United Airlines’ First Nonstop Service Between Key West and Chicago Began Saturday

KEY WEST – For the first time, passengers can fly directly from the Windy City to the Southernmost City on a commercial airline.

United Express flight 3456 flew from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Key West International Airport, arriving at 3:05 p.m. Saturday. The flight ushered in another new route for the Monroe County-operated regional airport.

Fifty-eight passengers left Chicago with the temperature below freezing and were greeted in Key West to overcast skies with the temperature a pleasant 73 degrees. Key West Airport Director Donald DeGraw handed out tropical punch flavored lip balm, while other County airport staff gave out hats to commemorate the event.

“We are celebrating the fact that we are somewhere warm,” said Celina Brault, of Cedarburg, Wisc., who arrived with her sister and parents for a family vacation. “The last time I came down here I flew to Fort Lauderdale and we drove to Key West. This is much better.”

The non-stop seasonal service between Chicago and Key West operates on Saturdays only, with one flight each way, and runs through April 29, 2017. The service is on Embraer 170 regional jet aircraft, with 70 seats (six first class and 64 economy). The first direct flight from Key West to Chicago left for the cold about 45 minutes later with 55 aboard.

United Airlines also began daily seasonal service between Key West and Newark Liberty International Airport on Dec. 13, 2016.  That service will increase to twice daily on Feb. 16, 2017 and run through May 4, 2017.

“With United providing direct service to both Newark and Chicago, our customers now have more options than ever before,” DeGraw said.

It was a yearlong effort working with United to bring these flights to Key West, DeGraw said. During this time, the airport received tremendous support from the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, the Key West Chamber of Commerce and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The BOCC, which oversees the airport, waived airport fees for the first year of service.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]