*One-way pricing. Larger jets have 2-hour minimums on this route.
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The Las Vegas to Los Angeles corridor is arguably the most popular weekend escape route in private aviation. At just 235 miles, the 45-minute flight is often faster than driving across LA to reach the airport. This route sees massive weekend warrior traffic—Angelenos heading to Vegas Friday afternoon and returning Sunday. Empty leg opportunities are abundant if you fly the "reverse commute."
Skip the TSA lines and 2-hour waits at Harry Reid International's commercial terminals. Depart from Atlantic Aviation (right next to the Strip) and land at Van Nuys (VNY)—the world's busiest general aviation airport, located in the San Fernando Valley. Door-to-door in under 2 hours versus 4+ hours commercial with security and boarding.
Smart money chooses a Turboprop like the King Air 350—only 15 minutes slower than a jet at significantly lower cost, perfect for groups splitting the bill. For speed and style, a Very Light Jet (Phenom 100, Citation Mustang) gets 4 passengers there in 50 minutes. Larger groups opt for a Light Jet like the Phenom 300 for jet status and cabin comfort.
Weekend demand drives this route year-round. Friday afternoons (VNY→LAS) and Sunday afternoons (LAS→VNY) see peak pricing—20-30% premiums. Mega events like F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Super Bowl, and major UFC fights create extreme demand with advance booking required months out. Mid-week flights offer the best value.
Click any section below for insider tips on flying this route
Formerly McCarran, this is the main airport located just 2 miles from the Strip. Private terminals are separate from the commercial chaos.
Top FBOs at LAS:
Alternative: Henderson Executive (HND)
Many savvy flyers prefer Henderson Executive Airport, 15-20 minutes south of the Strip. Significantly cheaper landing fees, less congestion, and faster "wheels down to limo" transfers. Best if staying at M Resort or southern Strip properties.
Located in the San Fernando Valley, VNY is the busiest general aviation airport in the world and the standard arrival point for LA private traffic.
Top FBOs at VNY:
This route is driven almost entirely by weekend leisure travel:
Important: Because this flight is so short (45 mins), many heavy jets have a 2-hour daily minimum. You might be billed for 2 hours of flight time even though you only flew 0.8 hours. This makes larger jets disproportionately expensive on this specific route.
At just 235 miles, this is one of the shortest private jet routes. Flight time is 45-55 minutes. Aircraft selection should prioritize efficiency over size—larger jets often have hourly minimums that make them poor value.
King Air 350: The smartest money move. Takes about 1 hour 10 minutes (only 15 mins slower than a jet) but costs significantly less.
Phenom 100 or Citation Mustang: Perfect for small groups who want jet speed without overpaying.
Phenom 300 or Citation CJ3: If you have 6-7 passengers, the King Air might feel cramped. A Phenom 300 offers jet speed and a comfortable cabin.
This is arguably the easiest route in the world to find empty legs—but timing is backward from what you'd expect. The key is flying the "reverse commute."
Why: Planes fly to Vegas empty on Sunday to pick up weekenders returning home. You can snag that empty positioning flight.
Why: Planes return to LA empty after dropping off weekenders Thursday/Friday. If you're heading TO Vegas on Friday, look for these.
If staying on the Strip (Bellagio, Aria, Wynn), LAS is 15 minutes closer. If staying at M Resort or want to save money on landing fees, HND is better. HND is also much faster for "wheels down to limo" transfers.
Yes. Unlike commercial flights, you can bring your own alcohol on a private charter. However, if acting aggressively drunk, the pilot has authority to deny boarding for safety.
Yes, but it's primarily used for smaller propeller planes and is located further from the Strip. Generally not the first choice for jet travelers unless you have business in downtown or Fremont Street areas.
15 minutes prior to departure is standard. At Clay Lacy or Signature, your Uber can drop you right at the FBO lobby, and you'll be walking to the plane 5 minutes later.
Not on a traditional charter—you rent the whole plane. "Semi-private" carriers like JSX operate this route selling per-seat tickets from private terminals, but that's a scheduled service, not a private charter.
Usually, but don't count on it for streaming. On a 45-minute flight, you spend 20 minutes climbing and descending where Wi-Fi might be off. Download movies beforehand—you'll barely have time to finish a TV episode.
On a 3.5-hour flight, this is crucial. Most Super Midsize jets have it standard. For Light and Midsize jets, it's not guaranteed. You must specifically request a "Wi-Fi equipped" tail number if you need to stay connected.
Understanding private jet charter costs helps you budget accurately. Here's exactly what you're paying for on this short-hop route:
Turboprop (King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12):
Very Light Jet (Phenom 100, Citation Mustang):
Light Jet (Phenom 300, Citation CJ3):
The 2-Hour Minimum Problem: Most Midsize and Heavy jets have a 2-hour daily minimum. On a 45-minute flight, you'd pay for 2 hours of flight time—making a $15,000/hr Heavy Jet cost $30,000+ for less than an hour in the air. That's poor value.
Day of week: Friday/Sunday = 20-30% premium over Tuesday
Mega events: F1 Grand Prix, Super Bowl, major UFC = 50-100% premium
Empty legs: Sunday morning LAS→VNY = 40-60% discount
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