Boston to Miami

Boston Departure Options

Boston Logan International (BOS):

• Signature Flight Support: The sole private terminal at Logan, located on the South Cargo side, well-separated from commercial terminals.
• Pros: Just 3 miles from downtown Boston—fastest access for Seaport, Beacon Hill, Back Bay residents.
• Cons: High landing fees, potential 30+ minute taxi delays during peak hours, congested airspace.

Hanscom Field (BED) - The Suburban Alternative:

• Located 20 miles NW of Boston in Bedford
• Pros: Lower fees, less congestion, no taxi delays, often cheaper fuel
• Cons: Farther from downtown Boston
• Best For: Suburban residents (Weston, Wellesley, Concord, Lexington)

Miami Arrival: Opa-Locka Executive (OPF)

Located 11 miles north of downtown Miami, OPF is the preferred private aviation hub—avoiding the chaos of Miami International.

Top FBOs at OPF:

• Fontainebleau Aviation: Most luxurious FBO at OPF. Features a massive canopy for sun/rain protection and resort-style lobby. The "see and be seen" choice.
• Signature Flight Support: Reliable, high-volume option often used for quick turns.
• Atlantic Aviation: Excellent top-tier option with extensive hangar space.

Why Not Miami International (MIA)?

MIA is congested with commercial traffic, has long taxi times, and higher landing fees. OPF is actually closer to Miami Beach and Bal Harbour than MIA. You can drive right up to the plane at OPF.

The "Snowbird" Migration

This route has incredibly predictable seasonal patterns:

• Peak Southbound (Nov-Jan): Demand explodes as New Englanders head south for winter. Prices can increase 20-30% for last-minute bookings.
• Peak Northbound (Apr-May): The return migration creates another surge. One-way availability tightens during these windows.

Major Events (Book Early)

Art Basel Miami (Early December):

• Busiest private jet week of the year in Miami
• Parking at OPF can sell out completely
• "Drop and go" fees may apply if you can't secure overnight parking
• Book 3-4 weeks in advance minimum

F1 Miami Grand Prix (May):

• Similar congestion to Art Basel
• Slot restrictions and higher handling fees
• Coincides with spring return migration—double demand pressure

Winter De-Icing (The Guaranteed Extra Cost)

Departing Boston December through March almost always requires de-icing:

• Cost: $1,500-$4,000 depending on aircraft size and conditions
• Billing: Billed after the flight, rarely included in initial quote
• Not Optional: Safety requirement—plane cannot take off with ice on wings

At 1,258 miles, this route is well within range of light jets and above. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and comfort preferences for the ~3.5 hour flight.

Light Jet (The Efficiency Champion)

Phenom 300 or Citation CJ3: Modern light jets can make this trip nonstop comfortably, even with winter headwinds.

• Capacity: 6-7 passengers
• Flight Time: ~3.5 hours
• Best For: Couples or small families traveling light
• Baggage: ~6 standard suitcases
• Estimated Cost: $25,000-$30,000 one-way

Midsize Jet (Cabin Comfort)

Citation Excel/XLS+ or Learjet 60: For a 3.5-hour flight, the stand-up cabin (5'8") is a significant upgrade. Better baggage capacity for golf clubs or seasonal moves.

• Capacity: 7-8 passengers
• Flight Time: ~3.25 hours
• Best For: Golf trips or families relocating for the season
• Baggage: Multiple golf bags plus luggage
• Estimated Cost: $35,000-$42,000 one-way

Super Midsize (Speed & Guaranteed Range)

Challenger 300/350 or Citation Latitude: Shave 20 minutes off flight time with guaranteed nonstop range even in strong winter headwinds.

• Capacity: 8-9 passengers
• Flight Time: ~3 hours
• Best For: VIPs needing flight attendant, larger groups
• Amenities: Full galley, lay-flat seats available
• Estimated Cost: $45,000-$55,000 one-way

Incredibly Predictable Flows

This route has some of the most predictable empty leg patterns in private aviation, tied directly to the snowbird migration calendar.

