How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Via Airline?

Cost of Shipping a Car by Plane

Shipping a car by plane, also called air freight in the transport industry, is the most expensive method of transporting a vehicle, regardless of where it’s going and how far the distance is. So you may ask yourself, “Why would someone do it then?”

It's a reasonable inquiry, and the typical response is that the vehicle being shipped is extremely valuable, uncommon, or exotic and, hence, requires special handling to prevent damage. Throughout our more than two decades in the auto transport industry, we've seen several customers who prefer to ship via aircraft; typically, these customers are transporting a vehicle with significant sentimental or financial value. Most cars on the road can't be shipped via airline since doing so would cost more than the car is worth.

As with any vehicle shipment, the cost depends on the transport distance involved. Air freight is exponentially more expensive than other methods, so the cost goes up accordingly because of the weight and size of a car. Typically, air freight prices are in the neighborhood of thousands of dollars. To put that into perspective, you could have a vehicle shipped across the U.S. by truck for around $2,000, while that wouldn’t be enough to cover air freight across the state in many parts of the country. However, air transportation is the fastest shipping process.

The Advantages Of Hauling A Vehicle With Air Freight

Now that we’ve sufficiently covered the high cost of air freight shipping and placed it in the context of standard transport costs, let’s look at why people ship cars via airplane.

As mentioned in the first section, factors that may influence people shipping cars on a Cargo plane can be because the car may be rare, antique, exotic, high-end, custom, or even one-of-a-kind. That said, it’s not uncommon to see these types of vehicles in an enclosed carrier on a transport truck, either, especially when there is insurance coverage. However, it's rare to have classic cars shipped in the open air to avoid exposure to the risk of the elements, weather, road debris, and prying eyes during the journey.

The speed and convenience of shipping cars by flight are unparalleled. It is the absolute fastest way to ship a car and the only way to have a vehicle shipped over a long distance in less than a day or two. In most cases, you can also ship other cargo, personal belongings, and other things when you use air freight, which is not an option with other methods outside of containerized shipping.

Finally, there is the important element of safety. There is very little handling or switching around of cargo when you use a ship on an airline. Most shipments are destination-direct and stop only for deliveries, meaning your car is never sitting on a truck overnight or waiting to be unloaded from a ship for several days. It’s quick, easy, and safe, which is largely why people pay the high price tag.

Relevant Statistics

• On average, it costs approximately $10,000 to fly a car on a plane for a domestic trip.
• Flying an auto internationally can range from $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the destination.
• Roughly 5% of private jet owners have flown their cars on planes at least once.
• An estimated 500 cars are transported by planes annually for various reasons, including special events and emergencies.
• The car's weight plays a significant role in pricing, with an average cost of $100 per kilogram to fly a car on a plane.

General Facts

• Transporting a car by plane is a specialized service provided by certain cargo airlines.
• The cost of flying an automobile on a plane can vary depending on factors such as the car's size and weight, the distance to be traveled, and any additional services required.
• Generally, transporting a car by plane is more expensive than other modes of transportation, such as shipping by sea or road.
• The cost of moving a motor on a plane may include fees for handling, customs clearance, and insurance.
• It is recommended to contact specialized freight companies or cargo airlines for accurate pricing information and to inquire about any specific requirements for shipping a car by plane.

A1 Auto Transport

Do you still have questions about shipping your car via air freight? Contact A1 Auto Transport company. We are one of the leading shipping companies in the United States. With over two decades of experience in the company, we have shipped thousands of cars on air, land, ocean, and rail. We've shipped cars to and from different airports both locally and internationally, and we can assist with customs requirements for international car shipping.

Related Information & FAQ

• Air or sea: which method of transport is right for you?