Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Key West. The left side captures the best of both phases: the dramatic Biscayne Bay and Keys panorama on departure, and during the short cruise the left side tracks along the Atlantic-facing edge of the Keys with clearer views of the reef line and open ocean color contrasts. The right side has excellent Florida Bay views on landing, but the left side delivers more consistently across the full short flight.

During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. MIA typically departs southwest on runway 09/27 or southeast on runway 12/30. Departing southwest or south, the left side faces southeast over Biscayne Bay, the upper Florida Keys chain, and the shallow turquoise waters of the bay. You get a clear look at the causeway network and the distinct color gradient from deep blue to pale green as the water shallows. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the Rickenbacker Causeway, the northern tip of the Florida Keys chain.

When landing at Key West International (EYW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Key West International typically has aircraft approach from the northeast on runway 09/27, meaning the final approach tracks southwest over the Keys. The right side faces northwest over the Gulf of Mexico side, giving a clear view of the shallow Florida Bay flats, the string of Lower Keys, and the distinctive narrow highway of US-1 threading through the islands. Key West itself comes into view ahead-right as you descend. Notable sights include: Florida Bay shallow flats, Lower Keys island chain, US-1 Overseas Highway, Key West island and its salt ponds.

The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Key West International (EYW) takes Approximately 35-45 minutes.

The flight crosses directly over the Florida Keys archipelago at low cruise altitude, typically 8,000-12,000 feet. The Seven Mile Bridge area near Marathon is visible, along with the distinct color boundary between the Atlantic (deep blue) on the left and the pale green Florida Bay and Gulf shallows on the right. The coral reef tract running parallel to the Keys on the Atlantic side is often visible as a faint line of slightly different water color.