Cape Air connects travelers to smaller, remote locations across the U.S. Northeast, Eastern Montana and Caribbean that larger airlines don’t reach. The Hyannis, Massachusetts-based carrier operates tiny Cessna aircraft that offer scenic views as you land in places like Provincetown or St. Croix. Here’s everything you need to know about flying Cape Air.
What makes Cape Air unique
Cape Air operates as an Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier, a U.S. government-subsidized program that maintains air service to small communities that wouldn’t otherwise have commercial flights. These short-haul flights on smaller aircraft focus on convenience and reliable service, connecting travelers from larger hubs to remote airports.
While some travelers may be nervous about the tiny aircraft, it’s a great experience for aviation fans and anyone wanting prime window views.
My favorite part? The intimate flying experience on these small aircraft, with no separate cockpit from the passenger cabin. It’s a perspective you won’t get anywhere else.
Where Cape Air flies
Cape Air serves over 30 destinations, with a route network spanning three distinct areas: New England, Eastern Montana and the Caribbean. The carrier’s small operation fills a niche in regional aviation, providing essential connections with a personal touch since there are so few seats.
Core New England routes connect towns on the Massachusetts Cape, including Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. From Boston Logan Airport, the airline links to popular tourist destinations like Provincetown (a route I’ve flown) and locales in Maine, New Hampshire and beyond.
Cape Air also operates routes in Eastern Montana, connecting remote communities in that region. The carrier serves several routes in the Caribbean as well, including from a San Juan, Puerto Rico hub to nearby islands such as Vieques, St. Thomas, Tortola and other locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The aircraft and seating
Cape Air operates a fleet of very small aircraft: the Cessna 402C and Tecnam P2012 Traveller, both seating just nine passengers with a single pilot. These planes are designed for short-haul flights with high efficiency and quick turnaround times.
All flights have a single-cabin layout. The aircraft has a single row of seating on each side, with all seats featuring large windows for great visibility. Seats are basic and don’t recline or include cup holders, but they’re sufficient for flights that often last less than an hour.
On the Tecnam aircraft, expect ample legroom and a bit more tech than in the Cessnas. That includes a USB charging port at every seat. The Tecnam high-wing configuration also means better views for passengers, which is a nice bonus when you’re flying over New England coastlines or Caribbean waters.
Ground experience
Even though Cape Air’s planes are tiny, you’ll still need to follow all major airport rules, including TSA regulations. Here’s what the pre-flight experience looks like.
Passengers can bring one small carry-on bag, but space is very limited - don’t expect anything larger than a backpack in the cabin. On Cessna 402 and Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, all personal items that might qualify as carry-ons on other airlines get checked planeside and returned after landing.
Checked bags have a 50-pound weight limit with fees for excess weight. Cape Air takes a relatively fee-light approach compared to most carriers, focusing on straightforward pricing and flexibility.
One of Cape Air’s more distinctive aspects is that each passenger is individually weighed before climbing onto the plane. The crew determines exactly where you sit based on the weight and balance of the aircraft, your fellow passengers and the pilot. (Sorry to those who are shy about stepping on a scale.)
All Cape Air flights board from the ground at airports. At Boston Logan, ground boarding means you’ll walk out to your aircraft on the tarmac. It’s certainly different to pass along the line of Cessnas waiting to go to their respective destinations.
One of my favorite moments from flying Cape Air was being part of the normal departure flow from Boston. That meant my aircraft taxied to the runway behind an Airbus A380 and other large planes. Aviation fans will love the ability to see these other airframes up close and contrast the difference in sizes.
Onboard experience
Cape Air flights are typically short with no in-flight entertainment. The experience is simple and suited to short-haul, commuter service - amenities are minimal by design.
However, the great views through the large windows (including the windshield) more than make up for the lack of screens and streaming. Routes over the Caribbean and New England coast offer scenic views that you simply can’t get from a standard commercial jet. Also, given the small size of these aircraft, make sure you use the toilet before boarding.
Don’t expect food or beverage service on these small aircraft. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments if needed.
Airline partners, earning and redeeming miles
Cape Air doesn’t operate its own frequent flyer program, but it has partnerships with major airlines to provide mileage-earning opportunities. That includes earning miles when booking Cape Air flights through American Airlines on select codeshare routes.
Alternatively, flights booked through United Airlines or JetBlue allow travelers to earn MileagePlus miles or TrueBlue points, respectively.
In terms of redeeming miles, American Airlines passengers can redeem AAdvantage miles on select Cape Air routes when booked as part of a connecting itinerary with American. Travelers should book through the American platform to ensure eligibility for both earning and redeeming. The same applies for United Airlines passengers.
These partnerships enable seamless connections on a single ticket with through-checked baggage. I flew JetBlue from Washington D.C. to Boston Logan, then connected to Cape Air for Provincetown - all booked together with my bag checked straight through.
Flying Cape Air is a throwback in an age of ever-larger jets and shrinking legroom. You don’t fly Cape Air for inflight amenities (there are none), but the airline provides a great experience and vital, year-round connections to communities across New England, Eastern Montana and the Caribbean.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
