A puddle jumper is a colloquial term for a small commuter airplane, typically a turboprop or light twin-engine piston aircraft, used for short regional routes. The name implies that the aircraft merely hops over small bodies of water or short distances. Passengers often use the term disparagingly due to the cramped cabins and lower cruising altitudes, which make for a bumpier ride in turbulent weather.
Heard on the job
I fly into Denver on a 737, but then I have to take a puddle jumper up to Aspen.
Insider tip
Airline pilots flying these aircraft often take pride in their stick-and-rudder skills, as puddle jumpers require more hands-on flying than highly automated heavy jets.
Also heard as
- commuter plane
- regional prop