Why I Chose to Fly My Car Instead of Driving
A few months back, I was moving from California to Hawaii for a new job. The most daunting task wasn’t packing or reserving my flight—it was deciding what to do with my car. Crossing states is one thing, but Hawaii is an island. I had two choices: ship it by sea (which takes weeks), or fly with car for faster delivery.
Initially, I believed that flying with car was something reserved for millionaires or collectors of exotic cars. But after conducting research and speaking with some logistics professionals, I learned it’s actually a feasible alternative, even for ordinary individuals like myself. Sure, it’s more expensive—but in certain circumstances, particularly where time is an issue, flying with car is the best choice.
What Does “Flying with a Car” Actually Mean?
Flying with a car refers to transporting your vehicle via cargo aircraft instead of by ship or truck. In the U.S., there are special services—like FedEx Freight, Lufthansa Cargo, and private jet logistics—that offer car air transport, either domestically or internationally.
These flights aren’t like commercial passenger flights where your car comes along with you. Instead, the vehicle is loaded onto a cargo plane and flown to the destination airport, while you travel separately (or sometimes on the same airline, depending on the service).
I used a company called Schumacher Cargo Logistics, based in Los Angeles. They had options to fly cars from California to Hawaii, New York to Europe, and even Alaska routes.
Why I Chose Air Transport Over Other Options
Here’s what made me go for the flying with car route:
- Speed: I needed the car within 48–72 hours. Sea freight would have taken 3–4 weeks.
- Safety: I was transporting a modified Tesla Model Y. Air freight meant less risk of scratches or theft.
- Peace of mind: No weather delays, road risks, or cargo handling at multiple ports.
While the price was nearly 3x more than sea shipping, I considered it an investment in convenience and protection.
How Much It Cost Me to Fly My Car
I won’t lie—flying with a car isn’t cheap, especially in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of what I paid for my Los Angeles to Honolulu transport:
| Service Type | Cost | Time Frame | Includes |
| Air Freight (Standard) | $5,400 | 3 days | Customs, ground handling, loading |
| Insurance | $350 | – | Full damage coverage |
| Delivery to Terminal | $200 | – | Pickup from my home |
Total Paid: $5,950
It sounds like a lot—and it is—but in my case, I was moving for a job and couldn’t afford to wait. Plus, my car was my daily driver, and I didn’t want to rent for weeks.
Documents and Steps Required for Flying a Car in the USA
Flying with a car isn’t as simple as dropping it off at the airport. Here’s the checklist I followed:
- Car Title & Registration
- Valid Photo ID / Passport
- Bill of Lading from shipping company
- Proof of Insurance
- No more than 1/4 tank of fuel in the car
- Vehicle cleaned (interior and exterior)
- Photos of the car before shipment (for damage claims)
I dropped off the vehicle at their freight terminal near LAX, signed off on the documents, and tracked the flight live. It landed in Honolulu 48 hours later. Their team helped with customs and delivered it to my apartment.
Things I Learned from My Experience
Honestly, I had no idea how the process worked until I went through it myself. Here are some key takeaways:
- Not every airport offers car freight services – only major hubs like LAX, JFK, ATL, or Miami.
- Booking early helps – try to book at least 10–15 days in advance.
- Some cars may require crating – especially luxury or low-clearance models.
- Check weight limits – most cargo flights have weight brackets; heavy vehicles cost more.
- Cargo flights run differently – there may be unexpected delays due to weather or airport load.
Still, I was amazed by how smooth it was.
Pros and Cons of Flying with a Car
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast delivery (1–3 days) | High cost ($3,000–$10,000) |
| Secure, less handling | Limited service areas |
| Ideal for luxury or urgent moves | Advance planning required |
| Less chance of wear or damage | Paperwork can be time-consuming |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can regular people in the U.S. fly a car across states or overseas?
Yes. It’s not just for celebrities. Anyone can use air car transport if they can afford it and meet documentation requirements.
Q2: Is flying a car safer than shipping it by truck or ship?
In most cases, yes. The car is handled less and travels faster, reducing risks of damage, weather exposure, or theft.
Q3: Do I need to drain all fuel from my car before flying?
No, but most airlines require it to be below 1/4 tank for safety.
Q4: Is flying with a car tax-deductible?
It may be, especially if it’s for a job relocation. Check with a U.S. tax advisor.
Q5: Can I fly with personal items inside the car?
No. Most services won’t allow anything inside the vehicle for security and weight reasons.
Conclusion
Flying with a car may sound like something out of a movie, but it’s very real—and in my case, incredibly helpful. Whether you’re relocating to Hawaii, Alaska, or even Europe, flying with your car might be the fastest and safest solution if budget allows.
Would I do it again? Yes, but only if time and safety are priorities. For cross-country moves, trucking is fine. But if you need that car fast and secure, flying with a car is worth every penny.