Spirit Airlines Will Offer A New, Budget Route Between Two Of Florida's Tourist Hot Spots

Flying from one part of Florida to the other is actually a much tougher feat than you may think, but as luck would have it, America's most well-known budget airline is launching a new intra-Florida route that improves connectivity within the state. Spirit Airlines, a Florida-based airline, recently announced that, as of November 6, 2025, the carrier will be offering a Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Key West (EYW) direct flight. The southernmost point in the state (in fact, the entire contiguous U.S., although that is controversial), Key West is an incredibly popular yet remote destination, but Spirit's new route to the tropical locale seeks to improve the state's air infrastructure. It becomes the airline's eighth Floridian destination after Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

Four weekly flights between FLL and EYW will come to market in November, traveling on on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On December 18, 2025, service frequency will increase with daily flights, in time for the winter high season. Following Spirit's low-budget carrier model, travelers can book into Spirit First (with the airline's "Big Front Seat" and lots of perks), Premium Economy (an economy-plus style fare with increased leg room and priority perks), or the classic Value option (where extras can be added on at the traveler's discretion — and expense). Be one the lookout for any potential hidden fees from the airline. That said, the frequency of this new route offers travelers flexibility on how and when you can go between the two leisure hubs.

Flying regionally within the state of Florida or to and from its neighbors can get challenging. For example, there are no direct flights from the state's capital, Tallahassee to the state's entertainment capital of Orlando, nor are there any flights between Tampa and Jacksonville, two sports hubs within Florida. And trying to make your way to the state's most popular vacation spots like 30A or yes, Key West, by car can prove to be a traffic nightmare. Sadly, one of the state's most frequent intra-state airlines, Silver Airways, recently (and very suddenly) ceased operations, widening the void for travelers hoping for alternate ways of getting around the state.

Understanding this rather obvious gap in the market, airlines are responding by unveiling new routes between popular leisure destinations in Florida and some of the biggest metropolises in the state. American Airlines, for instance, recently announced new daily service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), the airport that services parts of the 30A region. However, a spot on that inaugural flight will run you almost $200 for a round-trip ticket, at least. Spirit's announcement of their FLL to EYW route offers a more budget-friendly way of getting around the state, with fares starting at $79 per leg. And while some travelers may have many common questions about flying with Spirit — and even some trepidations — it does offer another travel option to get down to Key West without having to brave the scenic but oftentimes dangerous Route 1 road trip, or having to pay legacy carrier's higher prices. Perhaps this is an indication of even more connectivity to come, but for now Spirit is connecting these two major tourists hotspots for reasonable fares.

Undoubtably, Fort Lauderdale and Key West are two of the state's most popular and fun vacation destinations. While the latter is often closely associated with next door neighbor Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a destination unto itself. With a thriving culinary scene, visitors to Fort Lauderdale should visit Sistrunk Market, a food hall and brewery near the downtown area. For an Instagram-worthy vibe, delicious food, and a historic atmosphere, head to The House on the River restaurant, located in one of the oldest buildings in the city. For history nerds, the Historic Stranahan House Museum — the actual oldest structure in Fort Lauderdale — is close by The House on the River and worth a tour. Of course Fort Lauderdale's beaches, glittering blue waters, and yacht-laden marinas make it a fun hotspot. Stay at the W Fort Lauderdale to be central to all the action or Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach for stunning views.

Speaking of both history and fun, Key West could be considered the original model for both of those things. The chosen home of eccentric author Ernest Hemingway, visitors to this island destination can expect sun, sea, and history. The Hemingway Home and Museum is the historic retreat of the writer, and to this day houses descendants from his beloved six-toed cat, while the famed Sloppy Joe's Bar on Duval Street is the epicenter of late-night music, drinks, and dancing. Stay at Southernmost Beach Resort for its charming and quirky cottage-style accommodations, just a stone's throw away from attractions like the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and the US-1 Mile Marker 0 monument. However you spend your time in either Fort Lauderdale or Key West, know that getting there is an easy and inexpensive, non-stop flight away on Spirit's newest route.