You’re dreaming of fudge, horse-drawn carriages, and that crisp Great Lakes breeze. But then you look at a map. Getting to a car-free island in the middle of Lake Huron isn't exactly like flying into O'Hare. Most people assume they’ll just book a quick ticket and land right at the hotel.
Honestly? It's a bit more complicated than that, but way more rewarding if you know the hacks.
If you’re looking for flights to Mackinac Island, you basically have two worlds to choose from. You can go the commercial route, which involves a "puddle jumper" and a ferry, or you can go full high-roller and land a private plane directly on the island's tiny, 3,500-foot runway. Both have their charms. Both have their headaches.
The Reality of Flying Commercial to the Straits
Let’s get the big misconception out of the way: there are no major 747s landing on Mackinac Island. If you’re flying a big-name airline like Delta or United, your journey ends on the mainland.
Most travelers aim for Pellston Regional Airport (PLN). It’s often called the "Gateway to Mackinac Island," and for good reason. It’s only about 12 miles from the ferry docks in Mackinaw City. Delta runs regular connections here through Detroit (DTW), and starting in May 2026, United is kicking off direct service from Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
What happens when you land at Pellston?
You grab your bags and head to the Mackinaw Shuttle desk. They’re usually parked right across from the luggage carousel. You’ll pay around $30–$40 for a round-trip ticket that zips you straight to the Shepler’s or Star Line (now Mackinac Island Ferry Company) docks.
The drive takes maybe 20 minutes. It's easy. It's efficient. But it’s not the only way.
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Some savvy travelers prefer Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) in Sault Ste. Marie. Why? Because sometimes the flights from Minneapolis or Detroit are significantly cheaper than Pellston. The catch is the commute. You’ll need a shuttle (Northern Transport is the go-to here) for a 30-to-40-minute ride down to the St. Ignace ferry docks.
Taking the "Air Taxi" Shortcut
Now, if you want to feel like a local legend, you don't take the ferry at all. You take the air taxi.
Companies like Fresh Air Aviation and Great Lakes Air operate out of St. Ignace and Pellston. For about $100–$150 (depending on the season and fuel prices), you can hop into a small Cessna.
It’s a 7-minute flight.
You’ll fly low over the Mackinac Bridge. The view of Round Island Lighthouse and the Grand Hotel from 1,000 feet is something you simply cannot get from the deck of a boat. You land at Mackinac Island Airport (MCD), which is located right in the middle of the island’s interior.
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Pro Tip: If you land at MCD, remember there are no cars. You’ll need to call a horse-drawn taxi (yes, really) to pick you up and take you to your hotel. It’s about as "Old World" as it gets.
Private Charters: The Ultimate Door-to-Door Service
For those who value time over everything else, private flights to Mackinac Island are the gold standard. Since the island's runway is paved and lighted, it can handle most light and mid-size jets.
We’re talking King Airs, Pilatus PC-12s, or even a Citation CJ2.
Pentastar Aviation has a long-standing partnership with the Grand Hotel, offering curated charters from major hubs like Chicago, Detroit, or even New York. It’s expensive—think $3,000 to $6,000 per hour of flight time—but you bypass the TSA lines at DTW and the 20-minute wait for the ferry.
Pilots, take note
If you’re flying yourself in, KMCD is a unique beast. The runway (08/26) is exactly 3,501 feet long. That’s plenty for a Cessna 172, but if you’re bringing something heavier, you need to watch your performance charts, especially on a hot July afternoon.
The wind can get squirrelly coming off the lake. Also, there’s a strict noise abatement policy. They ask you to avoid flying directly over the downtown area or the Grand Hotel. Basically, don't be that pilot.
Why 2026 is Changing the Flight Game
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing massive crowds to North America, Michigan is expecting a surge in "hidden gem" tourism. This means flight availability to smaller regional airports like Pellston and Traverse City (TVC) is going to tighten up fast.
If you're planning a trip, the "sweet spot" for booking is usually 4 to 6 months out. Because these planes are small (often CRJ-700s or smaller turboprops), seats disappear much faster than they do on a flight to Orlando.
Comparing Your Flight Options
If you're still undecided on which airport to use, here's how the logic usually shakes out:
- Pellston (PLN): Best for most people. Closest to the ferry, easiest shuttle connection.
- Chippewa County (CIU): Best for budget hunters or those coming from the Upper Peninsula.
- Traverse City (TVC): Best if you want to turn your trip into a "Northern Michigan" tour. It's a 2-hour drive to the ferry, but the airport has way more daily flights from cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and Newark.
- St. Ignace (83D): Only for those using the 7-minute air taxi jump.
Weather: The Great Neutralizer
I’ve seen people plan these elaborate flight itineraries only to have a thick fog roll in off Lake Huron. When the "pea soup" hits, the planes stop.
The ferries are a bit more resilient, but even they have limits. Always have a "Plan B" that involves driving. If you’re flying into Pellston and the air taxi to the island is grounded, you can always just grab a ground shuttle to the boat.
The island doesn't care about your schedule. That’s part of its charm, honestly.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the United Schedule: If you’re coming from the West Coast or Midwest, look for the new direct ORD-PLN flights starting in May. It’ll save you a connection in Detroit.
- Book the Shuttle Early: Don’t just land at Pellston and hope. Call Mackinaw Shuttle (231-539-7005) at least two weeks before you land to secure your spot.
- Weight Matters: If you’re taking a charter or air taxi, they will ask for your weight and your luggage weight. Be honest. These are small planes, and "weight and balance" isn't just a suggestion; it's physics.
- Pack Light: Most regional jets have smaller overhead bins. If you bring a massive "international-sized" carry-on, you're going to end up gate-checking it at DTW.
- Download the Taxi App: Not for Uber (there is no Uber), but the Mackinac Island Service number (906-847-3323) should be in your phone. You’ll need it to summon a carriage when you land at the island airport.