Airport adds Key West to growing list of destinations

CLEARWATER —In the past several months local airports have added dozens of new flights to new cities, but now St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport has announced what may be the most entertaining destination of all.

Beginning November 19 Allegiant Air will offer non-stop service to Key West. The airline will fly to the southernmost point in the U.S. twice a week.

To kick off the service, Allegiant is offering a $39 one-way ticket that must be purchased by August 19.

Drew Wells, Allegiant’s senior vice president of revenue and network planning, says in a statement that “with its year-round sunshine, incredible beaches and attractions, Key West is one of the most sought-after destinations in the U.S. right now.”

There’s no word on a dress code or drink service, but one would assume that there will be plenty of Jimmy Buffett impersonators asking for margaritas and ice cold beers on the flights.

Since the beginning of the year, airports from Tampa International Airport to Southwest International Airport in Fort Myers have added nearly 60 new nonstop destinations. These include flights to and from Germany, Canada, Oregon, California, Wisconsin and Arkansas.

Just this week Allegiant added nonstop service to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Tulsa, Oklahoma from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

At St. Pete-Clearwater International, there are now nonstop flights available to 64 destinations, the most in its history.