Private Jet Charter Palm Beach: DJT Airport, TFRs & 2026 Costs
The airport code changed, the airspace got stricter, and the season starts now. Here’s how to fly private into Palm Beach in 2026–27 without surprises.
What You’ll Learn:
- What the PBI-to-DJT rename means for your bookings, manifests, and flight plans
- How Mar-a-Lago airspace rules and presidential TFRs affect private arrivals
- How DJT, Boca Raton, North Palm Beach County, Stuart, and Fort Lauderdale compare
- Realistic 2026 hourly rates and one-way prices on the busiest Palm Beach routes
- When fall and spring empty legs appear, and how to book them
Why Palm Beach Private Jet Charter Looks Different This Season
Private jet charter in Palm Beach has always been seasonal. Owners and snowbirds fly south in October and leave in May. What changed in 2026 is the rulebook around the airport itself.
On July 9, 2026, Palm Beach International became President Donald J. Trump International Airport. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the renaming law on March 30, 2026, according to the airport’s official name change FAQ. The FAA code is now DJT and the ICAO code is KDJT. Airlines switched the IATA code from PBI to DJT on August 18.
Security rules also tightened. A permanent no-fly zone around Mar-a-Lago has operated since October 2025. In September 2026, the FAA proposed turning it into permanent Special Air Traffic Rules. Add periodic presidential TFRs, and Palm Beach now needs more planning than any other U.S. leisure market.
None of this makes Palm Beach hard to reach. You just need an operator who files correctly and a backup airport in mind. This guide covers both, plus real 2026 pricing and the best windows for empty legs.
The PBI-to-DJT Name Change: What It Means for You
The rename is a branding change. Ownership, runways, FBOs, and customs service stay the same. Still, a few practical details matter when you book.
New Codes on Quotes, Manifests, and Flight Plans
The NBAA advised operators to file with the four-letter ICAO code KDJT. Part 135 charter operators must update certificates and operations specifications by October 8, 2026. That is a 90-day compliance window.
Here’s what that means for you:
- ✅ Expect quotes and trip sheets to show DJT or KDJT, not PBI
- ✅ Search empty leg platforms for both “PBI” and “DJT” for a few more months
- ⚠️ Older booking tools may still list “Palm Beach International” under PBI
- ⚠️ Double-check eAPIS manifests on international arrivals use the new code
What Stayed the Same
The main runway, 10L/28R, is still 10,000 feet long. The three FBOs still operate: Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation, and Signature. NetJets also runs a private terminal for its owners. U.S. Customs remains available around the clock.
The airport sits about three miles from Worth Avenue. That short drive is still the biggest reason to land at DJT rather than an alternate.
Mar-a-Lago Airspace and Presidential TFRs Explained
This is the part most first-time Palm Beach flyers miss. There are two layers of restriction, and they work differently.
The Permanent One-Mile Zone
Since October 2025, aircraft cannot enter a one-nautical-mile radius around Mar-a-Lago below 2,000 feet. It applies whether or not the President is in town. In early September 2026, the FAA proposed permanent Special Air Traffic Rules to replace it. Public comments close October 2, 2026.
For charter passengers, this zone rarely matters. Airline and private arrivals into DJT continue with adjusted headings. Departures from runway 10L and 10R receive tower-assigned turns to stay clear.
VIP TFRs When the President Visits
The bigger issue is the presidential TFR. It activates when the President stays at Mar-a-Lago. According to NBAA’s South Florida TFR alert, it has two rings:
- 10-nautical-mile inner core from the surface to 18,000 feet
- 30-nautical-mile outer ring covering most of Palm Beach County
- Active flight plan, radio contact, and a discrete transponder code required for every flight
- No flight training or banner towing during activation
TFRs are usually published no earlier than 72 hours in advance. That is short notice if you’re planning a holiday weekend.
Gateway Screening and TSA at the FBO
When a TFR is active, private flights into DJT must pass through a gateway airport first. The five gateways are Teterboro (TEB), Westchester (HPN), Washington Dulles (IAD), Orlando (MCO), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Operators must register at least 24 hours before departure.
