Flying to Nantucket: Complete Airport Guide

Airlines Serving Nantucket

Three airlines provide scheduled commercial service to Nantucket, each offering distinct routes, aircraft, and travel experiences. Understanding your options helps you choose the best fit for your trip.

Cape Air: The Island Workhorse

Cape Air is the primary commercial carrier serving Nantucket with year-round flights. Founded in 1989, this regional airline has become synonymous with New England island travel. Their fleet consists primarily of 9-passenger Cessna 402 aircraft, which creates an intimate flying experience unlike any major carrier.

Routes and flight times:

• Boston Logan (BOS): Multiple daily flights year-round, 25-30 minutes flight time
• Hyannis (HYA): Frequent daily service, just 12-15 minutes in the air
• Martha's Vineyard (MVY): Seasonal and limited year-round connections, 15 minutes
• White Plains, NY (HPN): Seasonal summer service, approximately 1 hour
• New Bedford, MA (EWB): Seasonal service connecting to southeastern Massachusetts

Cape Air operates as a codeshare partner with JetBlue, allowing you to book connecting itineraries through JetBlue.com and earn TrueBlue points on Cape Air flights. This partnership is particularly useful for travelers connecting from cities beyond Boston.

Pricing: Expect to pay $100-$250 one-way from Boston depending on season and how far in advance you book. Hyannis flights typically run $50-$120 one-way. Summer peak periods and last-minute bookings command premium prices.

JetBlue: Seasonal Nonstop Service

JetBlue offers direct seasonal flights to Nantucket from New York JFK, typically operating from late May through early September. These flights use Embraer E190 aircraft, offering a more traditional airline experience with 100 seats per flight.

• New York JFK: Direct flights taking approximately 45-50 minutes
• Service operates on select days during peak summer season, with more frequent Friday and Sunday flights
• Larger aircraft means more seats and significantly more luggage capacity than Cape Air
• Standard JetBlue amenities including extra legroom seats, snacks, and entertainment

Pricing: JetBlue fares typically range from $150-$400 one-way during summer season, with prices lowest when booked several months in advance.

Booking tip: JetBlue releases summer Nantucket schedules in late January or February. These flights sell out quickly, so set a calendar reminder to book as soon as schedules are announced if you want the best selection.

United Airlines: Seasonal Routes

United Airlines has expanded seasonal service to Nantucket in recent years, providing additional options for travelers from their hub cities.

• Newark (EWR): Seasonal summer service on select days
• Washington Dulles (IAD): Limited seasonal service during peak summer
• United Express flights operated by regional partners
• Useful for connecting passengers from United's extensive domestic network

United's Nantucket service is more limited than Cape Air or JetBlue, with flights concentrated on peak summer weekends. Check united.com for current schedules as routes can vary by year.

The Small Plane Experience

If you have never flown on a small aircraft, your Cape Air flight to Nantucket will be memorable. The Cessna 402 carries just 9 passengers in a single row of seats on each side of a narrow aisle. Every seat is a window seat, offering unobstructed views of Cape Cod, the ocean, and the islands below.

What to Expect

• Boarding: You will walk across the tarmac to your aircraft and climb a small set of stairs
• Seating: Single seats on each side with excellent legroom but limited recline
• Visibility: Large windows provide spectacular views on clear days
• Flight feel: More turbulence than large jets, especially on windy days - similar to a bumpy car ride
• Noise: Propeller aircraft are louder than jets - some passengers bring earplugs
• No flight attendant: The pilot handles boarding, safety briefings, and all announcements

Concerns About Small Planes

Many first-time passengers feel nervous about small aircraft. Some reassuring facts: Cape Air has an excellent safety record spanning over three decades. Pilots are highly experienced, often with thousands of flight hours. The route is short, typically flying at lower altitudes with beautiful scenery. Weather cancellations happen precisely because safety is the priority.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take precautions. The flight is short, but small planes do bounce around more in choppy air. Consider taking motion sickness medication 30-60 minutes before departure if you are concerned.

Weather Delays and Planning Around Them

Weather is the single biggest factor affecting Nantucket air travel. The island's location 30 miles out in the Atlantic creates conditions that can change rapidly, particularly fog which is notorious for disrupting flight operations.

Fog: The Primary Culprit

Nantucket experiences frequent fog, especially from April through July. Marine fog forms when warm air moves over the cold Atlantic waters, and it can roll in with little warning. Morning flights are most susceptible, as fog often burns off by midday.

• Spring (April-May): Highly variable conditions with frequent morning fog
• Early summer (June-July): Peak fog season - be prepared for delays
• Late summer (August): Improving conditions as water temperatures rise
• Fall (September-October): Often the clearest and most reliable flying weather
• Winter (November-March): Nor'easters can cause multi-day disruptions, but clear days are very flyable

Strategies for Weather Resilience

• Book afternoon flights when possible: Morning fog typically clears by 10-11 AM
• Have a ferry backup plan: Know the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line schedules
• Consider the hybrid approach: Many experienced Nantucket travelers fly one direction and ferry the other, ensuring at least one leg is unaffected by flying conditions
• Build buffer time: Never book a flight on your last possible travel day - always have at least one backup day
• Book refundable tickets: During summer, the extra cost for changeable tickets is worth the peace of mind
• Sign up for flight alerts: Both Cape Air and JetBlue offer text and email notifications for delays

Connecting Flights and Routing Options

Most travelers to Nantucket connect through Boston Logan (BOS), which offers the most frequent service. However, creative routing can sometimes save money or time.

