Flights to Mackinac Island at a glance

Traveling to Mackinac Island is a breeze—choose between charter flights or budget-friendly options, weigh the travel times, and select the flight to Mackinac Island that aligns with your budget, itinerary, and plans to discover the island's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Mackinac Island: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
• Closest (typical) airport to Mackinac Island: Pellston Regional Airport, PLN (around 21 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,050+ flights arriving across Mackinac Island airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Mackinac Island: around 5+ carriers

Popular airports near Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a charming destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Visitors flock to this island city for family getaways, romantic escapes, and breathtaking scenery. The area offers various recreational activities, including access to state parks. Travelers can conveniently reach Mackinac Island via two major airports: Mackinac County Airport and MCD Airport, making it easy to explore this picturesque locale.

• Cherry Capital Airport (TVC): Situated in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, approximately 90 miles from Mackinac Island, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to around 105 domestic cities and 10 international locations. Passengers have the option to enhance their journey by upgrading to first class or premium economy seating, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers operating here include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
• Pellston Regional Airport (PLN): Found in Emmet County, Michigan, just about 21 miles from Mackinac Island, this airport offers services for both domestic and international travel, connecting to over 20 domestic cities and 1 international destination. Notable airlines that operate from Pellston include Delta and United.

Top routes to Mackinac Island

• Boston (BOS) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Denver (DEN) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with one-way fares starting at around $120
• Chicago (ORD) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with one-way tickets available from around $90
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Orlando (MCO) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with one-way tickets available from around $120

Cheapest routes to Mackinac Island

• Boston (BOS) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with low one-way fares from around $70
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Mackinac Island (TVC), with budget one-way fares from around $75
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Mackinac Island (TVC), with cheap one-way fares from around $75
• Chicago (ORD) to Mackinac Island (PLN/TVC), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• North Myrtle Beach (MYR) to Mackinac Island (TVC), with budget one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Mackinac Island

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), this airline represents about 39% of arrivals at Mackinac Island. The typical one-way fare is around $250, with premium service options potentially including first class based on the route.
• United: Connecting to both Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) and Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), United also accounts for roughly 39% of arrivals at Mackinac Island. Average one-way fares are about $290, with first class as a possible premium service depending on the route.
• Delta: Serving both Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) and Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Delta contributes around 21% of arrivals to Mackinac Island. The average one-way fare stands at approximately $280, with premium service options that may include premium economy and first class based on the specific route.
• JetBlue Airways: Offering flights to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), JetBlue is responsible for about 1% of arrivals on Mackinac Island. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $140.
• Sun Country Airlines: This airline flies exclusively to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $200.

Best time to fly to Mackinac Island

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Mackinac Island are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Mackinac Island can reach up to 66°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 37.6°F. For better deals, August and September usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $247, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and November offer average one-way fares of around $256, making them good options for flexible travelers.

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Average one-way Fare
January	20.1°F (-6.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Very Cloudy	Low	$275
February	18.9°F (-7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Very Cloudy	Average	$274
March	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$323
April	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$333
May	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$306
June	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	$278
July	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	$274
August	66.0°F (18.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	$247
September	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$247
October	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	$254
November	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	$259
December	28.2°F (-2.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	$287

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Mackinac Island

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Mackinac Island is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Mackinac Island hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Mackinac Island flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Mackinac Island efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City Seaport, a seaport, is located about 3.4 miles away by car, while Downtown Hall Street Transfer Station, a bus station, is situated approximately 5.4 miles from the airport and can also be reached by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Mackinac Island, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Mackinac Island is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Mackinac Island on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Mackinac Island

• St Ignace: St Ignace is located 6 miles drive away from Mackinac Island and is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This charming city offers stunning scenery and a variety of recreational activities, including access to campgrounds and a golf course. Key attractions nearby include Castle Rock, which provides breathtaking views, and the iconic Mackinac Bridge. For nature lovers, Straits State Park offers beautiful landscapes for hiking and exploration, making St Ignace a perfect spot for a day trip or a scenic getaway.
• Mackinaw City: Situated 8 miles drive away from Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City welcomes visitors with its spectacular outdoor experiences and scenic vistas. Travelers can enjoy recreational areas and a golf course while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Noteworthy highlights include the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, ideal for stargazing, and the historic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich maritime heritage. Mackinaw City is an excellent base for exploring the region’s natural wonders.
• East Bluff: East Bluff is located around the area of Mackinac Island and is known for its romantic ambiance and breathtaking views. This picturesque neighborhood invites travelers to enjoy outdoor activities, including golfing and exploring the local scenery. Nearby attractions such as Fort Mackinac provide cultural insights, while Arch Rock offers stunning natural formations. Families will appreciate The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World, where guests can experience the beauty of nature up close. East Bluff is a serene retreat that enhances your visit to Mackinac Island.

Tips for short-haul flights to Mackinac Island

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits effectively. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book as well. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, allowing for potential traffic delays and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while saving money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Mackinac Island

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines may allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide earlier seat selection options.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to correspond with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.