United Drops Houston–Key West Service in 1Q26, Flights Canceled

(HOUSTON) United Airlines has dropped plans to launch non-stop service between Houston and Key West for the Northern winter 2025/26 season, removing the route from its schedule in early September 2025. The carrier had filed five weekly flights starting January 8, 2026, with a shift to daily service beginning February 12, 2026. As of September 10, 2025, those flights no longer appear in the schedule, and customers with bookings should expect automatic cancellations and standard refund or rebooking options.

The canceled route would have linked George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Key West International Airport (EYW) on Embraer E175 aircraft. United assigned flight numbers UA4046 (IAH 12:09 – EYW 16:01, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and UA6331 (EYW 16:50 – IAH 19:02, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays). This winter plan followed a pattern from prior years, when United operated seasonal Houston–Key West service to meet winter travel demand to the Florida Keys.

United Airlines has not issued a public statement explaining the removal, and neither Key West International Airport nor Houston’s airport operator has posted comments about the decision’s local impact. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, route decisions of this kind often reflect capacity needs, aircraft assignment challenges, and demand shifts in smaller leisure markets. Industry watchers also point to competitive pressure from low-cost carriers that can change pricing and demand forecasts for seasonal routes.

Route removal details

• Route removed: Houston (IAH) – Key West (EYW)
• Original start: January 8, 2026, five weekly flights
• Planned increase: Daily from February 12, 2026
• Aircraft: Embraer E175
• Filing change: Early September 2025
• Official status: Route removed for winter 2025/26

Immediate takeaway: travelers who booked the removed service should expect cancellations and will need to pursue refunds or rebooking through United.

What travelers should expect and do

For travelers, the immediate effect is the loss of a non-stop Texas–Florida Keys option at the peak of winter. Passengers who booked these flights should see cancellations and can contact United to secure a refund or shift to connecting itineraries. United’s customer support channels remain the primary path to resolve rebookings. Travelers can confirm options and manage trips via United Airlines.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund rules state that when an airline cancels a flight, customers are generally entitled to a prompt refund if they choose not to travel, even for nonrefundable tickets. For details, review DOT guidance at the official Aviation Consumer Protection refunds page. Keep records of your original itinerary, cancellation notice, and any rebooking offers to speed up the process.

Immediate action checklist

1. Check your reservation status in your United app or account. Canceled flights should show a clear notice.
2. If you want a refund, request it through your booking channel. Direct purchasers can submit the request through United Airlines.
3. If you prefer to travel, review connecting options and ask about rebooking via Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta on a single ticket.
4. Keep an eye on winter weather and build extra time into tight connections.
5. If you used miles, confirm that your miles and any fees return correctly after cancellation.

Market and competitor context

United’s removal comes as other carriers adjust Florida Keys access. For example:

• Breeze Airways added new non-stops to Key West from Orlando and Tampa, launched June 12, 2025, operating four times weekly with introductory fares starting at $39 one-way.
• American Airlines and Delta continue to route Texas travelers through hubs such as Miami and Atlanta for one-stop service to EYW.

Those Breeze flights make it easier for Florida-based travelers to reach the island but do not replace the lost non-stop link from Houston. For airport-level updates and airline contact lists, check Key West International Airport. For new flight options, see Breeze Airways.

Industry analysts note that such route removals typically reflect a mix of:

• Aircraft availability and assignment constraints
• Forecast demand and seasonal variability
• Competitive pricing pressure from low-cost carriers

VisaVerge.com reports that price expectations set by low-cost entrants can force legacy carriers to reassess planned flying before it starts.

Impact on travelers and the local economy

For Houston-based travelers, especially families planning winter getaways, the cancellation means:

• Longer total travel time and potential higher costs if connections are tight
• Fewer seat choices on peak weekends for late bookings
• Increased need to secure workable connections early, particularly for January and February

For Key West residents and businesses, the change affects winter visitor volumes that fill hotels, fishing charters, restaurants, and tour operators. While some traffic can reroute via Miami or Atlanta, the convenience of a non-stop often encourages travel decisions; losing that convenience may cause some visitors to postpone or select different destinations.

Travel advisors recommend:

• Securing connections early, especially when trips involve cruise departures from South Florida (build in substantial buffer time).
• Considering mobility needs and travel with small children—longer itineraries can be more taxing despite possibly using larger mainline aircraft on connecting segments.
• Evaluating travel insurance that covers missed connections caused by airline delays; read policy details carefully.

From an operations perspective, removing a seasonal leisure route is consistent with airlines sharpening schedules when demand is variable. Weather, limited spare aircraft, and crew considerations factor into winter planning.

What this means going forward

There is no sign that United will reinstate Houston–Key West for the rest of 2026, though seasonal routes are fluid and carriers may revisit plans if conditions change (for example, other airlines expanding service or stronger-than-expected demand).

In the meantime:

• Expect the Florida Keys market to rely on connections through major hubs and on point-to-point offerings from carriers focused on Florida.
• Confirm airline schedules before booking hotels or tours for winter trips; timetables can change months ahead as carriers balance aircraft, crews, and demand.
• Check again closer to departure, especially for seasonal airports like Key West that see large swings between summer and winter.

For official flight status, airport contacts, refunds, and new route information, see the following resources:

• Key West International Airport
• United Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• DOT consumer rules on cancellations and refunds: Aviation Consumer Protection refunds page

Key reminder: Always keep documentation of cancellations and rebooking offers to expedite refunds and claims.