Spirit Airlines Announces Nonstop Flights Between Fort Lauderdale and Key West

Spirit Airlines Launches Direct flights to Key West

Archyde Staff

• October 27, 2023

Spirit Airlines is set to revolutionize travel to the Florida Keys. The airline will introduce new nonstop service connecting Key West and Fort Lauderdale later this year.

This new route will make Spirit the sole carrier offering direct flights between thes two popular destinations. The airline announced this exciting growth on Tuesday.

Initially, flights will operate four times weekly, commencing November 6. The schedule will include services on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Daily service is planned to begin on December 18, providing even more adaptability for travelers. Passengers will also benefit from one-stop connections to major U.S. cities from Fort Lauderdale.

John Kirby, Spirit’s vice President of Network Planning, expressed enthusiasm for the new route. He highlighted Key West as a unique beach destination now more accessible to travelers.

“Our new service offers a convenient and affordable alternative to driving,” Kirby stated in a press release. He added that it provides guests in the Florida Keys a stylish way to travel through South florida.

This expansion places Key West alongside Spirit’s existing Florida destinations. These include Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, and West Palm beach.

Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports at Key West International Airport, welcomed the news.He anticipates Spirit’s entry into the market will be beneficial for passengers.

Strickland looks forward to the addition of Spirit to the airport’s carrier selection. He also anticipates access to Spirit’s extensive network of destinations.

Introductory one-way fares for this new service start at an attractive $79. These fares are available for booking online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Spirit Airlines begin service between Key West and Fort Lauderdale?

Spirit Airlines will begin new nonstop service between Key West and Fort Lauderdale on November 6.

How frequently enough will the flights operate initially?

Initially, flights will operate four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

When will the service increase to daily flights?

The service will increase to daily flights beginning December 18.

What are the starting fares for this new route?

Introductory one-way fares start at $79.

Where can I book these new flights?

These flights are available for booking online at Spirit.com.

What are your thoughts on this new Spirit Airlines route? share your comments below and let us know if you plan to fly from Fort Lauderdale to Key West this fall!

What potential impact could the new nonstop flights have on hotel occupancy rates in Key West?

New Route Details & Flight Schedules

Spirit Airlines has officially launched nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW),beginning July 22,2025. This new route offers a convenient and affordable option for travelers looking to experience the Florida Keys.

Here’s a breakdown of the initial flight schedule (subject to change – always confirm with Spirit Airlines directly):

Flight Numbers: NK182 (FLL to EYW) & NK183 (EYW to FLL)

Frequency: Daily service

Departure Times (FLL): 9:00 AM EDT

Arrival Times (EYW): 9:50 AM EDT

Departure Times (EYW): 10:40 AM EDT

Arrival Times (FLL): 11:30 AM EDT

Aircraft: Airbus A320 family

This addition expands Spirit’s network within Florida, providing increased accessibility to Key West, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The speedy flight time – under an hour – makes it an ideal option for weekend getaways or extended stays.

What This means for Travelers: Fares & Booking

Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost fares. Expect introductory prices for the Fort Lauderdale to Key West route to start as low as $69 each way (base fare), though prices will fluctuate based on demand, travel dates, and booking time.

Key things to remember when booking Spirit Airlines flights:

1. Baggage Fees: Spirit charges extra for all carry-on and checked baggage.Factor these fees into your total cost. Check the Spirit Airlines website for current baggage fee details.
2. Seat Selection: Seat selection also incurs an additional fee.
3. “Bundle” Options: Consider Spirit’s “Bundle” options, which can include baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding for a potentially lower overall price than purchasing each item separately.
4. Booking Channels: Book directly through the Spirit Airlines website (https://www.spirit.com/) or the Spirit Airlines app for the best deals and to avoid third-party booking fees.

Exploring key West: Activities & Attractions

Key West offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. Here are a few highlights:

Duval Street: The heart of Key West, famous for its lively bars, restaurants, and shops.

ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Explore the former home of the renowned author.

Southernmost Point Buoy: A popular photo opportunity marking the southernmost point in the continental U.S.

Dry Tortugas National Park: Accessible by ferry or seaplane, offering snorkeling, diving, and historical Fort jefferson.

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: A nightly event featuring street performers, artisans, and a breathtaking sunset view.

Water Sports: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing.

Fort Lauderdale as a connecting Hub

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport (FLL) serves as a major connecting hub for Spirit Airlines. This new route allows passengers to easily connect to other Spirit destinations throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin america.

Benefits of connecting through FLL:

Extensive Network: Access to a wide range of Spirit Airlines routes.

Competitive Fares: FLL frequently enough offers more competitive fares compared to other major Florida airports.

Airport Amenities: FLL provides a variety of dining, shopping, and lounge options.

Impact on tourism & Local Economy

The addition of nonstop flights is expected to boost tourism in both Fort lauderdale and Key West. Increased accessibility will likely attract more visitors, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The Key West tourism board anticipates a significant increase in visitor spending as an inevitable result of this new service.This also provides a more convenient travel option for residents of South Florida looking for a quick escape to the Keys.

Spirit Airlines’ Expansion in Florida

This proclamation is part of Spirit Airlines’ broader strategy to expand its presence in Florida. The airline already operates numerous routes to and from various Florida cities, and continues to invest in the state’s travel infrastructure. The airline’s commitment to affordable travel makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.