Flying to Nantucket

Commercial Airlines

Two airlines serve Nantucket with regular scheduled service, offering connections from major Northeast hubs year-round and seasonally.

Cape Air

Cape Air is the primary carrier serving Nantucket with year-round service. Their fleet of 9-passenger Cessna 402 aircraft provides an intimate flying experience with guaranteed window seats for everyone.

• Boston Logan (BOS): Multiple daily flights year-round, approximately 25-30 minutes
• Hyannis (HYA): Frequent daily service, just 12-15 minutes in the air
• Martha's Vineyard (MVY): Seasonal and year-round connections, 15 minutes
• New York area (EWR/JFK): Seasonal service from Newark and JFK via connections, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes with connection
• White Plains (HPN): Seasonal summer service, approximately 1 hour

Cape Air operates as a JetBlue partner, so you can often book connecting flights through JetBlue.com and earn TrueBlue points.

JetBlue

JetBlue offers seasonal summer service directly to Nantucket, typically from late May through early September.

• New York JFK: Direct flights taking approximately 45 minutes
• Service operates on select days during peak summer season
• Larger aircraft (Embraer E190) means more seats and luggage capacity
• Book early - these flights sell out quickly

Private Aviation

Nantucket is one of the most popular private aviation destinations in the Northeast, especially during summer weekends. The airport handles a significant amount of private jet and charter traffic.

FBO Services

Nantucket Memorial Airport has a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) providing:

• Fuel services (100LL and Jet-A)
• Aircraft parking and tie-down
• Hangar space (limited, reserve in advance)
• Passenger lounge and concierge services
• Rental car coordination
• Catering arrangements

Charter Options

Several charter operators provide service to Nantucket from regional airports throughout the Northeast. This option is popular for:

• Weekend visitors avoiding commercial flight schedules
• Groups traveling together (often more economical than multiple commercial tickets)
• Travelers from airports not served by commercial flights
• Last-minute trips when commercial flights are sold out

Charter flights typically range from $2,000-$8,000 depending on aircraft size, departure point, and season.

Airport Logistics

Nantucket Memorial Airport is refreshingly simple compared to major airports, but there are a few things to know for a smooth experience.

Terminal & Security

• Small, single terminal building with limited seating
• Standard TSA security screening - no TSA PreCheck available
• Security lines can be long during summer weekends
• No food service past security (small cafe before security)
• Limited charging outlets - charge devices before arriving

Arrival Timing

Plan to arrive earlier than you might expect for such a small airport:

• Summer peak (June-August): Arrive 90 minutes before departure
• Shoulder season (May, September-October): Arrive 60-75 minutes early
• Off-season (November-April): Arrive 45-60 minutes early
• Holiday weekends: Treat like peak summer regardless of season

Baggage

The baggage claim experience is wonderfully simple:

• Small planes mean bags come out quickly
• Baggage claim is a short walk from gates
• Cape Air has strict weight limits (25 lbs checked, 15 lbs carry-on per person)
• Golf clubs and oversized items may require advance arrangements

Ground Transportation

Getting from the airport to your destination is straightforward:

• Rental Cars: Hertz, Enterprise, and Nantucket Island Rent-A-Car have counters at the airport
• Taxis: Available outside the terminal, no reservation needed
• Uber/Lyft: Available on island but limited drivers - may have waits
• NRTA Shuttle: Free airport shuttle connects to downtown (seasonal)
• Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary airport pickup - arrange in advance

The airport is located about 3 miles from downtown Nantucket, approximately a 10-minute drive.

Flying vs. Ferry: Cost Comparison

Flying to Nantucket is faster but typically more expensive than taking the ferry. Here's how the costs compare:

Commercial Flights

• Cape Air from Boston: $100-$250 one-way depending on season and advance booking
• Cape Air from Hyannis: $50-$120 one-way
• JetBlue from NYC: $150-$400 one-way during summer season

Ferry Comparison

• Steamship Authority fast ferry: $47 one-way adult (1 hour)
• Steamship Authority traditional ferry: $23 one-way adult (2+ hours)
• Hy-Line high-speed ferry: $49 one-way adult (1 hour)

When Flying Makes Sense

• Short trips where time is valuable
• Avoiding the drive to Hyannis from Boston (1.5 hours)
• Weekend trips when ferry tickets sell out
• Business travelers needing schedule flexibility
• Those prone to seasickness

Weather Considerations

Weather significantly impacts Nantucket air travel, particularly fog which can roll in quickly and linger.

Fog Delays

• Nantucket experiences frequent fog, especially in spring and early summer
• Morning fog is common - flights before 10 AM have higher delay risk
• Afternoon flights are generally more reliable
• Fog can cause cancellations with little advance notice

Seasonal Patterns

• Spring (April-May): Variable conditions, fog common
• Summer (June-August): Generally good, but fog still possible
• Fall (September-October): Often the clearest flying weather
• Winter (November-March): Nor'easters can cause multi-day disruptions

Backup Planning

Always have a backup plan for weather-related issues:

• Keep ferry schedules handy as a backup
• Consider travel insurance for non-refundable bookings
• Build buffer time into your schedule, especially for return flights
• Sign up for airline text alerts for real-time updates