Saving on Airfare: The Most Affordable Ways to Fly to Myrtle Beach

Traveling to Myrtle Beach is always an exciting prospect. Known for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder this beach destination attracts millions of tourists every year. However, like most popular destinations, the cost of traveling to Myrtle Beach can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to booking flights.

Over the years, I’ve learned the art of finding the best deals on flights, and I’m here to share my personal tips for saving big on airfare to Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a well-thought-out vacation, knowing how to find the best deals on flights is key. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most affordable ways to book flights to Myrtle Beach, including which budget airlines are offering the best prices, how to find great deals, and the tricks I use to score the lowest fares.

1. Why Myrtle Beach? The Appeal of This Coastal Gem

Before diving into the strategies for saving on flights, let’s take a quick look at why Myrtle Beach should be on your radar in the first place. Nestled on the east coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation, entertainment, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk, enjoying delicious seafood, or soaking up the sun, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.

Its proximity to major cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and New York also makes it relatively easy to access from almost anywhere in the U.S., making it a popular destination for both short weekend getaways and longer vacations.

2. Budget Airlines: The Best Low-Cost Options to Myrtle Beach

When it comes to scoring affordable flights, budget airlines are often the best option. As someone who has flown to Myrtle Beach multiple times, I’ve discovered that some budget airlines offer excellent prices without sacrificing comfort. Here’s a look at three of the most affordable options:

1. Spirit Airlines: The King of Low-Cost Fares

Flight Details:
Spirit Airlines is one of the most well-known budget carriers in the U.S. If you’re traveling on a budget, this airline is a fantastic option. Spirit flies directly to Myrtle Beach from major hubs such as Detroit, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale, and they frequently offer deep discounts on airfare.

When I first booked a flight with Spirit, I was impressed by how straightforward their booking process is. The base price for my ticket was incredibly low, though I did have to pay extra for carry-on luggage and seat selection. But even with the add-ons, I still saved a significant amount compared to other airlines.

Ticket Prices:
You can find round-trip fares starting as low as $40–$60 during off-peak seasons (be mindful of extra fees for baggage and seat selection). During peak travel times, prices tend to go up, but with Spirit’s sales, you can often catch great deals for as low as $100–$150.

What Travelers Say:
Spirit has a reputation for being no-frills, so while the flights are affordable, don’t expect complimentary snacks or roomy seats. However, many travelers, including myself, appreciate the low cost and the convenience. A frequent flyer on Spirit mentioned, “If you don’t mind paying for extras and want a no-nonsense, inexpensive flight, Spirit is great. I’ve never had an issue with delays or cancellations, and the service is friendly.”

Booking Tips:
To save money on Spirit, book your flights as early as possible and look for their “$9 Fare Club” deals. By joining this program, you can unlock exclusive discounts and access to better deals. Spirit also offers great promotions and flash sales, which are posted on their official website.

You can book Spirit Airlines flights directly through their website here: Spirit Airlines

2. Southwest Airlines: Free Bags and Great Deals

Flight Details:
Southwest Airlines, though not a true budget airline, often offers some of the best deals to Myrtle Beach, especially when you consider their free checked bags (one of the major perks). Southwest flies directly into Myrtle Beach from cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, and Dallas, and is known for its relatively low-cost fares combined with excellent customer service.

One of the best things about flying Southwest is the no change fee policy, which I personally love. I’ve had to change my travel dates last minute before, and Southwest’s flexible approach saved me from hefty penalties. Plus, you get two free checked bags, which is a huge bonus if you’re planning to bring along more than just a carry-on.

Ticket Prices:
While Southwest isn’t as low-cost as Spirit, you can still find great deals if you book early. Prices for round-trip tickets to Myrtle Beach can start at $70–$120 if you book a few months in advance. During promotions, it’s possible to score fares as low as $60 for a round-trip.

