KX
CAY
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Last updated: January 27, 2025
About
Cayman Airways is the flag carrier of the Cayman Islands and the primary air link connecting this British Overseas Territory to the rest of the world. Founded in 1968, the airline is wholly owned by the Cayman Islands Government and operates from its headquarters at Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman.
The airline operates a modest but strategically important network connecting the Cayman Islands to major US gateway cities including Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, New York JFK, and Denver, as well as regional destinations in Jamaica, Honduras, and Cuba. Cayman Airways also provides essential inter-island service linking Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
Cayman Airways is not a member of any global airline alliance. The airline plays a vital role in supporting the Cayman Islands' tourism industry and financial services sector, with its reliable service making it an essential transport link for the territory's economy.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where Cayman Airways operates 5+ routes
Network
11 airports served
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Observed Flights
Callsigns tracked for Cayman Airways (CAY) - 1 unique callsigns observed
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item (included on all fares):
- Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 7" (45 x 35 x 18 cm)
- No weight limit
- Must fit under the seat
Cabin Bag (included on all fares):
- Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) maximum
- Must fit in overhead bin
| Fare Class | Personal Item | Cabin Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Free | Free |
| Business | Free | Free |
Checked Baggage
Cayman Airways offers a generous baggage policy with two free checked bags on all international routes—a significant advantage compared to US domestic carriers.
Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)
| Route | Fare Class | Bags Included | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| International (US, Jamaica, etc.) | Economy | 2 | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| International | Business | 2 | 32 kg (70 lbs) |
| Inter-Island (GCM-CYB-LYB) | Economy | 2 | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Additional Bags:
- Third bag: $75-100 USD (varies by route)
- Contact airline for additional bags
Overweight & Oversized Fees
Overweight Bags:
| Weight | Fee |
|---|---|
| 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg) | $50 |
| 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg) | $100 |
| Over 100 lbs | Not accepted |
Oversized Bags:
| Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 63-80 linear inches (160-203 cm) | $75 |
| Over 80 linear inches | Prior approval required |
Special Items
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Counts as 1 checked bag, popular for Cayman courses |
| Scuba/dive gear | Standard bag fee | Within size/weight limits, popular for Cayman diving |
| Surfboard | $75 | Pre-notification recommended |
| Car seat | Free | For traveling child |
| Stroller | Free | Gate-check available |
| Wheelchair | Free | Always complimentary |
| Musical instrument | Varies | Cabin if fits, or purchase extra seat |
Note: The generous two-bag allowance is particularly valued by:
- Vacationers bringing dive gear and sports equipment
- Business travelers making extended trips
- Residents traveling with family goods
- Those relocating to or from the Cayman Islands
In-Flight Experience
Cayman Airways operates a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for international routes and Saab 340 turboprops for inter-island services.
Business Class (Boeing 737 MAX 8):
- First few rows of the aircraft
- Enhanced seat pitch (36-38")
- Priority boarding and dedicated cabin
- Complimentary meals and premium beverages
- Priority baggage handling
- Higher checked bag weight allowance
Economy Class (Boeing 737 MAX 8):
- 3-3 configuration
- 30-32" seat pitch
- Standard recline
- Complimentary snacks and beverages on all flights
- Complimentary meals on longer routes (e.g., LAX, NYC)
- Modern Boeing Sky Interior with LED lighting
- Larger overhead bins
Economy Class (Saab 340):
- 1-2 configuration
- Used for inter-island routes (GCM-CYB, GCM-LYB)
- Flight time: 30-40 minutes
- Scenic views of the Caribbean Sea
- Complimentary beverages
In-Flight Dining:
- Complimentary snacks and beverages on all flights
- Full meal service on longer international routes
- Caribbean-inspired menu options
- Special meals available with advance notice
- Rum punch and local beverages available
Entertainment:
- No seatback entertainment screens
- Modern cabin ambiance on Boeing 737 MAX fleet
- Bring your own device for entertainment
What to Expect: Cayman Airways offers a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with friendly service. The fleet is modern (737 MAX 8 aircraft are fuel-efficient and quiet), and the experience emphasizes comfort and hospitality rather than extensive entertainment systems. Flights to/from the Cayman Islands are relatively short (Miami is 1 hour 20 minutes), so the focus is on efficient, comfortable service.
Tips & Tricks
Booking:
- Book directly on caymanairways.com for best service and support
- Sign up for email alerts—the airline runs periodic sales
- Consider Business Class for red-eye flights
- Two free bags make Cayman Airways competitive even at higher fares
- Peak season (December-April) books up early—reserve in advance
Packing:
- Take full advantage of the generous 2x23kg allowance
- Dive gear and golf clubs fit within standard baggage
- Weight limits are enforced—pack strategically
- Currency note: KYD (Cayman Dollar) is pegged to USD at 1 KYD = 1.25 USD
At the Airport:
- GCM is a small, efficient airport—arrive 2.5 hours before international flights
- Check in online to avoid queues during peak travel
- Limited food options airside—eat before security if needed
- Duty-free prices can be competitive
Best Routes:
- MIA-GCM: Most frequent service, often multiple daily flights
- Direct flights from LAX and JFK avoid connections through Miami
- Inter-island flights offer stunning aerial views of the Caribbean
Seasonal Considerations:
- December through April is peak season—book early and expect full flights
- Hurricane season (June-November) can cause disruptions
- Pirates Week (November) is busy
- Summer offers lower fares and fewer crowds
Currency:
- Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) pegged to USD at 1.25
- US dollars accepted everywhere in Cayman Islands
- Prices often quoted in both currencies
Connections:
- No alliance partnerships limits connecting options
- Miami offers the best connections to Cayman Airways' network
- For destinations not served, connect in MIA on American Airlines
- Direct US routes eliminate need for Caribbean island-hopping
What to Know:
- No WiFi on flights (short flight times make this less critical)
- Entertainment is BYOD (bring your own device)
- Generous baggage is a key differentiator vs US carriers
- Friendly "island time" service culture
- Essential lifeline for Cayman Islands connectivity
- Popular with scuba divers heading to world-famous Cayman dive sites
