Seaborne AirlinesBB

Seaborne Airlines is a regional carrier serving the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, now operating as a Silver Airways subsidiary since 2022. The airline has a storied history as a pioneer of seaplane aviation in the Caribbean, leveraging its DHC-6 Twin Otter fleet to connect island communities that lacked traditional airports.

Based in the US Virgin Islands with operations centered at Saint Croix (STX), San Juan (SJU), and Saint Thomas (STT), Seaborne specializes in short-haul regional service. The airline maintains the distinctive heritage of seaplane operations while also offering amphibious aircraft that can operate from both water and conventional runways. Under Silver Airways ownership, Seaborne continues its mission of connecting the islands with reliable, frequent service.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

• Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 8" (36 x 20 x 20 cm)
• Must fit under or at the side of your seat
• Examples: Small backpack, purse, laptop bag

Cabin Bag (overhead storage):

• Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 8" (46 x 36 x 20 cm) including handles
• Weight: 25 lbs (11 kg) maximum
• Included on all fares
• Limited overhead storage due to aircraft size

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Economy	✓ Free	✓ Free
Premium	✓ Free	✓ Free

Checked Baggage

Standard Policies:

Weight	Limit
Maximum per bag	50 lbs (23 kg)
Total baggage weight	100 lbs (45 kg) per passenger

Checked Bag Fees:

Bags	Fee
1st checked bag	Included with paid fare
2nd checked bag	$35
3rd+ bags	$50 each

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Included	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Included	Oversize limits apply
Bicycle	$50	Must be in bike box or hard case
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Diving equipment	Included	Tanks must be empty
Fishing rods	Included	Counts as checked baggage

Sports Equipment Note: Seaborne often waives oversize fees for legitimate sports equipment due to the nature of Caribbean travel. Verify with the airline when booking.

Economy Class

• Seats: High-density seating optimized for short regional flights (typical 15-19 minute flights)
• Legroom: Minimal pitch due to aircraft size
• Amenities: Basic cabin service, no in-flight entertainment on Twin Otters
• Windows: Large windows common on Twin Otters provide excellent island views
• Cabin: Pressurized, air-conditioned (temperature-controlled)

Premium Cabin

Seaborne offers premium seating on select routes with additional comfort and priority boarding, though the intimate aircraft size means all passengers benefit from proximity to crew and relaxed Caribbean service style.

Service & Amenities

• Beverages: Complimentary water and juice
• Food: Light snacks on inter-island routes; meals on longer flights
• Entertainment: None (short flight times; focus on scenery)
• WiFi: Not available on Twin Otter fleet
• Baggage Assistance: Hands-on service typical of regional carriers

The flight experience emphasizes the unique Caribbean perspective—many passengers fly specifically for the seaplane experience and aerial views of turquoise waters between islands.

Booking & Planning:

• Book early for holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break)
• Seaborne often has lower fares on inter-island hops compared to ferry or driving alternatives
• Check weather forecasts before booking; hurricane season (June-November) occasionally affects schedules
• Pricing varies seasonally with Caribbean tourism patterns

Packing:

• Baggage weight limits strictly enforced (weight-sensitive aircraft)
• Arrive 45 minutes early for all flights to ensure on-time departure
• TSA PreCheck and Global Entry not applicable to regional flights, but security lines typically short
• Waterproof bag recommended if flying seaplane route (salt spray exposure)

Seaplane Experience:

• Request window seats for incredible aerial views of Caribbean islands
• Bring waterproof camera protection if you want photos of waterside operations
• Flotation procedures are routine; don't be alarmed—equipment and training are standard
• Smaller aircraft are more affected by crosswinds and weather; flights may be delayed without cancellation

Luggage:

• Use soft luggage when possible (easier to store in tight aircraft spaces)
• Fragile items should be well-padded (cabin can be bumpy over open water)
• Lost baggage extremely rare given hands-on baggage handling and short routes

Loyalty:

• Status miles accumulate quickly on frequent regional flyers
• Premium cabin upgrade availability is good given small cabin size
• Partner benefits via Silver Airways provide additional value

At the Airport:

• Arrive early to secure good window seating (first-come basis)
• Waterside airports (STX seaplane dock) offer scenic waiting areas
• Limited food/beverage options at small island terminals—bring snacks if needed
• Bring sunscreen; seaplane cabins can get warm on sunny Caribbean days

Weather Considerations:

• Tropical weather can cause brief delays without cancellation (typical August-October)
• Spring (March-May) is most reliable season for operations
• Winter (December-February) is peak season; book well in advance
• Morning flights typically have better weather conditions than afternoon