GTA 5 has true air travel now thanks to the mod I just installed, but they won't let me give me my pals piggybacks onto the plane
A new mod for GTA 5 introduces functional airports, allowing players to board planes as passengers between select locations, though boarding issues persist.
A mod called Flights V transforms GTA 5’s airports into fully interactive hubs, enabling players to purchase tickets and travel between Los Santos International Airport, Sandy Shore Airfield, McKenzie Airfield, and Paleto Bay International Airport. The mod replicates real-world airport mechanics, including ticket counters, jet bridges, and departures lounges populated by NPCs. Players can choose from different aircraft types before boarding, though the experience occasionally stalls with infinite loading screens. The mod aims to streamline cross-map travel, which previously required lengthy overland journeys.
The mod’s implementation introduces a novel layer of realism to GTA 5’s open world, addressing a long-standing frustration for players navigating Los Santos and its surrounding areas. While the airports function as intended, boarding planes remains inconsistent, with some players encountering persistent loading issues. The mod does not yet support player-controlled flight or multiplayer features like carrying NPCs onto aircraft. Despite these limitations, the update significantly enhances the game’s transportation options.
The author, a frequent GTA 5 modder, tested Flights V as part of their ongoing experiments to expand or destabilize the game’s mechanics. They noted that while the mod successfully adds air travel, it occasionally fails to load planes properly, a problem unrelated to prior mod conflicts. The experience mirrors real-world airport frustrations, including NPC behavior and procedural delays. The mod’s selective route availability reflects the game’s existing limitations rather than a full simulation of air travel.
The mod’s release follows the author’s broader efforts to push GTA 5’s boundaries, including attempts to carry NPCs onto planes or delete parts of the map. While Flights V delivers on its promise of functional airports, technical issues like infinite loading screens detract from the immersion. The mod does not yet integrate with multiplayer modes, leaving gaps in functionality. Despite these challenges, it represents a meaningful step toward enhancing GTA 5’s open-world traversal.