It’s super easy to pack your car and ship it away in an airplane, but it’s almost always super tough on your wallet. As soon as you search how much to fly a car on a plane, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about - the most negligible costs are still in 4 figures.
But if budget is not your concern and you’re simply thinking, can you transport cars by airplane, then perhaps you’re looking for more of a cost-to-value comparison instead of whether you can afford it. So, we’ll glide this guide in the direction of whether a car will be transported by plane. Ready? Let’s jump right in:
Shipping a Car by Airplane: Benefits and Considerations
- Super Fast Delivery. When you need your car to reach your destination quickly, air transport is unbeatable. Due to the absence of road traffic, weather hazards, and other unforeseen delays, transporting your vehicle on an airplane ensures swift delivery. For instance, consider moving across the country. Traditional methods might take weeks, but your car can be with you in just a few days with air transport.
- Privacy for High-Value Vehicles: Now, for those who own that glittering Lamborghini or precious vintage Ford, air transport is particularly ideal. Valuable, rare, or luxury vehicles require the utmost care and protection during transit. Airplanes offer a secure environment, away from potential road damage or theft. Imagine being a proud owner of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the rarest cars. You would want to avoid risking it on a truck across bumpy roads. That’s where air transport shines.
- Top Safety: Moving on to safety and reliability, air transport is statistically one of the safest ways to move goods, including cars. When you transport a car on a plane, you can rest easy knowing it’s in safe hands. Airplanes undergo rigorous safety checks and maintenance routines, making them a reliable option for car shipping. Imagine you need to transport a car for a high-profile auto show. A single scratch could be disastrous. By choosing air transport, you minimize the risk of such mishaps.
- Super Simple: Air transport’s convenience and time-saving benefits are unmatched. From the moment you hand over your car to the moment it’s delivered, everything is taken care of professionally. You don’t have to worry about the logistics of the journey or how much to fly a car on a plane; everything’s handled for you. For example, consider a busy executive moving from New York to Paris. They don’t have the time to drive or wait for weeks. With air transport, their car can be ready and waiting when they land, making the process seamless.
The Not-So-Good Bits of Airplane Car Shipping
- Potentially Higher Cost Compared to Other Methods: When moving your treasured vehicle, you might think, “Can you transport cars by airplane?” Sure, it sounds like a snazzy idea, right? Just like in the movies! But here’s the downside, the cost of shipping a car by airplane can make your wallet faint. For instance, if you plan to fly your car to another state or country, the cost can skyrocket up to several thousands of dollars. Imagine you want to transport a car on a plane from New York to California; it will be something other than a pocket-friendly affair. Yes, your car gets to travel in style, flying high in the sky, but the bill might shock you.
- Restrictions on Heavy and Oversized Vehicles: Not every car can hop on a plane and enjoy a smooth ride. If your vehicle is oversized or particularly heavy, you might need help finding an airplane willing to carry it. You’ll likely have to pay a hefty premium even if you find one. Let’s say you own a limousine or a monster truck or have an RV for those fun family road trips. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but these big boys might not be allowed to fly.
- Considerations for Personal Belongings and Gas Levels: Many overlook something when they’re all excited about the prospect of their car flying. Have you considered the rules regarding personal belongings and gas levels? When it comes to airplane transportation, your car needs to be almost empty. This means not only can you not stuff your car with personal belongings, but the gas tank must also be nearly empty. Imagine you just filled up your tank, ready for your car to hit the road once it lands, and then you get the news – nearly all that gas has to go. Oh, and forget about leaving your favorite CD in the car stereo or your kid’s car seat in the back – personal items are a no-go in car shipping.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super Fast Delivery | Potentially Higher Cost |
| Privacy for High-Value Vehicles | Restrictions on Heavy and Oversized Vehicles |
| Top Safety | Considerations for Personal Belongings and Gas Levels |
Understanding the Cost of Shipping a Car by Airplane
The general cost range for shipping a car by airplane can vary dramatically. For state-to-state transport, you might be looking at a cost range between $3,000 to $5,000 and going international. Then, you may look at a whopping amount between $15,000 and $40,000. A broad spectrum. But why such a vast range, you may ask? Well, let’s dive into the factors that influence these costs.
