Cape Air

Kamchatka Airlines (IATA code: 9K) is an airline with a unique profile. While the official description positions the carrier as a regional company for Kamchatka and the Far East, the actual flight map tells a different story. Its primary operations are concentrated in the USA and the Caribbean basin, with Boston airport serving as its base.

This unusual profile makes the airline a convenient choice for travellers needing to get from major hubs on the US East Coast to popular island resorts and smaller towns in the region.

Key Facts About the Airline

Route Network and Destinations

Flights from Boston. Logan Airport is the carrier's main base. The most sought-after destination is Nantucket — flights to this island operate with high frequency. Passengers can also fly from Boston to the town of Ronkonkoma on Long Island, to Lebanon, and the picturesque Saranac Lake. Additionally, the route network includes flights to Augusta, the city of Rutland, and the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Caribbean Direction. For island travel, the airline utilises two key hubs — Charlotte Amalie and San Juan. From here, tourists can travel to Tortola, to St. Croix, or visit Gustavia. Flights are also available to the island of Vieques and to Charlestown.

Additional Routes. The carrier provides convenient connections between the metropolis of New York (JFK Airport) and resort areas, operating flights to Hyannis, Nantucket, and Saranac Lake.

Contacts and Support

There are several ways to contact representatives of Kamchatka Airlines (9K). Due to the fact that the carrier's actual operations are concentrated in North America and the Caribbean (flights are often operated by Cape Air), primary communication takes place in English. For issues related to booking, baggage, or schedules, it is recommended to use official communication channels.

Official Website

Booking management, online check-in, and flight status checks are available on the official partner web resource: www.capeair.com.

Contact Information

• Reservation and Support Centre (USA): 1-800-227-3247 (800-CAPE-AIR)
• International Support Phone: +1 508-771-6944
• Email (General Enquiries): careteam@capeair.com
• Baggage Claims: CBS@capeair.com

Social Media

To receive up-to-date information about promotions and schedule changes, you can follow the airline's pages on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter (X)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Representative Offices

Customer service counters are located at the main transit hubs of the airline's route network.

• Hub in Boston: Logan International Airport (Boston), Terminal C. Counters are open daily during flight operation hours.
• Hub in the Caribbean: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan), Terminal B.
• Headquarters: 660 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA.

Please note: addresses and phone numbers may change. We recommend verifying current data on the official website immediately before departure.

Baggage Allowance Rules

When planning a trip with Kamchatka Airlines (9K), it is important to consider the specifics of the fleet and route network. Since a significant portion of flights, for example from the hub in Boston, are operated on small regional aircraft (such as the Cessna 402 or Tecnam P2012), onboard baggage space is significantly limited. The rules here are stricter than on large mainline liners.

Hand Luggage Allowance

Due to the compact dimensions of the aircraft cabins used by the airline, the possibilities for placing items directly near the passenger seat are minimal. Standard "cabin size" suitcases that you are used to taking into the cabin of an Airbus or Boeing may not fit here.

• Personal Items: Only one small item is allowed in the cabin (a handbag, a laptop in a thin case, a small backpack, or a briefcase). This item must fit freely under the seat in front of you or on your lap.
• Gate Check (Valet Bag): If your hand luggage exceeds the dimensions of a personal item but meets aviation security standards, you will be asked to hand it over to the baggage compartment directly before boarding the plane (Valet Bag service). You will receive it back immediately upon exiting the plane at your destination, for example, upon arrival in Nantucket or another network airport.

Checked Baggage

Free baggage allowance rules depend on your ticket fare, but there are general limitations dictated by the technical characteristics of the aircraft.

• Standard Weight: Usually, one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs) is allowed.
• Dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
• Loading Specifics: On inter-island flights (for example, if you are flying to Tortola or to St. Croix), if the aircraft is fully loaded, baggage may be sent on the next flight. This is standard practice for small aviation to ensure flight safety.

Excess Baggage and Fees

An additional fee is charged for transporting bags that exceed the allowance in quantity, weight, or dimensions. Fees are fixed but may vary depending on the flight region (USA or Caribbean).

