Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas

Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas is the quintessential California-to-Mexico getaway — a quick 750-nautical-mile hop that delivers Hollywood producers, tech founders, and West Coast families from the San Fernando Valley to the sun-drenched tip of Baja California in just two hours. This route has become so embedded in LA's leisure culture that weekend Cabo trips are practically a lifestyle category of their own.

Airport & FBO Analysis

Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) is Los Angeles' premier private aviation hub, home to more business jet departures than any airport in the world. The FBO options are exceptional — Signature Flight Support, Castle & Cooke Aviation, and Clay Lacy Aviation each deliver full-service experiences with private lounges, concierge services, and rapid turnaround times. Van Nuys is centrally located for clients in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the Hollywood Hills, typically 15 to 25 minutes by car.

San José del Cabo International Airport (MMSD) handles private aviation through its dedicated FBO facilities, including Cabo Jet Center and Universal Aviation. Mexican customs and immigration processing for private aircraft typically takes 20 to 30 minutes — have passports and tourist cards ready. The FBO provides a comfortable waiting area, and most luxury resort transfers are pre-arranged to collect passengers directly from the ramp. The Cabo Corridor hotels are 20 to 45 minutes from the airport depending on location.

Aircraft Recommendations

At 750 nautical miles, this route is perfectly suited for light jets, making it one of the most cost-effective international charter options from LA. A Phenom 300E or Citation CJ3+ at $6,000 to $11,000 comfortably handles couples and small groups with a two-hour flight time. For friend groups of 6 to 8 or families wanting extra luggage space for resort wear and golf clubs, a midsize Learjet 60 or Citation XLS at $12,000 to $20,000 is ideal. Heavy jets are available for larger parties but represent premium pricing for the short distance.

Seasonal Pricing Intelligence

Winter (December through March) drives peak demand as LA travelers seek guaranteed sunshine and warm waters in Cabo, pushing rates up 20 to 30 percent. Spring break (mid-March through mid-April) creates a secondary surge, particularly for family travel. The most competitive pricing occurs during the summer monsoon season (July through September) when Cabo experiences occasional rain and humidity — though savvy travelers know that storms are typically brief and the off-peak tranquility and lower hotel rates more than compensate.

Ground Experience

In Cabo, the One&Only Palmilla, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and the Montage Los Cabos represent the pinnacle of luxury along the corridor. Most resorts coordinate private airport transfers with dedicated greeters at the FBO. In Los Angeles, clients depart from Beverly Hills hotels like the Peninsula, Waldorf Astoria, and Hotel Bel-Air, all within 20 minutes of Van Nuys.

Booking Tips

• Weekend trips are the norm — book by Wednesday for Friday departures during peak season to lock in preferred aircraft.
• Empty legs from Cabo back to LA are abundant on Sunday evenings, offering potential savings of 35 to 50 percent on one-way returns.
• Ensure your operator handles Mexican eAPIS and immigration documentation well in advance — incomplete paperwork causes the most common delays on this route.
• Consider departing from Santa Barbara (KSBA) or John Wayne (KSNA) if located in those areas, as both offer excellent FBOs with potentially shorter ground transfers.