Myrtle Beach, December 24, 2025
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) has shown exceptional operational efficiency during the busy holiday season, ensuring minimal delays and high traveler satisfaction. As major airports nationwide grapple with issues, MYR stands out for its smooth travel experience, strategic planning, and community support. The airport offers some of the lowest fares in South Carolina and connects to 50 nonstop destinations, highlighting its role as a vital economic engine for the region. Continuous investments in expansion and modernization further enhance its appeal as a premier travel hub.
Myrtle Beach
Local Efficiency Shines: Myrtle Beach Airport’s Holiday Success
As major travel hubs nationwide face persistent challenges, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) continues to stand out, offering travelers a refreshingly smooth journey this holiday season. This local success story reflects a commitment to operational excellence and a collaborative spirit that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
The ease with which travelers navigate MYR during peak holiday periods underscores the effectiveness of local management and a forward-thinking approach to public infrastructure. While many larger airports contend with significant delays and traveler frustrations, MYR’s consistent performance highlights the tangible benefits of focused civic innovation and proactive planning. This dedication ensures that personal initiative, whether from airport staff or prepared passengers, contributes to a collective efficiency, fostering a more pleasant travel experience for everyone connecting to our vibrant Grand Strand community.
A Beacon of Efficiency Amidst National Challenges
Amidst a landscape where major travel hubs across the country often grapple with extensive delays and congestion, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) has distinguished itself through remarkably smooth operations during the bustling holiday season. Travelers at MYR are experiencing calm and smooth conditions, encountering minimal delays even when nationwide travel networks face significant hurdles. This consistent performance is a testament to the dedicated management and strategic planning that prioritize a seamless flow for passengers. The satisfaction among those flying through MYR is notably high, with many expressing that their experience was “extremely pleased” and better than anticipated. This local achievement showcases how effective oversight and a commitment to operational excellence can mitigate the typical stresses of holiday travel, positioning MYR as a model of airport efficiency.
Strategic Advantages and Unwavering Commitment
Myrtle Beach International Airport is not only efficient but also offers significant advantages that enhance the travel experience and bolster the local economy. Travelers benefit from some of the lowest average fares in South Carolina, making air travel more accessible for a wider range of individuals. Furthermore, MYR connects the region to a broad network of destinations, boasting 50 nonstop destinations. This extensive connectivity is facilitated by a diverse array of airlines, including Allegiant, American, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Porter, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United Airlines, providing ample choice and flexibility for passengers. These strategic offerings underscore the airport’s role as a vital gateway, enabling both residents and visitors to enjoy a seamless journey to and from the Grand Strand. This robust infrastructure and dedication to service contribute significantly to the appeal and growth of the Myrtle Beach area.
The Traveler’s Role: Personal Responsibility for Smooth Journeys
While airport management and staff play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, the active participation of individual travelers is equally vital for a seamless journey, particularly through security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to allow extra drive time to the airport, accounting for potential holiday traffic and parking considerations. Checking the status of a flight prior to arrival is another simple yet effective step that individuals can take to prepare.
For those seeking to further expedite their security experience, TSA PreCheck is available at MYR’s main security checkpoint. This popular expedited screening program enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smarter and more efficient process, often waiting less than 5 minutes at security. Participants in TSA PreCheck are not required to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear, or belts, simplifying the screening process considerably. The cost for a five-year membership is $78, with online renewals priced at $70. The security checkpoint at MYR operates daily from 4:00 AM until check-in for the last departing flight has closed. These initiatives highlight how personal preparedness and individual choice directly contribute to the overall efficiency and pleasantness of the travel experience for everyone.
Investing in the Future: Growth and Modernization
Myrtle Beach International Airport’s commitment to enhancing the traveler experience is evident in its continuous growth and significant modernization projects. In 2024, MYR celebrated a historic milestone, achieving its highest passenger numbers ever recorded, with 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers—a nearly 14% increase compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth underscores the Grand Strand’s increasing appeal as a premier travel destination and a desirable place to live.
To meet this escalating demand and further elevate service, a substantial $90 million Terminal-A expansion project commenced in June 2024, with completion anticipated in late 2025. This expansion will add six new gates, increasing the total gate capacity from 12 to 18, and will introduce 50,000 square feet of new terminal space. The project includes comprehensive upgrades such as new flooring, improved signage, renovated restrooms, and expanded food, beverage, and retail options, all designed to enhance passenger flow and comfort. In addition, a new long-term economy parking lot, designed to add over 1,200 parking spaces, began construction south of the terminal and is expected to open in spring 2025, further easing peak-period congestion. These investments demonstrate a proactive approach to infrastructure development, ensuring MYR remains a modern, efficient, and welcoming gateway for the growing community.
