Are you looking to transport a vehicle from state to state or cross-country? Many drivers take the knee-jerk approach of driving the car themselves rather than looking into a catch-all solution like an airplane car transporter.
Of course, if the vehicle you’re looking to transport is a $2.3 million investment-grade car, all bets are off when it comes to a road trip. Whether you’re talking a 1928 Bugatti Roadster T44 or a Porsche Carrera 911.
Fortunately, you've got a wealth of options when it comes to who to entrust with moving your dream car. From auto haulers to airplane car transporters, you should understand your options carefully. That way, you can make the best decision for your budget and your car's well-being.
Keep reading to learn more about airplane car transporter services and whether or not you should consider them.
Pros and Cons of an Airplane Car Transporter
Let’s start with the most apparent difference between hiring an auto transporter to move your car and going with an airplane car transporter. When you transport cars by plane, plan on playing a lot more.
You might assume the additional cost gets offset by the speed and safety with which your car gets moved via plane. Like any other car transport option, though, there’s more to the pros and cons of air travel than you may realize.
What are some other reasons that people opt for airplane auto transport? They include the belief that vehicles moved by air are less likely to get damaged or become dirty. Here, too, that’s not.
Is It Safe to Transport a Car by Plane?
Since you’re researching the pros and cons of shipping your car by plane as air freight, you likely own a high-priced or highly sought-after vehicle. As a result, you’re ultimately looking for the safest way to move your treasure.
While plane travel proves an extremely safe way to move a car, most people relegate this option to international moves. Even then, many car owners prefer to go with the tried and true method of international auto transport, a ship.
That said, those who select the airplane route suggest part of the safety factor has to do with direct-to-destination shipping. They don’t realize you can get the same type of service from the best auto shippers, particularly with a white glove enclosed car hauler service.
With this in mind, let’s dive into the reality of airplane transport versus more traditional auto hauling so that you can find the best solution for your upcoming classic or collectible vehicle move.
Ship Car by Airplane Consideration #1: Rapidity of Movement
Let’s start by taking a look at which mode of transportation proves faster. While you might assume it’s always plane travel, think again.
Depending on your destination and the company you work with, air transport might take even longer than road hauling!
This reality may peeve customers who pay a premium for this specialized automobile move and still experience delays.
It’s worth your while to contact an experienced auto hauler. One that draws on an extensive network of drivers to service the United States. You may end up delighted by how much more quickly they can move your car.
And you’ll enjoy serious savings, to boot. What if you have fears about seeing your cherished vehicle on an open car hauler? Remember, enclosed automobile transportation represents your ONLY choice.
Ship Car by Airfare Transporter Consideration #2: Safety of Vehicles
If you’ve got a rare or one-of-a-kind car, you may assume the only option you have for keeping your ride safe is transportation by air. If that’s the case, then you likely haven’t heard of enclosed auto carriers.
Enclosed car haulers are either soft-sided or hard-sided transports that keep your car entirely shielded from the elements during a move. They can hold anywhere from just one to seven vehicles.
What’s more, you can even opt for white-glove service. As the name suggests, this involves a pampered road trip from one location to the next, where the driver, trained in specialized car hauling, puts all his attention on your ride.
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car on a Plane?
Before you decide on airplane transport for your vehicle, be sure to weigh your car shipping options. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you stand to save by opting for an enclosed car hauler. After all, airplane transportation costs significantly more than enclosed auto transport.
When shipping a car, air freight costs can exceed 10 times that of shipping a car via ground transport. Keep that in mind, and keep Nexus in mind if you decide to ship a car on the ground (or need ground car shipping services after airplane transport.)
How Much Does it Cost to Air Freight a Car?
So, how much to fly a car on a plane?
Plan for upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 or more for vehicle air freight services depending on the destination.
As for enclosed auto transport? A cross-country trip with an enclosed car hauler could come in under $2,000 depending on your pickup and drop-off locations.
Before asking yourself, “how much to fly my car on a plane?” -- think about your options. Oftentimes, shipping a car on the ground is safer, smarter, and quicker than shipping via airplane. And if you think that your car is likely to be in better shape after being shipped a plane, you may want to think again.
Ship Car By Plane Consideration #3: Cleanliness of Vehicles on Arrival
Many people mistakenly assume that cars shipped via airplane won’t get as dirty as those shipped via the road. However, they’re basing this assumption on car shipping via open carrier.
And under these circumstances, they’re entirely right. An open car transport leaves your automobile exposed to the elements. From road grime to bird poop, get ready to visit the car wash after you receive your ride.
But we’re not talking about placing your 1964 Ferrari 330GT or 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 on an open transport carrier. That would amount to sacrilege.
Instead, we’re talking about a white glove service where your driver keeps tabs on your vehicle at all times.
Not only does your car ship in an enclosed container, but your driver will regularly check on it. They’ll also provide you with updates throughout the trip. There’s no better or safer way to ensure your car gets from point A to point B.
Airplane Car Transporter Versus Auto Hauling
When it comes to high-end vehicles, no two are alike. Whether you’ve got a vintage racecar, mint condition muscle car, or luxurious exotic to move, don’t leave it to chance.
At the same time, don’t assume you have to settle for a $15,000 to $20,000 airplane car transporter price tag. While we know that you want the best for your priceless car, the most expensive option isn't always the right one for you. You’ve got an excellent, more affordable option with an enclosed auto hauler. And also, you get many of the security and safety benefits of air freight shipping at a fraction of the cost.
What’s more, when you go with a highly experienced company like Nexus with an extensive network of well-trained drivers, you’ll get a fantastic price and a speedy move to your new destination. That’s an unbeatable combination of affordability and efficiency that no air freight carrier will be able to match.
Ready to find out more? Keep reading for everything you need to know about classic car shipping and transportation.