✈️ Flight Guide: Charleston (CHS) → Key West (EYW)

Charleston (near Charleston International Airport (CHS)) hosts seasonal attractions like the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, the Charleston Christmas Parade, and holiday markets in the Historic District—events that increase December passenger volumes. Key West (near Key West International Airport (EYW)) features the Key West Lighted Boat Parade in mid-December, the HolidayFest and tree-lighting events, plus New Year's parties and seasonal sunset cruises. These events can drive up lodging and flight demand—book flights, hotels, and tours early for December. CTA: Check event dates and secure CHS→EYW travel and accommodation for December festival weekends.

For December travel from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to Key West International Airport (EYW), the best time to fly for reliability is early morning departures (before 9:00 AM) to reduce the risk of weather and ripple delays. For the lowest fares in early-to-mid December (outside the Christmas/New Year peak), book 6–12 weeks in advance. For travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays, secure flights 2–4 months ahead. If you are flexible, choose midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) which often provide better pricing and fewer crowds. CTA: Check flexible-date calendars and book early for December holiday travel to the Florida Keys.

Nonstop flights between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Key West International Airport (EYW) are generally rare; most December itineraries require one connection. Direct (nonstop) flights are fastest when available but may be limited and more expensive. Connecting flights via Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), or Atlanta (ATL) provide more schedule options and potentially lower fares, but they can increase total travel time and the risk of missed connections during holiday travel. When booking a connecting itinerary for December, aim for minimum 60–90 minute layovers within the same terminal or with interline protections, avoid very short connections, and consider travel insurance for holiday trips. CTA: Compare direct and one-stop CHS→EYW itineraries to find the balance of speed and value that fits your December travel plans.

American Airlines: Frequent one-stop connections via Miami (MIA) or Charlotte (CLT) with broad network access to the Keys; good for earning AAdvantage miles and solid schedule options in December. Delta Air Lines: Connects via Atlanta (ATL) with reliable operations and Medallion benefits; may offer competitive fares for December routing. JetBlue: Strong South Florida presence with connections through Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA); good seat comfort and free Wi-Fi on many flights. Southwest: Offers value fares to Florida hubs and generous baggage policies; consider Southwest if you prioritize free checked bags. When choosing an airline in December, compare total travel time, baggage fees, change policies, and mileage benefits. CTA: Compare real-time December fares across carriers to choose the best value and schedule for your CHS→EYW trip.

Pack light layers for December: daytime in Key West is warm (shorts and swimwear), while Charleston evenings may be cooler—bring a light jacket. For airport logistics, arrive early at Charleston International Airport (CHS) during holiday weeks, use TSA PreCheck if available, and pre-book rental cars in Key West to avoid long waits at EYW. If you prefer savings over direct routing, consider flying into Miami (MIA) and connecting to Key West on a regional carrier or short hop. Keep travel documents, medication, and chargers in your carry-on, and monitor weather forecasts—December storms are uncommon but can affect connections. CTA: Prepare for December travel by booking transfers and checking airline advisories for CHS→EYW flights.

The great-circle distance between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Key West International Airport (EYW) is roughly 580–620 miles, leading to an approximate nonstop flight time of 1.5–2 hours—though nonstop service is rare. Most December itineraries are one-stop and total trip time including layovers is commonly 3.5–7+ hours. Typical connection hubs for one-stop schedules are Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), and Atlanta (ATL). For December travel, airlines tend to schedule more flights into Florida hubs in the morning and early evening; early-morning departures from CHS reduce the chance of cascading delays. Check individual carrier schedules 6–8 weeks before travel and opt for shorter layovers (60–90 minutes) in the same terminal when possible to keep total travel time efficient. CTA: View current December schedules to pick the fastest and most reliable CHS→EYW connections.

Finding cheap December flights from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to Key West International Airport (EYW) requires flexibility and proactive searching. Primary strategies include: (1) Book early for holiday peak dates—2–4 months ahead—to avoid steep price increases; (2) Compare one-stop routings via Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), and Atlanta (ATL) as hub flights often offer better fares than direct or specialty routes; (3) Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to identify midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) that can be $50–$200 cheaper; (4) Consider flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and taking a short connector flight or drive to the Keys if total travel time and cost remain favorable. Typical December roundtrip fares can range widely—off-peak dates $300–$500, peak holiday travel $500–$900—so set alerts and buy when you see a good price. CTA: Set fare alerts now and compare CHS→EYW December fares to lock in the best deal.