Flying to Key West About to Get Cheaper

Flying in and out of Key West, while convenient, usually comes with a high price.

The Key West leg of a flight often doubles the price of air travel.

For example, the best price for flying from Key West to Miami in January 2010 will cost you at least $258 round trip + taxes & fees. And that's for a 35 minute American Airlines flight.

And yet during busy season, most flights to and from Key West are sold out well in advance.

Thankfully, things are about to change with AirTran's announcement that they will provide service to Key West starting on December 17, 2009.

AirTran will fly one of their modern 737s - part of AirTran's all-Boeing fleet of planes - to Key West via Orlando.

Here is a picture of the AirTran 737:

AirTran prides itself on providing discount air travel, inflight ammenities including WIFI and XM Satellite radio, and its young fleet of planes.

AirTran has begun taking reservations for Key West. Already their regular prices are lower than the competition. Future sales may provide even greater savings.

Here is a sample of AirTran flight prices versus the competition (competition fares were provided by Orbitz):

Key West to Orlando – December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$238	$304	$426	$631	$667

Key West to Orlando – January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$238	$338	$338	$720	$558

Key West to San Francisco, December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$558	$555	$818	$550	$943

Key West to San Francisco, January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$398	$486	$702	$420	$729

Key West to New York City (Laguardia) – December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$484	$324	$324	$410	$344

Key West to New York City (Laguardia) – January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$324	$324	$324	$399	$560

This looks good for travelers to the Key West Airport.  Future sales will likely bring even more savings.

And with AirTran's extensive route map, you'll have many destinations to fly to.  Here is their latest route map, with Key West now included:

Good luck AirTran.  Welcome to the party.

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