I’ve tried every possible route to Key West, and let me tell you – choosing the right airline makes all the difference between starting your vacation relaxed or completely frazzled. After years of flying there, I’ve learned which carriers consistently nail the Miami to Key West connection without emptying your wallet.
The best places in Key West deserve an arrival that won’t leave you stressed and broke. I particularly love staying in the Old Town district, where everything is walkable and that classic Keys charm is everywhere. I’ve tracked data on 50+ flight routes to Key West, comparing seat comfort, on-time performance, price, and overall value. These seven airlines consistently deliver the smoothest journey to paradise without requiring a second mortgage. Trust someone who’s made this trip dozens of times…your choice of airline sets the tone for your entire Keys experience.
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What airlines fly to Key West? The 7 best airlines to fly to Key West
There’s no shortage of unique experiences, affordable beaches and hidden gems in Florida. Key West offers all of that and a lot more! Wondering what airlines fly to Key West? Here are seven of the very best.
1. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class (regional jets)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles – part of SkyTeam
- ☕ Perks: Most reliable connections to Key West, newer regional jets, solid customer service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Delta’s Atlanta connections for the most daily flight options to Key West. ATL-EYW routes feature their newer Embraer E-175 jets with more headroom and larger overhead bins than older regional aircraft
Delta has taken a once-frustrating trip to Key West and made it feel easy. With solid connections from major hubs and a fleet of newer regional jets, they’ve become one of the most dependable options for reaching the southernmost point in the U.S.
The Atlanta connection is especially smooth. Delta runs several daily flights to Key West from ATL, often using the Embraer E-175s, which is a huge step up from older regional planes. You get real overhead space for standard carry-ons, more headroom, and a cabin that doesn’t feel like a flying shoebox. First Class is available on these jets too, offering seats with enough legroom to actually stretch out.
If you’re flying Comfort+, you’ll get early boarding, extra space, and dedicated bin access, which really matters on smaller aircraft. Plus, the free drinks help ease you into vacation mode before you’ve even landed in the Florida Keys.
One of Delta’s biggest strengths here is reliability. Weather can be unpredictable in Key West, and with such a small airport, delays are common. Delta’s strong completion rate means you’re more likely to get where you’re going without a last-minute cancellation.
While SkyMiles isn’t the best for high-value redemptions, they often run sales that include Key West if your dates are flexible.
2. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, First Class (regional jets)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage – part of Oneworld
- ☕ Perks: Most daily flights to Key West, Miami hub proximity, loyalty program value
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their Miami connections for the shortest flight time to Key West – just 40 minutes gate-to-gate, and often priced lower than longer connections through other hubs
American Airlines makes getting to Key West fast and easy, especially if you route through Miami. With the most daily flights of any airline, and a hub just 150 miles from the island, they’ve got the frequency and location advantage locked in.
The Miami-Key West leg is a breeze. Flights are so short, in fact, you’ll barely have time to settle in before you’re landing over turquoise water. That short hop also helps with reliability. Since weather systems usually don’t affect both cities at once, delays are less common than you might expect on this route. You’re literally straight to paradise without the hassle or jet lag.
AA’s Main Cabin Extra is worth the small splurge. For about $30 to $50, you get early boarding, a few extra inches of legroom, and a more relaxed vibe overall. It’s a quick flight, but that added space makes a difference, especially on regional jets with limited overhead bin space. This is also perfect if you’re a heavy packer.
Where American really stands out is in its Business Class, and its AAdvantage program. Off-peak awards to Key West start at just 7,500 miles one way, and Web Specials sometimes go even lower to around 5,000 miles if you catch the right promo. Combine that with generous credit card partnerships and regular sales, and it becomes one of the most affordable ways to fly to the Keys using points.
- Read next: How to Get Cheap First Class Tickets
3. 🇺🇸 JetBlue Airways
- 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Core (Economy), Even More Space, Mint (business – not available to Key West)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue – independent (partners with American Airlines)
- ☕ Perks: Most legroom in standard economy, free high-speed WiFi, unlimited snacks
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Jetblue’s Fort Lauderdale connections rather than flying all the way to Key West. Rent a car for a stunning drive down the Overseas Highway that many travelers rate as a highlight of their Florida Keys experience
JetBlue brings its traveler-first approach to Key West with limited but high-quality service. While they don’t offer as many daily flights as some larger airlines, their focus on comfort and customer satisfaction makes them a favorite among repeat visitors to the Keys.
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Flying into Fort Lauderdale and driving down to Key West is a surprisingly popular alternative. Many JetBlue travelers skip the connecting flight altogether, choosing instead to rent a car and enjoy the 3.5-hour drive along the Overseas Highway. With 42 bridges and panoramic water views, this stretch turns getting there into part of the adventure, with chances to stop in places like Islamorada and Marathon along the way.
Onboard, JetBlue holds onto what makes them stand out—even on smaller regional jets. The Core they offer come with more legroom than other airlines’ standard Economy, high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works, and those signature unlimited snacks (yes, the name-brand ones, not just a sad pack of pretzels).
The TrueBlue program is refreshingly straightforward. Points never expire, there are no blackout dates, and redemptions for Florida routes often deliver solid value. Thanks to their partnership with American Airlines, you also get access to more connection options than you’d expect from a non-legacy carrier.
