Myrtle Beach Airport: Does It Exist?

Myrtle Beach does indeed have an airport. Located in Horry County, South Carolina, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is around three miles from the city's central business district. With over 50 non-stop destinations, low average fares, and a great customer experience, it's a popular gateway for getaways. The airport has a range of shopping and dining options, as well as both short and long-term parking.

Myrtle Beach International Airport's location and contact information

Myrtle Beach International Airport: Location and Contact Information

Myrtle Beach International Airport is a county-owned public-use airport located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The airport is accessible via Harrelson Boulevard, and its website is flymyrtlebeach.com.

The airport covers 3,795 acres (1,536 ha) of land and sits at an elevation of 25 feet (7.6 m). It features a single runway, 18/36, which is 9,503 ft (2,897 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide. The airport also has a helipad at the base of runway 36, primarily used by charter tour companies.

The Terminal Building is named after Dr. Wilford Leroy Harrelson, Myrtle Beach's first mayor. The terminal offers a variety of dining, shopping, and activity options for travellers. Accessible restrooms are available on levels 1 and 2 of the terminal building, and inside the car rental building.

For general inquiries, the airport can be contacted through the details provided on its website. For specific requests, such as assistance with access, boarding, or dietary needs, individuals should contact their respective airlines directly.

The airport's history and former names

Myrtle Beach International Airport has a long and complex history, with several former names and a varied past. The airport's history dates back to before the town of Myrtle Beach even existed.

The area's first "airport" was a grass landing strip that opened in August 1928, built by one of John T. Woodside's companies, Myrtle Beach Estates, to attract wealthy investors. In 1938, the town of Myrtle Beach was incorporated, and in 1939, the Myrtle Beach Town Council agreed to purchase 135 acres of land for a municipal airport, which they named the Harrelson Municipal Airport, in honour of the town's first mayor, W.L. Harrelson.

The airport was expanded during World War II, with the Myrtle Beach Army Air Field operating from 1940-1947. The airport was used as a training base for civilian pilots and was renamed the Myrtle Beach General Bombing and Gunnery Range in 1942. In 1943, it was renamed again, this time to the Myrtle Beach Army Air Field. After the war, in 1947, the airport was returned to the City of Myrtle Beach, and civilian aviation resumed.

In 1954, the City of Myrtle Beach offered to donate the municipal airport to the Air Force, and it officially became the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in 1956. The base was used for various military operations and deployments during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.

In 1974, the Horry County Jetport, which had been operating since 1958, was renamed the Myrtle Beach Jetport. This was located on the northeast part of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, and both shared the main runway. This limited civilian operations to 30 landings per day and led to calls for a new airport.

In 1993, the Air Force Base was closed, and the runway was turned over to the Horry County Department of Airports. In 1995, the Myrtle Beach Jetport was officially renamed Myrtle Beach International Airport. The airport has since undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and remains an important transport hub for the region.

Airlines that serve the airport

Myrtle Beach does have an airport, and it's a good one! In 2023, Myrtle Beach International Airport was nominated for 'Best Small Airport' in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. It is located just 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina.

• Allegiant
• American
• Delta
• Spirit
• Sun Country Airlines
• Frontier
• Piedmont Airlines (later acquired by USAir)
• Delta and Eastern commuter aircraft
• American Eagle
• Hooters Air
• AirTran Airways
• Direct Air
• WestJet
• Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The airport has more than 50 nonstop destinations across North America and works with 8 to 10 airline partners.

Terminal facilities and amenities

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The airport has a single terminal building that houses two concourses, making navigation relatively straightforward. The terminal is easy to navigate and offers exceptional amenities, contributing to its recognition as the 'Best Small Airport' in the U.S. by USA Today.

Upon entering the terminal, travellers will find check-in counters and a baggage claim area on the ground level. Elevators and escalators provide access to the upper level, where the security checkpoint and departure gates are located. The security area is conveniently located next to the ticketing counters, and expedited screening is available for TSA Pre-Check passengers.

The terminal features clear signage to direct travellers to their gates and various amenities. Information desks are strategically placed within the terminal for additional assistance. There are ample seating areas, restrooms, and dining options available. MYR also offers a quiet room in the baggage claim area, designed for passengers with special needs.

High-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the airport at no charge. The terminal has two ATMs, one in the baggage claim area and another upstairs near the Subway restaurant. MYR also provides a Mamava lactation suite, located between concourse A and B, which can be accessed by downloading the Mamava mobile app.

For travellers needing ground transportation, taxis, car services, rideshares, and shuttles can be found just outside the terminal in the pickup lane. A comprehensive car rental centre is also available within the airport. Additionally, MYR offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy lots, and valet parking.

The terminal building is named after Dr. Wilford Leroy Harrelson, Myrtle Beach's first mayor. It covers 395,000 sq. ft. and is part of the airport's 3,795 acres. With its range of facilities and amenities, MYR provides a safe and pleasant travel experience for all its passengers.

Transport options to and from the airport

Transport Options to and from Myrtle Beach International Airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is located just 3 miles from the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina. The airport offers a range of transport options for travellers to and from the airport.

Public Transport

Public bus routes run around the Grand Strand, including a stop at MYR. The bus operates daily from 7 am until 8 pm, and passengers can be picked up from the bus stop on Jetport Road.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside Door 6 at Baggage Claim and work on a first-come, first-served basis. For pre-arranged taxi rides, travellers can be met in the short-term parking lot.

Rideshare

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft can be used to get to and from the airport. Rideshare drivers are not permitted to park and wait for passengers at the Terminal Building, but will pick up travellers from a designated commercial lane across from Door 5.

Limousine

Limousines and car services can be arranged for pick-up and drop-off. Travellers can contact their preferred limo provider to schedule the service, and the limo can be met in the short-term parking lot for pre-arranged bookings.

Hotel Shuttle

Some hotels offer a shuttle service to and from the airport as part of a guest's stay. It is recommended to contact your hotel directly to see if they offer this service.

Rental Car

MYR's Car Rental Facility is open until midnight each day, with eight national brands offering their services.

Frequently asked questions