No Overseas Highway gridlock here.
Credit: Tropic Ocean Airways
That next Key West getaway could skip the Overseas Highway crawl entirely.
Tropic Ocean Airways launches year-round nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Key West on Friday, November 27, with approximately one-hour flights Thursday through Sunday and one-way fares starting at $199 per person.
“With no direct flights from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, we saw a gap we could help fill,” Tropic Ocean Airways CEO Jason Schmidt told Browardist exclusively. “It’s a destination South Floridians love, and getting there should be an easy part of the getaway. This route gives travelers the flexibility to go for a day or stay for the weekend, with more time to enjoy the destination.”
The airport routine gets a serious upgrade, too, folks. Flights leave from Sheltair Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and land at Signature Aviation at Key West International Airport, bypassing the usual commercial terminals and crowds.
Passengers can arrive just 30 minutes before takeoff. Complimentary valet and multi-day parking, a baggage allowance, pet-friendly travel and private lounges with Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages round out the experience.
Want your Key lime pie fix without a hotel bill? The airline’s new Keys in a Day option costs $500 per person roundtrip, with morning travel, eight hours to explore Key West and a return home by early evening. Valet parking and private-lobby amenities are included.
For an early taste, preview flights are available October 16–18 and October 23–25 during Fantasy Fest weekends.
There’s also a splashier option: private seaplane charters landing on the water at The Perry Marina on Stock Island. A dedicated seaplane dock is in development; until it’s ready, guests will transfer to the marina by boat. Those water arrivals are a separate charter offering—the scheduled flights land at the airport.
