If you’re a frequent private aviation traveller, you understand perhaps more than most that where you land matters almost as much as how you fly. At The Berkeley Palm Beach, we can attest that private aviation in West Palm Beach has become more popular in recent years.
The reasons for this include the destination’s well-run facilities, quick access, and easy transition from the airport to the city. There are no lines, no waiting, and no terminals to navigate. It’s direct, and it’s uncomplicated, so why wouldn’t you choose to fly this way?
It’s become a place where private arrivals feel normal yet no less exceptional for luxury travelers. And if you’re new to private flying and you decide to fly to West Palm Beach through private aviation channels, you’ll see firsthand how different it is from flying commercial.
Airport Options (PBI, Boca, Lantana)
There are several airports in Palm Beach County for private jet travelers. Each airport serves a slightly different purpose depending on travel needs and aircraft type. However, this means that each of these airports gives those who want to fly with a private jet to Palm Beach flexibility. You can choose the destination that truly works best for you.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
For most business aviation, Palm Beach International Airport is the top choice. This airport handles a significant number of private jet operations daily and is designed to accommodate everything from light jets to long-range aircraft.
For many, this airport’s biggest advantage is its location. PBI is found only minutes away from downtown West Palm Beach. This makes ground travel short and easy, especially if you live in a modern condo like those at The Berkeley Palm Beach.
Boca Raton Airport (BCT)
Another popular airport is Boca Raton Airport (BCT), which serves corporate aircraft and smaller business jets. Many who fly private know this airport because it has a stellar reputation in the aviation community for its efficient operations and infrastructure. Usually, this airport is the top choice for travelers heading to Boca Raton or southern Palm Beach County.
Lantana (LNA)
Lantana (LNA) Airport, also known as Palm Beach County Park Airport, differs from the other two airports in that it primarily serves light aircraft. It’s also an airport favored for recreational flying and flight training. It isn’t the typical destination for larger private jets, but it’s still an important part of the region’s aviation network.
FBO Services at PBI: What to Expect
FBO services, also known as fixed-base operator services, typically refer to the aviation services an airport offers.
Usually, these services include everything from ground handling, fueling, and hangar storage to maintenance and passenger amenities such as airport lounges and parking. The FBO at West Palm Beach at PBI offers these services and others through Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation.
It’s also worth noting that some FBOs offer catering and flight planning support, customs coordination for international arrivals, and crew accommodations and rest areas.
An easy way to understand FBO services is to think of them as an added perk of a facility that handles everything that would normally happen inside a commercial terminal. However, this handling is on a much smaller scale. Yet, how would this actually impact you and your travels?
You can think of things through this lens. You arrive at the PBI. You’ll go directly through the FBO rather than a public terminal. At the FBO, you’ll find a calm, relaxed atmosphere with clean lounges, meeting areas, and a simplified check-in process. You can also expect your ground transportation to be organized, with cars waiting for you when you’re ready.
This means you won’t feel like you’re one in a big crowd, nor will there be public announcements to listen to. It’s an exclusive facility where you’ll arrive, transition, and leave. That’s it. For this reason, many frequent flyers comment that the experience feels unremarkable, but that is a good thing.
When flying becomes routine and friction-free, it fades into the background. This is precisely how some travelers prefer it. It’s less hassle and overwhelm.
Flight Times from Major Cities
Before you decide whether to add private aviation in West Palm Beach to your list, you need to know how convenient it actually is. To determine this convenience, you need only look at the flight times from major cities to West Palm Beach.
In our humble opinion, the West Palm Beach airport works well because it caters for domestic and international travel. With this in mind, here are a few typical flight times that are approximations of what you can expect:
- New York City: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Miami: 30 to 40 minutes
- Atlanta: 1.5 hours
- Chicago: 3 hours
- Dallas: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Toronto: 3 hours
If you travel often for business, consider becoming a seasonal resident or second homeowner; these times make West Palm Beach an easy choice.
With morning flights, you’ll usually arrive in time for lunch, and you won’t lose half the day to busy airports and connections when you fly private.
Why West Palm Beach Continues to Attract Private Aviation
The secret to West Palm Beach’s continued appeal to private aviation is that it doesn’t market itself as a private aviation hub, yet it still operates like one. The infrastructure is in place, and the airports are well managed, regardless of which one you use. Those who travel here understand the private travel cycle and its benefits. They realize that these airports give them back control over their schedules and make their routines simpler.
Living Near the Airport: The Berkeley West Palm Beach
When you start exploring private aviation in West Palm Beach, you realize how direct travel can be and how much less of a hassle getting from point A to point B becomes. You also learn that being close to an airport isn’t just convenient because of its proximity. It’s also convenient because you avoid small delays and the often tedious steps involved between landing and getting home.
In today’s day and age, private airfare travelers want quick access without feeling like they live at the airport. They want to enjoy neighborhoods that afford them quiet luxury in a true residential setting with a sense of privacy. The Berkeley Palm Beach offers this and more.
At The Berkeley Palm Beach, you’ll be close to Palm Beach International, which is convenient while still having a home base that feels like home. You’ll be able to easily access the airport without feeling tied to it, with arrivals remaining discreet and departures uncomplicated. If you want to see which condos are available, speak with one of our sales consultants today.