It is important to remember that excess baggage is accepted only if there is free space in the cargo hold. The airline does not guarantee that extra suitcases will fly with you on the same flight, so it is better to keep essential items with you.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Transporting non-standard baggage requires prior approval. Given the airline's resort destinations, such requests are popular but have nuances:

• Sports Equipment: Surfboards, bicycles, and golf equipment are accepted for carriage for a separate fee. However, there are strict limitations on the length of items (often no more than 2-2.5 metres) due to the size of the baggage hatches on small aircraft.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can be carried as hand luggage if they fit within the permissible dimensions. Large instruments (cello, guitar) will have to be checked as baggage in a hard case, with strings loosened beforehand to avoid damage from temperature changes.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety purposes, international IATA standards and TSA requirements (for flights to/from the USA) apply on Kamchatka Airlines flights.

Strictly prohibited for carriage:

• Explosives, fireworks, and firecrackers.
• Flammable liquids and gases (including lighter fuel and camping canisters).
• Toxic and radioactive substances.
• High-power lithium batteries (spare batteries and power banks are prohibited in checked baggage — they must be taken into the cabin).

Tips for Effective Packing

To make your flight as comfortable as possible, use the recommendations of experienced travellers who frequently fly regional lines:

1. Use soft bags. Unlike hard plastic suitcases, soft travel bags or backpacks are easier to fit into the baggage compartments of small planes, reducing the risk of your luggage being left on the ground to wait for the next flight.
2. Bright tag. Since many bags handed over at the ramp look similar, be sure to attach a tag with your name and contact details.
3. Keep essentials with you. Always keep medicines, documents, keys, and valuable electronics in the personal bag you take into the cabin.
4. Check connections. If you are flying with a transfer to major international airline flights, ensure your baggage is checked through to the final destination, or allow time to collect and re-check it.

Transporting Pets

Kamchatka Airlines (9K) welcomes travellers with pets, understanding the importance of family trips. However, considering the use of small aircraft on many routes (for example, from the hub in Boston or between islands), the number of places for animals on each flight is strictly limited, so the service must be booked well in advance.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)
This is the most popular way to transport small cats and dogs. The animal must be under the owner's constant supervision.

• Carrier Dimensions: A soft carrier not exceeding dimensions of 45×30×20 cm (must fit freely under the seat).
• Maximum Weight: Up to 8–10 kg including the carrier (depends on the aircraft type).
• Allowed Animals: Cats, dogs, sometimes domestic rabbits and birds.
• Limit per Passenger: Usually, only one pet is allowed per adult passenger.

In the Baggage Compartment (Checked Baggage)
If your pet is too large for the cabin, it can travel in a special heated compartment of the aircraft.

• Container Requirements: Hard plastic container (IATA standard) with a secure lock, metal door, and absorbent bottom.
• Weight and Size Limits: Strictly regulated by the dimensions of the baggage hatch of the specific aircraft.
• Temperature Restrictions: Transport may be prohibited if the air temperature at the departure or arrival airport is below -7°C or above +29°C (safety rule).
• Necessary Documents: Copy of the owner's passport and veterinary certificates attached to the cage.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)
For very large dogs or when flying unaccompanied by the owner, shipment via the cargo terminal is used.

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the cage exceeds baggage allowances (usually over 32-45 kg) or the flight is operated on a very small plane.
• Special Requirements: Processing of an air waybill.
• Booking Procedure: Carried out through the airline's cargo department no later than 24-48 hours before departure.

Necessary Documents

To board, especially if you are flying an international route (for example, to San Juan or to Tortola), a full package of documents will be required:

• Veterinary Passport: With microchip records.
• Health Certificate: A veterinary inspection certificate issued no earlier than 10–30 days before the flight (timing depends on the destination).
• Vaccinations: Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before the trip).
• International Certificates: Flights between countries may require specific import permits.

Service Costs

Fees are fixed and paid in addition to the passenger's ticket:

• Transport in Cabin: Fixed fee (usually budget category).
• Transport in Baggage Compartment: Cost is higher, depends on the weight of the cage and flight distance.
• Prices Depend on Route: Fees on international lines may be higher than on domestic US flights.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Training: Let the animal get used to the container at home for a few weeks before the flight.
• Feeding: Feed the pet a light meal 4 hours before the flight, but provide access to water.
• Activity: Walk the dog well before heading to the airport to reduce stress levels.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in the following cases:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic dogs and cats (with flattened faces, e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are often not accepted in baggage due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Aggressive Behaviour: Animals showing aggression or severe anxiety.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 8–10 weeks are not admitted for transport.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs are transported in the cabin free of charge upon presentation of supporting documents and a special harness.

