Chicago, a city brimming with energy and life, is located in the heart of the Midwest. As the third largest metropolis in the United States, it boasts a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage.
From the towering skyscrapers that define its iconic skyline to the world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, which holds a treasure trove of some of the most spectacular art in the world, the city never fails to impress. But that’s not all Chicago has to offer, it’s also a paradise for foodies, where you can savour delicious delicacies like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs loaded with all the toppings, affectionately known as “the works”.
“This Second City” is a lively and exciting place that has something to offer for everyone, and travelling there with the comfort of a private charter on your schedule is really a cherry on top. Here are the most popular routes that’ll take you to Chicago:
Read on to find out about each of these travel routes. I put all the details in this article to make your preparations and planning easier.
Topics
1. Private Charter: Los Angeles to Chicago
The two major American centres of culture and business are separated by about 2,020 miles, which would take around 29 hours to travel by land. It’s almost mandatory to fly to Chicago from Los Angeles, and if you’re short on time and don’t want to bother with the commercial airline hustle, a private charter is your best option.
Los Angeles to Chicago: Pricing Options
The prices below are based on Evojets rates. Note that other private charter companies might have lower or higher prices, depending on the company.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Light Jet | 8 | From $28,600 | 4 h 25 min |
Midsize Jet | 9 | From $38,400 | 3 h 54 min |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From $42,800 | 3 h 47 min |
Los Angeles to Chicago: Airport Options
Los Angeles and Chicago are two of America’s most renowned centres for entertainment and commerce, and it’s no surprise that they both boast a wealth of air transportation options. Both cities are home to multiple private airfields, as well as major international airports, making them easily accessible for both business and leisure travellers.
When you’re leaving Los Angeles, you can choose from one of the following airports.
- Van Nuys Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- John Wayne / Orange County Airport
- Hollywood Burbank / Bob Hope Airport
- LA/Ontario International Airport
Van Nuys Airport
Van Nuys is a public airport located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, California. It’s the busiest general aviation airport in the world, with over 250,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
Van Nuys is easily accessible from several major highways in the area. The airport has a number of amenities and services available to travellers, including rental car agencies, aircraft maintenance facilities, and several FBOs which are:
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International, located in the Westchester district of Los Angeles, about 16 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, is the primary airport in the Los Angeles area and the second busiest airport in the United States.
Los Angeles International is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and serves as a gateway to Pacific Rim and Latin America. With its nine terminals and wide range of amenities and services available to travellers, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and rental car agencies, it’s well-equipped to meet all private travel needs.
There are 2 FBOs at your disposal in this airport.
John Wayne / Orange County Airport
John Wayne Airport is a medium sized public airport located in Santa Ana, California, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It’s also known as Orange County Airport and is named after the actor John Wayne, who lived nearby Newport Beach.
There are two FBOs available for your needs in this airport.
- Clay Lacy
- ACI Jet
Hollywood Burbank / Bob Hope Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport, also known as Bob Hope Airport, is a small public airport located in Burbank, California, about 7 miles northwest of downtown Burbank and about 15 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. It’s true that Hollywood Burbank is not the most impressive airport in LA, but it can save you a lot of time if you’re closer to the Burbank area.
There are 2 FBOs at your disposal in Hollywood Burbank Bob Hope:
LA/Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport is a public airport located in Ontario, California, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It’s a medium-sized airport that serves the Inland Empire region of southern California, including the cities of Ontario and San Bernardino.
LA/Ontario has one FBO for all your private travel needs.
2. Private Charter: Seattle to Chicago
Seattle, a vibrant cosmopolitan city situated on the picturesque west coast of the United States in the state of Washington, is another great destination for both business and leisure travel. With its proximity to Chicago, the Midwest, it’s possible to travel between the two cities by air in just 4 hours.
However, a private charter can offer an even more luxurious and comfortable experience, with the ability to customise your flight to your exact needs.
Let’s take a look at the pricing options for that.
