For international routes requiring overflight permits, 2 to 3 business days is recommended. Last-minute charters are the CJ3+’s strong suit — the fleet size makes it one of the most consistently available light jets in the market.