Charter route · Midwest
Los Angeles → Detroit
KVNY → KPTK · 1,712 nm · 4h 12m typical block · $71,500–$100,000 heavy jet
1,712 nm
Distance
4h 12m
Block time (heavy jet)
$71,500–$100,000
Typical one-way estimate
9
Operators at the endpoints
The Los Angeles–Detroit run covers 1,712 nautical miles, typically flown on a heavy jet in about 4h 12m block time from KVNY to KPTK.
Detroit peaks May–Oct — strongest demand around spring and summer and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at KPTK tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 6h 44m | $20,000–$28,000 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 4h 39m | $32,500–$45,500 |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 4h 30m | $45,000–$63,000 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 4h 17m | $51,500–$72,000 |
| Heavy JetTypical | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 4h 12m | $71,500–$100,000 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
Los Angeles, CA
Nearby alternates
Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
04 / Answers
Los Angeles to Detroit: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Detroit?
The trip covers about 1,712 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 4h 12m block time on a heavy jet — a light jet runs about 4h 39m, a heavy jet about 4h 12m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from Los Angeles to Detroit cost?
One-way estimates run $71,500–$100,000 on a heavy jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $20,000 (turboprop) to $100,000 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between Los Angeles and Detroit?
Departures typically use KVNY, KBUR, KLAX; arrivals use KPTK, KDTW, KYIP. When KPTK is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include KFNT, KDET, KMTC, KLAN.
What size aircraft is right for Los Angeles to Detroit?
At 1,712 nm, most charters book a heavy jet (Gulfstream G550, Global 6000, 12–19 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from Los Angeles to Detroit?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.