Important: Transport rules may change depending on the aircraft type and season. We strongly recommend contacting the airline or support service before purchasing a ticket to coordinate the transport of your pet.

Loyalty Programme

The loyalty programme of Kamchatka Airlines (9K) is distinguished by high flexibility and deep integration with major US carriers. Instead of developing its own isolated system, the company offers passengers the ability to earn and redeem miles through the programmes of its key partners — United Airlines (MileagePlus), JetBlue (TrueBlue), and American Airlines (AAdvantage). This makes regional flights a profitable part of larger journeys.

Membership Levels

Since the passenger's status is tied to the loyalty programme of the chosen partner, privileges correspond to the standard elite levels of these alliances:

• Basic Member: Ability to earn qualifying miles for each flight segment on 9K flights.
• Silver Status: Priority Boarding and bonus mile accruals.
• Gold Status: Priority check-in for flights and a dedicated support line.
• Elite Status (Platinum/Premier/Mosaic): Free booking changes and top priority on the waitlist.

How to Earn Miles and Points

Travellers can top up their balance not only in the sky but also on the ground, using the infrastructure of global partners:

• Flights: Accrual of miles for every flight on 9K (amount depends on the fare and booking class).
• Partners: Hotel bookings and car rentals through partner portals (e.g., Booking.com or Hertz).
• Credit Cards: Payment for purchases with co-branded United, JetBlue, or American Airlines cards.
• Everyday Shopping: Using online shopping portals of loyalty programmes to receive bonuses for purchases in stores.

How to Spend Miles

Accumulated points unlock access to a wide range of rewards both within the airline's route network and beyond:

• Free Tickets: Issuing Award Travel tickets for 9K flights and partner airlines.
• Class Upgrades: Using miles for upgrades on connecting flights of major mainline carriers.
• Partner Rewards: Full or partial payment for hotel stays and transport rentals with points.
• Non-flight Options: Exchanging accumulated miles for gift cards, service subscriptions, or goods from catalogues.

Alliance Participation and Partnerships

The airline is not a direct member of global alliances, but thanks to codeshare agreements, it is integrated into their ecosystems:

• Star Alliance: Through strategic partnership with United Airlines (connections in hubs such as Boston).
• oneworld: Through cooperation with American Airlines, opening access to a global route network.
• Key Partners: JetBlue Airways (TrueBlue programme) and Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) on select routes.

How to Join the Programme

The joining process is simplified to the maximum and does not require creating a separate account for the regional carrier:

• Register in the loyalty programme of one of the partners (United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue, or AA AAdvantage).
• Provide the received Frequent Flyer Number when purchasing a ticket for a 9K flight or at the check-in counter.
• Ensure that your name on the ticket exactly matches the name in your loyalty programme profile for correct mile accrual.

Services and Travel Classes

Flying with Kamchatka Airlines (9K) differs significantly from travelling on large mainline liners. Since the company's fleet consists primarily of small regional aircraft (such as the Cessna 402 or Tecnam P2012 Traveller), passengers can expect a unique experience reminiscent of flying on a private business jet, but at the price of a scheduled flight.

Travel Classes

A single class of service applies on all airline flights — Economy. There is no division into Business Class or First Class here, as the aircraft cabin is designed for just 9 passengers. This creates an intimate and almost family-like atmosphere on board.

A feature of the service is the absence of flight attendants. Safety and passenger information functions are performed by the pilots. In some cases (on certain aircraft types and subject to safety rules), one of the passengers may be lucky enough to take the seat next to the pilot in the cockpit (Co-pilot seat), offering unforgettable impressions of the flight.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

Aircraft cabins are designed for maximum efficiency over short distances. Despite the compact dimensions, the seat layout ensures a decent level of comfort.

