If you’ve ever looked at a luggage tag after a flight to the Southernmost Point, you’ve seen it. Three letters. EYW. That is the Key West airport code, and honestly, it’s one of the most distinctive little hubs in the entire United States aviation system.
It’s tiny. It’s surrounded by water. It’s basically a landing strip on a salt pond.
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Most people just think of an airport code as a random string of letters assigned by some bureaucratic office in Montreal. But for the people who live in the Conch Republic, or the tourists who flock here every winter to escape the "real world," EYW represents the gateway to a very specific kind of island chaos. It isn't just a logistical marker. It’s the start of a vacation that usually involves too many margaritas and a lot of chickens wandering the streets.
Why the Key West Airport Code is EYW and Not KWY
You’d think it would be KWY, right? Or maybe KWS?
International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes are weird. Usually, if an airport starts with a 'K' in the US, that's reserved for the ICAOs—the four-letter codes pilots use for weather reports and flight plans (which would be KEYW). For the three-letter IATA code that you see on your boarding pass, they had to get creative. Since "KW" was often tied up with other identifiers, they landed on EYW.
The "EYW" basically pulls from the phonetic ending of "Key West."
It’s a bit of a quirk. But then again, everything in Key West is a bit of a quirk. We are talking about a city that technically "seceded" from the United States in 1982 to become the Conch Republic—all because of a Border Patrol blockade. So, having a slightly non-intuitive airport code fits the vibe perfectly.
The Short Runway Problem
Here is something your pilot knows that you probably don't: EYW has a very short runway.
It is 5,076 feet long. To put that in perspective, the runways at Miami International (MIA) or Orlando (MCO) are often 10,000 feet or longer. Because the runway is so short, there are "weight and balance" issues on almost every flight.
Ever been on a flight where the gate agent asks for volunteers to take a later plane because the aircraft is too heavy? That happens a lot here. On hot days, the air is less dense, which means planes need more speed to lift off. But because the runway is a stubby little thing, they can't always get that speed if the plane is packed with 100 people and all their heavy bags.
Sometimes, they literally have to leave luggage behind and fly it in on a later flight just so the plane can safely get into the air.
Who Actually Flies Into EYW?
For a long time, you could only get here on "puddle jumpers." We’re talking small turboprops that felt like flying in a lawnmower. But things changed. Over the last decade, major carriers realized people were willing to pay a premium to skip the four-hour drive from Miami.
- American Airlines is a huge player here. They run a lot of flights through Miami and Charlotte.
- Delta brings people in from Atlanta.
- United connects through Newark and Chicago.
- Silver Airways is the regional workhorse, often hopping between Key West and Fort Lauderdale or Tampa.
- JetBlue and Allegiant have also dipped their toes into the market with seasonal routes.
If you’re flying a mainline jet like a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A319 into the Key West airport code EYW, pay attention during the landing. The pilots have to "plant" the plane on the ground. It’s not always the softest touchdown. They need to get the wheels down and the brakes on immediately because that ocean comes up real fast at the end of the strip.
The Massive 2024-2025 Upgrade
If you haven't been to EYW lately, you're in for a shock. For years, the airport was... let’s call it "charming." It was cramped. You basically walked across the tarmac to get to your plane, which was cool until it started pouring rain (which happens every afternoon in the summer).
The "Concourse A" expansion changed the game.
This was a massive project—nearly $100 million. They added seven new gates and, most importantly, jet bridges. You don't have to walk outside in the humidity anymore. There’s more room to breathe, better concessions, and it actually feels like a modern airport now. Some locals hate it because they think it loses that "Old Key West" feel, but if you’ve ever waited for a delayed flight in the old terminal while 300 other people were vying for three plastic chairs, you know this upgrade was a godsend.
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Is It Cheaper to Fly to EYW or Drive?
Honestly? It's almost always cheaper to fly into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and rent a car.
But cost isn't the only factor. The drive from Miami to Key West is about 160 miles. On a Tuesday morning, it’s beautiful. You’re crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, the water is turquoise, and life is great. But on a Friday afternoon? It’s a nightmare. It’s a two-lane road for huge stretches. One accident can turn a 3-hour drive into a 7-hour crawl.
When you book a ticket to the Key West airport code, you are paying for time. You’re paying to land, grab an Uber, and be at a bar on Duval Street in 15 minutes.
Secret Tips for Navigating EYW
Don't show up three hours early.
Seriously. Even with the new expansion, the airport is small. If you show up too early, you’ll just be sitting there staring at the gift shop. An hour and a half is usually plenty of time, even with TSA lines.
Also, watch the weather. Key West is prone to crosswinds. Sometimes, planes can't land because the wind is blowing too hard across the runway rather than down it. If your flight gets diverted, you’ll likely end up in Miami, and the airline will put you on a bus. It sucks, but it’s the reality of island aviation.
If you want the best view, sit on the left side of the plane when flying in. Usually, the approach comes in over the shallow waters of the backcountry. You can see the reefs, the little uninhabited keys, and the transition from deep blue to bright neon green water. It’s better than any sightseeing tour you can buy.
The Ground Transportation Situation
Once you land at EYW, you have a few choices.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are active. There is a designated pickup area right outside the baggage claim.
- Taxis: There’s usually a line of cabs waiting. They use a zone-based pricing system or meters, but generally, it's a flat-ish rate to get to Old Town.
- Bicycles: Believe it or not, some people rent bikes and have them delivered. It’s a small island.
- The Bus: The Lower Keys Shuttle and city buses stop nearby, but they are slow. Don't do this if you're on a tight schedule.
Most people don't need a rental car in Key West. Parking in Old Town is an expensive disaster. You're better off walking, biking, or taking an electric golf cart.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
To make the most of your experience with the Key West airport code, keep these practical steps in mind:
- Download the Airline App: Because weight and balance issues are common at EYW, flight statuses can change quickly. The app will tell you before the gate agent does.
- Check Luggage Weight: If the flight is over-capacity, the airline might ask for volunteers to gate-check bags. If you have essentials (meds, chargers), keep them in a small personal item under your seat.
- Book the Left Side: As mentioned, seat "A" on most configurations will give you the stunning "water landing" view as you approach.
- Skip the Rental Car: Unless you are planning to drive back up to Marathon or Islamorada, a car is a liability in Key West. Use the money you save on the rental to pay for the higher airfare directly into EYW.
- Monitor the Wind: If you see a major storm or high wind warnings for the Florida Straits, check your flight status early. EYW is more sensitive to weather than mainland airports.
EYW might be small, and the runway might be short, but it’s the most efficient way to get your toes in the sand. Just remember the code, watch your bag weight, and get ready for a bumpy but beautiful landing.