For short flights of up to 400 miles or around an hour, a turboprop might be your most cost-effective option. Light jets in the Europe typically have a two-hour minimum charge per day, so even if your flight is under this duration, you’ll still incur a two-hour cost. In contrast, turboprops usually have a 90-minute minimum charge, which is 25% less. Therefore, for a 45-minute flight in each direction, a turboprop is ideal.
Another benefit of turboprops is their spacious cabins, often larger than those found in light jets, making them perfect for taller or larger passengers.
Turboprops also offer ample luggage capacity. If you plan to bring a golf bag and an overnight bag, a turboprop is more suitable than a light jet, which may struggle with the combined load of passengers, golf clubs, and bags. Some turboprops can comfortably fit five passengers with their luggage and five sets of clubs.
However, turboprops are not ideal for long-distance flights. They are slower and require more fuel stops than jets, increasing costs. For longer flights, midsize jets are a better choice.
Can turboprops take off on shorter runways than light jets?
Jets typically need runways of at least 5,000 feet in length, whereas many turboprops can take off from runways as short as 3,200 feet. While jets can land at regional airports, which are smaller than commercial runways, turboprops can access even smaller airports.
Are turboprops better suited for areas with mountains and shorter runways?
Turboprops are excellent for regions with mountains and shorter runways. They respond more quickly to throttle inputs compared to jets. In a jet, adjusting power takes time to generate the needed thrust, but a turboprop provides it instantly.
Remote islands like in the Caribbean and skii destinations like in Switzerland are regions where turboprops are a smart choice. For instance, jets cannot land at Beef Island or Courchevel; a turboprop is necessary for that destination.
Which turboprops can carry 18-30 passengers?
Turboprops that carry 18-30 passengers are called turboliners. Unlike smaller turboprops with executive seating, turboliners usually have an airline configuration with more, smaller seats.
Typically, turboliners have one seat on each side of the aisle. They generally accommodate 18-30 passengers, but some can seat up to 59. Although not fast and having a short range, they are perfect for short trips with a large group.
Do turboliners have flight attendants or are they self-serve?
Turboliners carrying 19 passengers or more are required to have a flight attendant. For smaller aircraft, whether a flight attendant is present depends on the operator’s policies.