• Every seat is a window seat: Thanks to the cabin configuration (usually 1 seat on each side of the aisle), every passenger is guaranteed an excellent view. You won't have to fight for the armrest with a neighbour or ask someone to get up to let you out.
• Materials: Seats typically have leather upholstery and an ergonomic shape.
• Space: Legroom is standard for regional aviation. Tall passengers might find it slightly tight, but on flights lasting 30–60 minutes, this rarely causes serious inconvenience.

Food and Beverages

Given the short duration of most flights (for example, a short hop from the hub in Boston to the islands) and the absence of flight attendants, full meals and drinks are not provided on board. Aircraft also lack galleys and lavatories (with the exception of some of the newest Tecnam models, where amenities might be provided, but this is rather an exception).

Passengers are advised to take care of snacks and use the restroom in the airport terminal before departure.

In-Flight Entertainment

Kamchatka Airlines planes do not have built-in multimedia systems, Wi-Fi, or screens in seatbacks. The main entertainment during the flight is the panoramic views.

Planes fly at a lower altitude than large liners (usually between 1,000 and 3,000 metres), allowing you to examine the passing landscapes in detail, whether it's the skyscrapers of New York or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on approach to the island of Tortola. The use of personal electronic devices in "flight mode" is permitted (with headphones).

Special Services

Despite the technical limitations of small aircraft, the airline strives to ensure flight accessibility for all categories of citizens.

• Passengers with disabilities: Airline staff provide assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, it is important to note that boarding involves stairs, and there is no space in the plane to stow an unfolded wheelchair (it will be transported free of charge in the baggage compartment). Special needs must be reported when booking.
• Unaccompanied minors: The company offers an escort service for children aged 5 to 11. Staff will look after the child from the moment of check-in until handover to the meeting party at the destination.
• Child seats: Certified child car seats are allowed on board for the safety of the youngest travellers (when purchasing a separate seat).

The route network of Kamchatka Airlines (9K) is centred around strategically important transport hubs, ensuring convenient connections between the mainland and island territories. The key hub for the carrier is Boston, from which the largest number of scheduled flights to popular tourist and business destinations operate.

Booking and Travel Tips

Travel on regional airlines has its own specifics, different from flights on large liners. To ensure your flight with Kamchatka Airlines (9K) goes smoothly and your budget remains intact, use the recommendations of experts who know the features of the carrier's route network.

Best Time to Book

The airline's pricing depends heavily on seasonality, as most destinations are resort-based.

• For Summer Destinations: Flights from the Boston hub to popular islands (such as Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard) see soaring demand from June to August. To catch a low fare, book tickets at least 2–3 months before the trip. Buying a ticket on the day of departure in peak season can cost several times more.
• For Winter Destinations: Routes in the Caribbean basin (for example, from the San Juan node) are most in demand from December to April. Plan your winter holiday in advance to avoid peak markups.
• Flexible Dates: Flights in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday) are often cheaper than flights on Friday or Sunday.

Discounts and Special Offers

Although regional carriers rarely hold large-scale sales, there are ways to save money:

• Commuter Books: For those who fly the same route frequently, the airline may offer ticket books (packages of 10 flights) at a fixed reduced price. This is beneficial for regular trips.
• Single Tickets with Partners: When booking a complex itinerary through partner sites (JetBlue, United, American Airlines), flying a 9K segment may be cheaper than buying a separate ticket, plus you will be protected in case of a missed connection.
• Newsletter: Subscribe to news on the partner's website (Cape Air) to be the first to know about the opening of seasonal routes at promo fares.

Online Check-in and Airport Specifics

The check-in procedure has nuances related to the small size of the aircraft.

• Opening Time: Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. We recommend completing it in advance to confirm your presence.
• Weighing: Be prepared for airport staff to ask you to step on scales together with your hand luggage or to state your exact weight. This is not a whim, but a strict safety requirement for calculating the balance of a light aircraft.
• Baggage Drop: Even if you checked in online, it is better to arrive at the airport no later than 1 hour before departure to drop off baggage (Valet check) at the boarding gate.

Seat Selection Secrets

Seat selection on Kamchatka Airlines flights works differently than you might be used to.

