Skip to content

Home / Flying to Los Cabos

Flying to Los Cabos

Everything that happens between leaving your home airport and stepping onto the sand, and back again. Entry rules change from time to time, so treat this as a guide and confirm the details with your operator before you fly.

Boats near the arch and its beach seen from the air

Step by step

Arriving at SJD

Los Cabos International handles private flights in its general aviation area, separate from the airline terminals.

  1. Before you leave

    Your operator confirms the permits Mexico requires for the charter and collects passport details for everyone on board. You receive the departure FBO, the time to arrive and the tail number.

  2. The flight

    Nonstop from most western and central US airports. From the East Coast, a nonstop needs a super-midsize jet or larger; smaller aircraft make a brief fuel stop.

  3. Landing and parking

    The aircraft taxis to the private ramp. A local handler meets it and guides you to the private terminal.

  4. Immigration

    Officers review passports and record your entry. Depending on current rules this may be a digital record or a form; your handler tells you which.

  5. Customs

    Bags are inspected as for any international arrival. Declare goods and cash above the permitted limits.

  6. Transfer

    Your car meets you outside the private terminal. Most resorts are 20 to 50 minutes away, depending on whether you stay near San José del Cabo, along the corridor or in Cabo San Lucas.

Paperwork

Mexico entry for private flyers

The essentials. Requirements change, so we confirm the current rules with your operator for every trip.

Passports

Every traveler needs a valid passport book, including children. A US passport card is not accepted for international flights.

Entry record

Visitors receive an entry record on arrival that shows how long they may stay. Keep any paper or digital record until you leave.

Customs

Personal items are fine. Declare large amounts of cash, valuable goods for sale and anything restricted.

Aircraft permits

The operator arranges the permits Mexico requires for charter flights. This is one reason an established operator matters.

Traveling with a dog or cat? Pets are inspected on arrival in Mexico, and dogs returning to the US must meet current import rules. Tell us early so the paperwork is ready.

The return

Clearing US customs on the way home

The return flight lands first at a US airport where Customs and Border Protection can clear private aircraft.

Before departure from SJD, your operator sends passenger and crew details to US Customs and Border Protection and arranges the arrival. Many business-aviation airports have customs facilities, but hours and procedures vary, so the first US stop may not be your home airport. From the West, many flights clear at a nearby gateway and continue; from Cabo to the East Coast, the aircraft may stop to clear customs and refuel in one go.

On arrival an officer checks passports and declarations, usually at the FBO. Keep receipts for anything you bought, and check the latest duty-free allowances and rules on cbp.gov before you travel.

Best months

Choose a month

Weather, demand and a practical tip for each month of the year.

Peak season runs December to April

Choose a month to see the typical weather and demand.

An aircraft wing above the clouds at sunset

Ready to plan?

Get your Cabo quote

Tell us your dates. We will handle the aircraft, the operator's permits and the timing, and talk you through entry.

Trip

By requesting a quote you agree to be contacted about this trip by email, phone or text. See our Privacy Policy.

Private Jet to Cabo is an air charter broker and is not a direct air carrier. We do not own or operate aircraft; every flight is operated by an FAA Part 135 (or foreign equivalent) direct air carrier in operational control of the aircraft.