Cape Air Carry-On Rules & Baggage Fees (2025 Guide)

If you have ever flown on a big airline like United or Delta, you are probably used to tossing your suitcase in the overhead bin without giving it much thought. But step onto a small Cape Air flight and things feel completely different. This regional airline operates tiny commuter planes with only a handful of seats, and that means baggage rules are not what most travelers expect.

I still remember watching a passenger board a Cape Air Cessna in Boston heading to Martha’s Vineyard. They rolled up with a normal sized carry on, the kind you would bring on American Airlines, only to realize there was no overhead bin at all. The bag had to be checked right at the gate. You could see the surprise on their face, and it was a quick lesson in how different regional airlines can be.

That is why I put this guide together. Whether you are island hopping in the Caribbean, flying between small New England airports, or connecting to a larger carrier, knowing Cape Air’s carry on rules, personal item limits, and baggage fees will save you from last minute stress. Let’s go over everything you need before you fly.

Cape Air Carry On Policy

Cape Air is very different from the larger airlines when it comes to carry on bags. Because most of its planes are small commuter aircraft, there is almost no overhead bin space. In fact, on many of their Cessna flights there are no bins at all, which means most standard rolling bags will not fit inside the cabin.

Here is what you need to know:

• Carry On Size Limit: Up to 36 linear inches total (length + width + height). That is much smaller than the usual 45 linear inches you see with big airlines.

• Weight Limit: 20 pounds for a carry on bag.

• Allowance: One carry on per passenger, but it must be small enough to fit in the limited cabin storage.

✈️ Reality Check

Even if your bag meets the official size and weight requirements, chances are the crew will still gate check it before boarding. This is simply because the planes are so small and the space is limited.

💡 Pro Tip

Use a small duffel or soft backpack as your carry on. These are more likely to fit in the cabin compared to a rigid suitcase. If you travel light and keep it flexible, you will have a much easier time on Cape Air flights.

Cape Air Personal Item Rules

Your personal item is the one bag you can count on to stay with you in the cabin during a Cape Air flight. Since overhead space is basically non existent on most of their aircraft, the personal item becomes even more important than the carry on.

Here are the details:

• Size Limit: 12 x 8 x 6 inches

• Examples: A small backpack, laptop bag, purse, diaper bag, or camera bag

• Allowance: One personal item per passenger

✈️ Why It Matters

Because most carry on bags end up being gate checked on Cape Air, your personal item is usually the only bag you will have access to during the flight. This is where you should keep your essentials such as your phone, headphones, wallet, medications, and travel documents.

💡 Pro Tip

Choose a compact but roomy backpack or a flexible tote that can slide under the seat. This way, even if your main bag is gate checked, you will still have everything you need within reach for the entire trip.

Cape Air Checked Baggage Policy

Because Cape Air uses small commuter aircraft, many travelers end up relying on checked luggage for most of their belongings. The airline has clear rules on size, weight, and fees that you will want to know before heading to the airport.

✅ Standard Checked Bag Allowance

• First Checked Bag: Usually around 30 to 35 dollars when paid online in advance

• Second Checked Bag: About 40 to 45 dollars

• Additional Bags: Start from 80 dollars or more depending on the route

(Fees can vary a little depending on the destination, especially for Caribbean flights, so always double check when booking.)

📏 Size and Weight Limits

• Weight Limit: 50 pounds per bag

• Size Limit: 62 linear inches total (length + width + height combined)

⚠️ Overweight and Oversize Bags

• 51 to 70 pounds: Extra 80 dollars

• 71 to 100 pounds: Extra 100 dollars

• Oversize bags (63 to 80 linear inches): Extra 100 dollars

• Bags larger than 80 linear inches are usually not accepted at all

🍼 Special Allowances

• Strollers and car seats: Checked free of charge for families traveling with kids

• Mobility aids: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices travel free and do not count toward the baggage allowance

✈️ A Note on Small Aircraft

On some routes Cape Air staff may need to shift luggage weight for balance reasons. This can sometimes mean your bag travels in a different part of the aircraft. Keep essentials in your personal item just in case.

Cape Air Special Items and Sports Equipment

Flying with special items on Cape Air can be a bit tricky because of the smaller aircraft size, but the airline does allow most items as checked baggage. The key thing to remember is that many oversized or bulky pieces will almost always need to go in the hold.

