โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Key West International Airport operates a single terminal building serving this tropical island destination at the southernmost point of the continental United States. The terminal features check-in counters for American, Delta, and United with direct access to a TSA security checkpoint that typically processes passengers in 15-25 minutes during peak winter tourist season and 8-15 minutes during quieter summer months. Walking distance from check-in to the furthest gate is approximately 150 meters (3-5 minutes) in the compact island terminal.
Security screening follows standard TSA procedures with a single checkpoint serving all gates. International flights to destinations like Havana, Cuba require additional screening and documentation checks. Immigration and customs facilities are available for international arrivals, though most traffic consists of domestic flights from major U.S. hubs. The compact terminal design enables efficient passenger flow between all gates within the single secure area.
Terminal amenities include Shula's Bar & Grill offering Florida Keys cuisine, gift shops featuring Key West souvenirs and Hemingway memorabilia, car rental counters, and comfortable seating areas throughout. The Sunset Pier bar provides outdoor dining with aircraft viewing. Accessibility features include elevators, accessible parking, ramps throughout, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair assistance services. Family facilities include changing tables in restrooms, family restroom options, and stroller-friendly design throughout the tropical terminal, though no dedicated children's play areas exist in the compact facility serving this iconic island destination known for its sunset celebrations, fishing culture, and laid-back tropical atmosphere.
๐ Connection Tips
Key West International Airport (EYW) is a premier aviation gateway serving as the southernmost commercial entry point in the continental United States. For travelers, a critical connection tip is understanding its unique elevated terminal design; all check-in and security processes occur on the upper level, while the ground level handles baggage claim and ground transportation. The airport recently expanded with the modern Concourse A, which has significantly improved the departure experience with increased seating and natural lighting. Commercial service is robust, with carriers like American, Delta, United, and Silver Airways providing frequent non-stop links to major hubs such as Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), and Charlotte (CLT).
If you are connecting from an international flight, allow a minimum of 2 hours to comfortably navigate the compact customs facility. A standout feature of the terminal is its local character; passengers can enjoy Florida Keys cuisine at Shula's Bar & Grill or experience the Sunset Pier outdoor bar, which offers rare tarmac views. Ground transportation is exceptionally convenient, with central Key West and the famous Duval Street just a 10-minute drive away via taxi or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. For a more localized experience, many visitors utilize the bicycle rental kiosks found just outside the terminal.
Arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure is highly recommended during the peak winter 'Conch Republic' season when security queues can be lengthy. Always monitor your flight status via the airlineโs app, as the islandโs tropical location makes it susceptible to sudden summer squalls and hurricane-related adjustments. EYW remains a professional, laid-back, and highly atmospheric introduction to the Florida Keys.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Key West International Airport