Van Nuys Private Jet Guide: Flying Private Out of VNY

If you fly private in Los Angeles, odds are you'll end up at Van Nuys. It's one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, and for good reason: two runways, a deep bench of FBOs and maintenance shops, and more airplanes based there than almost anywhere in Southern California. We book Van Nuys private jet trips constantly, so here's the stuff that actually matters when you fly out of VNY.

Van Nuys Airport (VNY) Quick Facts

• Location: the San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles from downtown LA. Figure 30 to 45 minutes to Beverly Hills or West LA, more at rush hour.

• Runway: 8,001 feet, long enough for heavy and ultra long range jets.

• Noise rules: there's a nighttime noise curfew from 10pm to 7am that applies depending on how loud the aircraft is. Most modern jets are fine, but some older ones can't depart overnight.

• Customs: available on request, so international arrivals can clear right at VNY.

FBOs at Van Nuys

Van Nuys has several FBOs and they're all solid. Clay Lacy's flagship FBO is here (we did a whole Clay Lacy write-up after their charter side sold to Solairus), and there are a handful of other big names on the field. The operator usually picks the FBO based on where the airplane is based or where they get fuel, but if you have a preference, like a specific lounge or easier car access, just tell us and we'll request it.

Van Nuys vs Burbank vs Santa Monica vs LAX

• Van Nuys (VNY): the default for most private flyers. Best aircraft selection and the most flexibility.

• Burbank (BUR): great if you're in Burbank, Glendale or Pasadena. Smaller GA side, with its own nighttime noise rules.

• Santa Monica (SMO): closest to the Westside, but the runway is short and the airport is on its way out, so it only works for smaller jets.

• LAX: possible, and handy for connecting to an airline, but busy. Most people skip it for private.

• Orange County (SNA): if you're in Newport, Irvine or South OC, John Wayne is way easier than driving to the Valley.

Popular Routes and What They Cost From Van Nuys

Las Vegas is about an hour in a light jet, which runs about $6,000 to $7,000 an hour. Cabo is about two and a half hours, Aspen about two, and New York four and a half to five in a super midsize. For coast to coast with a bigger group, a heavy jet at about $8,000 to $11,000 an hour is the move. Because so many airplanes are based in the Valley, VNY also has some of the best empty leg traffic in the country, especially to Vegas, Cabo and the Bay Area.

Tips for Flying Out of VNY

• Leave earlier than you think. The 405 and 101 are no joke. We'd rather you wait in the lounge than sit in traffic.

• Watch the clock on late returns. If you're landing late, make sure the airplane and crew are good for the nighttime noise rules.

• Busy weeks fill up. Holidays, award season and big Vegas weekends get tight on ramp space and aircraft, so book early.

Things to Do Near Van Nuys

If you're flying in rather than out, you're close to alot. Studio City and Sherman Oaks have some of the best sushi in the city on Ventura Boulevard, Universal Studios and the Warner Bros. lot are 20 minutes away, and you can be in Malibu or Beverly Hills in under an hour if the traffic gods are kind. For hikers, Runyon Canyon and Griffith Observatory are close too.

Flying out of LA soon? Request a quote and we'll find the right airplane at VNY or whichever airport is closest to you.