🍼 Strollers and Car Seats

• Free of charge when traveling with an infant or child

• Can be checked at the ticket counter or right at the gate

• Recommended to use a travel bag for protection since the cargo hold is tight

♿ Mobility Devices

• Wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices travel free of charge

• These do not count toward your baggage allowance

🎸 Musical Instruments

• Small instruments may be carried into the cabin if space allows

• Larger instruments like guitars usually need to be checked and will count toward your allowance

• Oversize and overweight fees apply if limits are exceeded

🏌️ Sports Equipment

Cape Air accepts many types of sports gear, but fees vary depending on size:

• Golf Clubs – Accepted as standard checked baggage if within size and weight limits

• Skis and Snowboards – Often accepted but may require oversize fees

• Surfboards – Space is extremely limited, usually not accepted unless on specific larger aircraft routes

• Bicycles – Must be packed in a bike box and almost always subject to oversize charges

💡 Pro Tip

If you are flying Cape Air for a leisure trip to the islands or a ski getaway, check with the airline before traveling with oversized gear. Renting equipment at your destination can sometimes be easier and cheaper than trying to bring it on board.

Tips for Flying Cape Air

Cape Air is a completely different experience compared to larger airlines. The small planes and short routes make for a unique kind of travel, but you need to prepare a little differently to avoid stress. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind:

1. Pack as light as possible
   The smaller the bag, the better. Large rolling suitcases rarely fit in the cabin and almost always get checked.

2. Expect gate checking
   Even if your carry on technically meets the size rules, chances are it will be checked before boarding. Keep your essentials in your personal item.

3. Arrive a little early
   Smaller airports that Cape Air serves may not have as many staff as big hubs. Getting there earlier makes the whole process smoother.

4. Prepay for your checked bags
   Buying your baggage allowance online while booking is cheaper and avoids delays at the counter.

5. Use flexible luggage
   Soft sided backpacks or duffels fit much more easily than hard shell bags. This can make boarding less stressful.

6. Check destination specific rules
   Some Caribbean and island flights have slightly different baggage rules or stricter limits. Always review the details before you travel.

Best Luggage for Flying Cape Air

1. Gonex 16-inch Underseat Carry-On with Spinner Wheels

A soft‑sided rolling bag designed to slide under seats. It features spinner wheels for easy maneuvering, airline‑approved dimensions, and a water‑resistant PVC construction—great for tight cabin spaces on Cape Air.

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2. TIAWOLT 16-Inch Underseat Carry-On Luggage with Wheels

This compact wheeled bag measures just under typical personal item size. It’s lightweight, organized, and adds security with a zipper lock. A reliable choice if your carry‑on might get gate‑checked.

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3. Small Gym Bag (Mini Duffel) – 14″ × 8″ × 8″

A minimalist duffel that fits the under‑seat profile perfectly. Lightweight, tear‑resistant, and water‑resistant—it’s versatile for weekend trips, personal item packing, or soft‑packing essentials.

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4. Foldable Travel Duffel – 17″ × 13″ × 6.5″

This foldable bag meets most personal item size restrictions. Compact when empty but roomy when needed—it’s great for layering inside your main bag or as your primary flexible carry option for Cape Air.

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Pro Packing Strategy

Pair one of these small flexible bags (like the duffel or foldable travel bag) with a slimmer backpack or tote for essentials. Since Cape Air often gate-checks carry-ons, this combination ensures your important items stay with you.

Conclusion: Flying Cape Air Without Baggage Surprises

Flying Cape Air is a completely different experience compared to traveling with the larger airlines. The smaller aircraft and limited storage mean that baggage rules are much stricter and you cannot rely on overhead space the way you normally would.

The best way to approach Cape Air flights is to pack light, keep essentials in your personal item, and be ready for gate checking. Choosing the right underseat bag or compact duffel will make your trip smoother and save you from last minute stress at boarding.

Cape Air is one of the most convenient ways to reach islands, small towns, and regional airports across the US and Caribbean. With a little planning and the right luggage, you will be able to enjoy the charm of this unique airline without worrying about your bags.

Safe travels and may your personal item always fit snugly under the seat ✈️