Myrtle Beach Intl Airport (MYR) Flights & Information

A former air base, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) now serves as the gateway to the popular North Carolina beach stretch. The airport – known for offering cheaper flights – has just one terminal and a total of 12 gates.

With just 2 levels and 2 concourses, this is one of those great little easy airports on the East Coast – with pleasingly short lines at security, I found. Traveling through MYR feels casual and breezy, taking the stress right out of any trip. Here’s everything you need to know about Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Airlines that service MYR

MYR has great self-service check-in desks for all the airlines that fly out of here, which travel to over 50 destinations in North America. They include: Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country and United.

From MYR you can reach all the major hubs on the East Coast with ease. Popular routes include Delta flights to Atlanta, United flights to Newark and American Airlines flights to Charlotte, all of which take under 2 hours in the air. Keep in mind that the airport’s hours are 4 am until 10 pm.

Parking at MYR

Parking at MYR couldn’t be easier, with all the parking located on Jetport Road. I recently parked here to pick someone up from the airport and used the short-term lot right across from the terminal building. Just 2 minutes’ walk and you’re at arrivals.

They also offer a long-term parking option, which is a slightly longer walk to the terminal but still under 5 minutes, and an Economy Lot with a free and speedy golf cart shuttle to the terminal. These are all paid-for parking and it’s important to note you can’t prepay for this service online – the airport only accepts in-person payments as you exit.

The airport is also committed to handicapped parking spaces and offers 1 free day of parking in both short and long-term lots for anyone with a valid handicap sign on their car.

Rental cars at MYR

You’ll find rental car services right across from the terminal building (simply follow the signs for ‘rental cars’), with a counter that stays open until late at night (though hours may vary, so it’s always worth checking specific times in advance if you’ll be arriving late). They have a few different companies to choose from, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

For something more upscale, MYR has recently added a new special feature: plane-side rental vehicle delivery. A partnership between Beach Aviation and Go Rentals, means you can step off the plane and have your car right there waiting for you. Book this service separately via Go Rentals.

Ambassadors and dogs on duty

One unique offering you’ll find at MYR is the airport’s ‘Ambassadors’ scheme, volunteers who are employed to work in and around the airport. They act as goodwill reps providing information and assistance to travelers. They’re also handy travel guides for the area, known as the Grand Strand region, and can point you in the right direction if you’re after some insider knowledge.

But my favorite reason to use MYR has to be their P.E.T.S (Pups Easing Travel Stress) squad. In particular their new addition, a therapy dog ambassador named Bell, who can often be found roaming the terminal ready for tummy rubs and tickles.

Things to do during a layover at MYR

Because Myrtle Beach International Airport is so small and easy to navigate, it’s actually a great place for a layover or a delay, as the beach is so close by.

If you find yourself with time on your hands, grab a rideshare right outside the terminal and within 5 minutes you can be at one of the area’s many public beaches. I love pairing a trip to the beach with a visit to the Crow’s Nest Ocean Bar & Grill, located on S. Ocean Boulevard, for cocktails with a view.

You’ll also find several options if you plan to stay at the airport. Besides the usual branches of Starbucks, Cinnabon and Subway, there’s also Salt & Tide (on the upper level between Gates A6 and A7), where you can get a snack and a glass of wine.

It’s a casual grab and go type of place, but – as I was told by the bartender – it’s often a great place to make new friends. If you’ve got a longer wait, the colorful Nacho Hippo Cantina Maxima (also on the upper level) is where you’ll find delicious Tex-Mex and frozen cocktails.

Security

Although MYR isn’t a major hub, they offer both TSA Precheck and Global Entry. TSA Precheck offers an expedited security screening (for a fee), which allows you to keep your footwear on and your laptop in your bag when you go through screening. But you need to ensure you enroll in this program before you travel.

For those arriving from international destinations, there are Global Entry kiosks which use facial recognition technology – but again, you need to have this application done before you travel, as it requires authorization and payment.

I like to travel with both TSA Precheck and Global Entry to simplify my life at security and speed up the process.

Ground transportation at MYR

When you arrive at MYR, walk straight out through the terminal and you’ll be on the curb – the airport is so compact it takes just 5 minutes to get from the gate to the curb. You can then walk to the car rental services or grab a rideshare (in front of door 5), car service or taxi.

Since Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas are such resort towns, many of the hotels here have their own shuttles that can take you where you need to go – but it’s worth double-checking this with your hotel beforehand.

There’s also a public bus with routes around the Grand Strand, which is the 60-mile arc of beach here. It operates from 7 am until 8 pm every day (excluding some major holidays).

The Coast RTA’s Route 15S picks up at the airport bus stop on Jetport Road, and you can buy a ticket on-board. Stops on this route include: Andrews, Bucksport, Conway, Garden City, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach. Check the Coast RTA website to see route times, or you’ll also find updated schedules at the MYR bus stop.

Services and amenities

Although MYR is tiny, you’ll find everything you might need here. There’s a pet relief area (complete with free waste disposal bags) as you come out of the terminal after baggage claim – great for if you’re on vacation with your pup, as I often am. There’s also one inside, next to the lactation suite on the upper level.

There’s a quiet room located right next to the baggage service offices in the terminal – I use this for a spot of meditation, but it’s also great for prayers or a little yoga. The airport doesn’t have a lounge, but they’ve added Adirondack chairs in bright oranges, blues and greens all over the terminal, for somewhere a little comfier to sit.

If you need to do some last-minute shopping to pick up snacks, beverages or a book, there’s a Hudson News that offers all that and more. Note that the airport doesn’t have locker facilities. So, if you’re taking my advice and heading to the beach during your layover, you’ll have to schlep your luggage along. But the sunshine and ocean air might just make it worth your while.