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Book Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Key West (EYW)
Looking for the cheapest flight deals for the Chicago to Key West flight route? Escaping the windy city for the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys is a classic traveler's dream and HydraTravels.us is there to make your booking easy. The ORD to EYW route is popular as it offers a direct, time-saving, and stress-reducing connection from an important Midwest hub to a tropical region.
The route covers 1,250 miles, transforming the landscape from skyscrapers and Lake Michigan to mangroves and coral reefs. While Key West feels worlds away, reaching this tropical paradise is surprisingly easy if you know how to navigate the flight options.
Flight Route Guide: Chicago (ORD) to Key West (EYW)
1. Choosing Your Airline
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Silver Airways & JetBlue
2. Best Time to Book for Cheap Fares
- Cheapest Months: January and April are the most budget-friendly months. January offers a post-holiday break, while April provides a sweet spot before the summer.
- Avoid Peak Season: March Spring Break and the weeks around Christmas/New Year see prices skyrocket. Book at least 3-4 months in advance.
- Mid-Week Savings: Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you compared to Friday or Sunday departures.
3. Flight Duration and Logistics
- Nonstop: A direct flight from ORD to EYW takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.
- Connecting: Flights with a layover can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours.
- Time Zone Change: Key West is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Chicago Central Time.
4. Arrival and Ground Transportation
- Key West International Airport is located just two miles from the heart of Old Town.
- Uber and Lyft are available and will get you to most hotels in 10-15 minutes.
- Unless you plan on exploring the region, there’s limited and expensive parking.
- Flights into EYW are too expensive; consider flying into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and driving the scenic Overseas Highway.
Pro-Tips for Saving Money
- Set Price Alerts: Use our advanced tools to track the ORD-EYW route. Prices for this specific route fluctuate based on demand.
- Pack Light: Flying with just a personal item or a soft-sided carry-on can help you avoid gate-checking bags.
- Check Midway (MDW): While we focus on ORD, Southwest or Delta offers competitive one-stop deals out of Midway that can undercut O'Hare's direct flight prices.
Must-See Attractions in Key West
- Duval Street
- Mallory Square
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Southernmost Point Buoy
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Key West Lighthouse
- Harry S. Truman Little White House
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Smathers Beach
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to Key West?
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How far in advance should I book to get the best deal?
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Is it cheaper to fly into Miami and drive to Key West?
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What is the fastest flight time from ORD to EYW?
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What's the best time to visit Key West?