Via Boston (Most Common)

Boston Logan is the primary gateway for Nantucket. Cape Air operates from Terminal C, which also serves JetBlue. If connecting from another JetBlue flight, you can book the entire itinerary on one ticket and check bags through to Nantucket.

• Allow at least 90 minutes for connections (2 hours is safer during summer)
• Cape Air uses the far end of Terminal C - plan for a walk
• TSA PreCheck is not available at Nantucket, but helps speed your departure from Boston

Via Hyannis

Flying into Hyannis and then connecting to Nantucket can make sense for travelers coming from Providence, New York, or other cities with service to the Cape. The 12-minute Cape Air hop to Nantucket is quick and scenic.

Direct from New York

During summer, JetBlue and United offer the most time-efficient option for New York area travelers. A direct flight avoids the connection hassle entirely and gets you to Nantucket in under an hour.

Consider Drive and Fly

Some travelers drive to Hyannis or New Bedford and fly the final leg to Nantucket. This can be faster than the ferry and allows you to leave a car on the mainland, avoiding the expensive and competitive vehicle ferry reservations.

Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)

Nantucket Memorial Airport is charmingly small, with a single terminal building serving all commercial and private aviation. Understanding the airport helps you navigate arrival and departure smoothly.

Terminal Facilities

• Size: One small terminal building with limited seating areas
• Food: Small cafe before security - no food options past security screening
• Security: Standard TSA screening - no PreCheck available
• Charging: Very limited outlets - charge your devices before arriving
• WiFi: Free airport WiFi available
• Restrooms: Available before and after security

Arrival Process

Arriving at Nantucket is wonderfully simple. You will deplane on the tarmac, walk a short distance to the terminal, and collect your bags at a small baggage claim area. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

Departure Timing

Despite the airport's small size, security lines can be surprisingly long during peak summer travel. Plan accordingly:

• 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 Considerations

Baggage policies vary significantly between airlines serving Nantucket, and Cape Air's strict limits catch many travelers off guard.

Cape Air Limits

• Checked bags: 25 pounds maximum per bag
• Carry-on: 15 pounds maximum, must fit under seat
• Personal item: Small bag like a purse or laptop bag
• Total weight: Strictly enforced - excess bags may go on a later flight
• Golf clubs: Call ahead to arrange - may require special handling
• Surfboards/bikes: Generally cannot be accommodated on the Cessna 402

Packing strategy: Pack light or ship items ahead. Many visitors use services like Luggage Forward or ShipGo to send heavy bags to their hotel, traveling to Nantucket with just a carry-on.

JetBlue and United Limits

Standard airline baggage policies apply on JetBlue and United flights, with typical checked bag fees and more generous weight allowances. This makes these carriers better choices for travelers with more luggage or special equipment.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Nantucket Memorial Airport is located about 3 miles southeast of downtown, approximately a 10-minute drive. Several transportation options connect you to your final destination.

Transportation Options

• Taxis: Available curbside, no reservation needed. Expect $15-25 to downtown Nantucket
• Uber/Lyft: Available but limited drivers on island - may have 10-20 minute waits during busy periods
• NRTA Shuttle: Free seasonal shuttle connects the airport to downtown (runs May-October)
• Rental cars: Hertz, Enterprise, and Nantucket Island Rent-A-Car have airport counters
• Hotel shuttles: Many hotels and inns offer complimentary airport pickup - arrange when booking
• Bike rental delivery: Some bike shops will deliver a rental bike to the airport

Do You Need a Rental Car?

Most visitors do not need a rental car on Nantucket. The island is only 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide. Downtown is very walkable, bikes are the preferred local transportation, and the NRTA shuttle system connects major destinations. Consider renting a car only if you plan to explore distant beaches frequently or have mobility limitations.

Flying vs. Ferry: Making the Choice

Both flying and the ferry have their place in Nantucket travel. Here is how to decide which is right for your trip.

Choose Flying When:

• Time is your priority - flying saves 1-3 hours each way
• You are connecting from a flight into Boston
• Ferry tickets are sold out (common on summer weekends)
• You are prone to seasickness
• You want to avoid the 1.5-hour drive from Boston to Hyannis
• You are making a short trip where travel time matters

Choose the Ferry When:

• Budget is a concern - ferry is significantly cheaper
• You want to bring a vehicle to the island
• You have heavy luggage or sports equipment
• Weather forecasts suggest flying conditions may be poor
• You enjoy the scenic ocean crossing as part of the experience
• You are traveling with young children who might find the ferry more comfortable

Cost Comparison

• Cape Air from Boston: $100-$250 one-way
• JetBlue from NYC: $150-$400 one-way
• Steamship fast ferry: $40-$47 one-way
• Steamship traditional ferry: $20-$23 one-way

Flying typically costs 3-5 times more than the ferry, but saves significant time and avoids the drive to Hyannis from Boston.