Time Needed Fir Travel From Mackinac Island to Pellston

On May 23 I will be finishing a Road Scholar Trip on Mackinac Island. On May 23 I need to get from Mackinac Island to Pellston Airport for my 10:18 am Delta flight to Detroit. If I take the earliest ferry (8 a.m. ) to Arnold Ferry Dock, then take the Mackinac Shuttle Service to Pellston Airport will I make it through security and onto the plane in time?

For your travel from Mackinac Island to Pellston Airport, here’s a breakdown of the timing and logistics to help you determine if you’ll make your 10:18 am flight:

The earliest ferry to Arnold Dock from Mackinac Island is at 8:00 am, which should get you to the dock around 8:30 am, depending on the weather and ferry schedules. The Mackinac Shuttle Service typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to get from the dock to Pellston Airport. This means you would likely arrive at the airport around 9:15 am, leaving you with about an hour before your flight departs.

Here are a few important factors to consider:

  • Ferry Timing: Ferries on Mackinac Island are generally reliable, but delays can occasionally occur due to weather or other factors. It’s always a good idea to check ferry schedules in advance and leave a little buffer time just in case.
  • Shuttle Service: The Mackinac Shuttle Service to Pellston is designed to accommodate ferry arrivals, but it’s important to confirm shuttle times and availability when you arrive at Arnold Dock. They are typically well-coordinated, but again, it's best to confirm timing on the day of your travel.
  • Airport Security: Pellston Airport is a smaller regional airport, so security lines are generally not as long as those at major airports. However, for a Delta flight, it’s still advisable to arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight to allow time for check-in and security.
  • Potential Delays: The key concern is any unexpected delay with the ferry or shuttle. If everything goes according to plan, you should have just enough time, but the tight timing means any delays could put you at risk of missing your flight.

Recommendation: If possible, consider taking an earlier ferry if available (around 7:30 am or 7:45 am) to give yourself a little more buffer time. If you have flexibility with your flight or don’t mind the risk, your planned schedule could work, but a little extra time would be reassuring given the tight connection.

Safe travels, and I hope you have a smooth journey from Mackinac Island to Pellston!


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