Departing passengers undergo TSA screening at the DJT FBO. It adds 20 to 40 minutes on busy days. 💡 If you’re already flying from Teterboro or Westchester, the gateway step is nearly seamless.
During President Trump’s first term, Lantana’s small airport nearly shut down during TFRs, and local businesses reported heavy losses, NBAA reported in 2017. Today’s procedures are smoother, but the lesson holds: have a Plan B.
Palm Beach Private Jet Airports Compared
You have six realistic choices within an hour of Palm Beach. Pick based on your final destination and whether a TFR is likely.
| Airport | Code | Distance to Palm Beach Island | Longest Runway | Customs | Inside 30 nm TFR Ring? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President Donald J. Trump Intl | DJT | 3 miles | 10,000 ft | ✅ 24/7 | ✅ Yes (inner core) | Palm Beach, West Palm, heavy jets |
| North Palm Beach County GA | F45 | 15 miles | 4,300 ft | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, turboprops |
| Boca Raton | BCT | 26 miles | 6,276 ft | ⚠️ Limited days | ✅ Yes | Boca Raton, Delray Beach, light to super mid jets |
| Palm Beach County Park (Lantana) | LNA | 8 miles | ~3,500 ft | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (inner core) | Piston and small turboprops only |
| Witham Field, Stuart | SUA | 40 miles | 5,826 ft | ⚠️ Confirm | ⚠️ Near the edge | Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, Stuart |
| Fort Lauderdale Executive | FXE | 40 miles | 6,002 ft | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | TFR workaround, Broward County |
Distances and runway data are approximate. Confirm current operating details with your operator.
President Donald J. Trump International (DJT)
DJT is the default for most trips. It handles everything up to a Global 7500 or Gulfstream G700. Jet Aviation’s newer terminal sits next to a Gulfstream service center, useful if you own or manage a Gulfstream.
Boca Raton (BCT)
Boca is the favorite for south county homeowners. Signature runs a 17,000-square-foot terminal there. Atlantic Aviation is finishing a full terminal renovation. Customs is typically available Thursday to Monday, with callout fees outside those hours.
Witham Field and Fort Lauderdale Executive
Stuart suits Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound residents. Fort Lauderdale Executive is the classic TFR workaround. Some operators now market FXE packages with car transfers to Palm Beach during presidential visits. The drive north takes 45 to 75 minutes, depending on I-95 traffic.
Private Jet Charter Palm Beach Costs in 2026
Pricing follows the season. Rates firm up in October, peak from Thanksgiving to Presidents’ Day, then soften after Easter. The figures below are market estimates for on-demand charter. Actual quotes depend on availability, positioning, and fuel.
Hourly Rates by Aircraft Category
| Aircraft Category | Example Models | Passengers | Hourly Rate (2026 est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 | 6–8 | $2,500 – $3,800 |
| Very Light Jet | HondaJet Elite II, Phenom 100EX | 4–5 | $3,000 – $4,200 |
| Light Jet | Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4 Gen2 | 6–8 | $4,000 – $5,800 |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS Gen2, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Super Midsize Jet | Challenger 350, Citation Longitude | 8–10 | $6,800 – $9,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900LX | 12–14 | $9,000 – $13,000 |
| Ultra Long Range | Gulfstream G700, Global 7500 | 13–17 | $13,000 – $20,000 |
For a deeper breakdown by model, see our private jet cost per hour guide.
Popular Palm Beach Routes and One-Way Prices
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Light Jet | Midsize / Super Mid | Heavy Jet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach – Nassau | 180 mi | 45 min | $6,000 – $9,000 | $8,500 – $12,500 | $14,000 – $20,000 |
| Palm Beach – Atlanta (PDK) | 550 mi | 1h 35m | $10,000 – $14,000 | $13,000 – $19,000 | $24,000 – $32,000 |
| Palm Beach – New York (TEB/HPN) | 1,000 mi | 2h 30m | $18,000 – $25,000 | $23,000 – $31,000 | $42,000 – $62,000 |
| Palm Beach – Dallas (DAL) | 1,100 mi | 2h 45m | $19,000 – $26,000 | $24,000 – $33,000 | $45,000 – $64,000 |
| Palm Beach – Chicago (MDW) | 1,150 mi | 2h 45m | $20,000 – $27,000 | $25,000 – $34,000 | $46,000 – $66,000 |
| Palm Beach – Boston (BED) | 1,200 mi | 2h 50m | $21,000 – $28,000 | $26,000 – $35,000 | $48,000 – $68,000 |
| Palm Beach – London | 4,400 mi | 8h 30m | — | — | $125,000 – $185,000 |
Prices are estimates for one-way on-demand charter, before 7.5% federal excise tax, segment fees, and peak-day surcharges.
