Seaplane Services from Manhattan to D.C. Set to Launch This Fall

Travelers seeking to avoid the trek to La Guardia, JFK, or Newark Airport (along with the long TSA lines) or the nearly four-hour Amtrak journey between New York City and Washington, D.C., will soon have a new choice—a seaplane.

Tailwind Air, a New York-based seaplane service, has announced a new route connecting the two major cities with an 80-minute flight. The flights will operate between Manhattan’s Skyport Marina and College Park Airport in Washington, D.C., up to twice daily, starting September 13. Ticket prices begin at $395 one way, reaching up to $795 for last-minute bookings.

“Considering the entire journey—one hour and 20 minutes in the air (similar to DCA-LGA service but without the hassle of crowded airports on both ends) versus three hours and 50 minutes for the Acela—Tailwind Air will provide the fastest and least stressful premium travel option between D.C. and Manhattan,” said Peter Manice, co-founder and director of scheduled services at Tailwind Air, in a press release.

Tailwind aims to enhance the travel experience by allowing check-in up to 10 minutes before departure. Their departure points are conveniently located—the Manhattan terminal is in Kip’s Bay on East 23rd Street, just about 10 minutes from the Empire State Building. Passengers board from a marina dock, taxi 1,000 feet into the East River, and take off from the water. Upon arrival at College Park Airport (where it lands on the tarmac), it’s only 25 minutes to the Capitol and Georgetown. Notably, this airport is the world’s oldest and home to the Wright Brothers.

Cessna Grand Caravans, a versatile turboprop capable of landing on both water and land, will transport guests between cities. Each aircraft accommodates eight leather-seated passengers and two pilots. Ticket prices include one carry-on bag weighing up to 20 pounds; additional bags up to 50 pounds incur a fee of $250 each. Dogs under 25 pounds can travel in an approved carrier for free, while larger dogs will require a purchased seat next to their owner. Complimentary snacks and drinks are available in the Manhattan lounge and onboard.

To celebrate the launch of the new route, Tailwind is running a promotion where you can "buy one seat, and your companion flies for free." This offer is valid for all flights on the new route from September 13 to December 21, 2022, when booked by September 10 on Tailwind’s website using the promo code TWDCBOGO.

In addition to D.C., Tailwind provides service to Boston Harbor, Bridgeport, East Hampton, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Plymouth, and Provincetown from Manhattan.

To view the full flight schedule, please check Tailwind’s website.