Air transportation is extremely fast, but it is limited by cost and size restrictions. Sending cargo by air is very expensive. However, air freight is an effective choice for perishable goods. Items such as flowers and seafood are shipped by air. Such products must reach their destinations quickly or they become unusable, resulting in a huge loss to the business.

Airlines are often used for emergency shipments simply because they can get the product to its destination in only a few hours. Although fast, this method still requires additional truck or rail transportation. Air transportation is not a door-to-door transportation mode.