South Florida, the land of the beachfront condos, waterfront estates and mega-yachts, is also one of the most popular spots for private aviation in the United States.
Every day, business jets fly to South Florida from across the country (especially from New York), in addition to dozens of leisure flights heading out to the Caribbean. There are also many HNWI's residing in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach getting a new set of wings to match their high-end wheels.
As with most things South Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale get most of the spot light. In this case, private jets are more familiar with Miami Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) or Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE).
However, less than an hour to the north along I-95, private jets have two additional arrival options: Palm Beach International (PBI) and Boca Raton Airport (BCT).
Private Charter Flights to Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach International has seen a steady increase in its traffic numbers over the past two decades, rising from just over 5.1 million passengers in 1989 to around 6.5 million annually as of 2018.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds flying into PBI, you can try to buy a ticket on a red-eye. However, you're still stuck arriving at the airport hours before your flight, waiting in line for security checks and baggage screenings, and other delays.
Since a lot of routes are offered on a seasonal basis, your flight may also be subjected to cancellations.
There is another option for the well-off jetset crowd, which also happens to be the most comfortable, most direct, and fastest way to travel - chartering a private flight.
When you fly private, the schedule is created around you. Choose the date & time of your flight instead of buying a ticket for a scheduled flight. Choose which airport and which private terminal you depart from. You'll also choose which airport you arrive at.
Private charter flights to WPB can arrive directly at Palm Beach International. Although it mainly serves commercial airlines, it's well-versed in private jet traffic. It has 3 runways and 3 private terminals, and just over 50% of it's total traffic comes from general aviation and air taxi service.
If you're taking an international charter flight into Palm Beach, you can also arrive at Boca Raton Airport, who just opened their Customs & Immigration facility in 2018. Their office is open Thursday - Monday, with after hours customs available by request.
There are two websites specilizing in private jet charters at both airports, each offering free quotes for private flights. Aircraft rentals start as low as $1,500 an hour for small prop aircraft. Figure if your flight to the Caribbean is 2 hours, it will cost $3,000 for the aircraft rental, plus fuel, taxes,and additional fees.
Visit each site for more information, and to book your private flight:
