Spirit Launches Fort Lauderdale to Key West Flights

Published on Nov 9, 2025, 2:37 pm CST

4 min read

Spirit Airlines launched the only nonstop link between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW) on November 6, 2025. The route starts at three weekly flights on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, then steps up to daily service on December 18, 2025, to capture holiday demand. For South Florida travelers, the flight cuts the typical four hour drive into a hop of under one hour and adds one stop access for dozens of cities across Spirit's network.

Route details and timing

Spirit says the FLL to EYW flights will initially operate three days per week, which gives the carrier a ramp period to dial in operations at a challenging, space constrained island airport. The schedule scales to daily on December 18, 2025, which aligns with peak holiday travel. Spirit frames the new service as a fast alternative to the Overseas Highway and a way to connect more distant markets like Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, Newark, and Philadelphia into the Lower Keys with a single connection over Fort Lauderdale.

Why this matters for travelers

If you live in South Florida, the math is straightforward. A sub one hour flight, even with security and boarding, often beats an unpredictable road run, especially on busy weekends or during special events in the Keys. If you are coming from outside the region, the new service creates more one stop options into EYW on an ultra low cost carrier, which can lower fares on select days. Early media ride alongs from the inaugural reported a wheels up to wheels down time near thirty five minutes, reinforcing the time advantage versus a long drive.

Key West's airport has short runways and tight real estate, so airlines typically schedule smaller mainline jets or regional aircraft and keep turnarounds disciplined. That operational reality is one reason new entrants tend to begin with a few weekly flights, then scale if performance supports it. Spirit's choice to start at three times weekly and move to daily for the holidays follows that pattern.

Connections and competitive context

With Key West now on Spirit's route map, the airline counts eight Florida destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Pensacola, and West Palm Beach. The company positions Fort Lauderdale as the primary gateway for one stop connectivity to the Keys, which broadens access for travelers from major metros without adding circuitous connections. Regional tourism officials also welcomed the launch, calling it a boost to visitor access and the airport's growing nonstop lineup.

For trip planning, compare total journey time and costs. Bags, seat selection, and early boarding are add ons on the Value fare, while the new Spirit First and Premium Economy bundles include carry on space and other perks. If you prefer to drive for flexibility or to explore the Upper Keys, weigh rental car pickup in Fort Lauderdale or Miami against limited on island supply during peaks.

Loyalty promo window

To coincide with the launch, Free Spirit members can earn 1,500 bonus points on round trips and 750 on one way flights to or from Key West if they book by November 14, 2025, for travel through December 6, 2025. New members also receive a 500 point enrollment bonus. If you are eligible and the promo fits your dates, register and book before the deadline, then keep your boarding passes until points post.

Background

Key West International is a single runway island airport with finite gate and ramp space. Weather and winds can add variability, and holiday peaks compress operations across tight time blocks. Airlines typically mitigate with conservative block times, strict weight and balance, and careful crew and aircraft rotations. That context helps explain the measured ramp up and why travelers should leave buffers on tight connections, even on an under one hour sector.

Final thoughts

Spirit's Fort Lauderdale to Key West launch gives South Florida residents and connecting travelers a fast, affordable path to the Southernmost Point. As the schedule grows to daily on December 18, 2025, expect more fare competition on select dates and a stronger case for flying instead of driving when time is scarce. If you plan a trip in November or early December, check the bonus points offer, compare total trip time and costs, and build sensible buffers into your Keys itinerary.