This summer has brought its share of delayed and canceled flights, crowded terminals and longer-than-usual TSA lines. For affluent leisure and business travelers in the Northeast, however, flying with Tailwind Air to destinations such as New York City, Boston, Provincetown and the Hamptons offers a faster, more convenient alternative.
Tailwind Air operates scheduled seaplane service between New York and Boston out of the New York Skyports Seaplane Base at East 23rd Street and the East River. Its proximity to Midtown means many passengers can walk from Manhattan offices or residences straight to the terminal.
© Courtesy of Tailwind
After a brief check-in at the Tailwind lounge—passengers are advised to arrive about 15–20 minutes before departure—they are escorted to the end of the pier where an amphibious Cessna Caravan awaits. The eight-passenger aircraft, crewed by two pilots, boards quickly and stores carry-on luggage easily (Tailwind’s limit is generally about 20 pounds per person).
Using the East River as its takeoff area, the seaplane climbs rapidly and offers striking views of Manhattan’s skyline as it heads toward Boston. The flight time to Boston Harbor is roughly 60 minutes, ending with a smooth water landing near Fan Pier Marina or The Marina at Rowes Wharf.
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston © Chuck Choi
Tailwind’s fleet consists of amphibious aircraft that can operate from water or conventional runways. The airline is also pursuing expansion and, pending approvals, plans to add service to Washington, D.C., after Labor Day.
Current destinations served by Tailwind Air include the following:
Water destinations: Manhattan, Boston Harbor, Sag Harbor and Shelter Island.
Land airports: East Hampton Airport (HTO/JPX), Montauk Airport (MTP), Provincetown Airport (PVC), Plymouth Airport (PYM) and Bridgeport Airport (BDR).
Seaplane operations are daytime-only—typically from roughly 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.—and run from mid-spring through mid-fall, with an extended season for New York–Boston service. Cabin comfort is a priority: seats are arranged with four on each side, there is ample legroom, air conditioning and the flights usually cruise at around 6,000 feet, offering passengers clear views of the coastline and terrain below.
© Boston Harbor Hotel
For arriving Tailwind passengers, the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is an obvious choice. Located at The Marina, the hotel offers 232 rooms with harbor or city views, on-site seafood dining at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, a well-equipped fitness center and an indoor pool. The hotel sits within easy walking distance of Boston’s financial district and many historic and cultural attractions, including the Institute of Contemporary Art at Fan Pier Marina, a short five-minute walk from the landing area.