Key West International Airport

If you have decided to fly to Key West, then in my opinion, you have made a wise decision.  Driving to Key West can be at best a test of patience.

There are a few things to keep in mind when flying into the Key West International Airport (KWIA).  First, if you are looking for a large, modern airport, then you will not be experiencing that at KWIA.  This does not mean that the airport is not nice, it is.  In a non-extravagant way, it simply serves its purpose which is to bring tourists and residents to the small tropical island of Key West.    .

When approaching and descending into Key West, you will see the beautiful aqua blue waters from above and then the pilot will come onto the intercom, "We are approaching Key West and should be landing within the next five minutes.  The Key West airport has the shortest runway of any commercial airport in the U.S..  We will be coming down quick and braking hard."  At first, you have an "Oh, crap!" moment in your mind but to be honest, the times that I have landed at KWIA, the landings have been good and no problem.  Do not let this change your mind from flying into Key West!

Upon landing, you will descend from the plane onto the runway.  As you walk in the warmth of the tropical air, you will notice the quaintness of Key West International.  In large lettering you will see, "Welcome to the Conch Republic" and an art installation beneath it.  The whole process of walking across the runway and into the small airport gives you the feeling of being somewhere different, somewhere tropical or outside the borders of the United States.

When you gather your bags, go and get a taxi.  As of 2015, the cost for the 5-10 minute ride from the airport to downtown Key West was $16.  With a tip, that makes a $20 journey.   Ask for info about the island and most cabbies are very helpful.

While KWIA may seem small and remote, bear in mind that Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) was actually founded in Key West in 1927.  The original headquarters for Pan Am can be found in downtown KW.  Pan Am which would go on to become a major international airline was founded as an air mail and passenger service for the 90 mile journey between Key West and Havana, Cuba.  Pan Am would grow to be an innovator that would help to shape international air travel.