Fees That Show Up on Palm Beach Quotes
- Peak-day surcharges of 5% to 40% around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year
- Repositioning fees when no aircraft is based nearby, common on one-way northbound trips in fall
- Overnight crew fees of $1,000 to $2,000 per night on round trips
- Customs callout fees at Boca Raton outside published hours
- FBO handling and ramp fees, which run higher at DJT in peak season
Our guide to hidden costs of private jet charter explains each line item.
The 2026–27 Palm Beach Season Calendar
Demand builds in waves. Knowing them helps you book early where it matters and save where it doesn’t.
October to November: Arrival Season
Homeowners return after Columbus Day. Southbound demand from the Northeast climbs through November. Thanksgiving falls on November 26, 2026, and Wednesday and Sunday that week are the tightest days.
December to February: Peak Season
This is the social and philanthropic high season. Christmas week through New Year’s Day carries the highest surcharges. Presidents’ Day weekend in February is another pinch point. Presidential visits are also most frequent in these months, so TFR risk peaks here too.
January to April: Wellington and the Boat Show
The Wellington equestrian season runs from January into early April. It draws riders, owners, and spectators from Europe and South America. The Palm Beach International Boat Show typically lands in late March. Heavy jets and long-range aircraft get scarce during both.
May: The Exodus
Owners head north for the Hamptons and New England. If you’re bound for Long Island, see our Hamptons private jet guide. Northbound demand spikes, while southbound flights empty out.
How to Find Palm Beach Empty Legs
Palm Beach is one of the best empty leg markets in the country, because traffic flows mostly one way at a time.
Fall: Northbound Empties
From October to December, jets drop owners in Palm Beach and fly back north. Those return legs are often empty. Palm Beach to Teterboro, Westchester, Boston, and Chicago are the most common. Our autumn empty leg guide covers this pattern in detail.
Spring: Southbound Empties
From April to May the direction reverses. Jets fly north full and come back south empty. That’s your window for a cheap flight to Palm Beach for a late-season weekend.
Short Caribbean Hops
Palm Beach to Nassau, Exuma, and Harbour Island positioning legs pop up all season. They’re short, so savings in dollars are smaller, but availability is frequent.
Expect 40% to 75% off standard rates, according to our empty leg pricing analysis. Browse current listings on our empty legs page, and search under both PBI and DJT codes.
Charter vs. Other Options for Palm Beach Travelers
Most Palm Beach residents fly more than a few times per year. Once you pass 25 hours annually, it’s worth comparing programs.
| Option | Best For | Typical Cost | Peak-Day Access | TFR Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-demand charter | 1–10 trips per year | $4,000 – $20,000/hr | ❌ Surcharges apply | ⚠️ Varies by operator |
| Empty legs | Flexible leisure trips | 40%–75% off charter | ⚠️ Limited supply | ❌ Legs often cancelled |
| Jet card | 25–50 hours per year | $6,500 – $15,000/hr fixed | ✅ Guaranteed, with fees | ✅ Usually handled by provider |
| Fractional share | 50+ hours per year | $500K+ upfront plus fees | ✅ Guaranteed | ✅ Dedicated terminal at DJT (NetJets) |
Our charter vs. fractional vs. jet card comparison goes deeper into the math.
Pro Tips for Flying Private to Palm Beach
These are the details experienced Palm Beach flyers rely on.
Always Ask About a TFR Plan B
Before you pay, ask your operator one question: “What happens if a TFR drops?” A good answer names the gateway airport, the backup field, and who pays for the car. ⚠️ Read the cancellation terms too. Security restrictions are often treated as force majeure.