Factors influencing the cost of air freight
- Let’s start with the journey itself. Distance and destination play a crucial role in the final tally. For example, shipping a car from Florida to California will be less costly than sending the exact vehicle from Florida to Australia. The further the destination and the more remote, the higher the cost.
- Next up is your car’s weight, dimensions, and type. A compact car will be less expensive to transport than a large SUV because it takes up less room on the plane and weighs less. Like when packing for a vacation, every extra pound and inch can add to your overall cost!
- Now, what about those extra services such as expedited shipping or enclosed transport? These services, while beneficial, can add to the overall cost. For instance, it will cost more if you need your car ASAP and opt for expedited shipping. Similarly, choosing an enclosed transport to protect your vehicle from external elements will add to the total cost.
Comparison of costs with other transportation methods
They are moving on to the comparison of costs with other transportation methods. Road-bound car carriers are a cost-effective option for shorter distances. For example, transporting a car from New York to Florida via truck might cost around $600 - $800, less than airplane transport. However, airplane transport might be the only option for longer distances or international shipping.
For overseas transport, shipping by sea is another alternative. While it might be cheaper, it’s significantly slower than airplane transport. For instance, shipping a car from the US to Australia via sea might take up to a month, whereas an airplane could arrive in a few days.
Preparing Your Car for Airplane Shipping:
Ensuring the Automobile is in good running condition
Can you transport a car on a plane? Absolutely! But before you get that car ready for a sky-high journey, the first step is ensuring it’s in tip-top shape. Imagine it this way - just like you wouldn’t want to run a marathon without a proper warm-up, your car needs a thorough check-up before it takes to the skies. Start by checking the engine, brakes, and tires to ensure they operate at peak efficiency. A car in good running condition means less hassle once it reaches its destination. For instance, consider Mr. Jones, who shipped his classic convertible from New York to LA. By ensuring his car was in excellent condition beforehand, he avoided the headache of dealing with repairs upon arrival.
Limits on personal items and gasoline levels
Moving onto the next point, let’s talk about the insides of your car, particularly any personal items, and fuel. Now, shipping a vehicle by airplane is a perfect opportunity to transport extra luggage. However, it’s essential to remember that the car’s interior should be as empty as a classroom during summer vacation. Most freight companies have strict rules about this. For example, Mrs. Smith learned the hard way when she tried to pack her car full of household items while moving from Florida to Alaska. Also, remember to keep the gasoline level low - about a quarter of a tank should do. This not only reduces weight but also adheres to safety regulations.
Documentation required for customs and identification
Finally, let’s tackle the paperwork. Can a car be transported by plane with just a wave and a smile? Unfortunately, no. Just like you would only board an airplane with your passport and boarding pass, your car also needs proper documentation for its flight. This typically includes proof of ownership, insurance, and identification. Remember customs if you’re shipping internationally. Remember to factor in any customs fees too.
Choosing a Reliable Air Transport Company
Researching air transport options for cars
Regarding the question, “Can a car be transported by plane?” The answer is yes, but it’s more complex than booking a flight for yourself. Many companies offer this service, but the options are relatively limited. It’s a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but fear not, because a reliable transport company can make this process as smooth as a calm flight on a clear day.
The scarcity of air transport options for cars makes it even more crucial to choose a reputable company. Think of it like this: would you trust a random stranger to handle your beloved pet? No, right? Similarly, when shipping your car by airplane, you want to ensure you’re entrusting your precious four-wheeled friend to a trusted company. Stories abound of unfortunate souls who, in their rush to transport their cars by airplane, fell into the hands of unscrupulous operators, resulting in damaged cars and sky-high fees. Don’t let that be you; choose a reliable air transport company for your car shipping needs.
