Private aviation lets you fly into smaller airports and private terminals, arriving minutes before departure and landing close to where you are staying. If you are planning your first private flight, or looking for inspiration, these are ten of the most popular destinations we fly clients to within the United States.
1. Aspen and Vail, Colorado
The classic private aviation ski trip. Aspen (ASE) puts you minutes from town but has a challenging mountain approach and aircraft restrictions, so not every jet can use it. Eagle County (EGE) serves Vail and Beaver Creek with a longer runway. Winter weather can close mountain airports at short notice, so we always plan an alternate.
2. Vermont
Stowe, Manchester and the Green Mountains are a short hop from New York and Boston. Burlington (BTV), Stowe-Morrisville (MVL) and Rutland (RUT) put you close to the slopes in winter and the foliage in autumn.
3. Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Summer peaks on Nantucket (ACK) and Martha's Vineyard (MVY), where ramps are crowded on holiday weekends and parking slots must be reserved. Light jets and turboprops are ideal for the short runways and short flights from New York and Boston.
4. Los Angeles, California
A year-round business and leisure hub. Van Nuys (VNY) is the region's private aviation centre, with Burbank (BUR) and Santa Monica (SMO) as alternatives. See our guide to the top private jet airports in the US.
5. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride (TEX) sits at more than 9,000 feet, one of the highest commercial airports in North America, with a short runway on a mesa. It demands the right aircraft and an experienced crew. Montrose (MTJ) is the reliable alternate, about 90 minutes by road.
6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Florida and a convenient alternative to Miami. It is a winter favourite for clients from the Northeast and the gateway to yacht charters and the Bahamas.
7. Naples, Florida
Naples (APF) serves Florida's Gulf Coast with an excellent private terminal and no airline congestion. Peak season runs from January through April.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole (JAC) is the only US commercial airport inside a national park. It offers world-class skiing in winter and access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in summer. Noise and environmental rules, and winter weather, make operator experience important.
9. Chicago, Illinois
The New York to Chicago corridor is one of the busiest business routes in private aviation. Chicago Midway (MDW) is closest to downtown; Chicago Executive (PWK) serves the North Shore.
10. San Francisco and the Bay Area, California
San Jose (SJC), Oakland (OAK) and Napa (APC) serve Silicon Valley, the city and wine country. Many clients avoid San Francisco International's congestion by using these alternatives.
Plan your trip
See which aircraft can fly your route nonstop on the range explorer, estimate the cost with our private jet cost calculator, or explore more private jet destinations.