How early should I check in?

Check in at least 60 minutes before departure; flights close 20 minutes prior and late passengers forfeit their seats.

What is the baggage allowance?

Each ticketed passenger may check up to 40 lbs. of baggage inclusive of personal items; excess weight is charged per pound and not guaranteed to fly.

Makers Air will transport pets for a minimum fee of $35 or $2.00 per pound, whichever is greater; permits may be required.

Do I need special permits for food or plants?

Yes—no fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, flowers or plants without an Agriculture Permit issued by the Bahamas government.

What documents for children traveling alone?

Infants and children traveling without both parents must have a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent(s), a death certificate, or original court documents specifying sole custody.

What happens on arrival at FXE?

On arrival the aircraft taxis to U.S. Customs for immigration clearance; factor in extra time for processing before continuing your trip.

Makers Air: Fast Flights from Great Harbour Cay (GHC) to Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE)

Great Harbour Cay to Fort Lauderdale Executive is a short air bridge that unspools the Bahamas into South Florida. Makers Air operates four weekly departures between Great Harbour Cay (GHC) in the Berry Islands and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), offering a fast, practical transfer for island visitors, boaters, and anyone moving between cays and the mainland. The route slices over turquoise shallows, patch-reefs, and the deep blue of the Gulf Stream; from the window you can pick out sandbars, coral gardens, and the ragged rooflines of pine and palm along the Bahamian coastline.

The flight experience is straightforward and airline-like: check-in opens 60 minutes before departure and closes 20 minutes prior — bring a valid passport. Makers Air includes a generous 40-pound baggage allowance per ticketed passenger and provides complimentary valet parking at FXE; excess baggage is charged per pound. Pets travel on a fee basis, and any agricultural items require an Agriculture Permit. After arrival at FXE the aircraft taxis to U.S. Customs for processing, so allow time for immigration and possible waits.

What makes this service valuable to outdoor travelers is the time saved and the perspective gained. Great Harbour Cay is known for its limestone outcrops, wide beaches, and access to bonefishing flats and offshore reef dives. A single-seat flight replaces long ferry legs or multi-stop marine hops, letting you arrive with daylight to spare for a quick reef snorkel or to board a private charter. Makers Air’s schedule — four times weekly — slots well for repeat visitors or those moving between island bases.

Practical planning matters here: arrive early, keep agricultural items off the plane without permits, and digitize Bahamas Customs forms through the Exempt app as required. For families, note that children traveling without both parents need notarized documentation; pets require Department of Agriculture permits. Makers Air disclaims responsibility for delays from weather, customs, or mechanical issues, so build cushion into tight itineraries.

The route is also a reminder of the fragile marine environment beneath you. Coral heads, seagrass meadows, and the migratory paths of rays and turtles are easily visible from low altitude — a prompt to follow Leave No Trace principles once you’re ashore. Whether you’re stepping from a Bahamian beach onto a private plane or returning to Florida to continue an expedition, this short hop is a practical, scenic connector that keeps the islands within reach. Book early for weekend slots and consider flexible connections; Makers Air's four-weekly rotations often fill during holiday windows. Bring photocopies of travel documents, and plan ground transport at FXE in advance—valet is provided but ground transfers to Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods or rental car desks can take extra time. This hop simplifies multi-day island itineraries.