• No Advance Selection: On most flights operated on 9-seater Cessna aircraft, it is impossible to reserve a specific seat (e.g., 1A) online in advance.
• Allocation by Pilot: Seats are often allocated by the pilot or agent immediately before departure to ensure perfect aircraft balance.
• Co-pilot Seat: If you are lucky and the weight balance allows, you might be offered the co-pilot's seat (to the right of the captain). This is a unique chance to see the flight through a pilot's eyes, so do not hesitate to politely enquire about this possibility when boarding.

Travel Insurance

This is a critically important point for small aviation flights.

Small planes are more sensitive to weather conditions than large liners. Fog, strong winds, or thunderstorms can cause flight delays or cancellations, even if large planes continue to fly. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering accommodation and meal expenses in case of weather delays, especially if you have a connection to an international flight planned.

Mobile App

Using digital services simplifies logistics:

• Download the airline's app or that of its global partner (e.g., United or JetBlue, if the ticket was bought through them) to have your boarding pass at hand.
• Enable push notifications: this is the fastest way to find out about gate changes or departure times, which is especially relevant in busy hubs.

History and Development of the Airline

The history of Kamchatka Airlines (IATA code: 9K) is an example of how a local startup created to connect the mainland with islands grew into one of the largest independent regional air carriers in the USA and the Caribbean basin. Despite the name, which might be confusing, the company's historical roots and main development milestones are inextricably linked with the American state of Massachusetts.

Founding and Early Years

The airline was founded in 1989 by pilot Dan Wolf and a group of enthusiasts. The initial idea was simple but ambitious: to provide reliable, frequent, and all-weather air service between Boston, Provincetown, and the islands. The first flight took place in October 1989. In that year, the company carried only a few thousand passengers using a small fleet of Cessna aircraft.

From the very beginning, Logan Airport in Boston became the base airport, and the headquarters were located in Hyannis. The success of the "air taxi" model with a fixed schedule quickly became evident: island residents needed a fast connection to the metropolis, bypassing long ferry crossings.

Route Network Expansion and Entry into the Caribbean

In the 1990s, the company began active expansion. A key moment was the expansion of flight geography to the south. In 1993, the airline opened operations in Florida, and in 1998, it took a strategically important step by entering the Caribbean market.

Creating a hub in Puerto Rico allowed connecting San Juan with neighbouring islands such as St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie airport) and Tortola. This decision turned a seasonal carrier (with a peak in summer in New England) into a year-round airline, as the winter slump in the north was compensated by the high tourist season in the Caribbean.

Mergers and Strengthening Positions

An important milestone in history was the acquisition in 1994 of a historic competitor — Nantucket Airlines. This merger allowed the company (9K) to take a dominant position on the Nantucket — Hyannis route, which is today called an "air bridge" due to the incredibly high frequency of flights. Despite the acquisition, the Nantucket Airlines brand was kept on aircraft liveries for many years as a tribute to the island's history.

Fleet Evolution: From Cessna 402 to Innovation

For decades, the airline's calling card was the Cessna 402 aircraft. The carrier's fleet became the largest in the world for this type of aircraft. Twin-engine piston planes with 9 seats were ideally suited for the short runways of the islands and ensured the necessary economic efficiency.

However, by the 2010s, it became obvious that the legendary Cessnas were aging, and the manufacturer had long ceased their production. The airline faced a challenge: there was no modern analogue on the market capable of replacing these machines.

Revolution with Tecnam P2012 Traveller:
The airline's management took an unprecedented step by starting a collaboration with the Italian design bureau Tecnam to develop a completely new aircraft "from scratch". The result was the Tecnam P2012 Traveller — a modern 11-seat aircraft (9 passengers + 2 pilots), equipped with the latest avionics, a comfortable cabin, and charging ports for gadgets. The airline became the launch customer and the first operator of this type in the world, beginning a massive fleet renewal in 2019–2020.

Modern Developments and Future Outlook

Today, Kamchatka Airlines (9K) positions itself as a leader in the field of green aviation. The company became one of the first partners of manufacturer Eviation by ordering Alice electric aircraft. The goal of this ambitious project is to create the world's first fully electric regional fleet, which is ideal for short flights between points such as Martha's Vineyard and the mainland, reducing noise levels and the carbon footprint.

Additionally, the company continues to develop partnerships with industry giants (JetBlue, United, American Airlines), allowing passengers from small towns, such as Lebanon or Saranac Lake, to book single tickets to any point on the globe.