A new way to discover Florida
Tired of the long, winding ride down the Florida Keys? Starting November 6, 2025, Spirit Airlines is streamlining with a new nonstop flight from Key West to Fort Lauderdale. It’s the only direct flight between two breathtaking South Florida destinations—and it’s going to save travelers a ton of time.
When do the flights start?
Spirit’s new route will take off for the first time on Thursday, November 6, 2025. At first, the flights will fly four times a week:
- Mondays
- Thursdays
- Fridays
- Sundays
But the cherry on top: In time for the holidays, Spirit will begin offering daily flights beginning December 18, when tourist season really gets into high swing.
How much are tickets?
Good news if you’re a budget traveler! Intro fares on the new route begin at $79 one-way. Reserve your spot now by visiting [spirit.com](https://www.spirit.com).
That’s cheaper than the cost of many gas tanks—and far faster than driving the usual 3.5 hours!
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Why these two cities?
While most of us expect new Florida routes to include Tampa, Orlando, or even Miami, Spirit is focusing on two sun-kissed and vibrant cities:
- Fort Lauderdale: Beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
- Key West: A tropical island paradise with colorful streets, water activities, and famous sunsets.
“Key West is a unique beach destination, and now travelers can experience this island paradise as easily as ever,” said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning for Spirit.
Anyone who has driven from Fort Lauderdale to Key West knows it’s a scenic but long road trip, full of traffic and narrow bridges. Spirit’s new flight offers a much faster and easier option.
You’ll go from city to island in just about an hour. No more getting stuck behind slow-moving cars on U.S. Route 1!
What makes this flight special?
This new route is Spirit’s eighth in Florida, proving the airline’s growing intensity in the Sunshine State.
Here’s why the route is thrilling:
- It’s the only nonstop flight between Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
- It saves time compared to driving.
- It makes traveling easy for locals and visitors alike.
- It connects to major cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta through Fort Lauderdale.
Direct flights to big cities
Whether you’re coming in on a plane from other parts of the United States, this new route makes getting to Key West easy without taking a rental car or another long flight.
From Spirit’s Fort Lauderdale base, you can get to with one stop:
- New York
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Houst
Travel your way: Flights for every flyer
Spirit is renowned for being inexpensive, and they offer something for every kind of traveler.
Here are the options:
Spirit first
- Spacious, comfortable seat in front of the plane
- Complimentary snacks and drinks (yes, including cocktails!)
- Priority boarding
- Bags are included
Premium economy
- Legroom
- No additional charge to change or cancel
- Ideal for travelers who require more flexibility
Value Fare
- The lowest cost option
- ideal for light packers
- You pay only for what you use
So no matter whether you’re heading off to a weekend staycation or a month-long tropical vacation, there’s something there for your budget and comfort level.
What local leaders are saying
Local leaders are beaming with the new route. Richard Strickland, Monroe County Airports’ executive director, said:
We are excited to have Spirit join Key West Airport and welcome this new service that will benefit locals and visitors alike.”
That’s a big deal, especially in Key West, where space is tight and traffic can be temperamental.
This is not a simple ride from one Florida town to another. It’s a hasty escape to turquoise sea, coral reefs, beach restaurants, and island excitement.
You can:
- Watch the sunset at Mallory Square
- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home
- Try key lime pie where it was born
- Snorkel or parasail
- Street performers, conch fritters, live music
And now you can accomplish all that without the long, boring drive.
