Can You Ship an SUV by Air?

Relocating an SUV across the United States can be a challenging endeavor. Car shippers often face challenges in their auto relocation process. The cost can be high in terms of money and time commitment spent just to move their car somewhere.

They must usually hire an auto transport company or even buy a trailer and drive long distances. It can be inconvenient or even impossible for some individuals or businesses to do. Thankfully, there are other alternatives to consider, such as transporting your car by plane.

Flying your SUV across the country is actually not as uncommon as you might think. It's a viable option, thanks to its speed and convenience.

We’ll check out both the advantages and disadvantages of transporting your car via air freight so you can decide whether this solution meets your specific requirements.

The Pros and Cons of Shipping an SUV by Plane

These considerations include but are not limited to:

• Flight routes
• Fuel charges
• Delivery times
• Safety regulations

Although it certainly has advantages like reduced travel time, it also has certain drawbacks like costlier rates. Still, using air freight to deliver your SUV may prove ideal depending on where and when you want your items to arrive at their destination.

The advantages of air shipment for SUVs

One of the main advantages of shipping an SUV by plane is that it can be much quicker than transport via truck or ship. You can have your vehicle arrive at its destination in just a fraction of the time taken by other methods depending on where you are sending it to.

Additionally, traditional forms are often associated incorrectly with being dirtier and more hazardous than shipping by plane, but this isn't true no matter what form you use.

Your SUV will be handled with the utmost care in whichever form of transportation you choose, ensuring that the car you send will arrive in the same condition as when it was lifted for shipment.

The drawbacks of air shipment for SUVs

On the downside, however, the average cost to ship an SUV on a plane isn't cheap.

Issues like flight delays or inclement weather can significantly raise the travel time of the shipment. When weighing whether air freight is worth it for your particular circumstance, these risks are something to consider.

When considering air freight options for your vehicle, it's also important to remember its weight. If it exceeds what would be allowed by air cargo, you should explore other alternatives.

Insurance is a final consideration that may fill up the "contra" column. Although some states don't require vehicles shipped on planes to be insured, public liability insurance needs to be arranged prior to shipment. This insurance will add to the cost.

How Much Will It Cost?

Shipping an SUV by air can be very steep. The cost often far exceeds the value of the SUV. This is especially true when it doesn't hold any special significance.

Shipping a car using air freight will cost you a ballpark figure of $40,000. But if your car or SUV is rare or has a value greater than the shipping cost, it's worth considering this method.

To put things into perspective, standard shipping by sea using RoRo will cost somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000.

The actual cost will depend on several factors including, but not limited to:

• The weight of the SUV
• The make and model of the SUV
• The distance it needs to travel
• The transport method used

As part of their service, shipping companies often offer free quotes that help determine how much it will cost to transport an SUV by air. All they require for their assessment is some basic information regarding your SUV.

This quotation allows you to thoroughly compare different companies for the best rate before deciding which one works best for your needs. Considering all the factors involved, from cost comparison, route planning, and transport, can take some time, so plan ahead for the best service.

Useful Tips for Transporting an SUV by Airplane

Transport of a vehicle by air can be an efficient and economical means of getting them from one place to another, provided certain rules are observed during their transportation process.

However, to ensure an unforgettable journey and adventure experience, certain rules must be observed to guarantee its success.

1. Ensure your vehicle is running and in good condition before shipping it. Most air freight companies won't accept non-functional cars for transport.
2. Remove any personal belongings or extra parts from the car before sending it off. This will help keep transportation costs down by reducing the vehicle's weight.
3. Avoid filling up the gas tank. Due to safety regulations, air freight companies typically mandate that cars contain no more than an eighth of a gasoline tank in each car they send out on transport missions.

Reasons to Ship via Air

Shipping a car by plane is going to weigh more on your wallet. Land or sea transport is definitely far more economical. But air freight has some advantages that can be worth the cost. People might choose to ship their vehicles this way for various reasons.

You want to ship the SUV overseas

Shipping your SUV overseas may seem intimidating at first glance, but it can be done.

For instance, those relocating to another state or country may find that air transport can help them save time. Their car will arrive quicker and require less handling along the way.

Your SUV is rare or expensive

Having a rare or expensive car, whether it be vintage, exotic, or simply valuable to you is something to be proud of. For some people, transporting the car to another location can be exciting.

People with SUVs that need extra special handling may prefer flying them. It reduces the risk of damage caused by rough weather conditions like rain or snow on land transportation.

But when the additional cost of shipping a car by air is greater than its value, enclosed transport services by land will offer a less expensive method for transporting the vehicle.

Enclosed transport services are one of the best ways to protect your valuable vehicle from the elements and other unpredictable occurrences during shipment.

Your prized possession will be secured inside a heavy-duty trailer designed specifically for door-to-door service. It's a highly secure and safe way to move a special vehicle, even when you are located in remote locations.

There's extra security

Air transport also provides extra security since it takes place at major airport hubs, which are monitored by Customs and Border Patrol Officers and other airport personnel throughout the journey.

Wrapping Up

Anyone could say shipping an SUV by air may be impractical or costly. This method is certainly not for everyone. But it’s possible!

Whether you are in a time crunch or want to avoid a long road trip, air shipping can be a convenient solution. Just be sure to do your research and choose only reputable auto shipping companies to handle the job.

A1 Auto Transport can provide seamless assistance if you need help transporting your SUV anywhere in America or internationally. As a premier auto transport service with a long history in the auto transport industry, we use safe and reliable methods to handle your vehicles.

Browse our complete services and get an instant quote for a shipping cost estimation.