While the right side wins at takeoff for the Dallas skyline view, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Heading southeast from DFW, the left side tracks over the Gulf Coast corridor, offering views of Houston's sprawl, Galveston Bay, and then the extraordinary color transition as you cross the Gulf of Mexico shallows into the Florida Keys approach. The landing view from the left over Key West's turquoise water is one of the most visually striking approaches in the continental US.
Flown DFW to EYW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dallas-Fort Worth to Key West is 1,089 miles (1,752 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Houston metropolitan area and Galveston Bay visible roughly 45 minutes after departure. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Mexico, with the shallow turquoise waters of the West Florida Shelf becoming visible on the left side as you approach Florida. The Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades coastline appear on the left before the aircraft tracks down the Florida Keys chain, with the distinctive narrow island-and-bridge pattern of US-1 visible below on final approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DFW
RIGHTDFW's primary departure runways (17C/17R heading south, or 18L/18R) send the aircraft southward. The right side gives you a clear view of downtown Dallas skyline to the northwest as you climb out, plus the sprawling DFW metroplex grid. Left side faces west toward Fort Worth with less dramatic urban scenery.
Landing at EYW
LEFTKey West International sits at the southwestern tip of the Florida Keys. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 09 or from the east, meaning the left side faces south over the Atlantic and gives you the stunning turquoise shallows of the Florida Straits and the reef line. The right side looks north over Florida Bay, which is shallower and murkier.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Key West International (EYW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Key West. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Dallas skyline view, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Heading southeast from DFW, the left side tracks over the Gulf Coast corridor, offering views of Houston's sprawl, Galveston Bay, and then the extraordinary color transition as you cross the Gulf of Mexico shallows into the Florida Keys approach. The landing view from the left over Key West's turquoise water is one of the most visually striking approaches in the continental US.
What can I see during takeoff from Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
During takeoff from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DFW's primary departure runways (17C/17R heading south, or 18L/18R) send the aircraft southward. The right side gives you a clear view of downtown Dallas skyline to the northwest as you climb out, plus the sprawling DFW metroplex grid. Left side faces west toward Fort Worth with less dramatic urban scenery. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, Irving/Las Colinas urban corridor.
What can I see when landing at Key West International in Key West?
When landing at Key West International (EYW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Key West International sits at the southwestern tip of the Florida Keys. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 09 or from the east, meaning the left side faces south over the Atlantic and gives you the stunning turquoise shallows of the Florida Straits and the reef line. The right side looks north over Florida Bay, which is shallower and murkier. Notable sights include: Florida Straits turquoise shallows, Key West historic district and harbor, Atlantic reef line color gradient, Straits of Florida open water.
How long is the flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Key West?
The flight from Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) to Key West International (EYW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,089 miles (1,752 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dallas-Fort Worth to Key West flight path pass over?
Houston metropolitan area and Galveston Bay visible roughly 45 minutes after departure. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Mexico, with the shallow turquoise waters of the West Florida Shelf becoming visible on the left side as you approach Florida. The Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades coastline appear on the left before the aircraft tracks down the Florida Keys chain, with the distinctive narrow island-and-bridge pattern of US-1 visible below on final approach.