Conch Concierge Key West Tips

Big Air Tran fare sale to Key West through Feb. 8 2011

Round-trip tickets to and from Key West are $268 (plus taxes and fees) from most major U.S. cities. Travel from some cities is even less: Atlanta is $238 round-trip while Orlando is $168.

Tickets must be purchased before February 8th and have to be used by March 16th. These prices also apply to round-trip travel from Key West!!!

http://www.airtran.com/sale/EYW.aspx?saleID

Air Tran and Delta Update

As of December 16, 2009 the flight schedule for Air Tran will be one flight daily on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Departure from Orlando to Key West are due to be 11:30AM, arriving Key West at 12:40PM and departing Key West at 1:30PM  and arriving back in Orlando at 2:40PM.  Air Tran will fly a Boeing 737-700, 124 seat jet.  The same plane will continue on to Atlanta, Ga and fares are said to begin in the $119 one way range.  Service begins on Thursday, December 17.  In addition, Delta Air Lines will begin serving Key West the same day with a Boeing 737-700 jet daily to Atlanta, non-stop.  This replaces the current 70 passenger regional jet serving the route, according to the local Keynoter newspaper (KeysNet.com). 

Peter Horton, the Monroe County Director of Airports, estimates traffic to the Key West Airport at 385,075 for the year through October 2009.  The years' total is forecast to be just under 500,000 and the estimate for 2010 is in the 600,000 passenger range.  Happy flying!

Tipping in Key West

A frequent question any concierge receives is one related to tipping.  How much and to whom?

Our foreign visitors are perhaps less accustomed to the American habit of tipping than  U.S. residents.

Tipping or offering a gratuity is a custom which varies from country to country.  But in general,

the average "tip" in Key West is in the 18-20% range for restaurant staff, bartenders, etc.

It might be helpful to note the minimum wage in Florida (7/24/09) is now in line with the Federal 

minimum of $7.25 for hourly untipped workers and $4.23 for hourly workers who also receive tips.

It gets a bit trickier in the U.S. because while on vacation, travelers will encounter a multitude of

individuals some deserving and some perhaps just hoping and some who relish the simple pleasure

of helping someone in need and who's joy is derived from a warm thank-you.

So here is a short list, dear traveler, and please post a comment if you discover I've missed someone or

have additional advice regarding tipping Key West.  I would be interested in learning about your experiences and comments.

Waiter/Waitress:  15-20%  of bill

Bartender: $1 minimum, 15-20% of tab

Taxi Driver:  10%

Pedi-cab Driver:  10-20%  

Porters:  $1-$2 per bag

At Weddings:

Officiant:  $20.00 at your discretion

Musician:   $20.00 or more depending on length of play.

Caterer:  Usually included in contract, average 18-20%

Traveling to Key West gets cheaper...Air Trans begins service 12/17/09

Our prayers have been answered!

Here is a link to the article announcing the new Air Tran service from Orlando to Key West

which appeared in the September 9, 2009 edition of the Key West Citizen:

Air Tran flys to Key West

This dramatically expands service to Key West by offering discount air seats with only one transfer in Orlando from dozens of cities all over the USA.  If you are planning a visit, please check the 

Air Tran website for fare and availability  or contact our local travel professionals in Key West:

Hanns Ebensten Travel, Inc., 923 White Street, Key West, FL 33040, USA 

Business and Advertising: 305-294-8174 Customer Service: 866-294-8174 

Email: hetravel@aol.com

Stephanie and Bob

Stephanie and Bob

Stephanie and Bob at Bahia Honda

For the Dogs Sail

Travis and Bryan

A hearty and lovable welcome to 2009!

The high points in 2008 for me were the over 200 couples I had the pleasure to meet and marry.

While there is much we might also want to forget about 2008, it does no good to dwell on the past...just learn from it and hope for a brighter 2009.  I believe 2009 will indeed be a great year.  

I look forward to my work everyday and the new friends I make.  In addition to the ceremonies, I'm also grateful for new business relationships and want to introduce readers to my

friends at the lovely and historic Old Town Manor and Rose Lane Villas .  These properties are

distinguished from other fine lodging establishments in Key West as they specialize is wedding groups

and have created packages which enable couples to book the entire property and use it for

the ceremony and reception.  This is perfect for weddings with 30-60 guests.  They are flexible 

regarding use of the beautifully lush tropical courtyard.  Small Chef at Large has catered many fabulous

events on premises, but couples can also keep it simple and provide food and beverage from a

local grocery if that suits their style.  Another great benefit is that when you book the package,

my planning services are included free of charge!  There are even wonderful rental properties managed

by folks at Old Town Manor  called Key West Home Style .  The neighboring William Skelton House

or the Heron Estate are perfect for parties between 8-10 persons.

So for 2009, keep smiling (the world will smile with you)  and thank the heavens that you've found a perfect spot to celebrate your wedding...the Conch Republic of Key West, Florida.

Blue Skies,

Michael

The Conch Concierge

Holiday wishes from the Keys.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!