THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the multi-hop slog and fly direct from Ft. Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to New Bight on Cat Island. Makers Air’s daily service gets you to Arthur’s Town (ATC) in about two hours—passport, baggage limits, and customs rules apply.
Skip the multi-hop slog and fly direct from Ft. Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to New Bight on Cat Island. Makers Air’s daily service gets you to Arthur’s Town (ATC) in about two hours—passport, baggage limits, and customs rules apply.
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Operated by Makers Air · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Flying from Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Arthur's Town (ATC) at New Bight on Cat Island is the quickest bridge between South Florida and a slice of low‑key Bahamian coast. Makers Air runs daily scheduled service that shaves travel time and paperwork—flights take about two hours including customs and immigration, so you walk out of the New Bight terminal ready to find beaches, reef edges, and quiet fishing settlements.
The trip starts at Ft. Lauderdale Executive (FXE), where Makers Air asks passengers to check in 60 minutes before departure; the flight closes 20 minutes prior and late arrivals forfeit their seat. You must carry a valid passport. Makers Air includes complimentary valet parking at FXE (self parking isn’t offered) and a 40‑pound checked baggage allowance per ticket; anything over that is charged at $2.00 per pound and is not guaranteed to travel on your flight. Pet transport is allowed for a minimum fee of $35 or $2.00 per pound. Note that you’re responsible for any duty on items that fly unaccompanied.
On arrival at New Bight, Cat Island feels deliberately different from Nassau: fewer crowds, long stretches of sand, limestones bobbing out of shallow water, and coral flats that draw anglers and snorkelers. The runway at Arthur’s Town (ATC) is the literal gateway to low‑rise settlements, family run guesthouses, and unhurried island drives. That simplicity is Makers Air’s selling point—daily, direct service that makes the island accessible without multi‑stop connections.
Practical rules matter here. Bahamas Customs requires digital submission for residents and tourists via the Exempt app; travelers bringing fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, flowers or plants must secure an Agriculture Permit ahead of travel or face refusal. Infants or children traveling without both parents need notarized letters or legal custody documents. Missed flights are nonrefundable; Makers Air disclaims liability for costs from weather, mechanical issues, or delays beyond its control.
Why book this flight? If your goal is swift access to a quieter Bahamian island—one where shoreline geology, fishing culture, and off‑grid beaches are central—this service removes the friction. It’s also practical: baggage policies are clear, valet parking simplifies early mornings at FXE, and pet transport is available. Small‑plane travel carries rules and limits; follow the check‑in, passport, and customs guidance and you’ll spend your two‑hour ride looking at turquoise and planning where to step off the beaten track on Cat Island.
Pack receipts for any unaccompanied cargo or excess luggage; Makers Air requires invoices for duty assessment and offers crate rental for $25 each way. Keep photocopies of passports, arrive early for customs processing—these small steps reduce stress and maximize island time so you’re ashore faster, ready to explore reefs, trails and village markets and local hospitality.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required — this is air travel; be prepared for brief walk to small terminal and basic luggage handling.
All passengers must check in a minimum of 60 minutes before scheduled departure; the flight closes 20 minutes prior and late arrivals forfeit their seat.
Each ticketed passenger may check up to 40 lbs of baggage inclusive of personal items; excess baggage costs $2.00 per pound and is not guaranteed to travel.
Yes. Makers Air will transport a pet for a minimum fee of $35 or $2.00 per pound, whichever is greater; permits from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture are required.
No—passengers may not bring fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, flowers or plants without an Agriculture Permit issued by the Government of the Bahamas.
Passengers who miss their flight for any reason do not receive refunds; Makers Air disclaims liability for costs due to weather, mechanical issues, or delays beyond its control.
Makers Air provides complimentary valet parking for passengers; self parking is not available at Ft. Lauderdale Executive under this service.
Arthur’s Town and New Bight are principal settlements on Cat Island with longstanding fishing and boatbuilding traditions that shape local culture.
Respect reef habitats and avoid bringing prohibited agricultural items; follow local guidance to reduce impact on fragile shorelines and marine life.
Makers Air is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida–based regional airline that operates scheduled and charter flights between Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) and multiple Bahamian destinations. The airline offers a mix of nonstop scheduled services and private charter options that connect travelers to islands including Chub Cay (CCZ), Staniel Cay (TYM), San Andros (SAQ), Congo Town (COX), Fresh Creek (ASD), Governor’s Harbour (GHB), and Great Harbour Cay (GHC). Makers Air emphasizes convenience and a boutique travel experience: many routes are marketed as quick nonstop flights (often around 60 minutes or under two hours depending on route), private-terminal departures at FXE, and straightforward online booking. Passengers are advised to arrive about 60 minutes before departure and travel with a passport for international clearance. Specific services referenced in route details include weekly flights for Chub Cay and daily service to Fresh Creek, as well as a cozy Cessna experience on some island departures. For travelers booking private charters, the experience can include lounge amenities through Ascend’s facilities, with complimentary valet, fresh foods, and outdoor lounging mentioned for pre‑ or post‑flight comfort. Makers Air positions its flights as a practical link between South Florida and the Bahamas for travelers seeking direct, time-efficient connections, private-terminal convenience, and both scheduled and charter options. All booking details, route availability, and specific flight timings should be confirmed directly with Makers Air at the time of reservation.
Book with Makers Air