You’re standing in the middle of a grey, damp Columbus morning, staring at your coffee and thinking about turquoise water. We’ve all been there. Living in Central Ohio means you eventually hit a wall where the only cure is salt air and a sunset at Mallory Square. But honestly, getting your hands on flights from Columbus Ohio to Key West can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't know the local airport "cheat codes."
Most people just head straight to John Glenn International (CMH) out of habit. It’s the big one. It’s convenient. But if you're looking for the easiest way down to the Southernmost Point, there is a massive shift happening in 2026 that you need to know about before you book anything.
The Big News: Nonstop Flights Are Back
For the longest time, flying to Key West from Columbus meant you were guaranteed a layover. You’d spend three hours sitting in Charlotte or Atlanta, staring at a terminal wall, just to hop on a smaller prop plane or a regional jet for the final leg.
That changes in May 2026.
Allegiant Air officially announced they are launching nonstop service from Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) directly to Key West (EYW) starting May 21, 2026. This is huge. Instead of a six-hour ordeal involving connecting gates, you’re looking at a flight time of roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. They are planning to run these flights twice a week, typically on Thursdays and Sundays, which is basically the universe telling you to take a long weekend.
🔗 Read more: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
CMH vs. LCK: Which Airport Wins?
If you live in German Village or Downtown, CMH is right there. If you’re in Grove City or Canal Winchester, LCK is your backyard. But the choice between the two airports for your trip to Key West isn't just about the drive to the terminal.
John Glenn (CMH)
- Airlines: American, Delta, United, and Spirit.
- The Vibe: You will have a layover. Period. American usually routes you through Charlotte (CLT) or Miami (MIA). Delta goes through Atlanta (ATL).
- Flexibility: You can fly any day of the week. If your schedule isn't flexible, CMH is your best bet.
Rickenbacker (LCK)
- Airlines: Allegiant.
- The Vibe: It’s a smaller, "budget" experience. Parking is cheaper, and the security line is usually about four people long.
- The Catch: They only fly specific days. If you miss that Thursday flight, you aren't going until Sunday.
Honestly, if you can make the Allegiant schedule work, the nonstop flight from LCK is a game-changer. There is nothing worse than being stuck in Atlanta during a summer thunderstorm while your Key West hotel room is already waiting for you.
Scoring the Best Deals on Flights from Columbus Ohio to Key West
Let's talk money. Key West isn't exactly a budget destination once you land—cocktails at Sloppy Joe’s add up—so saving on the airfare is a must.
Usually, the cheapest month to fly this route is August. I know, I know. It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s hurricane season. But if you can handle the sweat, you can often find one-way tickets for under $110. If you’re looking for the sweet spot where the weather is actually nice and the prices haven't spiked for the winter "snowbird" season, try booking for late April or early May.
💡 You might also like: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
Data from late 2025 and early 2026 shows that booking your tickets on a Sunday can actually save you about 10% compared to booking on a Friday. It sounds like one of those travel myths, but the numbers back it up.
Also, watch out for the "hidden" costs at EYW. Key West International is a small airport. Because the runway is short, planes sometimes have weight restrictions. This doesn't affect your safety, but it does mean airlines are extra picky about baggage. If you’re flying Spirit or Allegiant, that "cheap" $150 round trip can quickly turn into $250 if you don’t prepay for your bags.
The Connection Game: Avoid the Charlotte Trap
If you do end up flying from CMH with a layover, be very careful with your connection times. American Airlines loves to give you a 45-minute layover in Charlotte. On paper, it looks great. You get there faster!
In reality? If your flight out of Columbus is delayed even twenty minutes because of de-icing or "gate congestion," you are going to be sprinting through Terminal B like an Olympic athlete. And since the flights from Charlotte to Key West are often on smaller planes with limited seating, if you miss that connection, the next available seat might not be until the following day.
📖 Related: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
Give yourself at least 90 minutes. Grab a rocking chair in Charlotte, get a snack, and relax. It’s better than starting your vacation with a heart attack.
What to Do Once You Land in Key West
The airport in Key West is on the far east side of the island. The good news? The island is tiny. You are only about 3-4 miles from the "main" action on Duval Street.
- Taxis: There is a flat-rate zone system. If you’re headed to the historic district (west of White Street), it’s usually around $9 per person if you’re in a group.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are both active, but during peak times (like sunset or when a big flight lands), the surge pricing can make a taxi cheaper.
- Shuttles: Many of the big resorts like the DoubleTree or Havana Cabana offer free shuttles. Call them before you hail a cab.
One weird tip: if you're staying in the heart of Old Town, don't rent a car. Parking is a nightmare and will cost you $40 a day just to let the car sit there. Rent a bike or a scooter instead. It's the "Conch Republic" way.
Why This Route Matters in 2026
We're seeing a massive trend of "secondary airport" growth. People are tired of the chaos at massive hubs. The fact that we now have direct access to the Florida Keys from a cargo-centric airport like Rickenbacker shows how much demand there is for Central Ohioans to escape the cold.
Whether you're going down for the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in July or just to see the six-toed cats, the logistics are getting easier. Just remember that Key West time is different from Columbus time. Everything moves slower. The "to-do" list doesn't matter.
Your Next Steps for Planning
- Check the LCK Schedule: Go to the Allegiant site and see if their Thursday/Sunday rotation for the new nonstop service fits your dates.
- Set a Price Alert: Use a tool like Google Flights for the CMH to EYW route. Prices fluctuate wildly based on whether a cruise ship is in port that week.
- Audit Your Luggage: If you're flying a budget carrier, pack light. You're going to the tropics; you only need two pairs of shorts and some flip-flops anyway.
- Book the "South" Side: If you can’t find a deal into Key West, look at flying into Miami (MIA) and renting a car for the drive down the Overseas Highway. It’s a 4-hour drive, but it’s one of the most beautiful drives in America.