It may be the national airline of the Cayman Islands, but Cayman Airways still manages to fly under the radar for most travelers. The small carrier has plenty to recommend it, though, and with recently expanded nonstop service from cities around the U.S., it puts a remarkable Caribbean vacation destination within easy reach of more travelers.
What to Know about Cayman Airways
If you’re considering a flight to a destination served by Cayman Airways, here are five things to know about the airline to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
SUN AND SAND: 10 Caribbean Family Resorts That Belong on Your Bucket List
1. Cayman Airways Has a Good Safety Record
Cayman Airways has had a perfect safety record since its inception in 1968. On international routes, the airline started out flying 727s in the 1970s and 737s in the 1980s, and today Cayman Airways flies a new fleet of 737 MAX 8s. The new aircraft is the latest version of an aircraft type the airline has been focused on for the last 40 years.
2. It’s One of North America’s Oldest Airlines
Cayman Airways’ focus on getting people to, from, and around the Cayman Islands has meant it doesn’t have a wider reputation, but the airline has been operating since 1968, making it one of North America’s oldest continuously operating airlines. It has been offering service from the U.S. since 1972, when it began service from Houston.
FIND A DEAL: 17 Best Flight Booking Sites for Cheap Airfares
3. Cayman Airways Flies a New International Fleet
Cayman Airways’ new international fleet of four 737 MAX 8s debuted in late 2018. The aircraft has 32-inch pitch in economy seats and 38-inch pitch in business class. Long-haul flights include complimentary meals in both classes, as well as the airline’s signature Seven Fathoms Rum Punch (or non-alcoholic fruit punch).
4. It’s the Only Commercial Way to Fly to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
Locals and visitors move pretty fluidly among the Cayman Islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Though the biggest concentration of people is on Grand Cayman, it’s a quick flight to the other islands, and a trip there offers a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and exceptional diving. Cayman Airways is the only carrier to connect the islands. It does so using smaller planes, both Saab 340 B+ and Twin Otter aircraft.
PACK WELL: 11 Stylish Luggage Brands Built to Last
5. Cayman Airways has Nonstop Service from 5 U.S. Cities, Including Los Angeles
Cayman Airways currently operates direct nonstop flights from Miami, Tampa, New York (JFK), Denver, and Los Angeles (LAX). The LA route is the newest, and for now remains the West Coast’s only nonstop service to the Caribbean. The only seasonal U.S. route is Denver, which operates between December and August; the rest fly year-round. Cayman Airways also flies to Cuba, Honduras, and Jamaica.