Best Time for BOS → OPF: April/May

The "Spring Return" Pattern:

• Planes fly north full of snowbirds returning to Boston for summer
• Those same planes then fly back to Florida empty to reposition at their southern base
• This creates a surge of southbound empty legs in late spring
• Savings: $12,000-$15,000 (vs $25,000-$30,000 retail for Light Jet)

Reverse Opportunity: November/December

Look for OPF → BOS empty legs as planes fly south full with snowbirds, then return to Boston empty. This is prime time for northbound deals.

Worst Time: Peak Migration Weeks

When everyone is moving in the same direction, empty legs are scarce:

• Thanksgiving week: Everyone heading south simultaneously
• Art Basel week (early December): Maximum demand, zero empty legs
• Late April/early May: Peak return migration north

Realistic Savings

When you find a true empty leg during off-peak windows:

• Light Jet: $12,000-$15,000 (vs $25,000-$30,000 retail)
• Midsize: $18,000-$22,000 (vs $35,000-$42,000 retail)

How to Find Them

• Watch the calendar: Late April and late November are sweet spots
• Check with Florida operators: Miami-based charter companies need to reposition planes north in spring
• Tell your broker: Say you're "interested in BOS→OPF repositioning flights in late April." You'll get first calls when deals appear.

Why fly into Opa-Locka (OPF) instead of Miami International (MIA)?

Speed and convenience. OPF is dedicated to private jets—you can drive right up to the plane. MIA is congested with commercial traffic, has long taxi times, and higher landing fees. OPF is actually closer to Miami Beach and Bal Harbour than MIA is.

Is Bedford (BED) cheaper than Logan (BOS)?

Generally yes. Landing fees and fuel are often cheaper at Hanscom Field (BED). Plus you avoid the potential for 30+ minute taxi delays at Logan. If you live in the suburbs (Weston, Wellesley, Concord), BED is the clear winner. City residents in Seaport or Beacon Hill may prefer BOS for convenience.

Can a Light Jet fly this route nonstop?

Yes. The 1,258-mile distance is well within the range of modern light jets like the Phenom 300 or Citation CJ3. Older light jets like the Beechjet 400 might need a fuel stop if headwinds are particularly strong in winter.

How much luggage can I bring?

On a Light Jet, space is limited to approximately 6 standard suitcases. If you're moving to Florida for the winter with heavy wardrobe boxes, golf clubs, and pets, you must upgrade to a Midsize or Super Midsize jet to ensure everything fits.

Do I need to pay for de-icing?

Yes. De-icing is a safety requirement, not an optional service. If there is frost, snow, or ice on the wings in Boston, the plane cannot take off until it's treated. Budget $1,500-$4,000 for de-icing—this is billed after the flight and rarely included in the initial quote.

Are pets allowed?

Yes! This is a very pet-friendly route. Just ensure your dog is on a leash at the FBO. Both Boston (BOS/BED) and Miami (OPF) have pet relief areas. Many snowbirds fly this route with their dogs regularly.

What's Included in the Price?

Understanding private charter costs helps you budget accurately. Here's what you're paying for on this snowbird route:

How We Calculate Pricing

Our estimates are based on:

• Distance: 1,258 statute miles
• Flight time: ~3.5 hours (Light Jet) to ~3 hours (Super Mid)
• 2025 hourly rates plus 15% for taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees

Base Hourly Rates (2025)

Light Jet (Phenom 300, Citation CJ3): $6,500/hour

• Flight time: ~3.5 hours
• Base calculation: ~$26,000
• Capacity: 6-7 passengers

Midsize Jet (Citation Excel, Learjet 60): $9,000/hour

• Flight time: ~3.25 hours
• Base calculation: ~$36,000
• Capacity: 7-8 passengers

Super Midsize (Challenger 300, Citation Latitude): $12,000/hour

• Flight time: ~3 hours
• Base calculation: ~$48,000
• Capacity: 8-9 passengers

What's Included

• Aircraft and crew
• Fuel for the flight
• Landing and handling fees at both airports
• Federal Excise Tax (7.5%)
• Segment fees

What's NOT Included (Budget These Separately)

• De-icing (winter departures): $1,500-$4,000
• Catering: $50-$80 per person for 3.5-hour flight
• Ground transportation: $100-$250 for car service
• Art Basel/F1 event fees: Premium parking charges during major events
• Overnight fees: If aircraft stays in Miami