Find cheap Cape Air flights

Cape Air is one of the most unique airlines out there. The Hyannis, Massachusetts-based carrier serves as a crucial link for travelers looking to reach smaller, remote locations in the U.S. Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Caribbean. Imagine scenic views out of the window from a tiny Cessna aircraft as you land in Provincetown in New England or St. Croix in the Caribbean. Here’s everything you need to know about flying Cape Air.

What makes Cape Air unique

The airline is an important connector for travelers flying from larger hubs with limited access to smaller airports. These short-haul flights are always on smaller aircraft, focusing on convenience and reliable service. In addition, Cape Air sometimes operates as an Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier, helping link small towns to major hubs. It’s a unique program that the U.S. government subsidizes to promote locations that might not otherwise have commercial air service.

While some travelers may be nervous flying on Cape Air’s tiny aircraft, it’s an incredible experience for aviation aficionados and those who want prime views out the window. My favorite aspect of the airline experience is the ability to occasionally sit in the co-pilot seat at the front of the plane since Cape Air has no separate cockpit.

Where Cape Air flies

Cape Air serves 21 domestic destinations and 9 international destinations in six countries, The carrier’s small and efficient operation fills a niche in the regional airline space, providing essential connections (with a personal touch since there are so few seats). The carrier serves regional and remote locations, with a route network spanning several distinct (and slightly random) areas: New England, the Midwest, and the Caribbean.

Core New England routes connect towns on the Massachusetts Cape, including between Hyannis, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. From Boston Logan Airport, the airline links to popular tourist destinations like Provincetown (a route that I have flown on) and locales in Maine, New Hampshire, and beyond.

In partnership with United Airlines, Cape Air serves the Midwest from St. Louis to smaller towns in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Finally, the carrier also operates several routes in the Caribbean, 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

There are small planes…and then there are the planes that Cape Air operates. The carrier has a unique fleet of aircraft designed for short-haul flights, with a focus on high efficiency and quick turnaround. These include the Cessna 402 and Tecnam P2012 Traveller, both of which can seat only up to nine passengers along with a single pilot.

Cape Air’s flights are all configured in an economy-class layout. The aircraft has a single row of seating on each side, with all seats featuring large windows for excellent visibility (and awesome views). Seats are relatively basic, don’t expect recline functions or cup holders, but it’s sufficient for short flights, often less than an hour.

On the Tecnam aircraft, expect ample legroom and some more tech than in the Cessnas. That includes a USB charging port at every seat. Even the Tecnam’s high-wing configuration means better views for passengers.

Ground experience

Here’s what you should know about the Cape Air pre-flight experience at airports. Note that even though the airline’s planes are tiny, you’ll have to follow all major airport rules, including TSA regulations.

Checked bags and other fees

Passengers may bring one small carry-on bag, but due to the compact size of the aircraft, space is extremely limited. Don’t expect to bring anything larger than a backpack into the cabin; bigger carry-ons will be checked. In fact, specifically on the Cessna, all personal items that might be of carry-on size for other airlines will be checked planeside and returned to you planeside after you land.

Meanwhile, full-size checked bags typically have a weight limit of 50 pounds, with fees applicable for excess weight. Cape Air generally does not charge change fees, making it easier for travelers to adjust their plans if needed. Overall, the airline has fewer fees than most other carriers with an approach that is relatively fee-light, focusing on straightforward pricing and flexibility.

Getting weighed and getting boarded

Perhaps one of the more unique aspects of Cape Air is that not only are seats not assigned until boarding, but each passenger is individually weighed before you climb onto the plane, too. That’s because the crew will determine 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 how much they weigh.)

All Cape Air flights board from the ground at airports. At Boston Logan, that involves descending a set of steps to the tarmac and then waiting for a ramp agent to escort you to your aircraft. It’s certainly unique to get to pass along the line of Cessnas waiting to go to their respective destinations.

Speaking of tarmacs, one of my favorite moments from flying Cape Air was the ability to be part of the normal departure flow from Boston. That meant my aircraft taxied to the runway behind an Airbus A380 and other large planes. Again, aviation fans will love the ability to see these other airframes up close and personal and contrast the difference in sizes.

Onboard experience

Here's more of what you can expect when onboard a Cape Air flight.

Almost all of Cape Air’s flights are less than an hour in duration, and there are no flight attendants. Clearly, amenities and features will be minimal. After all, the in-flight experience on Cape Air is simple and suited to its short-haul, commuter service style. There is no in-flight entertainment due to the short duration and small aircraft size, nor is there Wi-Fi connectivity.

However, I’d argue that an “amenity” is the excellent views through the large windows (including the windshield), often providing scenic views on routes over the Caribbean and New England coast. Also, keep in mind that there is no onboard lavatory so make sure you use the toilet before boarding.

As you may expect, Cape Air flights do not include food or beverage services. Not only is there no onboard galley, there’s no crew to serve, either. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments if needed.

Airline partners, earning and redeeming miles

Cape Air does not 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 or TrueBlue miles, respectively.

In terms of redeeming miles, American Airlines passengers can redeem 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 can be said for United Airlines passengers.

The carrier also has close partnerships with these carriers to feed connecting flights. For instance, I had flown on JetBlue from Washington D.C. to Boston Logan. From there, I connected to Cape Air to fly to my final destination, Provincetown, Massachusetts. This was all booked on a single ticket and included checking my bag all the way through.

Flying Cape Air is a throwback in an age of ever-larger jets, segmented cabins, and shrinking legroom. You don't fly Cape Air for the inflight amenities (there are none) but the airline provides a great experience and vital, year-round connections to many communities in New England, the Midwest, and the Caribbean.