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Cape Air

Small-plane flights to the islands and beyond

  • United StatesCountry
  • 9KIATA Code
  • KAPICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • RegionalAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Cape Air

Cape Air is a US regional airline flying nine-seat aircraft to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, the Caribbean and small towns across the US. Baggage is weight-based, and in 2026 it announced it will switch to Cessna Grand Caravans in Montana from 2027. This guide covers routes, baggage, weather tips, power bank rules and how Cape Air compares with JetBlue and United.

Cape Air was founded in 1989 in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and flies small aircraft with nine passenger seats. Many of its routes are funded by the US Essential Air Service programme for small communities.

Cape Air flights to Boston
Photo: Jacob Licht / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Cape Air

Cape Air follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh only with the airline’s approval.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks in checked bags.

On such small aircraft, larger bags often travel in the hold, so keep power banks in a small bag that stays with you.

How to Find Cheap Flights to the Islands

Cheap Cape Air flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel in spring or autumn for lower fares.
  • Book summer weekend flights early.
  • Compare Boston and Hyannis departures.
  • Ask about multi-trip books if you visit often.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Cape Air next to JetBlue, United and others.

Cape Air vs JetBlue vs United

Cape Air connects with bigger airlines’ networks.

Cape AirJetBlueUnited
Aircraft9-seat propsAirbus jetsBoeing and Airbus jets
Nantucket flightsYear-roundSeasonalSeasonal
BaggageWeight-based, strictBy fareBy fare
Best forSmall islands and townsEast Coast and CaribbeanLong-haul connections

See our JetBlue guide and United Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Boston

Boston Logan is close to downtown. The free Silver Line bus, the Blue Line subway and water taxis connect the airport with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Cape Air a Good Airline?

Yes. It is a practical and memorable way to reach Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and remote communities. Weather delays are the main drawback, so plan some flexibility.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Aviation News on the Montana fleet change and ICAO’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Cape Air website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

Cape Air is not a member of an airline alliance, but it partners with airlines such as JetBlue and United so you can connect to their networks.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Cape Air has interline or codeshare agreements with major airlines including JetBlue and United, allowing through-ticketing at Boston and other airports.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Boston Logan (BOS) is Cape Air's main base for flights to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown, with another base at Hyannis (HYA) on Cape Cod and bases in San Juan and other regions.

Popular Cape Air Routes

Cape Air's best-known routes link Boston with Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown. In the Caribbean it flies from Puerto Rico to the US and British Virgin Islands, and it also serves small communities in the Midwest and Montana, many under the Essential Air Service programme. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Cape Air Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Cape Air sells simple fares for its short flights, and the change rules for your ticket are shown when you book. Arrive early, as boarding on small aircraft closes quickly. Fog on island routes can delay or cancel flights, so allow a buffer before connecting to long-haul flights in Boston.

In September 2026 Cape Air said it will replace its twin-engine Tecnam P2012s on Montana routes with single-engine Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops from 2027, subject to a US Department of Transportation waiver. The change affects flights from Billings to Havre, Glasgow, Glendive, Sidney and Wolf Point; Northeast and Caribbean routes keep twin-engine aircraft.

  • Fares Simple fares; change rules shown when you book.
  • Boarding Closes quickly on small aircraft, so arrive early.
  • Weather Fog and wind can delay island flights; leave a buffer before long-haul connections.
  • Montana from 2027 Cessna Grand Caravan EX to replace Tecnam P2012 (subject to DOT waiver).
  • 24-hour rule Tickets booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
  • How to change or cancel Through capeair.com or Cape Air reservations.

Cape Air Seat Selection & Additional Services

Cape Air's small planes have nine passenger seats, and the pilot may assign seats to balance the aircraft's weight. Every seat is a window or aisle seat.

Flights are short and low, with great views of the coast and islands.

  • Aircraft Nine-seat Tecnam P2012; Cessna Grand Caravan EX planned for Montana from 2027.
  • Seating Seats may be assigned to balance the aircraft.
  • Views Short, low flights with coastal views.
  • Special assistance Request help in advance; space on board is limited.

Cape Air Baggage Allowance

Cape Air flies small aircraft, so most passengers get one free bag of up to 45 linear inches (length + width + height) that is carried through security, checked at the gate and returned planeside. On some local routes, such as Hyannis–Nantucket, you can instead check up to three small bags weighing 50 lb in total.

One additional standard bag of up to 50 lb and 62 linear inches can be carried for a fee, and up to two more subject to space. Bags of 51–70 lb pay an extra fee, and nothing over 70 lb or 62 linear inches is accepted. You may be asked for your own weight to help balance the aircraft.

  • Free bag 1 bag up to 45 linear inches, gate-checked.
  • Some local routes Up to 3 small bags, 50 lb in total.
  • Paid extra bag Up to 50 lb and 62 linear inches.
  • Overweight 51–70 lb, extra fee.
  • Maximum 70 lb and 62 linear inches.
  • Passenger weight You may be asked for it for balance.

Cape Air Loyalty Programme

Cape Air doesn't run a large points-based loyalty programme. If you connect to JetBlue or United, check whether your partner booking earns points with their programmes.

  • Partner earning Check JetBlue or United programmes for connecting bookings.
  • Frequent travellers Ask Cape Air about multi-trip ticket options.

Cape Air: Frequently Asked Questions

01Where is Cape Air headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Hyannis, United States.

02When was Cape Air founded?

The airline was founded in 1989.

03Where does Cape Air fly?

Cape Air flies small planes from Boston and Hyannis to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown, from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands, and to small towns in the Midwest and Montana.

04Why does Cape Air ask for my weight?

Cape Air's planes are small, so passenger and bag weights are used to balance the aircraft safely.

05Can I take a large carry-on on Cape Air?

Not into the cabin. Your free bag can be up to 45 linear inches; it is checked at the gate and returned planeside. Larger bags must be checked, up to 50 lb and 62 linear inches, for a fee.

06Is Cape Air changing aircraft in Montana?

Yes. From 2027 it plans to replace Tecnam P2012s on Montana routes with single-engine Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops, subject to a DOT waiver.

07Is Cape Air in an airline alliance?

No. Cape Air is not a member of an airline alliance, but it partners with airlines such as JetBlue and United so you can connect to their networks.

08What are Cape Air's IATA and ICAO codes?

Cape Air's IATA code is 9K and its ICAO code is KAP. You'll see the IATA code (9K) in flight numbers and on boarding passes.

09Where is Cape Air's main hub?

Cape Air's main hub is Boston (BOS).

10Can I choose my seat on Cape Air?

Cape Air's small planes have nine passenger seats, and the pilot may assign seats to balance the aircraft's weight. Every seat is a window or aisle seat.

Cape Air, its logo and trademarks are the property of Hyannis Air Service, Inc. (Cape Air) and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cape Air unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.