Key West Florida, also known colloquially as the "Conch Republic" with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a slice of paradise. Whether you are planning a tropical getaway or visiting this enchanting island for business, choosing the right airline plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this article, we will explore the best airlines that offer exceptional service, convenient flight schedules, and a seamless travel experience to and from Key West Airport (EYW). Whether you’re looking for affordability, comfort, or impeccable service, these airlines will help you embark on an unforgettable trip to this picturesque destination.

To start, Key West and its EYW Airport are relatively small, with limited flight options to get to and from the island—there are only 6 airlines that fly from Key West! As well, flights from Key West go to only 12 different states, with almost all of them on the east coast. Given this, it’s essential that you choose the right airline and departing city to make the most out of your time on the island and not have to get bogged down trying to figure out flights.

Some people going to Key West from outside of Florida prefer to fly to and from Fort Lauderdale (FLL airport) and then connect to Key West, but for this article, we’re going to focus on direct flights from Key West’s own airport (who wouldn’t prefer a direct flight?).

Now that we’ve discussed how important it is to choose the right airline and flight to travel to and from Key West, let’s jump into the list!

The Best Airlines to Fly To and From Key West Florida

1. American Airlines

For anyone looking for a standard flight with a good mix of amenities and cheap prices, American Airlines is absolutely the best option for you. Not only does American have more flights to and from Key West than any other airline, with it also covering the greatest number of destinations from Key West, but it also offers the most luxurious flight experience compared to all the other airlines on this list. American is the only airline here with multiple routes that offers a first-class experience, so for those of you who like to travel in style, this airline is definitely the best choice for you! However, the biggest downside to flying American Airlines to and from Key West is the price; compared to other airlines on this list, American is going to run you slightly higher prices in exchange for a direct flight to Key West. If you have some extra money to spend and want a direct flight to and from Key West’s airport and you live near one of the cities with a route to EYW, then American is the option for you.

Direct destinations to/from Key West on AA*:

Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, DC, Philidelphia, NYC, Miami

*Important note: not all of these routes are offered year-round

2. Allegiant Air

Another excellent airline to fly to and from Key West is Allegiant Air, a budget-focused airline that flies in the USA. Unlike American Airlines, Allegiant is at the opposite end of the price/amenities spectrum, with ultra-budget flights that give you just the bare essentials. Allegiant Air has no first class, doesn’t offer any free in-flight food, and has no screens on their flights; however, Allegiant will also get you to your destination for a lower price than almost any other airline out there. If you’re traveling on a budget and live near one of the cities that Allegiant flies from (e.g., Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, etc.) it is the cheapest way to fly direct to Key West (see below).

Direct destinations to/from Key West on Allegiant:

Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Asheville

3. Silver Airways

If you live in southern Florida, you should probably ignore every other airline on this list: Silver Airways is likely going to be the airline for you. Silver Airways operates almost exclusively out of Florida and the Caribbean, providing many budget flights within a small radius from Central Florida to the south. Not only are Silver flights fairly affordable (though not quite Allegiant prices), but they also are extremely frequent, with most routes to and from Key West available multiple times per day! If you’re traveling lightly (i.e., without a checked bag) and have a confirmed travel date, you can get the prices down even further by selecting the “Escape” fare type. While Silver Airways won’t be very much help to you if you live outside of Florida or the Caribbean, it is one of the simplest airlines to fly and offers many direct flights to Key West daily.

4. Delta, JetBlue, & United

The final airlines on this list, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines, are combined at the bottom since they all fall into a similar category: airlines that only are good for flying to and from VERY specific locations. While Delta, JetBlue, and United are normally at the top of our recommendation list for domestic flights, none of them are particularly useful to get to Key West unless you live in the exact areas where their few routes start and end. For instance, JetBlue’s ONLY route to Key West is from/to Boston (which only operates from October to April), while Delta’s only route is from Atlanta. United has a few more routes, covering NYC, Washington, and Chicago; however, all three of these routes are seasonal, so you have to be traveling during certain times of the year to even be able to use them. However, many of these airports are also covered by one of the other airlines on this list (which also tend to be cheaper), so we only recommend using one of these three airlines if you have no other option or if you already have status with them. Luckily, these airlines have good point transfers from both American Express and Chase, so you can further the value you get out of any purchases!

Summary

In conclusion, when it comes to flying to and from Key West, Florida, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Silver Airways are likely going to be the best choices for you (with Delta, JetBlue, and United only useful in certain situations). With American Airlines' vast network, convenience, and exceptional service, passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience. Allegiant Air's affordable fares and direct flights offer great value for travelers seeking a budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, Silver Airways' focus on regional connectivity and personalized service ensures a comfortable and convenient journey. Whether one is heading to Key West for business or leisure, these airlines stand out for their reliability, extensive route options, and commitment to customer satisfaction. With the perfect blend of convenience, affordability, and quality, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Silver Airways truly excel as the top airlines for exploring the beauty of Key West, Florida.

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our guides for the best airlines to fly from Boston, Austin, and LA! And if you’re looking to get a credit card for your travel with no annual fee, make sure to explore our guide here.