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4. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: No official hub for Key West, serves via connections
- 💺 Cabin Options: One class with open seating
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards – independent
- ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, family-friendly policies
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Southwest doesn’t fly directly to Key West, but booking to Fort Lauderdale and driving the Overseas Highway often saves hundreds of dollars per ticket (enough to cover a rental car and hotel stops along the way)
Southwest doesn’t land at Key West’s tiny airport, but they still deserve a spot on this list for offering one of the best workarounds for travelers on a budget. With frequent flights to Fort Lauderdale at lower fares and friendlier policies, they open the door to the Keys with some serious savings and a bit of extra adventure.
Flying into Fort Lauderdale can cut $200 to $300 per person off your airfare compared to Key West. That’s often enough to cover a rental car, gas, and even a hotel stop along the 3.5-hour drive down the Overseas Highway. And honestly, many travelers end up saying the drive—with its 42 bridges and endless water views—was one of their favorite parts of the trip.
Southwest’s signature perks from their All-Economy flights really shine here. Two free checked bags save you over $120 roundtrip, which is a big win if you’re packing snorkel gear, beachwear, or extra clothes for the family. Their no change fees also add peace of mind in case weather throws a wrench in your island plans.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Rewards program offers straightforward value, with redemptions based on price and no blackout dates. Families especially appreciate family boarding, which makes it easy to sit together without paying for seat selection.
- Read Next: 10 Epic Places in South Florida
5. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, First Class (regional jets)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – part of Star Alliance
- ☕ Perks: Year-round service, best northern US connections, improved regional experience
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book connections through their Houston hub rather than Chicago for significantly better winter reliability to Key West. Weather delays at ORD can cascade throughout their system, while IAH offers more consistent operations during snow season
United makes reaching Key West easier for travelers from the Midwest and Northeast, thanks to a wide network of hubs and flights that run year-round. While some airlines cut back during slower travel months, United keeps its schedule steady, which is great if you’re planning a quieter, off-season getaway.
For winter flights, the Houston hub is your best bet. Chicago O’Hare may be central, but it’s also prone to weather disruptions that can throw your whole trip off. Houston, by contrast, tends to run smoothly even during the snowy season, making it a safer connection when you’re headed for sunshine.
United has also improved its regional jet experience. Their newer Embraer E-175s feature a proper United First Class cabin, not just a slightly wider seat with a different name. In Economy, the 2-2 layout means you’ll never get stuck in the middle, and Economy Plus adds several extra inches of legroom without breaking the bank.
MileagePlus members, especially those with a United credit card, can often find more award space and better redemption options. And for international travelers or anyone piecing together a multi-city trip, United’s Star Alliance partnerships make it easy to include Key West in your plans.
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6. 🇺🇸 Frontier Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Denver (DEN), Orlando (MCO), Las Vegas (LAS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Stretch (extra legroom)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: FRONTIER Miles
- ☕ Perks: Rock-bottom base fares, newer A320 fleet, direct seasonal service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Skip flying all the way to Key West. Book Frontier’s often ridiculously cheap flights to Miami instead (sometimes as low as $39 one-way), then rent a car for the scenic drive down the Keys, saving literally hundreds of dollars per person
Frontier isn’t trying to win on convenience. Instead, they offer a smart workaround for Key West travelers who are focused on saving money. Rather than flying into the island’s pricey airport, Frontier keeps fares low by funneling passengers into Miami, which opens up a road trip opportunity to Key West that many find just as rewarding as the destination.
The base fares to Miami can be shockingly cheap, often under $50 during promos. While Frontier charges for everything beyond your seat, travelers who pack light and skip the extras can get to South Florida for a fraction of the cost. The savings here are no joke compared to direct Key West flights. In fact, you can sometimes save $400 or more per person, enough to cover a rental car, fuel, and even a night in the Middle Keys if you want to break up the trip.
Despite the low-cost model, Frontier’s fleet is one of the newest in the country. Their A320neo aircraft offer better fuel efficiency and a surprisingly quiet ride. If you’re tall or just want extra breathing room, their Stretch seating provides more legroom for a reasonable fee, usually between $25 and $45.
The FRONTIER Miles program has also gotten better, with improved point expiration policies and a family pooling feature that helps small groups rack up rewards faster.
- Read next: Cheapest Airlines to Florida
7. 🇺🇸 Allegiant Air
- 🏠 Hub: No traditional hubs, focus on secondary airports
- 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Legroom+ (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: myAllegiant – primarily discount-based
- ☕ Perks: Non-stop flights from smaller cities, vacation packages, unbundled pricing
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book flights to Fort Myers (RSW) or Punta Gorda (PGD) for significantly lower fares, then drive to Key West. These secondary airports offer much cheaper parking for your car during your vacation and far shorter security lines
Allegiant Air has quietly become a game-changer for Key West travelers from smaller cities. Instead of connecting through major hubs, they fly nonstop from places like Knoxville, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis into secondary Florida airports, giving travelers from overlooked regions a much simpler way to reach the sunshine.
Routes only operate a few days a week, but if your schedule is flexible, you can skip the chaos of big airports and head straight to southern Florida. Fort Myers and Punta Gorda may not be Key West, but they’re within driving distance, and the savings can be substantial. You’ll often find parking for under $10 a day, quick security lines, and car rentals located right next to baggage claim with no shuttle required.
Allegiant also offers vacation bundles, which are a smart option for first-time visitors to the Florida Keys. You can book your flight, hotel, and car together, usually at a better price than booking each piece separately. The catch? You’ll want to pack light, plan ahead, and know what’s included. Allegiant charges for extras, but if you’re focused on price over frills, their model works.
- Read next: Dreamy Key West Rentals