Seattle to Chicago: Pricing Options
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Light Jet | 8 | From $45,400 | 7 h |
Super Midsize Jet | 10 | From $50,800 | 5 h 32 mins |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From $61,400 | 5 h 30 min |
Ultra Long Range Jet | 18 | From $87,500 | 5 h 18 min |
Seattle to Chicago: Airport Options
There are a few airports in Seattle that can meet your private flying needs. Here are the 2 most frequently used ones.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly referred to as Sea-Tac Airport, is a major transportation hub in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It’s the largest airport in the region and is strategically located in the city of SeaTac, Washington, which is just 13 miles south of the bustling metropolis of Seattle and 30 miles north of the historic city of Tacoma.
With state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch amenities, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, Sea-Tac Airport is an excellent gateway to the beautiful and diverse Pacific Northwest region.
There is one FBO in Seattle-Tacoma ınternational.
King County International Airport
King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field, is the major public airport in Seattle, located about 7 miles south of downtown Seattle, and is a popular choice for private and corporate aviation. As the name suggests, it’s the primary corporate headquarters of Boeing, but it’s also used as a maintenance facility for a number of other airlines.
There’s one FBO operating in King County International.
Renton Municipal Airport
Renton Municipal is another public airport in Seattle. Located in Renton, Washington, about 10 miles southeast of downtown Seattle, the airport serves both private and general aviation aircraft.
There are two FBOs in Renton Municipal.
3. Private Charter: New York to Chicago
New York City is the epitome of sophistication and glamour, with its iconic skyline, world-class museums, and an endless array of fashionable boutiques and fine dining establishments. From the pulsating energy of Times Square to the stately grandeur of Central Park, New York is a city like no other, offering something for every discerning taste.
A light jet takes about 2 hours to reach Chicago, costing you about $16,000. You can make the trip faster by taking a larger jet.
New York to Chicago: Pricing Options
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Turboprop | 9 | From $15,300 | 3 h 7 min |
Light Jet | 8 | From $16,000 | 2 h 21 min |
Midsize Jet | 9 | From $18,600 | 2 h 14 min |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From $23,500 | 1 h 57 min |
New York to Chicago: Airport Options
The Big Apple has three major airports through which millions of people pass every year.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Westchester County Airport
- Teterboro Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens and is known for being the most congested international airspace in North America. The airport has four long runways and six passenger terminals that cater to private jets, helping to avoid delays and long lines.
Westchester County Airport
Westchester County Airport is a public airport located in Westchester County, New York, about 30 miles north of New York City. It serves the greater New York metropolitan area, the Central New York region, including Westchester County and Fairfield County. The 284-hectare airport has two runways, an FBO terminal for commercial flights, and a private jet terminal.
Westchester County also offers aircraft refuelling services, limousine transportation, and other amenities for VIP customers.
Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport is another public airport located about 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan and is a key airport for private jets serving the New York area. Its two asphalt runways can accommodate private aircraft up to 100,000 pounds.
The airport also houses the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame, where you can see a collection of aircraft and the achievements of pilots.
Thanks to its popularity for private flights, Teterboro Airport hosts 5 state-of-the art FBOs.
4. Private Charter: Vancouver to Chicago
Being one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Vancouver is also known as the Hollywood of the North. With its friendly people, clean and safe urban life, and one of the highest welfare rankings in the world, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to call Vancouver home.
The Vancouver-Chicago route connects the two metropolitan cities in the neighbouring North American countries. The flight takes about 5 hours, depending on the aircraft of your choice.
Let’s take a look at the pricing options for this trip.
Vancouver to Chicago: Pricing Options
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Light Jet | 8 | From CAD 51,083 / $38,100 | 4 h 24 min |
Midsize Jet | 9 | From CAD 55,239 / $41,200 | 3 h 53 min |
Super Midsize Jet | 10 | From CAD 62,882 / $46,900 | 3 h 49 min |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From CAD 75,619 / $56,400 | 3 h 47 min |
Vancouver to Chicago: Airport Options
There are 3 major airports in Vancouver. We’ll explore the top two, which are the most popular ones among private charters.
