Private aviation is concentrated around a few powerful corridors where business and leisure travel meet. Here are the routes we arrange most often, with typical flight times and aircraft. Times are approximate and depend on winds and aircraft; check yours with the flight time calculator.
What are the most popular private jet routes from South Florida?
The most common private jet routes from South Florida run north from Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami to the New York area (Teterboro, Westchester and Long Island), Boston, Washington and Chicago, and offshore to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Northbound demand peaks in spring, when seasonal residents head home after the winter.
Flight-tracking data backs up the New York link. In WingX data analyzed by Private Jet Card Comparisons for June 1 to 17, 2020, Palm Beach to Westchester was the busiest US city pair, and Palm Beach to Teterboro, Palm Beach to Long Island's Gabreski airport and Teterboro to Palm Beach were also in the top 10. That is a snapshot of one unusual period, so we do not rank the routes below; they are the corridors South Florida travelers use most often.
| Route from South Florida | Typical airports | Straight-line distance | Typical aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York area | DJT, FXE or OPF to TEB, HPN or FOK | 900–975 nm | Light or midsize jet |
| Boston | DJT, FXE or OPF to Hanscom (BED) | 1,040–1,090 nm | Light or midsize jet |
| Washington, D.C. | DJT or OPF to Dulles (IAD) | 750–800 nm | Light jet |
| Chicago | DJT or OPF to Midway (MDW) | 980–1,025 nm | Light or midsize jet |
| The Bahamas | Nassau (NAS) or Marsh Harbour (MHH) | 160–180 nm | Turboprop or light jet |
| Caribbean | St. Thomas (STT), for example | 960–980 nm | Light or midsize jet |
| Mexico | Cancun (CUN) | 470–500 nm | Light jet |
| West | Aspen (ASE), Van Nuys (VNY) | 1,540–2,035 nm | Midsize jet to Aspen; super midsize nonstop to Los Angeles |
Distances are great-circle figures we calculated from the airports' coordinates, from Palm Beach (DJT, formerly PBI) and Opa-locka (OPF). Flights to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico are international: the operator files eAPIS manifests and clears US Customs on the way home. To budget any of these trips, try the private jet charter cost calculator. For which Miami-area airport to fly from, read our guide to private jet airports in Miami, and for flexible one-way trips north after the season, see empty leg flights explained.
New York to South Florida
Teterboro (TEB) or White Plains (HPN) to West Palm Beach (DJT, formerly PBI), Fort Lauderdale (FXE) or Miami-Opa-locka (OPF). About 2h 30m in a light jet.
The busiest leisure corridor in private aviation, peaking from Thanksgiving through Easter. Light jets such as the Phenom 300 fly it nonstop with ease, and midsize jets add a stand-up cabin. Book early for holiday weekends.
New York to Los Angeles
Teterboro to Van Nuys (VNY). About 5h 30m westbound, 4h 45m eastbound.
The transcontinental route connects the country's two biggest business and entertainment hubs. Nonstop requires a super midsize jet like the Challenger 350 or larger, especially westbound into winter headwinds. Light and midsize jets usually need a fuel stop.
Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Van Nuys to Las Vegas (LAS) or Henderson (HND). About 50 minutes.
Short, frequent and ideal for light jets and turboprops. Popular for events, conventions and weekends.
New York to Chicago
Teterboro to Chicago Midway (MDW) or Executive (PWK). About 2h.
A core business route. Light jets are the efficient choice for day trips that would take a full day by airline.
New York to Washington, D.C.
Teterboro to Washington Dulles (IAD) or Manassas (HEF). About 1h.
Short enough for a light jet or turboprop. Note that Reagan National (DCA) has strict security rules for private aircraft; we will advise on the best option.
Texas triangle: Dallas, Houston and Austin
Dallas Love Field (DAL), Houston Hobby (HOU) and Austin (AUS). 45 minutes to an hour between each.
Energy, finance and technology keep these routes busy year round. Many clients combine all three cities in a single day.
Rising stars: the Mountain West
Routes to Aspen (ASE), Vail-Eagle (EGE), Jackson Hole (JAC), Sun Valley (SUN) and Bozeman (BZN) have grown strongly. Mountain airports have demanding approaches, high elevations and winter weather, so aircraft performance and crew experience matter more than usual. Aspen's runway and approach restrictions mean not every jet can use it.
Plan your route
See which aircraft fly your route nonstop on the range explorer, estimate the cost with the charter cost calculator, then request a quote.