Economic Engine and Community Asset
Beyond its direct services to travelers, Myrtle Beach International Airport functions as a powerful economic engine for the entire region. The Horry County airport system, which includes MYR, generates an annual economic impact exceeding $3 billion, directly supporting over 26,000 jobs. Notably, the Horry County Department of Airports operates this vital system without relying on local tax dollars, showcasing a fiscally responsible and self-sustaining model of public service. This economic contribution extends throughout the community, fostering job creation and generating substantial annual tax revenue.
The airport’s commitment to excellence has also garnered national recognition. In 2024, MYR was proudly named the #1 Best Small Airport in the U.S. in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a prestigious acknowledgment of its exceptional service and facilities. Furthermore, MYR was one of the first airports worldwide to achieve GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, setting a high benchmark for cleanliness, health, and safety standards. These accolades not only enhance the airport’s reputation but also underscore its value as a premier asset for the Grand Strand, connecting residents and visitors while driving local prosperity and civic pride.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach International Airport’s stellar performance during the busy holiday season, characterized by minimal delays and high traveler satisfaction, stands as a testament to effective local leadership, strategic planning, and the personal initiative of both airport staff and passengers. As MYR continues its significant expansion and modernization efforts, it solidifies its role not just as a travel hub, but as a crucial economic driver and a symbol of civic excellence for the Myrtle Beach community. We encourage everyone to support our local infrastructure, continue engaging with community development efforts, and embrace the spirit of proactive personal responsibility that makes such successes possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) a good choice for holiday travel?
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) offers travelers calm and smooth conditions during busy periods, with minimal delays even when major hubs nationwide experience issues. It also boasts the lowest average fares in South Carolina and 50 nonstop destinations.
How can travelers ensure a smooth security experience at MYR?
Travelers can ensure a smooth security experience by arriving at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. It is also recommended to allow extra drive time for holiday traffic and parking, and to check flight status before arriving.
What is TSA PreCheck and is it available at MYR?
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program available at Myrtle Beach International Airport’s main security checkpoint. It allows identified low-risk air travelers to avoid removing shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear, or belts, often resulting in security wait times of less than 5 minutes.
What is the economic impact of Myrtle Beach International Airport on the region?
The Horry County airport system, which includes MYR, has an annual economic impact exceeding $3 billion and supports over 26,000 jobs. The Horry County Department of Airports operates without the use of local tax dollars.
What are the recent developments at Myrtle Beach International Airport?
Myrtle Beach International Airport recorded its highest passenger numbers in 2024 with 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers, a nearly 14% increase from the previous year. A $90 million Terminal-A expansion project began in June 2024, expected to open in late 2025, adding six new gates and 50,000 square feet of terminal space. A new long-term economy parking lot adding over 1,200 spaces is also slated to open in spring 2025. MYR was also named the #1 Best Small Airport in the U.S. in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Does MYR offer any programs to help ease travel stress?
Yes, MYR offers P.E.T.S (Pups Easing Travel Stress) therapy dogs to help ease travel stress.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Travel Operations | Calm and smooth conditions with minimal delays. | Local |
| Passenger Satisfaction | Travelers are “extremely pleased” with their experience. | Local |
| TSA Security Wait Times | Generally short; TSA PreCheck passengers often wait less than 5 minutes. | Local |
| TSA PreCheck Availability | Available at the main security checkpoint, costs $78 for a 5-year membership. | Local |
| Lowest Average Fares | Offers the lowest average fares in South Carolina. | State-level |
| Nonstop Destinations | 50 nonstop destinations. | Local |
| Annual Economic Impact | Exceeds $3 billion annually for the Horry County airport system. | Local |
| Jobs Supported | Over 26,000 jobs supported by the Horry County airport system. | Local |
| Funding Model | Horry County Department of Airports operates without local tax dollars. | Local |
| 2024 Passenger Numbers | 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers, a nearly 14% increase from the previous year (highest in airport history). | Local |
| Terminal-A Expansion | $90 million project started June 2024, opening late 2025. Adds 6 new gates (total 18) and 50,000 sq ft. | Local |
| Parking Expansion | New long-term economy lot adding over 1,200 spaces, opening spring 2025. | Local |
| National Recognition | #1 Best Small Airport in the U.S. in 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. | Nationwide |
| Cleanliness Standards | Achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation (one of the first airports worldwide). | Nationwide |
| Traveler Assistance | Offers P.E.T.S (Pups Easing Travel Stress) therapy dogs. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
