28 August 2023
The Florida Keys are beautiful and tropical but can sometimes be expensive to visit. While there are flights directly to the Keys, some travelers may opt to fly to Miami and then drive to the Keys to cut costs.
However, a trip to the Florida Keys just got much more convenient: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are all offering deals on flights to Key West. Round-trip prices start as low as $145, and there are options from many major U.S. cities.
Deal basics
Airlines: American, Delta and United
Routes: From Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., to Key West
How to book: Browse Google Flights and book directly with the airline
Travel dates: September 2023 to July 2024
Book by: As soon as you can
Blackout dates: Excludes most holidays
Kudos to Going, formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, for scouting these deals. For $49 a year, the site’s Premium membership offers discounts of up to 90% and comes with a 14-day free trial. The Elite membership also finds premium economy, business-class and first-class deals.
Sample flights
There are flight options from many hubs across the U.S. All below flights are to Key West International Airport (EYW). (They were priced as listed at the time of publication. We cannot guarantee the below round-trip flights will be available when you book.)
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), starting at $204
From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), starting at $207
From Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), starting at $208
From Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), starting at $145
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO), starting at $214
From Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), starting at $188
For example, if you’re flying from IAH to EYW, there are some discounted dates in January and February.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
For just $147, you could fly to and from Key West on American (with a short layover in each direction). There are also nonstop flights available but for a higher price. American’s basic economy ticket allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
From IAD, there are more nonstop flights available, such as these United flights in February.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
It’s worth noting that if you fly United’s basic economy, you cannot bring a carry-on bag. A checked bag costs $35 each way, so factor that into the overall cost.
Maximize your purchase
Depending on which airline you choose, you can use a cobranded credit card. Or, just use a general travel credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 2 points per dollar on travel
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year
Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees): 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3 points per dollar on airfare
Bottom line
American, Delta and United are all offering discounted tickets to Key West. Travel dates are scattered between now and July 2024, but it’s worth booking a ticket soon in case prices increase.
Related reading:
Beginners guide to 30A — one of the best-kept beach town secrets in the US
The best Miami Beach hotels
The best hotels in Miami, from luxury beach stays to points properties
Luxury on a budget: 5 spring break hotels you can book with points