Key West Flights

My wife and I have been coming down for years now, usually flying into (FLL) Fort Lauderdale then driving down. The drive is beautiful, just beware of the school bus's around 3:00 because you may really get stuck in back of them. This year we will be flying in later this to (EYW) Key West Airport, this will be our second time flying. The first time as we were making our approach to the airport, the Captain of this 50 passenger Jet made the following anouncement "Key West Airport has a very short landing area so make sure all bags are secure, the landing is usually "Violent" so be prepared" well everyone in the plane repeated the word "Violent" and yes it was very rough, as soon as the wheels, the reverse thrusters were engauged along with heavy braking. We were still braking when the Captain made a sharp turn off the runway and looking out my window was the end of the runway and mangroves and water.

Yes, Key West does have an airport. It is small, with only smaller aircraft coming in and out. Don't expect the Airbus 380 to be landing here anytime soon.

There is a resterant and gift shop inside the main area (where you check in). However, there are NO food places, shops, or even bathrooms once you pass security. So make sure you have taken care of everything before you go through.

I can see the airport from my balcony, maybe I'll see you fly in?

I suppose from a strict functionality standpoint, the Key West International Airport gets the job done. Planes land, they offload luggage, you can get a rental car or a taxi.

The problem with the local airport is that it's soooooo laid-back. People only seem to hang around and work when there is an immediate need to do so, as in a plane just landed. At other times, the airline and rental car counters are lonelier than a strip club in rural Utah.

My insight for the Key West airport is as follows: FIND someone immediately if you have any need or problem to solve. And, do not let them out of your sight. If you do, it may be hours, or even the next day before you find another living, breathing person within reach. I'm not kidding, folks. I used to think that our home airport up in Tallahassee was small potatoes. But the Key West airport makes Tallahassee look like Heathrow.

I must admit that this is one of the most interesting airplane trips of my life. The weather was overcast as our little jet from Orlando descended to the island. We had to abort the landing and circle the island before getting a good chance to land. Taking off again was also an adventure. The runway is very short, so the pilot had to place the plane on full throttle while holding on to the brakes so that we could get maximum momentum. As we lifted off, the runway quickly disappeared.

The airport is very close to the city. You have between 1 and 2 miles to get to town. If you are a very light traveller and have only a small backpack with you, you can literally walk along a nice path along the coast to town. It will save you a cab ride and give you a chance to stretch your legs. You could even rollerblade between the airport and town if baggage is not an issue!

There are regional carriers serving the Key West airport. Most of the flights come in from other cities in Florida.

I never knew that Key West has an airport! But apparently it does, so if you want to go there, the code is EYW, and it is surprisingly affordable! This is a good way for me to go, since one has to be 25 to rent a car, and I'm not quite there yet.

Several major air carriers schedule regular service to both Key West airport and Marathon airport. These include US Airways and ComAir (Delta), and American Eagle Airlines. Many flights are routed through the Miami International Airport, although some smaller airlines, such as Cape Air and private charters, schedule direct flights from many major cities in Florida and the Bahamas. International flights must connect to one of these airlines in Miami.

I'm not sure where this guy actually took off from, but spotted this ultralight flying just above the center of town.
This guy's got a great bird's eye view of all the festivities during 'Fantasy Fest 2001'!

Key West Airlines
American 800-433-7300

Cape Air 800-352-0714

Comair/Delta 800-354-9822

Gulfstream Int'l Airlines 800-992-8532

Pan Am Air Bridge 305-295-0165

Sea Coast 800-742-6278

US Air Express 800-428-4322
Key West Airport Shuttle
Shuttle between Key West,
Marathon & Miami Airports 800-875-4555
Key West Car Rental Agencies
Alamo Rent-A-Car 305-294-6675

Avis Rent-A-Car 305-296-8744

Budget Car & Truck Rental 305-294-8868

Dollar Rent-A-Car 305-296-9921

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 305-292-0220

Hertz Rent-A-Car 305-294-1039

Tropical Rent-A-Car 305-294-8136

Value Rent-A-Car 305-296-7733
Key West Sightseeing Tours
Conch Tour Train Mallory Square 305-294-5161

Old Town Trolley Mallory Square 395-296-6688

Perfect Pedicab Duval Street 305-292-0077