Thanks to technological advancements, it is now possible to fly cars on planes, which has helped car collectors, companies, and individuals worldwide. When it comes to flying cars on a plane, you should consider various factors including but not limited to expenses, time, and security. Remember that this task involves various types of costs. Flying a vehicle overseas can be complex and sensitive, requiring proper research.
This comprehensive guide will discuss how much it costs to fly a car on a plane and help you draw up a budget. If you wish to learn everything relevant to that, keep reading!
Can You Fly a Car Overseas Via an Airplane?
Before we move on with this subject, it is important to note that flying a car on a commercial airplane is impossible. Since this mode of transport is designed to carry passengers, vehicle carriage is neither feasible nor safe.
However, there are special shipping planes that are primarily made for this purpose. You can certainly access them to fly your car on a plane. Examples include cargo planes, charter planes, and oftentimes large commercial planes. You’ll need to check with your specific service and ask for their quote but generally, this is a very expensive method.
Other than that, you can also carry “parts” of your car (unassembled) on a commercial plane. It is not restricted and as long as the parts don’t contain fuel, it is possible to put them in a plane.
Here are some conditions for it:
- The parts must be properly packed in their original boxes
- Airline must be consulted
- Power tools and those exceeding 7 inches must be contained in a checked bag rather than carry-ons.
- Be prepared for additional screening
Relevant Factors That Influence the Costs of Flying a Car
There are numerous factors that may affect the cost of flying a car on a plane. You’ll need to consider the specific requirements, concerning your circumstances to estimate the cost. Some of the notable factors are listed below.
- Dimensions and Weight: The physical attributes of a vehicle affect the price greatly so the weight of your car is undoubtedly one of the most influencing factors. It is a general rule of thumb that bulky and heavy cargo cost more to fly by air. According to that principle, the heavier your car, the more it will cost to carry it on a plane.
- Vehicle’s size: the size of your car will also matter because larger ones will occupy more space and hence, cost more. Speaking coherently, the specific components of your car will determine the overall cost.
- Distance: one of the most important factors is the “distance” your car needs to travel. The cost of shipping will vary based on this and the specific route you request (if there is any). The more complex it is to fly your car, the higher it will cost.
- Customs: another expense that may be incurred is the cost of complying with import requirements and customs specifications.
- Service type: the type and level of service you book will also affect the total cost of flying your car on a plane. For instance, premium services like “priority delivery” or “expedited delivery” generally tend to cost more.
- Aircraft regulations: the type of aircraft you book, their capacity, and shipping costs also influence the cost.
In short, we can say that the influencing factors are made up of a few important details such as fuel consumption. If your car requires the aircraft to use more fuel and travel long distances, they will charge you more. All the other factors should be considered while keeping the original one in mind.
What is The Estimated Costs of Flying a Car on a Plane
While the actual price will depend on your vehicle’s specific details and personal factors, we can help you draw up a rough estimate of associated rates. The average cost falls in the range of $2000-4000 domestically whereas international shipping is way more expensive. Furthermore, if you want an exact number, contact a couple of airlines or shipping companies in your local area and consult them accordingly.
Basic fees
Transportation fees (paid to auto transport company): the cost of carrying a car on a plane from one place to another.
Special handling fees: the cost of loading and unloading your car at the airport. Other labor and extra services may be required during airplane auto transfer.
Terminal fees: cost of accessing the airport’s facilities.
Extra charges
Customs: customs are taxes levied when flying cargo internationally. They may vary depending on your destination country but they are mandatory in all cases.
Broker fees: if you are flying your car internationally, you’ll need a professional agent/ broker to help with the documents, paperwork, and regulations.
Storage fees: this is a “need-basis” additional cost. You’ll need to pay it if your car is supposed to make a stop before getting to the destination airport.
Insurance: depending on your personal choice, you can sign up for insurance. This will ensure coverage in case of damage during air travel. Insurance is usually levied on a certain percentage of the car’s total value and is a cost-effective way for air travel. Logically, valuable vehicles will incur higher costs.
Real-life Examples
Here are some real-life examples to help you get an overview of the financial scope. You’ll notice that luxury vehicles and vintage cars have a high cost compared to classic cars. This is because of their value.
| Vehicle type | Route | Cost |
| 2020 Bugatti Chiron | United States to China | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| 1967 Shelby Cobra | U.S. to Germany | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Rolls Royce Phantom | U.S. to Dubai | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV | U.S. to U.K. | $12,000 – $22,000 |
Alternatives to Flying a Car on a Plane
As you have seen by now, it can cost a lot to fly a car on a plane. Sometimes, the cost of flying it may as well be higher than its actual price. Especially in the cases of international car shipping, the prices can skyrocket in an instant and cost a fortune. If you want to move your car but can’t afford the plane option, there are several other alternatives, catering to different budgets and circumstances.
- Shipping by sea: ocean transport is way more cost-effective because the rates are lower than air freight. However, please note that this is not a time-sensitive option. Shipping by sea can take a lot more time than air travel but it’s one of the safest ways of doing so.
- Shipping by road: It is like sea shipping, the rates are lower but it is more time-consuming. If expedited delivery is not an important requirement for you then road transport is an excellent option.
- Transport by rail: this is also a viable option for longer distances. They may offer affordable rates. However, this option is only adequate for vehicles that weigh less than ten tons.
- Drive it: this option is obviously not possible for people who want to cover large distances. For those of you who want to move your car domestically or in between states, you can easily drive it to the final destination yourself or hire a driver.
Tips For Flying a Car on a Plane
If you are going to access plane transport either way, make sure to employ these tips to your advantage.
- Insurance coverage: insurance may seem like an additional expense at the initial stage but it can help you greatly in the long run (especially if it’s a high-value vehicle). This mode of shipping is really sensitive and there is no guarantee that your air transport will be smooth. If you want to ensure protection, make sure to get insurance coverage.
- Research properly: one of the most important things is to research cargo companies properly and choose the right one. You can request quotes from different companies and compare rates. Other than that, don’t just go with the cheapest option. Make sure to look up their reputation and past records before making an informed decision.
- Preparing the car: before you start the process, clean your car properly (this includes turning alarms off, removing personal items, and draining fluids). Afterward, deliver it to the shipping company and complete the paperwork.
- Compliance with import regulations: make sure to comply with all the customs clearance and important regulations to avoid penalties and legal action.
Conclusion
In light of all the facts, it’s safe to say that despite being expensive, transfer by plane is the fastest way to move your car from one place to another. If you have decided to fly your car on a plane due to personal reasons and circumstances, make sure to understand all the financial aspects and additional services.
We hope this article helped you with your research and answered all the questions. While air freight costs a lot, there is no doubt that it’s one of the best options. If you have any further queries or lingering doubts, feel; free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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