BahamasairUP

Bahamasair is the flag carrier of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, headquartered in Nassau on New Providence Island. Founded in 1973, the state-owned airline serves as the essential transportation link connecting the 700 islands that make up the Bahamian archipelago, as well as providing international service to Florida and other destinations.

As the only airline providing comprehensive inter-island service throughout The Bahamas, Bahamasair plays a vital role in national connectivity. The airline operates from its hub at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, linking the capital to the Family Islands and major tourism destinations like Freeport, Exuma, Eleuthera, and Abaco.

Bahamasair is not a member of any major airline alliance. The airline operates a mixed fleet of ATR 42/72 turboprops for domestic island-hopping routes and Boeing 737-700 jets for international flights to the United States.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 8" (43 x 33 x 20 cm)
• No weight limit
• Must fit under the seat

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
• Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg) maximum
• Must fit in overhead bin

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Economy	✓ Free	✓ Free

ATR Aircraft Note: On turboprop flights to Family Islands, overhead bin space is limited. Larger carry-on bags may need to be gate-checked at no additional charge.

Checked Baggage

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Route Type	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Domestic (Family Islands)	1	50 lbs (23 kg)
International (Florida)	1	50 lbs (23 kg)

Additional Bags:

• Second bag: $40-50 BSD/USD (varies by route)
• Third+ bags: Contact airline for pricing and availability

Pricing Note: The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar (USD), so prices are effectively the same in either currency.

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	Popular for resort travelers
Diving equipment	Standard bag fee	Common for Bahamas travel
Fishing equipment	Standard bag fee	Rods and tackle
Surfboard/Paddleboard	$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

Island-Hopping Tip: If connecting between Family Islands, keep baggage minimal. Some smaller airports have limited handling facilities, and weight restrictions on ATR aircraft may be strictly enforced during hot weather or full flights.

Bahamasair operates two distinct aircraft types, each suited to different route types:

Boeing 737-700 (International Routes)

Used for Florida routes (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando):

Economy Class:

• 3-3 configuration
• 31-32" seat pitch
• 17.2" seat width
• Standard recline
• Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks or light refreshments on longer flights

Cabin Features:

• Overhead bins accommodate standard carry-on bags
• No seatback entertainment
• Bring your own device for entertainment
• Flight time to Florida: 45-60 minutes

ATR 72/ATR 42 (Domestic Routes)

Used for inter-island flights throughout The Bahamas:

Economy Class:

• 2-2 configuration
• 30" seat pitch
• Comfortable for short island hops
• Large windows for scenic views

Cabin Features:

• Limited overhead bin space
• Complimentary beverages on most routes
• Flight times typically 20-45 minutes
• Spectacular views of Bahamian waters and islands

What to Expect: Bahamasair focuses on essential transportation rather than premium amenities. International flights to Florida are brief (under an hour), so limited service is reasonable. Domestic island-hopping flights are even shorter but offer beautiful aerial views of the turquoise Bahamian waters, coral reefs, and scattered islands.

No-Frills Approach:

• No WiFi
• No in-flight entertainment systems
• No premium cabin
• Efficient, friendly service with Bahamian hospitality

Booking:

• Book directly on bahamasair.com for best service and change flexibility
• Book early for peak season (December-April) and Junkanoo/holiday periods
• Consider flexible fares if your plans might change
• Compare with competing carriers on Florida routes

Packing for Island Hopping:

• Pack light—ATR aircraft have weight restrictions
• Bring essentials in carry-on in case of delays
• Soft-sided bags easier to fit in smaller overhead bins
• Waterproof bag useful for beach destinations

At the Airport:

• NAS can be busy during peak hours—arrive early
• Family Island airports have limited amenities—bring snacks/water
• Check in online to save time
• Keep travel documents easily accessible

Best Routes:

• NAS-MIA: Most frequent international service, multiple daily flights
• NAS-FPO: Quick hop between the two main islands
• Inter-island connections often require routing through Nassau

Weather Considerations:

• Hurricane season runs June-November
• Summer afternoon thunderstorms can cause delays
• Morning flights tend to be more punctual
• Check weather forecasts before island-hopping trips

Competing Options:

• On Florida routes, compare with American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Silver Airways
• For Exuma, consider charter services during peak season
• Some Family Islands also served by small charter operators

Cultural Notes:

• Junkanoo celebrations (December 26 and January 1) see high demand
• Regatta season brings increased traffic to Exuma
• Spring break period busy on Florida routes
• Bahamian hospitality means friendly, relaxed service

Currency:

• BSD pegged 1:1 to USD
• Both currencies accepted throughout The Bahamas
• Credit cards widely accepted for ticket purchases

What to Know:

• Bahamasair is essential for Family Island connectivity
• No premium cabin or in-flight entertainment
• Short flights—pack entertainment for the terminal, not the plane
• Generous carry-on policy helps with island-hopping
• Aircraft substitutions possible on some routes