The Buzzing Hub: Myrtle Beach Airport's Busy Schedule

Myrtle Beach International Airport is a small but busy airport that covers 3,795 acres of land and is located at an elevation of 25 feet. The airport has a single runway and a helipad, and in the year ending April 30, 2023, it handled 149,968 aircraft operations, averaging 411 per day. The airport has a diverse range of aircraft operations, including air taxi, airline, general aviation, and military. In terms of passenger traffic, the airport has seen fluctuations over the years, with a slump in 2012 due to the failure of Direct Air, but it rebounded in 2013. Wait times at the airport can vary, especially during peak travel periods, but it is recognised for its efficient security screening process, with TSA PreCheck available for faster security checks.

TSA PreCheck

While there is limited information on how busy Myrtle Beach Airport is, the airport does offer a TSA PreCheck program to help travellers get through security faster.

Travellers can prepare for airport security by arriving early, having their bags and carry-ons properly prepared, and following general TSA guidelines. The TSA recommends that passengers arrive two hours before their scheduled domestic flight departure and three hours before an international flight. It is also recommended that travellers wear slip-on shoes, which are easy to remove and put back on.

The Myrtle Beach Airport website provides security wait times, which travellers can use to estimate how long they may need to get through security. While wait times can vary, several travellers have reported that they have never needed more than 15 minutes to get through TSA at Myrtle Beach Airport. Some travellers have even reported arriving at the airport 30 minutes before boarding and still having time to get through security and enjoy food and drinks before departure.

Airport history

The history of Myrtle Beach International Airport can be traced back to 1948 when, under the Surplus Property Act, the federal government transferred property from a former army base. The city of Myrtle Beach initially decided not to use the property for an airport, but funds from the sale had to be used for an airport development. From 1958 to 1976, the money was used to develop Horry County Jetport in Crescent Beach, which moved to the northeast part of the base after an agreement for joint civilian and military use of the base.

In 1977, the City of Myrtle Beach annexed the area of Myrtle Beach Airport. However, until 1993, both MYR and Myrtle Beach AFB jointly used the main runway, limiting civil operations to 30 landings per day. This restriction led to a local business movement advocating for the construction of a new airport. In the 1980s, the airport was served by Piedmont Airlines (later acquired by USAir), as well as Delta and Eastern commuter aircraft.

American Eagle became a significant carrier at MYR in the early 1990s, with multiple daily flights to Raleigh–Durham International Airport. However, this route was abruptly ended in December 1994, causing a disruption to the airport's operations. On April 1, 1996, Myrtle Beach Airport gained international status, with the opening of a new international terminal and the unveiling of a new logo reflecting the beach's influence.

In the following years, the airport experienced fluctuations in passenger traffic. It served as Hooters Air's main hub from 2003 to 2006, and AirTran Airways discontinued its service to Atlanta in 2006, impacting the airport as they were a major carrier. Direct Air connected Myrtle Beach to various airports from 2007 to 2012, but their abrupt bankruptcy led to a 16% slump in passenger traffic in 2012, from which the airport rebounded the following year.

Passenger numbers

Myrtle Beach International Airport is a relatively small airport, but it still serves a significant number of passengers each year. The airport covers 3,795 acres of land and has a single runway. In the year ending April 30, 2023, the airport handled 149,968 aircraft operations, averaging 411 per day. These included air taxi (55%), airline (22%), general aviation (18%), and military (5%) operations.

The airport has seen fluctuations in passenger numbers over the years, influenced by various factors such as carrier operations and route changes. For instance, in the early 1990s, American Eagle became a prominent carrier at the airport, with flights to Raleigh–Durham International Airport accounting for 12% of the airport's passenger traffic. However, when American Eagle abruptly ceased operations at Raleigh–Durham in 1994, it resulted in a decline in passenger traffic at Myrtle Beach Airport.

Another notable fluctuation occurred in 2012 when Direct Air, which had connected several airports to Myrtle Beach since 2007, filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. This event caused a 16% slump in passenger traffic at the airport that year. However, passenger numbers rebounded in 2013.

The airport has also seen passenger volume increases during certain seasons. For example, WestJet began service to Toronto in the summer of 2013, and TSA at the airport currently handles around 4,000 travellers a day, expecting the number to increase to 14,000-16,000 per day during the summer months.

In terms of wait times, Myrtle Beach International Airport is recognised for its efficient security screening process. Wait times can vary, especially during peak travel periods, but the airport provides digital displays with real-time wait information at the security checkpoint. It is generally recommended that passengers arrive 2 to 3 hours before their flight departure to account for potential delays and parking.

Security wait times

Wait times can significantly fluctuate, especially during peak travel periods, and the times provided by the airport are estimates. However, digital displays at the security checkpoint provide real-time wait information. TSA PreCheck is available at the main security checkpoint, and registered passengers can benefit from a faster security check, typically waiting less than 5 minutes.

TSA security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers throughout the travel process. The security checkpoint is open daily from 4:00 a.m. until check-in for the last departing flight has closed. To ensure a smooth experience, travellers should prepare their bags and carry-ons appropriately and follow any tips provided by the airport. Most flights begin the boarding process 30 minutes before departure, so travellers should arrive at the security checkpoint significantly before that time.

Travellers can expedite the security check process by enrolling in TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.

Airport facilities

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a small, efficient airport with a range of facilities for travellers. The airport has been praised for its easy navigation and exceptional amenities, and was voted the 'Best Small Airport' in the USA by USA Today. The terminal is simple to get around, with straightforward parking, ticketing, security, gates, and baggage claim, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options.

The airport has high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the building, free of charge. There are also two ATMs, one in the Baggage Claim area and another upstairs near the Subway restaurant. A quiet room designed for passengers with special needs is also located in the Baggage Claim area. Mamava lactation suites are located between Concourse A and B, across from Subway, providing a private space for mothers to nurse.

Outside Door 6 on the lower level and upstairs in Concourse B, there are relief areas for pets, with owners expected to clean up after them. The airport also offers professional skycap services, helping passengers from the curb to the gate. A prepaid card service is available for cashless airlines, and there are options for ground transportation, including taxis, hotel shuttles, rideshares, public transportation, rental cars, car services, and limousines.

Security wait times at Myrtle Beach International Airport are typically short, with travellers reporting an average time of 10-15 people in line. The TSA recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. The security checkpoint opens daily at 4:00 a.m. and closes after the last departing flight has checked in. The airport has recently introduced new checkpoint scanners, which allow screeners to divide the 3D image of luggage and view its contents without opening bags. This means travellers do not need to remove items like laptops and food containers from their bags.

Frequently asked questions