The private jet market in the US is busy right now. This guide covers US charter basics and the most requested routes including LA to New York, New York to Miami, LA to Cabo, and more.
The private jet market in the US is busy right now, while parts of Europe are feeling a little slower. That shift matters if you are planning travel, because it influences availability, pricing pressure on peak days, and how early you should lock in popular routes.
This guide covers the US charter basics and the routes we are seeing requested most often right now, including LA to New York, New York to Miami, LA to Cabo, LA to Las Vegas, and New York to the Caribbean.
TLDR: The US charter market is active, especially on headline leisure and business routes. Book earlier for peak windows, choose airports strategically, and expect domestic taxes like FET to appear on quotes. For domestic US flights you generally do not need a passport, but you will need valid photo ID. International trips, including the Caribbean, require passports and the right entry documents.
Why the US charter market feels busy
The US has a huge private aviation footprint and a constant mix of business and leisure demand. When seasonal travel ramps up or major events hit, certain city pairs tighten quickly. That is why route planning matters more than people expect. The same flight time can feel completely different depending on the departure airport, arrival airport, and the time of day you choose.
Popular US private jet routes right now
Los Angeles to New York
This is a classic high-demand corridor for business, entertainment, and finance. It is long-range travel, so aircraft selection is key if you want nonstop routing, proper rest, and a cabin that supports productivity.
To keep it smooth, focus on two things: choose airports that match where you are actually starting and ending your day, and pick an aircraft category that fits the distance without unnecessary fuel stops.
New York to Miami
Year-round demand, big weekend spikes, and lots of last-minute movement. This route is often about timing rather than flight time. Departing a few hours earlier can avoid the rush and improve availability, especially on Fridays and Sundays.
Airport choice in both markets can also make a big difference to your door-to-door experience, depending on where you are staying.
Los Angeles to Cabo
One of the most requested leisure routes, especially around weekends and holidays. Cabo travel is international, so passport requirements apply, and you will want to plan around local arrival patterns and ground transfer timing.
This is also a route where baggage planning matters. Beach luggage adds up quickly, and families often travel with more than the passenger count suggests.
Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Short, frequent, and very peak-sensitive. Demand can surge around major fights, sports weekends, conventions, and festival dates. The biggest win here is simple: avoid the most obvious departure windows if you can, because they get booked first.
New York to the Caribbean
This is a broad category rather than one route, but the same principles apply. Confirm documents early, plan for arrival timing, and be realistic about peak dates. Some islands have limited capacity and tighter constraints, so planning a day earlier can sometimes unlock smoother logistics.
International private jet charter
Pricing in the US: what drives the quote
US charter pricing is driven by aircraft category, trip length, airport costs, and how much repositioning is required to get the aircraft to you. Peak travel dates also change availability and price quickly, particularly around holidays, major sporting events, and large conventions.
You will typically see line items such as aircraft time, crew costs, airport and handling fees, and applicable taxes. US tax and fee rules can change over time, so it is best to rely on the itemised quote you receive rather than a generic rate chart. If you want a practical way to plan, focus on the variables you can control: timing flexibility, airport selection, and choosing the right aircraft size.
What to know before you charter in the US
Do you need a passport?
For domestic flights within the US, you generally do not need a passport, but you do need valid government-issued photo ID. For international routes, including Mexico and the Caribbean, passports are required and you should confirm any entry requirements based on nationality and destination.
Taxes and fees: what you might see on a quote
For US domestic charter, you may see Federal Excise Tax (FET) applied, along with other itemised fees depending on the itinerary and airport costs. A good charter partner will show these clearly so you can compare options properly.
External reference on US air transportation excise taxes: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/excise-tax
Airport choice is your biggest lever
One of the best parts of chartering in the US is the number of airports that handle private aviation efficiently. The "best" airport is often the one that reduces ground transfer time and avoids congestion, not the biggest commercial hub.
Private jet airports in the US
Timing beats perfection
If you are trying to improve availability and reduce stress in a busy market, flexibility is your friend. Even a one to two hour departure window can change what aircraft are available and what the pricing looks like. For event weekends, arriving a day earlier and leaving a day later can be the difference between a calm plan and a rushed one.
Timing tips for US charter travel
The US is huge, and charter works best when the itinerary respects distance and time zones. Coast to coast trips often require aircraft selection that matches range and comfort, especially if you want nonstop routing. For short hops, the priority is usually speed on the ground, which comes back to airport choice and transfer planning.
During peak weekends, a small change can make a big difference. Shifting departure by a few hours can unlock better aircraft availability and smoother airport flow. If your trip revolves around an event, consider arriving the day before the heaviest inbound wave and departing the day after the biggest outbound rush.
What happens on the day of the flight
US charter travel usually runs through private terminals, often referred to as FBOs. The experience is designed to be efficient. You arrive closer to departure time than you would for commercial travel, your baggage is handled directly, and boarding is typically quick. The most important part is that your driver and pickup plan are coordinated properly, because ground transfers can still be the biggest source of delay in busy cities.
Conclusion
Chartering a private jet in the US is one of the most efficient ways to travel, especially when you plan around airport choice, peak demand, and the realities of repositioning. The best results come from keeping the process simple: confirm the operator and aircraft, choose the right airport for your destination, and stay flexible on timing when travelling during busy weekends or major events.
If you want a smooth, reliable experience, work with a charter partner who is transparent about pricing and operational details, and who can offer alternatives quickly when conditions change. Whether you are flying for business, leisure, or a time sensitive itinerary, the right plan will protect your schedule from door to door.
FAQ
What are the busiest private jet routes in the US right now?
We are seeing strong demand on LA to New York, New York to Miami, LA to Cabo, LA to Las Vegas, and New York to Caribbean destinations, especially around weekends and peak travel periods.
Do I need a passport to charter a private jet in the US?
Not for domestic US flights. You will typically need valid photo ID. For international trips, including Mexico and the Caribbean, passports are required and entry requirements vary by destination.
What is FET on a private jet charter?
FET is a US federal excise tax that may be applied to domestic air transportation. It is usually shown as a line item on your quote along with other applicable fees.
Why do quotes vary for the same route?
Pricing can change based on aircraft availability, repositioning requirements, airport fees, the day and time you travel, and peak demand.
Is it possible to book last minute in the US?
Often yes, but on high-demand routes and peak dates options tighten quickly. Flexibility on timing and airport choice usually improves availability.
