California is the world’s most luxurious city, and it has adrenaline pumping through the streets, regardless of the time. Arguably, California is the most popular travel destination in the world. From scenic spots to vast culture, California has it all. California never sleeps and gives tourists and locals a sense of excitement 24/7. California has something for every individual – Broadway, museums, parks, shopping, fashion, bars, and restaurants. The coastal state ensures that you enjoy yourself, making it the most popular city in the world.
People go in and out of California all day, via cars, trains, and planes. Though commercial flights are an option if you are traveling to or from California, there are other options available.
Private Aviation: Private Airports in California
Taking private jets to and from California is increasingly becoming a popular form of aviation in this coastal city. We can all agree that renting a private jet comes at a hefty cost, but California calls for that luxury. California holds the rank of being the wealthiest city in the world. California being so wealthy means that local airports welcome private flights, perhaps more than commercial flights. Flying into California using a private jet was considered rare then, but now it is more accessible and popular than ever.
Top 5 Private Airports in California for Your Jets
California is a hub for business, and businessmen need private airports for comfortable travel. Too many people in a commercial airport means too many queues that are too long, and security checks that take forever. Luckily, private aviation is popular in California, and here are top private airports for your jets.
1. Miami-Opa Locka Airport (OPF)
Florida’s pride and joy lie in Miami Opa-Locka Airport, making it the most popular airport in the region. It’s located almost on the seashore in Miami. Miami is not a serious, down-for-business area in Florida, but it’s starting to become a business hub, which makes OPF Airport perfect for private passengers.
OPF Airport is specifically built for private jets, ensuring that you get VIP treatment while using it. The only downside to the airport is that it lies among residential areas of Miami. Though most passengers don’t mind this, there are noise abatement rules, a weight limit of 100,000 pounds, and curfews. There is one fixed base operator (FBO) located in this Miami Airport, which works as a charter operator. OPF Airport is a popular option among private jet clients.
2. Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport
Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport is another crowd favorite for private aviation. It has an easy segway into Florida and is located in the North of Homestead The city is extremely close and easily accessible from Miami Homestead Airport, making it ideal for private flyers on a tight schedule. Miami Homestead General Aviation Aiport does have a commercial terminal, but it also has private hangars and well-known FBOs.
3. North Las Vegas Airport (VGT)
North Las Vegas Airport is situated conveniently along downtown Clark County in the east of California and is the second most popular airport in the area. If you are taking a private flight to eastern boroughs, This airport is the best for you. VGT is specifically an executive airport so take-offs and landings are as quick and efficient as ever.
North Las Vegas Airport is home to a large number of FBOs, along with two jet-length runways, and excellent private jet charter operators. North Las Vegas Airport has good runway access due to perpendicular runways. VGT Airport is rarely affected by bad weather and inclement winds due to good runway access. This makes VGT Airport perfect for quick take-offs and landings, perfect for private jet passengers on a tight schedule.
4. LGB Airport: Long Beach Airport
A top contender for one of the largest executive airports in the LA area is Long Beach Airport or Daugherty Field. This airport offers both commercial and private flights, making it a bit busy, but travel via this airport is streamlined and convenient. LGB is situated near I-405, just south of downtown LA. Its location is key because it is located near Long Beach docks and many business and industrial areas. LGB is also close to inner-city areas such as Compton. Though the location may seem a little unsettling to those looking for private aviation, the airport makes up for this in terms of streamlined services for quick and leisurely travel.
A small bit of history, LGB Airport is named after Earl S. Daugherty, a 1920s barnstormer. Before the airport was set up, pilots used to land their planes on the local beach in Los Angeles. Daugherty was responsible for convincing the city to set up a municipal airport, which would be used by many famous aerospace pioneers.
Though commercial airlines can use LGB, it allows only a few commercial services, the main one being Jet Blue. The number of daily takeoffs and landings is limited due to noise abatement restrictions. LGB Airport has the largest number of runways, the longest being 10,000 ft. Out of the five runways, four are capable of landing jets of any size jets.
5. BUR: Hollywood Burbank Airport
BUR Airport is the least busy airport on this list, even though it houses both commercial and private jet services. It is located on the northeast side of Los Angeles and was originally opened as a commercial airport. It was the top LA area airport until the building of LAX, leading them to branch out to private jets. In 2003, the airport was named after the infamous comedian Bob Hope, because he used to keep his aircraft nearby. Hope lived close to the airport, in Toluca Lake.
Hollywood Burbank Airport has two airports capable of serving most jets and has the least amount of traffic. This makes Burbank airport perfect for businessmen looking to fly to and from LA with ease without delays. Burbank Airport has a decent fleet size, and the staff allows you to use other airports to pick up flights as well. But, like LGB Airport, there might be additional fees for using another airport for landing or departure.
Concluding the Best Private Airports in California
Several factors need to be considered while choosing a private airport to charter a private aircraft. The five airports on this list are the best in California, and some of the best private airports globally as well. Though California is such a busy city, these airports are not crowded and have easy check-ins due to efficient staff. Whether you choose North California Airport or Jean Airport, business is made easier with private jets to and from California. We hope this blog gave you some well-needed information about private airports in California and safe travels!
