Slate Aviation Launched Flights Between Florida and Nantucket

Flying non-public from Palm Seaside has all the time been out there to these of sure means—I get to observe Air Pressure One and Elon Musk’s jet fly over my head on a weekly foundation—however now, because of a brand new partnership between XO and West Palm Seaside–primarily based Slate Aviation, it’s turning into extra accessible to the opposite 99.9 p.c.

From April 26 by way of Sept. 30, Slate Aviation will run shared non-public shuttle service to Nantucket (ACK) from Palm Seaside Worldwide Airport (PBI) and Fort Lauderdale Worldwide Airport (FLL).

The brand new Nantucket service builds upon present shuttle operations between South Florida and New York, together with Westchester County Airport and different member-only terminals.

The perfect half? You possibly can e-book these luxurious semi-private flights by the seat quite than chartering a full plane. So as a substitute of a worth within the mid five-figures, you’ll be able to hop aboard for fares beginning at $695 per seat—and you may e-book all of it from an easy-to-use app.

I used to be so stoked on the prospect that I grabbed a seat on a snazzy Bombardier CRJ-200 through the inaugural weekend of flights between South Florida and Nantucket. And after experiencing journey the Slate method, I can verify the time period “shuttle” doesn’t fairly do justice to this service.

The flights are the epitome of luxurious, with simply 18 outsized seats (all enterprise class); free Wi-Fi; catering by my favourite native five-star restaurant, Buccan; and a basket of snacks that places all business airways’ choices to disgrace.

There’s no TSA strains or boarding aggravation. There’s only a transient stroll from the lounge of a personal terminal onto the aircraft, a security briefing by your captain, drink orders taken by two smiling flight attendants, and then you definitely’re airborne.

Possibly even forward of schedule: an surprising perk of flying semi-private is that your flight can depart early if all of the passengers are current, supplying you with extra time to absorb a Nantucket afternoon—even when that afternoon is a dreary introduction to the island’s nickname, The Grey Girl. (Fortunately, my flight coincided with the island’s annual Daffodil Competition, so the ocean of locals in cheery hues, “Completely satisfied Daffy!” greetings, and thousands and thousands of yellow daffodils in full bloom brightened our days regardless of the chilly, moist spring climate.)

I introduced a girlfriend alongside and solely had 24 hours to discover on this first-time go to to Nantucket, however because the island is just seven by 14 miles, that’s sufficient time to hit the highlights. We stayed at The Brant, popped in to see the long-lasting 26-foot-tall Brant Level Lighthouse, grabbed ice cream scoops from The Juice Bar, and a chew from Straight Wharf Fish.

Now, with solely three (pampered) hours separating tropical Palm Seaside from the Northeastern flower-filled daydream that’s Nantucket, I’ve a sense the 2 islands will probably be seeing much more of one another this summer season.

Slate Aviation flights between South Florida and Nantucket will happen two days per week by way of Might 31, then 5 days per week June 1 by way of Sept. 30. To e-book, obtain the app, or to be taught extra, go to flyslate.com.