Cape Air9K

Cape Air (operating as Hyannis Air Service, Inc.) is one of the largest commuter airlines in the United States, headquartered at Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Founded in 1989 by pilots Dan Wolf and Craig Stewart with investor Grant Wilson, the airline began with a single route between Provincetown and Boston. Today, Cape Air serves over 30 destinations across the Northeast, Caribbean, Montana, and Midwest, carrying more than 500,000 passengers annually.

Cape Air is one of the largest participants in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a federal initiative that provides subsidized air service to rural communities that would otherwise lack convenient access to the national aviation network. This makes Cape Air a vital transportation link for many small communities across the United States.

The airline is partly employee-owned and maintains a workforce of approximately 700 people. Cape Air is not a member of any airline alliance but maintains codeshare agreements with JetBlue and United Airlines, providing seamless connections to larger networks. In September 2024, JetBlue and Cape Air enhanced their long-standing partnership to include TrueBlue loyalty benefits.

Cape Air operates small aircraft with limited cargo space. Baggage policies are designed around these aircraft constraints.

Carry-On Allowance

Important: Due to the small aircraft Cape Air operates, traditional carry-on policies differ significantly from larger airlines.

Personal Item:

• Linear dimensions: Maximum 36 inches (length + width + height)
• Examples: Small purse, briefcase, laptop bag

Carry-On Bag:

• Linear dimensions: Maximum 45 inches (length + width + height)

Critical Note on Small Aircraft:

• Cessna 402 and Britten-Norman Islander: These aircraft have no underseat or overhead storage. All bags (including items that would be carry-on on other airlines) are checked planeside and returned planeside upon arrival.
• Tecnam P2012 Traveller: Personal items measuring no more than 12" x 6" x 8" may be carried onboard and stowed under the seat. Larger items are checked planeside.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) maximum Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg)

Bag	Fee
1st checked bag	$30
2nd checked bag	$40
3rd checked bag	$80

Free First Checked Bag Routes: The first checked bag fee does not apply on direct flights to/from:

• Boston (BOS)
• Billings (BIL)
• Nashville (BNA)
• Chicago (ORD)
• New Bedford (EWB)
• St. Louis (STL)
• White Plains (HPN)
• Scheduled charter locations (ZYP)

Overweight Fees

Weight	Additional Fee
51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)	$80
Over 70 lbs	Not accepted

Military Exemption

Active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and retired military personnel (including dependents) are exempt from all Cape Air baggage fees. A valid Military ID, Dependent ID, or Veteran's ID Card must be presented.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Max 62 linear inches
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Cessna/Islander: max 70"; Tecnam: max 42"
Hockey sticks	Standard bag fee	Up to 2 taped together, max 50 lbs
Fishing equipment	Standard bag fee	Cessna/Islander: max 70"; Tecnam: max 42"
Archery equipment	Standard bag fee	Cessna/Islander: max 70"; Tecnam: max 42"
Coolers	Standard bag fee	Max 50 lbs, 42 linear inches
Car seat	Free
Stroller	Free
Wheelchair	Free
Diaper bag	Free
Portable oxygen concentrator	Free

Smart Bags: Lithium batteries must be removable and carried separately. Bags with non-removable batteries are not accepted.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at capeair.com/baggage before traveling.

Cape Air operates small, unpressurized aircraft that offer a unique flying experience unlike major carriers.

Fleet Overview

Cessna 402:

• Capacity: 9 passengers
• Configuration: Single-aisle, individual seats
• Role: Workhorse of the fleet, serves most routes
• Experience: Intimate, window seats for all passengers, spectacular views

Tecnam P2012 Traveller:

• Capacity: 11 passengers (9 passenger seats)
• Configuration: 1-1 seating
• Features: Modern Garmin G1000 Nxi avionics, two 375 HP Lycoming engines
• Experience: Newest aircraft, quieter cabin, some under-seat storage
• Status: Gradually replacing Cessna 402s; 30 currently in fleet with plans for 100

Britten-Norman Islander:

• Capacity: 9 passengers
• Configuration: Fixed-gear design for short runways
• Role: Caribbean island routes with challenging airport environments

What to Expect

Seating:

• No assigned seating on most flights
• Window seat almost guaranteed due to small aircraft configuration
• Limited legroom compared to mainline jets

Cabin Environment:

• Unpressurized aircraft (flight altitudes typically below 12,000 feet)
• Ear pressure changes may be more noticeable
• Temperature can vary; dress in layers
• Noise levels higher than jet aircraft; bring earplugs if sensitive

Entertainment:

• No in-flight entertainment systems
• No WiFi
• Bring your own entertainment (phone, book, tablet)

Food & Beverage:

• No food or beverage service due to short flight durations
• Most flights are under 1 hour
• Bring your own water and snacks if needed

The Small Plane Experience

Flying Cape Air is different from flying major carriers:

Advantages:

• Spectacular aerial views from every seat
• Fly into small airports closer to your final destination
• Less time at airports; quick boarding and deplaning
• Personal, friendly service

Considerations:

• More susceptible to weather delays and cancellations
• No lavatories on aircraft
• Limited baggage space
• Cabin can feel cramped for larger passengers

Before Booking

1. Book through JetBlue for points - If you're a TrueBlue member, book Cape Air flights through jetblue.com to earn points and have protection for connections.

2. Check EAS eligibility - Flights to EAS communities often include free first checked bag and may have lower fares.

3. Weather flexibility - If flying to islands or Montana in winter, build extra time into your itinerary for weather delays.

Packing

4. Pack light - Small aircraft have strict weight limits. Your bags will be weighed at check-in.

5. Essential items in a small bag - Keep medications, valuables, and electronics in a small personal item. All larger bags are checked planeside.

6. Measure your sports equipment - Tecnam aircraft have tighter size limits (42" max) for skis and fishing gear than Cessna/Islander (70" max).

7. Bring earplugs - Propeller aircraft are louder than jets. Earplugs make for a more comfortable flight.

At the Airport

8. Arrive early for weight check - Cape Air must weigh all passengers and bags for aircraft balance. Allow extra time.

9. Use the restroom before boarding - There are no lavatories on Cape Air aircraft.

10. Bring layers - Small aircraft cabins can be warm on the ground and cool at altitude.

During Your Flight

11. Enjoy the views - Every seat is essentially a window seat on 9-passenger aircraft. The low-altitude flights offer spectacular scenery.

12. Bring snacks and water - No food service. Most flights are short, but have something just in case of delays.

13. Download entertainment - No WiFi or screens. Load your phone or tablet before departure.

Island Travel (Cape Cod, Caribbean)

14. First flight out - Morning flights are less likely to be affected by afternoon fog (common on Cape Cod) or Caribbean weather.

15. Alternative routes - If a flight is cancelled, ask about alternative routing. Cape Air often has creative solutions using their network.

16. Ferry backup - For Cape Cod islands, the Steamship Authority ferry provides an alternative if weather grounds flights.

Connections

17. Allow generous connection time - Small aircraft delays are common. When connecting to/from larger carriers, allow at least 90 minutes.

18. Book on one ticket - Always book Cape Air connections on the same ticket as your mainline flight for rebooking protection.

19. Check codeshare flight numbers - Cape Air flights marketed by JetBlue will appear as B6 flight numbers but are operated by Cape Air.

Montana EAS Routes

20. Limited frequency - Most Montana routes have 1-2 daily flights. Miss your flight and you may wait until the next day.

21. Free first bag - Billings departures include free first checked bag.

22. Confirm operations - In severe winter weather, confirm your flight status before heading to the airport.

Information current as of January 2025. Verify policies at capeair.com before traveling.