Updated June 22, 2020.

Sometimes your only option is to fly, and often, the only flight available is on a tiny plane. Lots of people I know have expressed great fear for me and utter horror that I would step on such a small aircraft! “How does it fly!?” they exclaim! Trust me, they fly—and actually, they’re pretty great! Here’s what to expect when you find yourself boarding a tiny aircraft. Never fear; you just might like it!

Don’t Be Scared

Seriously, those small planes are so light and need so little distance to take off and land, you’re really defying far fewer laws of gravity than in the largest jet! Check out our experience flying from Honolulu to Molokai with ‘Ohana by Hawaiian!

You May Not have to Go through Security

This is not always the case, but if you’re flying from a small, open-air airport with only one destination, you might not have to undress, take your liquids out, remove your shoes, or anything else!

You Might Get to Sit with the Pilot

It’s true! I’ve been in the co-pilot seat at least three times, and once the pilot let me fly! Those views really can’t be beat, y’all.

It Will be Noisy

It’s just a fact: small planes are much noisier than big planes! Bring ear plugs if you think you might need them, but otherwise just be ready for a noisy ride, especially if you’re on a propeller, or “prop,” plane!

You Will See Much More than You Would in a Big Plane

Because small planes fly at lower altitudes, you get to be so much closer to the beautiful landscapes and seascapes around you! You will see some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

It’ll be a Short Flight

Still nervous? Don’t worry! Your flight will be a short one. Small planes don’t go as far as larger ones, so you’ll only be up there a couple of hours at the very most. In fact, the flights I’ve taken on small planes have rarely ever been more than half an hour!

You Might have to be Weighed

Okay, so this is the worst part: you will very probably have to get weighed onsite. I know, I hate it, too! But it’s worth it. If you don’t want to see the number, don’t look at the number! Whoever is weighing you will not shout your weight for all to hear.

Your Stuff Will Definitely have to be Weighed

It’s a good idea to get a portable luggage scale to make sure your bags are within the allowable weight. Weight restriction is a very important rule to abide on small flights.

Also essential: a small, lightweight, easily packable backpack. This is the best one I’ve found for small planes, and my Packing Strategies will help you pack light!

It Might be the Only Way to Get Where You Want to Go!

This is the most important reason not to be afraid of flying on a tiny plane: it might be the only way to get to your dream destination! Locations include some of the Galapagos Islands, the Maldives, the Kalaupapa Peninsula, certain areas of Alaska, the Na’Pali Coast of Kauai, and more beautiful places!

Have you ever flown in a small aircraft? If not, would you? Tell me below!

Want more about flying? Check out my Air Travel Page!

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