- Vancouver International Airport
- Boundary Bay Airport
- Vancouver Coal Harbour Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Its unique British Columbian theme and distinctive architecture and artwork distinguish Vancouver International from the other airports in the region. It features the world’s most extensive collection of Pacific Northwest Coast Native art on display, making the airport a must-visit for art lovers.
Vancouver International also has received numerous awards for its excellence in private travel, including the Skytrax Best Northern American Airport award for 12 consecutive years until 2021.
It also hosts 3 FBOs for your private travel needs.
Boundary Bay Airport
Boundary Bay is another public airport in the region. It’s located about 3 miles from downtown Ladner and 10 miles from downtown Vancouver.
With its two paved runways and five helipads, the airport serves both general aviation and private jets. In fact, it’s one of the busiest airports in the country and offers top-quality FBO services for corporate and private aircraft that are run by Boundary Bay Airport itself.
5. Private Charter: Mexico City to Chicago
The distance between Mexico City and Chicago might seem daunting at first glance with 1,688 miles separating the two cities, but with a private charter, the journey becomes a luxurious and comfortable experience.
You can soar above the clouds, taking in the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline as you make your way to the Windy City. The smooth and efficient flight on a private charter cuts through the miles in just a matter of hours, making it the ultimate way to travel, a true VIP experience.
Here are the pricing options for this trip.
Mexico City to Chicago: Pricing Options
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Light Jet | 8 | From MXN 677,788 / $36,100 | 4 h 30 min |
Midsize Jet | 9 | From MXN 735,991 / $39,200 | 3 h 58 min |
Super Midsize Jet | 10 | From MXN 826,113 / $44,000 | 3 h 52 min |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From MXN 993,213 / $52,900 | 3 h 52 min |
Mexico City to Chicago: Airport Options
Mexico City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and is a major hub for travel in Mexico and Central America.
The city is served by many public and privately owned airports. Because of its crowds, it’s better to bypass Mexico City International Airport, otherwise known as Benito Juárez International Airport, when flying privately.
Here are the best airports you can use to fly from Mexico City.:
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport
- Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport
Felipe Ángeles International Airport
Felipe Ángeles International is located in the town of Atizapán de Zaragoza, in the state of Mexico, about 35 miles northwest of Mexico City. It’s named after Felipe Ángeles, a Mexican pilot who fought in World War I.
This airport used to be a military airfield, but it was fully converted and renovated in recent years. And as of 2022, it started to serve as the third air gateway for Mexico City.
Felipe Ángeles Airport is not the closest airport in the capital, but it’s one of the most modern airports in Latin America. This new but bodacious airport has only one FBO for now, run by the airport itself.
Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport
Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport is the main alternate airport for Mexico City International Airport and is located near Toluca, about 38 miles west of Mexico City. The airport has modern FBO infrastructure and is a key hub for the region’s business aviation industry.
Thanks to its proximity to the Santa Fe financial district, Adolfo Lopez Mateos is commonly used for private charters and hosts many cutting-edge FBOs.
- Aeromaan
- Avemex
- CENTURY AVIATION FBO
- Eolo Plus
- FBO Across Signature
- ICCS Toluca FBO
- Jetex Toluca
- Lic. Adolfo López Mateos International Airport
- S.A. De C.V
- Servicios Aereos Estrella
- Servicios Integrales de Aviación d/b/a FlyMex
- Universal Aviation
6. Private Charter: London to Chicago
Flying from the big Smoke to Wind City is quite a journey, as it involves crossing the Atlantic Ocean. While it is possible to cross the ocean by boat, flying is much faster and more comfortable, especially if you have access to a private jet.
The distance between these two cities is approximately 8,600 km in a direct line, which takes about 9 hours to fly. And how much does it cost you to do so? Let’s explore the pricing options.