Send Passenger Details Early
TSA vetting under a TFR needs names and IDs in advance. Send full legal names, dates of birth, and ID numbers as soon as you book. Late changes to the passenger list can delay departure.
Match the Airport to Your Address
South county residents save 45 minutes by landing at Boca Raton. Jupiter residents often prefer North Palm Beach County or Stuart. Don’t default to DJT if your driveway is in Delray.
Book Holiday Weeks Now
Thanksgiving and Christmas inventory on Northeast routes is already moving in late September. Light and midsize jets go first. If you’re flexible on aircraft size, you’ll keep more options open.
Protect Your Privacy
Palm Beach arrivals draw attention. Charter keeps your name off the aircraft registration. Our guide to private jet flight tracking and privacy explains the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a private jet to Palm Beach?
Light jets typically run $4,000 to $5,800 per hour and midsize jets $5,000 to $7,000 per hour. A one-way New York to Palm Beach flight usually costs $18,000 to $25,000 on a light jet. Heavy jets from the Northeast range from $42,000 to $62,000. All figures are estimates before taxes and fees.
Is Palm Beach International Airport still called PBI?
No. The airport became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9, 2026. The FAA identifier changed to DJT and the ICAO code to KDJT that day. The IATA code switched from PBI to DJT on August 18, 2026. Operations, FBOs, and runways are unchanged.
What happens to private flights when the President is at Mar-a-Lago?
The FAA activates a VIP TFR with a 10-nautical-mile inner core and a 30-nautical-mile outer ring. Private flights into DJT must clear through a gateway airport such as Teterboro or Fort Lauderdale. Passengers departing DJT go through TSA screening at the FBO. Notice can be as short as 72 hours.
Which airports are outside the Palm Beach TFR?
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) and Fort Lauderdale International sit roughly 40 miles south, outside the 30-nautical-mile outer ring. Witham Field in Stuart sits near its northern edge. Boca Raton and North Palm Beach County airports fall inside the outer ring, so flight plan and transponder rules still apply.
When is the Palm Beach private jet season?
The season runs from October through May. Traffic climbs sharply after Columbus Day and peaks from Thanksgiving through Presidents’ Day. The Wellington equestrian season from January to early April and the boat show in March add further demand. Summer is the quietest, cheapest window of the year.
Can I clear customs in Palm Beach on a private jet?
Yes. DJT has 24/7 U.S. Customs and Border Protection service for general aviation. Boca Raton offers customs through its FBOs on limited days, typically Thursday to Monday, with after-hours callout fees. Your operator files eAPIS manifests before departure, and clearance happens inside the FBO.
Are there empty leg flights to or from Palm Beach?
Yes. In October and November, jets reposition south to Palm Beach and often return north empty. From April to May the flow reverses, creating southbound empties. Watch Palm Beach to Teterboro, Westchester, Boston, and Chicago legs. Discounts typically range from 40% to 75% off standard charter pricing.
How far ahead should I book a Palm Beach charter for Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Book six to ten weeks ahead for Thanksgiving week and the Christmas to New Year period. Light and midsize jets on Northeast routes sell out first. If a presidential visit overlaps your dates, allow extra time for gateway screening registration, which must be completed at least 24 hours before departure.
Your Next Step for Flying Private to Palm Beach
Palm Beach remains one of the easiest private jet destinations in the world, once you know the new rules. The airport is now DJT, and your operator must file under KDJT. Mar-a-Lago’s one-mile zone is permanent in practice, and presidential TFRs can appear with 72 hours of notice.
The smartest flyers plan around all three. They book holiday weeks early and send passenger details at booking. They also keep Boca Raton, Stuart, or Fort Lauderdale Executive in reserve. They match the airport to their address, not just the name on the map.
Pricing rewards timing too. Fall northbound empty legs and spring southbound empties can cut your cost in half. If you’re flying from the Northeast, our New York private jet charter guide covers the other end of the route. Browse operators in our private jet directory.
✈️ Ready to fly? Browse live Palm Beach empty legs or request a custom charter quote. Our partner brokers will handle DJT filings, TFR contingencies, and season pricing for you.
Prices are estimates based on 2026 market rates and vary with aircraft availability, fuel, taxes, and season.