Questions to ask potential service providers
Now that you know the importance of finding a reliable air transport service, let’s move on to some key questions you should ask potential providers. First and foremost, ask about their experience and expertise in car shipping. It’s not just about moving the car from point A to point B; it’s about ensuring it arrives in the same condition it left. So, ask them: “Have you transported a car similar to mine before?” It’s the equivalent of asking a babysitter if they’ve cared for a toddler before—you want to ensure they know what they’re doing.
Next, inquire about the availability of insurance and tracking services. Can a car be transported by plane without insurance? Technically, yes, but would you want to risk it? It’s like going on a road trip without a spare tire—it’s doable but not advisable. Similarly, tracking services are not mandatory, but they’re a nice bonus that can give you peace of mind. Imagine being able to track your car’s voyage, just like you can follow a package—it’s a comforting thought.
Lastly, be sure to ask for clarity on costs, timeframes, and additional fees. Imagine planning a budget for your car’s air travel, only to discover that extra costs are involved, like an unexpected layover in a city far from your destination. Or what if the transport takes longer than expected, leaving you without your car for an extended period? So, ask, “Can you transport cars by plane within this timeframe and at this cost?” A reliable car shipping service will always be upfront about these details.
The 6-Step Process of Shipping Car by Airplane!
Requesting and Comparing Quotes
When shipping your car by airplane, the first step is getting quotes. This might seem like a simple task, but it’s crucial. You’ll want to connect with multiple air transport companies and request estimates. For instance, our team at Easy Auto Ship provides free, no-obligation quotes for car shipping that are accurate and comprehensive. The key is comparing these quotes, considering the cost and factors such as the company’s reputation, experience in car shipping, insurance coverage, and the services included.
Scheduling Vehicle Collection and Airline Booking
Once you’ve selected a car shipping company, the next step is scheduling. This involves coordinating the collection of your car and booking the airplane transport. For example, our team at Easy Auto Ship will arrange a convenient time to collect your vehicle, ensuring a smooth handover. We then secure a spot for your car on a flight, taking into account your preferred delivery timeframe.
Preparing and Securing the Vehicle for Transport
Preparing your car for air transport is a vital step in the shipping process. This involves several things, such as cleaning the car, removing personal items, and disabling alarms. Securing the vehicle is also a crucial task that needs to be handled professionally. At Easy Auto Ship, we ensure the car is secured using industrial strength straps and protective covering to prevent any possible damage during transport.
Customs Paperwork and Identification Requirements
Navigating customs paperwork can be tricky, but it’s an integral part of car shipping by airplane. This process entails providing all the necessary documentation about the car, including identification documents, vehicle registration, and insurance papers. At Easy Auto Ship, our experts will guide you through the process and ensure all the paperwork meets international shipping regulations and customs requirements.
Tracking and Monitoring the Shipment’s Progress
The ability to track your car’s journey can provide peace of mind. After your vehicle is loaded onto the airplane, advanced tracking systems can monitor the shipping process in real-time. For instance, at Easy Auto Ship, we provide our clients with regular updates about their car’s shipping progress so they can stay informed every step of the way.
Delivery and Post-Arrival Procedures
Finally, the car is carefully unloaded and prepared for delivery once the airplane arrives. This includes conducting a thorough inspection to ensure the vehicle has arrived in the same condition it was sent. After the inspection, the car is then delivered to your specified location. At Easy Auto Ship, we offer support with post-arrival procedures, such as transporting the car from the airport to your provided location.
Parting Words:
Although we don’t offer airplane shipping at Easy Auto Ship, it is the fastest mode to move your car from one state to another or internationally. However, be prepared to have a hole burned into your wallet as the costs are sometimes even 10x the costs you’ll incur with truck transportation. Let us know if you’d like us to move your cars in super secure, enclosed trailers with expedited pickup, and we’ll offer you free, no-obligation quotes in minutes.