What Travelers Say:
Southwest generally gets rave reviews for its friendly service and straightforward approach to ticketing. One traveler noted, “I always fly Southwest for my Myrtle Beach trips because of the no-change fee, free bags, and the fact that the flights are consistently on time.”

Booking Tips:
Look for sales on Southwest’s official website or use their app to set alerts for price drops. Southwest offers “Wanna Get Away” fares that are deeply discounted but sell out quickly, so be sure to check frequently. Additionally, consider signing up for their Rapid Rewards program to earn points toward future flights.

You can book Southwest Airlines flights directly here: Southwest Airlines

3. Allegiant Air: A Hidden Gem for Affordable Myrtle Beach Flights

Flight Details:
Allegiant Air is another budget airline that offers cheap flights to Myrtle Beach, with direct routes from cities like Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. One of the things I appreciate about Allegiant is that they often operate flights to smaller, less congested airports, which means fewer delays and quicker boarding times. Allegiant’s business model relies on offering low base fares with extra charges for baggage and seat selection, much like Spirit.

I’ve flown with Allegiant a couple of times and had an overall positive experience. The flights were affordable, and the staff was friendly. Allegiant tends to fly on a limited schedule, so it’s important to plan your dates around their available flight options.

Ticket Prices:
Allegiant’s fares are some of the lowest you’ll find to Myrtle Beach, often starting at $30–$50 for one-way flights. Round-trip tickets can be found for $60–$120, especially during sales.

What Travelers Say:
Travelers often mention Allegiant’s low base fares and straightforward booking process. However, there are mixed reviews about additional charges. “I love how affordable Allegiant is, but make sure to factor in all the additional fees. Even though they offer ultra-low prices, those extra charges can add up,” one traveler noted.

Booking Tips:
Allegiant often offers special promotions on their website, so it’s worth checking out their “Deals” section regularly. Booking tickets well in advance is key to locking in the lowest prices. Allegiant also offers discounts for bundling flights with hotels or car rentals, which is great if you’re planning to book your entire trip through them.

You can book Allegiant Air flights directly here: Allegiant Air

3. How to Book the Cheapest Flights to Myrtle Beach

Now that we’ve covered the top budget airlines flying to Myrtle Beach, let’s talk about how to book your flight and save even more.

1. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are great for comparing prices across multiple airlines. I always use these platforms to see if I’m getting the best deal. For example, Google Flights allows you to see how prices change over the course of a few days or weeks, so you can plan your travel around the cheapest time to fly.

2. Set Price Alerts

Setting up price alerts on flight comparison websites or directly through the airline’s website is one of my favorite tricks. This way, you’ll receive notifications when prices drop, allowing you to snag a great deal before they go back up. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars using this simple strategy.

3. Flexible Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when it comes to saving on flights. If you can adjust your travel dates by a few days, you may be able to save a significant amount on airfare. I’ve found that flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday tends to yield the best deals, as these days are less popular for travel.

Booking Platforms to Consider:

• Google Flights (link to Google Flights): Excellent for finding and tracking the best prices across different airlines.
• Skyscanner (link to Skyscanner): A great tool for comparing fares and finding hidden gems on lesser-known budget airlines.
• Kayak (link to Kayak): Known for its easy-to-use interface and ability to aggregate deals from a wide range of airlines and booking sites.
• Expedia (link to Expedia): Great for bundling flights with hotel bookings, often offering discounts on both.

Flying to Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to break the bank. With budget-friendly airlines like Spirit, Southwest, and Allegiant, it’s easier than ever to score a great deal on airfare, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates and make use of the various booking strategies I’ve shared. By booking early, using comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner, and staying alert for discounts, you can easily find affordable flights without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Whether you’re flying solo, with family, or on a spontaneous adventure, getting to Myrtle Beach without breaking your budget is possible—and with a little effort, you can make the most of your travel experience. Happy flying, and I hope your Myrtle Beach getaway is as enjoyable and affordable as possible!