You know the feeling. You’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Van Wyck, watching the minutes tick away, sweating because your flight leaves JFK in ninety minutes and you aren't even past Jamaica yet. It sucks. Honestly, it’s the tax we pay for living on Long Island. But then there’s Islip.
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is basically the best-kept secret for anyone who hates the "big city" airport shuffle. For years, people thought of it as just "the Southwest airport." That’s not the case anymore. In 2026, the landscape of flights out of macarthur airport has changed completely. It’s not just a handful of 737s heading to Florida anymore. We’re talking new airlines, major terminal upgrades, and a level of convenience that makes JFK look like a medieval torture chamber.
The New Player Power Move
If you haven't checked the flight boards lately, you might be surprised to see the blue and white tail of JetBlue. They finally jumped into the ISP game, and it has changed everything. For a long time, Southwest had a bit of a monopoly on the "nice" experience here, but JetBlue’s entry into the market in late 2024 sparked a price war that travelers are still winning today.
They aren't just doing a couple of token flights, either. You’ve got daily nonstops to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Recently, they even added Tampa and Fort Myers to the mix. It's great. Competition is the best thing that could have happened to this terminal.
Then there’s Breeze Airways. Have you flown them yet? They’re kinda quirky but in a good way. They’ve been aggressively expanding their footprint at ISP. By May 2026, they’re launching a new nonstop to Myrtle Beach, which joins their existing roster of "Nicest" flights to places like Charleston, Norfolk, and Raleigh-Durham. They use these shiny new Airbus A220s that feel way more like a private jet than the cramped regional planes we're used to.
Where You Can Actually Go Right Now
It's easy to assume your options are limited, but the direct route map is surprisingly beefy. If you're looking for flights out of macarthur airport, here is the current 2026 breakdown of who goes where:
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- Southwest Airlines: The old reliable. They still dominate the gates with daily hauls to Baltimore (BWI), Orlando (MCO), and West Palm Beach (PBI). They also run heavy seasonal service to Tampa and Fort Myers. If you're connecting, BWI is your gateway to basically anywhere in the country.
- Frontier Airlines: If you want to fly for the price of a decent steak dinner, this is your bet. They focus heavily on Florida—Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers—plus seasonal runs to Myrtle Beach and Atlanta.
- Avelo Airlines: These guys are the kings of the "under-the-radar" airports. They’ll take you to Wilmington, Delaware (great for Philly access without the Philly traffic) and Concord, North Carolina.
- Cape Air: Still rocking the Boston connection. It’s a tiny plane, sure, but it beats the four-hour drive or the Amtrak transfer any day of the week.
The Connection Factor
Don't sleep on the "hidden" destinations. Because Southwest treats BWI as a massive hub, a "flight out of MacArthur" can actually get you to Vegas, Nashville, or even the Caribbean with just one quick stop. Southwest even launched service to St. Thomas (USVI) recently that connects smoothly through their southern hubs.
The $26 Million Facelift
If you haven't been to the terminal in a year or two, it looks different. Better. The Town of Islip snagged about $26 million in grants to fix the stuff that’s been broken since 1984.
They replaced the roof (finally), updated the HVAC so you don't freeze in July, and swapped out the old baggage carousels. They also finished the new Ground Transportation Center. It’s a dedicated spot for rentals, taxis, and Ubers right outside the doors. No more wandering through the parking lot like a lost soul.
Why People Still Choose JFK (And Why They’re Wrong)
The biggest argument against ISP is always "there aren't enough flights." Sure, if you're going to Dubai, go to JFK. But if you’re going to Florida or the Carolinas? You're wasting time going west.
Think about the math.
At JFK, you need to be there 2-3 hours early. Security is a crapshoot. The walk from the AirTrain to your gate can be half a mile.
At MacArthur, you can pull into the long-term lot, walk to the terminal, breeze through TSA (usually under 15 minutes), and be sitting at the bar in 25 minutes total. It’s civilized.
Current 2026 Parking Reality:
Short-term hourly is still around $3.75, but the daily max is $26. Long-term is better at $17 a day. If you’re a Town of Islip resident, get the permit. It’s roughly $60 for two years and saves you a headache.
The "Secret" LIRR Connection
Most people forget that the Ronkonkoma LIRR station is literally right there. There’s a shuttle, but honestly, an Uber is five minutes. With the LIRR’s Third Track and service into Grand Central, you can actually get from Midtown Manhattan to a gate at MacArthur faster than you can get to JFK during rush hour.
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Real Talk: The Cons
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It’s not.
Weather can be a jerk. Because it’s a smaller airport, if a big storm hits, they don't have the same de-icing capacity as the giants. Also, if your flight is cancelled, there isn't always another one three hours later. You might be waiting until tomorrow.
And the food? It’s better than it was, but it’s not exactly a Five-Star dining experience. You’ve got your basics. Eat before you go or grab a snack, but don’t expect a celebrity chef bistro.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Flight:
- Book the first flight out. The 6:00 AM departures almost never get delayed by incoming traffic.
- Check both JetBlue and Southwest. They are fighting for your business right now. Check both sites before you commit.
- Use the South Lot. If the main long-term lot looks packed, the South Lot usually has space and the walk isn't that much further.
- Download the FlyMacArthur App. They updated it for 2026 with real-time TSA wait times. It’s actually accurate now.
The bottom line is that flights out of macarthur airport represent the easiest way to travel if you live anywhere east of Queens. Life is too short to spend it on the Belt Parkway. If there's a tail fin heading where you need to go from Islip, take it. You’ll thank yourself when you’re home and unpacked while the JFK crowd is still waiting for their Uber at Terminal 4.
To make the most of your trip, verify your specific airline's terminal requirements on the official Fly MacArthur website before heading out, as gate assignments for the newer carriers like Breeze and Avelo can shift based on daily volume.