Fort Lauderdale is one of the easiest ways into South Florida. You leave Hanscom Field in Bedford and land about three hours and twenty minutes later, a short drive from Las Olas, the beaches and the Intracoastal.
Aircraft we fly to Fort Lauderdale
Flights to South Florida are typically nonstop. A full aircraft combined with winter headwinds sometimes requires a short fuel stop, which typically adds 45 minutes to an hour. This is most likely in the Phenom 300 or Citation XL; the Challenger 604 flies the route nonstop with a full cabin. We'll tell you which applies when we quote your trip.
| Aircraft | Passengers | Typical flight time | Nonstop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 604 | 8 to 12 | About 3 hr 5 min | Yes, including a full cabin | Larger families, seasonal luggage, stand-up cabin, cabin attendant |
| Phenom 300 | Up to 7 | About 3 hr 20 min | Typically | Couples and small families |
| Citation XL | Up to 8 | About 3 hr 30 min | Typically | Small groups who want a larger cabin than a light jet |
Times are typical airborne estimates and vary with winds, routing and traffic; your quote includes an exact schedule. Southbound flights can run a little longer than northbound because of prevailing winds. See full specifications on our fleet page.
Choosing your Fort Lauderdale airport
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE)
A general aviation airport a few miles north of downtown and the usual choice for private flights. It is convenient for Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point, and has U.S. Customs on the field if your trip continues to the Bahamas.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)
The commercial airport, just south of downtown near Port Everglades. Its private terminals make it a good fit for Hollywood, Dania Beach and Hallandale, or for meeting a cruise at Port Everglades.
Headed to Aventura or Sunny Isles? Fort Lauderdale and Miami-Opa Locka can both work, so tell us where you are staying and we'll suggest the closer one.
One-way flights and the winter season
Many Fort Lauderdale trips are one-way, south for the season and north again in the spring. One-way pricing reflects the aircraft returning to Boston, so flexible dates help, and the seasonal flow of aircraft between New England and Florida creates empty-leg opportunities. You can also check our current empty legs. Holiday weeks and Presidents' Day book early.
Other Florida routes
We fly from Hanscom to South Florida all winter. See also Boston to Naples, Boston to Palm Beach and Boston to Miami.
Departing from Hanscom Field
Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford is about 20 minutes from downtown Boston and has none of the terminal lines or ground congestion of Logan. Arrive at the FBO shortly before departure, walk to the aircraft, and leave on your schedule. We keep offices at both Atlantic Aviation and Signature at Hanscom, along with our own hangar and in-house maintenance team, so the people preparing your aircraft work on the same field you depart from.
Booking with the operator, not a middleman
Many charter websites are brokers: they take your request and resell a flight operated by another company. When we fly your trip on one of our aircraft, the certificate, crews, maintenance and dispatch are all ours, and you deal with the same team from quote to landing. If you do book through a broker, it is worth asking who the operating carrier is.
Waltzing Matilda Aviation has flown from Hanscom Field since 2008 and has held its FAA Part 135 air-carrier certificate (No. 6WZA614N) since April 2015. Our operation is ARGUS Gold rated and IS-BAO Stage 2 registered, and we are members of NBAA.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale?
About 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes nonstop from Hanscom Field (BED) to Fort Lauderdale, depending on aircraft and winds. A fuel stop adds roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I fly nonstop from Boston to Fort Lauderdale?
Typically, yes. Most Boston to Fort Lauderdale flights are nonstop, but a full aircraft combined with winter headwinds sometimes requires a short fuel stop, most often in the Phenom 300 or Citation XL. The Challenger 604 flies it nonstop with a full cabin.
Should I fly into Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)?
FXE is the usual choice for private flights and is best for Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point. FLL is more convenient for Hollywood, Hallandale and Port Everglades. We can quote both.
Can I book a one-way charter to Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. One-way trips are common on this route. Pricing reflects the aircraft's return to Boston, and flexible dates or empty legs can reduce the cost.
Is Waltzing Matilda Aviation the operator or a broker?
We are the operator. Waltzing Matilda Aviation holds FAA Part 135 certificate No. 6WZA614N and flies its own aircraft from Hanscom Field.
Request a Boston to Fort Lauderdale quote
Tell us your dates, passengers and preferred airports and we'll build a tailored quote, typically within the hour during business hours.