Some airlines chase big-city glamour. Southern Airways Express sticks to the small towns—the places with short runways, tiny terminals, and passengers who just want to get home without driving six hours. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida, Southern Airways Express has carved out a niche in the regional market across the United States.

The airline operates as a commuter carrier, connecting underserved communities to larger hub airports. It participates in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which helps maintain flights to smaller cities that might otherwise lose commercial service. Not flashy. Not massive. But very needed.

Hubs and Operations

Southern Airways Express runs multiple operational bases rather than one oversized hub. Key operating cities include Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Baltimore, Maryland. There are also operations in parts of California and Hawaii (yes, island hops included—those short scenic flights that feel almost personal).

Flights are typically short-haul, often under two hours. Many routes connect smaller regional airports to larger commercial gateways, making onward travel easier. Schedules tend to focus on practicality rather than frequency overload. Early morning departures. Midday returns. Real-world timing.

Cabin Classes

Let’s keep it simple—Southern Airways Express does not divide its cabins into traditional commercial categories like economy, premium economy, or business class. These are small aircraft, usually configured with a single cabin layout. Everyone sits together. No curtains. No tiered sections.

Economy

All seats function as standard economy seating. Legroom varies slightly depending on aircraft type, but expectations should match regional commuter flights. It’s about efficiency and accessibility. These are quick hops, not cross-continental marathons.

Premium Economy

There is no dedicated premium economy section. However, because aircraft are smaller—often nine-passenger configurations—the experience can feel more intimate and less crowded than a typical large jet.

Business Class

No business class cabin is offered. That said, boarding is straightforward, the cabin environment is calm, and ground staff interactions are usually direct and personal. Sometimes that simplicity feels better than a blocked middle seat and a lukewarm meal.

Destinations and Route Network

Southern Airways Express serves dozens of smaller communities across the United States. Routes frequently connect towns in states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, California, and Hawaii.

The airline’s role is practical—feed traffic into larger airports like Pittsburgh International or Baltimore/Washington International. Many passengers use these flights as the first leg of a longer journey. Others? Just commuting between nearby cities without a long highway grind.

Fleet and Aircraft Details

Southern Airways Express operates a fleet primarily composed of Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft. These are single-engine turboprop planes, typically seating nine passengers. Reliable workhorses. Built for shorter runways and regional terrain.

In Hawaii operations, similar turboprop aircraft are used for inter-island routes. The fleet is maintained for efficiency and short-distance performance rather than luxury. The experience feels closer to private aviation than major airline travel—small boarding groups, minimal waiting.

The airline’s IATA code is 9X, and its ICAO code is LTD. Handy details for booking systems and flight tracking.

Flight Experience

The vibe onboard? Quietly functional. No inflight entertainment screens. No meal carts rattling down the aisle. On shorter sectors, service may be minimal or absent, depending on flight duration. It’s really about getting from point A to point B without fuss.

Cabins are compact, so overhead storage is limited. Carry-on policies are stricter than larger airlines because space matters on a nine-seat aircraft. Sometimes bags are gate-checked—no drama, just logistics.

Pilots are visible. That’s one of the quirks passengers notice. The cockpit door isn’t a dramatic barrier. It adds a certain grounded feeling, almost like charter flying. Some travelers love it. Others need a minute to adjust.

Online Services and Booking

Tickets can be booked directly through the official website: www.iflysouthern.com. The site allows passengers to search routes, check schedules, manage bookings, and review baggage policies.

Online check-in is available on select routes, though many smaller airports still use traditional counter check-in. Customer service is reachable via phone and email, and responses tend to be straightforward. Not a labyrinth of automated menus.

Baggage and Policies

Because of aircraft size, baggage weight limits are strictly enforced. Personal items are usually permitted, but larger carry-ons may need to be checked planeside. It’s smart to double-check weight restrictions before arrival—no one enjoys reshuffling bags at the counter.

Flight changes and cancellations depend on fare type. Policies are clearly listed during booking, and flexibility varies. Weather can impact regional operations, especially in smaller markets, so schedule awareness helps.

Final Notes on Operations

Southern Airways Express fills a quiet but important gap in U.S. aviation. It links smaller communities to the broader network without the complexity of large-scale carriers. No sprawling terminals. No boarding chaos. Just short flights, steady schedules, and practical connections.

It isn’t luxury travel. It isn’t built for sprawling comfort. It works—and sometimes that’s exactly what regional travelers need.