How to Choose the Best Airports for Seamless Private Flying
One of the best perks of booking a private plane is the flexibility and freedom it offers, allowing you to choose your own departure time and the airports you wish to fly from and to.
That’s why choosing the right airport is essential, as some are far better equipped to handle private flights quickly, discreetly, and in optimal comfort for you as a passenger.
Unlike commercial aviation, where you must use the airports served by your airline and rely on their contracted facilities such as business lounges and baggage handlers, flying private gives you the freedom to optimise every aspect of your journey.
In this guide, we show you the best airports for a seamless private flying experience, from the moment you arrive to the moment your plane — whether it’s a small turboprop or a private jet able to fly intercontinentally — takes off.
The best airports for private flights
Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a luxury holiday, the ability to book private jet travel offers unmatched convenience and flexibility.
A good private jet charter business can, of course, fly to the airports of your choosing and will also be able to offer tailored advice on which airports near your destination are the most suitable — especially in major cities like London, New York, or Los Angeles, where there are several airports in the greater area.
Before diving into the list of the best airports for seamless private flying, it’s helpful to first discuss what this actually means.
After all, the factors that make an airport great or bad can differ significantly between private and commercial aviation, as a great hub for scheduled flights might not necessarily be the best choice if you have a private plane at your disposal.
What makes an airport great
These factors are important to consider when selecting an airport for your private flight:
– Location: Whether you fly commercial or private, location matters, as you’ll want your airport to be as close as possible to your destination, whether it’s your holiday home or downtown office.
– Accessibility: In the case of private flying, you’ll want your airport to be easily accessible by car, with clear highways and no congestion, allowing you to either drive directly to your waiting plane or to a private terminal where you can await your departure.
– Passenger facilities: Ideally you want to be chauffeured directly from your home or office to your private plane on the apron, but in case this is not possible, you’ll want an airport that offers the option to book a private waiting room, where you can relax in style while your jet is prepared and all formalities, such as passport control and customs, are taken care of.
– Airport services: A great airport for private flying offers all kinds of ancillary services you might need, such as premium catering for your flight and expedited handling of any goods you might be taking with you on board.
– Slot restrictions: Often overlooked when considering the best airports for private flying, you want an airport that not only guarantees an exact departure slot of your choosing, but also offers flexibility for a later departure in case you’re delayed by a late-running business meeting or a big party you enjoyed a bit too much the night before.
Now that you know what seamless private flying entails, let’s take a look at some of the best and most frequently used airports for private flights around the world.
Teterboro Airport
While JFK, Newark, and La Guardia are New York’s three main commercial airports, you don’t want to fly your private plane to these congested aviation hubs.
Teterboro Airport, just 12 miles from midtown Manhattan, is New York’s premier hub for business aviation and private jet charter operations.
Owned and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the airport features on-site customs, premium passenger lounges, and remarkably little congestion — making it the ideal entry point for those flying privately to New York City.
Van Nuys Airport
Just like New York, the megacity of Los Angeles — beloved by Hollywood stars and the rich and famous — has multiple airports to choose from.
While LAX may be the obvious starting point for commercial flights, it’s not usually the preferred choice when flying private.
Los Angeles is also home to an airport that offers a seamless private flying experience — Van Nuys — which is actually one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, with over 230,000 take-offs and landings annually.
Van Nuys Airport is just 15 miles from Hollywood, 19 miles from Santa Monica, and 20 miles from Downtown LA, making for quick and convenient drives to your destination in the greater Los Angeles area after you land.
Van Nuys Airport also has a US Customs facility and modern passenger lounges, making it a great airport from which to fly internationally by private plane as well.
Farnborough Airport
Best known for the Farnborough Airshow — one of the largest international trade exhibitions for the aerospace and defence industries — this airport is located about 37 miles west of London.
Compared to London’s major commercial hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, Farnborough offers a far more premium and private experience — the very thing most travellers are seeking when flying private.
With a dedicated concierge service, premium lounges, and on-site customs and immigration, Farnborough ensures every aspect of your journey is handled with efficiency and care.
Perhaps even more impressive, the airport offers a quick turnaround time, with promises of arriving by 10:30, relaxing in a premium lounge with a drink in hand by 10:32, boarding by 10:40, and having your plane in the air, en route to your destination, by 11:00.
Le Bourget Airport
Paris is not just the capital of France, but also the world capital of high fashion and haute cuisine, making it a popular destination for both wealthy leisure travellers and business travellers flying by private plane.
Although there are some great business lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which also has the exclusive La Première First Class Lounge considered to be the best in commercial aviation, if you’re flying on a private plane, you’d likely prefer to head to nearby Le Bourget Airport instead.
Located just 14 kilometres from the Champs-Élysées and under 18 kilometres from the La Défense business district, Le Bourget is the most centrally located of all Paris airports.
Le Bourget offers private lounges complete with champagne and wine bars, along with limousine services and special customs aides to assist with getting a tax refund for your purchases from your Paris shopping trip.
Conclusion
The best airports for seamless private flying are those with a prime location, fast access by car, private lounges, quick turnaround times from the moment you arrive until your plane departs, and all the on-site services you might need, such as customs clearance and premium catering.
As you can see from this list of the best airports for private flights, these airports aren’t the ones you’re accustomed to using for commercial flights.
For instance, in London, Farnborough is a far better option than Heathrow for private flying, while in New York, Teterboro is the preferred choice, not JFK.
