Myrtle Beach Airport: Serving South Carolina's Coastal Gem

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and exciting nightlife. The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest airport to the beach. It offers nonstop flights to major destinations across the country and has the lowest average fares in South Carolina. The airport is conveniently located close to the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach, including the beach, restaurants, and attractions.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

MYR is conveniently located close to the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach, including the beach, restaurants, and attractions. It is particularly popular among golfers, as the area boasts numerous golf courses. The airport also offers a variety of options for dining, shopping, and activities for travellers. MYR serves as a gateway to the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of pristine beaches and various attractions.

The airport is well-connected, offering nonstop flights to major destinations across the country. It serves as a hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. MYR also provides ground transportation options, such as taxis, hotel shuttles, ridesharing services, public transportation, and rental cars, making it easy for passengers to get to their final destinations.

In addition to its focus on meeting current travel needs, Myrtle Beach International Airport is committed to planning for future aviation requirements. The airport is owned by Horry County and operated by the Department of Airports, with a dedication to providing a clean, safe, and passenger-friendly facility.

Airlines that serve Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a small airport with the lowest average fares in South Carolina. It serves around 50 nonstop destinations across the United States, including Akron-Canton, OH; Charleston, WV; Hartford, CT; Providence, RI; Tampa, FL; and Westchester County, NY. MYR has nine airline partners, including:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

MYR has undergone notable expansions and improvements in recent years, including a $5 million interior renovation in 2015, which added new amenities, circulation space, and improved restroom and concession areas. The airport also offers a variety of options for dining, shopping, and activities, as well as easy access to ground transportation.

In addition to Myrtle Beach International Airport, other nearby airports include Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Florence Regional Airport, and Wilmington International Airport. These airports serve a variety of airlines and are convenient options for travellers visiting different areas in the region.

History of the airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a small airport with the lowest average fares in South Carolina. It offers more than 50 nonstop destinations across the country and eight to ten airline partners to choose from. The airport is conveniently located close to the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach, including the beach, restaurants, and attractions. The airport is also a popular destination for golfers, as the Myrtle Beach area is home to numerous golf courses.

The history of the airport dates back to 1927 when it was a small airfield. In August 1928, a grass landing strip was opened near the current intersection of Seaboard Street and Mr. Joe White Avenue. The town of Myrtle Beach was incorporated on March 12, 1938, and in October 1939, the town council agreed that the town needed a "modern municipal airport". Two weeks after this decision, the soon-to-be-built airport was named "Harrelson Municipal Airport", in recognition of Mayor W.L. Harrelson's support of the project.

In December 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Myrtle Beach Town Council agreed to give its new airport to the U.S. War Department to serve as an aerial gunnery and bombing range. The airport was officially sold to the federal government for $3,500 and other considerations, including additional runway improvements. In March 1942, the United States Army Air Corps opened formal operations at what became the Myrtle Beach Bombing and Gunnery Training Range. The airport was used to house German prisoners of war, and the airfield was a stage for B-25 bombers deploying to Europe.

After World War II, the airport was returned to the City of Myrtle Beach in 1947, and in 1948, the federal government transferred property from a former army base through the Surplus Property Act. However, the city of Myrtle Beach decided not to use this property for an airport, and funds from the property had to be used for an airport project elsewhere. From 1958 to 1976, these funds went to the Horry County Jetport in Crescent Beach, which later moved to the northeast part of the base after an agreement for joint civilian and military use. In 1954, the "Myrtle Beach Air Force Base" officially opened, and it served as an active base until 1993.

On April 1, 1996, Myrtle Beach Airport became an international airport with a new international terminal and logo. In the early 1990s, American Eagle became a major carrier at MYR, but it abruptly ended its hub at Raleigh-Durham in December 1994, cancelling all service to MYR. American returned to Myrtle Beach in 2010 with a seasonal service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Transport options from the airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is located in South Carolina and is known for offering the lowest average airfares in the state. It is served by a variety of airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, and offers nonstop flights to over 50 destinations across the country. The airport is conveniently located near the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach, including the beach, restaurants, and attractions.

Rental Cars

MYR's Car Rental Facility is open until midnight each day, with eight national brands offering their services. Some of the rental car agencies available at the airport include TURO and LAZ Parking. However, due to contractual and parking capacity challenges, TURO rental vehicles are no longer available at the airport as of 2021.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside Door 6 at Baggage Claim and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Taxis can also be arranged for pick-up in the short-term parking lot.

Rideshare

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to operate at the airport. However, their contractors cannot park and wait for passengers at the Terminal Building.

Public Transportation

A public bus with routes around the Grand Strand, including a stop at MYR, operates daily from 7 a.m.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels in the area offer shuttle services to and from the airport for their guests.

Limousines

For those seeking a more luxurious arrival or departure, limousine services are also available at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Other nearby airports

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest airport to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is located just minutes away from world-class golf courses and other attractions. However, if you are looking for alternatives, there are several other nearby airports to choose from.

Florence Regional Airport (FLO): This airport is a good option for those travelling to the Florence area or further west. It is served by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offering nonstop flights to major destinations in the Southeast. Florence Regional Airport is located about 90 minutes away from Myrtle Beach by car. It provides short-term parking options, car rental services, and ground transportation.

Wilmington International Airport (ILM): Wilmington International Airport offers direct flights to and from Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia. It is a similar size to Florence Regional Airport and is located in North Charleston. The airport serves a variety of airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport: This is the largest airport on the list and serves travellers visiting the Raleigh-Durham area or those travelling further north. It offers a range of options, including parking, car rental, and ground transportation. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a hub for several major airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, providing nonstop flights across the country.

Charleston Area Airport: While not mentioned by name, this airport is described as being well-suited for travellers visiting the Charleston area or those planning to travel further south. It offers parking, car rental, and ground transportation options.

These airports provide alternative options for travellers looking to visit Myrtle Beach or the surrounding areas. Each airport has its own unique features, destinations, and amenities, catering to different traveller needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions