Packing for a trip to Beaver Island involves a bit more strategy than your typical commercial flight. Because you’re flying on smaller, specialized aircraft, the Island Airways Baggage Policy is designed around weight and balance rather than just overhead bin space.

Whether you’re a resident hauling groceries or a vacationer bringing gear for a week in the woods, knowing how to pack can save you from extra fees and ensure your bags make it on the same flight as you. Here is the lowdown on the carry-on and checked rules for flying with Island Airways.

The Core Weight Allowance

The most important thing to know about the Island Airways Baggage Policy is that your ticket includes a specific weight limit, not a "number of bags" limit. For most passengers, the magic number is 25 pounds.

Standard Passenger Allowance

• Included Weight: Every standard adult, child, and senior ticket includes 25 lbs of luggage free of charge.

• Frequent Flyer Perk: If you are an active member of the Island Airways frequent flyer program, your allowance bumps up to 40 lbs.

• Excess Weight: Anything over your allotted 25 or 40 pounds is charged at a rate of approximately $0.35 per pound.

The "Space Available" Reality

It is crucial to understand that while you can bring more than 25 pounds, that extra weight is often transported on a space-available basis. If the plane is at its maximum takeoff weight with passengers and fuel, your extra coolers or heavy suitcases might have to wait for the next flight.

Carry-On vs. Personal Items

On a small aircraft, the concept of a "carry-on" is a little different. There aren't massive overhead bins like you’d find on a Boeing 737.

1. Personal Items: You are generally allowed a small personal item—like a purse, a camera bag, or a small laptop case—that can stay with you in the cabin, provided it can be safely tucked under your seat or held without interfering with flight controls.

2. The "Gate Check" Style: Most "carry-on" sized suitcases are actually treated as checked luggage. You’ll leave them with the ground crew at the terminal, and they will be loaded into the aircraft’s cargo pods or the rear storage area.

Single Bag Weight Limits: A Crucial Rule

One quirk of the Island Airways Baggage Policy that catches people off guard is the limit on individual bag weight.

Important Note: Island Airways generally requests that no single bag, cooler, or container exceed 30 pounds.

If you have 50 pounds of gear, the airline prefers you pack it into two 25-pound bags rather than one giant suitcase. This is for the safety of the ground crew who has to manually lift and maneuver these items into tight cargo spaces. If you show up with a 50-pound trunk, you may be asked to unpack and distribute the weight into smaller containers provided by the airline.

Traveling with Pets and Specialized Gear

Island Airways is famously pet-friendly, as dogs are a huge part of island life. However, they do count toward the logistics of the flight.

Pets

• Small Pets (Under 20 lbs): Usually fly free of charge if they can sit on your lap or in a small carrier.

• Large Pets (Over 20 lbs): There is a flat fee (currently around $35 to $37 one-way) for larger dogs.

• Lap Animals: If your pet is small and travels on your lap, their weight often counts toward your 25-pound luggage allowance.

Bikes and Large Items

If you're bringing a bicycle to explore the island, there is a specific fee (usually $40 each way, or $60 for fat-tire bikes). Keep in mind that E-Bikes are generally not permitted due to FAA regulations regarding large lithium-ion batteries on small aircraft.

Prohibited Items and Hazardous Materials

Because Island Airways operates under FAA regulations, certain items are strictly forbidden.

• Marijuana: Even though it is legal in Michigan, it is prohibited on all aircraft because aviation is governed by federal law.

• Fireworks: These are a hard "no" at all times of the year.

• Hazardous Materials: Items like camping stove fuel, large batteries, or certain chemicals must be declared. Island Airways is approved to carry some hazardous materials, but you must notify the staff beforehand so they can review the regulations and ensure the items are packaged correctly.

• Prescriptions: Island Airways offers a unique service where they pick up and fly prescriptions to the island. This is free for frequent flyers and a small fee for others.

Packing Tips for Beaver Island Flights

To make your check-in as smooth as possible, follow these "local" tips:

1. Use Soft-Sided Bags: Duffel bags and backpacks are much easier for the crew to fit into the plane's cargo pods than hard-shell "spinner" suitcases.

2. Label Everything: The airline handles a lot of freight. Make sure your name and phone number are clearly visible on every bag and cooler.

3. Arrive Early: If you have more than 25 pounds of luggage or are bringing freight, try to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your flight.

4. The Cooler Strategy: If you're bringing perishables, use smaller 20-30 quart coolers instead of one massive 100-quart chest. It's easier to load and keeps you within the single-bag weight limit.

Understanding the Island Airways Baggage Policy helps keep these small-scale operations running efficiently. By packing light—or at least packing smart—you help ensure that you and your gear arrive on the island together, ready for your adventure.