London to Chicago: Pricing Options
The distance between London and Chicago is about 4,000 miles, which can only be covered by either a heavy jet or an ultra-long-range jet.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to Chicago | Estimated flight time |
Heavy Jet | 16 | From GBP 112,688 / $137,500 | 9 h 56 min |
Ultra Long Range Jet | 18 | From GBP 160,140 / $195,400 | 9 h 3 min |
London to Chicago: Airport Options
London is a city with a long history of serving as a gateway for travellers heading to America. Travelling from London to Chicago by private jet is a convenient and comfortable option, and London’s reputation as a transportation hub and its tradition of serving high-end clients make it an ideal place for jet travel.
So, which airports should you leave London from? There are a number of airports available, here are five of them that’ll meet and even exceed your private flying needs.
- London Luton Airport
- Farnborough Airport
- London Stansted Airport
- London Biggin Hill Airport
- London City Airport
London Luton Airport
Located just 20 miles from central London, Luton Airport has been in operation since 1938 and is the fifth busiest airport in the UK. It’s easily accessible by both road and rail, with the train being a particularly convenient and practical option for travellers coming from central London. In just 30 minutes, you can travel from shopping on Bond Street to departing on your private jet from Luton Airport.
Luton Airport hosts 4 FBOs at your disposal:
Farnborough Airport
The first things you’ll find in Farnborough Airport are luxury and modernity. With a range of dedicated business aviation services, Farnborough Airport is committed to providing private customers with an unparalleled experience.
The airport’s main buildings are all custom-designed to suit everything you might need, from refreshments to a private lounge and meeting rooms, or gaming consoles. Thanks to its dedication to the ultimate client experience, Farnborough Airport offers FBO services and amenities run by the airport itself.
Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is a bustling hub of activity, ranking as Britain’s fourth busiest airport and serving over 29 million passengers yearly, prior to the pandemic. It’s strategically located in the county of Essex, just a stone’s throw away from London at a distance of 40 miles from the central district.
Notable FBOs that provide their services from Stansted Airport are:
London Biggin Hill Airport
Biggin Hill Airport is a prime destination for business travellers, thanks to its unbeatable location that offers lightning-fast six-minute helicopter transfers from the heart of London to the airport, making it the fastest way to reach an airport from the central city.
Biggin Hill also offers luxury and comfort, thanks to its two premier FBOs that cater to the needs of high-end travellers, which are:
London City Airport
London City Airport is a small yet well-connected airport, situated in the heart of the Royal Docks in the London Borough of Newham. Though the airport itself may be compact, it doesn’t skimp on convenience and comfort. It hosts a premier FBO, catering to the needs of discerning travellers:
Which Jets Can Fly You to Chicago?
When it comes to chartering a private jet, the choices available can be overwhelming. However, by considering the length of your flight, the type of aircraft, and your specific needs, you can narrow down your options and make the best decision.
Turboprops
First, let’s take a look at turboprops. These small, propeller-based aircraft are best suited for shorter trips, such as the Paris to London route. They can use shorter runways and are perfect for city airports, with speeds of up to 300 knots and a range of roughly 1,500 miles before needing a refuelling stop.
Light Jets
Next are light jets, which are similar in size to turboprops but can travel further and faster. They have a range of about 1,700 miles and can reach speeds of up to 400 knots. They are a great option for those who are time-sensitive and want to maximise their travel efficiency.
Midsize – Super Midsize Jets
For medium-long journeys, midsize – super-midsize jets are the most popular choice for private charters. They have speeds of up to 460 knots, and a range of up to 2,200 miles before refuelling.
Heavy Jets
When it comes to private jet travel, heavy jets are the ultimate choice for those looking to go the distance. Capable of reaching ranges of up to 8,000 miles and top speeds of 700 mph, these large and powerful aircraft are designed for long, continuous flights without the need for constant refuelling. Whether you have a large entourage or are planning a long-distance international flight, a heavy jet can get you there in style and comfort.
Conclusion
With its rich history, world-class dining, and an endless array of cultural and entertainment options, it’s no wonder that Chicago is a top destination for travellers. And with its many airports with exclusive FBOs, getting there has never been easier.
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, chartering your own private jet offers the ultimate in convenience and luxury. Forget the hassle of busy highways and crowded airports, a private charter ensures you’ll arrive in style and on time, every time.