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December 14, 2021

MYR Airport Continues Demand During Winter Season, Now Offers Therapy Dogs

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Sets New Records With Passenger Traffic This Holiday Season

According to officials at MYR, total passenger traffic during November 2021, which includes both arriving and departing passengers, totaled 203,777 compared to 85,420 in November 2020, an increase of 139%. The number of people arriving on flights, or deplanements, totaled 99,654 compared to 41,360 in 2020.

“This November, the Myrtle Beach International Airport saw the highest level of passenger traffic ever recorded in November. These passenger counts speak to the fact that MYR is increasingly becoming a year-round destination,” said Scott Van Moppes, MYR Director of Airports. “We’re off to a great start for the winter season and we’re pleased to see travelers enjoying all that MYR has to offer this holiday season.” 

The November data means that MYR has consecutively broken all previous records for passenger traffic June through November of this year.

Along with visitors flying into MYR for a beach experience, residents of the Grand Strand are taking advantage of the availability of flights to various destinations.

Daily flights to more than 25 destinations are currently available on American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country and United. Flights are available to airports throughout the eastern half of the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Washington.

MYR Preparing for busy holiday travel period

Things aren't slowing down at MYR either. From Dec. 19 through Jan. 3, 2021, there are 59,059 scheduled departing seats – an increase of 73% for the same period in 2020. Airport officials note that scheduled seats are not definitive passenger counts, as the actual load factor of each departing aircraft will vary. 

Travelers are encouraged to utilize the following tips for a stress-free travel experience:

  • Arrive at least two (2) hours prior to your scheduled departure time
  • Allow extra drive time to the airport for holiday traffic and parking
  • Check the status of your flight prior to arriving at the airport
  • Confirm entry requirements for your final destination with your airline; some destinations may require COVID testing or proof of vaccination
  • Wear a mask – masks are required once inside the airport and should remain on for the duration of your travel journey
  • Utilize @AskTSA for questions relating to the security screening process

CREDIT: MYR

MYR Launches 'Therapy Dog' Program to ease traveler stress

In December, MYR launched P.E.T.S., which stands for Pups Easing Travel Stress. The program, which comes just in time for the busy holiday travel period, provides travelers with opportunities to interact with certified, pet-therapy dogs.

These P.E.T.S. Ambassadors and their volunteer handlers are affiliated with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy dog registry with more than 15,000 members in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. This network of caring individuals with their special dogs help to share smiles and joy with people in a range of settings such as nursing homes, hospitals and increasingly, airports.

“Travel can be stressful, which is why we’re excited to offer passengers a new way to destress while waiting for their flights,” said MYR's Van Moppes. “We’re continually looking for ways to improve the customer experience at MYR and we are confident that this new program will make the travel experience even more enjoyable.”

Schedules will vary and passengers can expect to initially see volunteers in the terminal once per week. Travelers are encouraged to share their selfies with the dogs on social media and tag #PETSMYR and #flymyrtlebeach.

march 9: Seasonal, nonstop service to toronto resumes

After a two-year hiatus, Porter Airlines will once again offer seasonal, nonstop service to Toronto, Canada beginning March 9, 2022.

The twice-weekly flights between MYR and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays through May 28, 2022.

More information can be found at flymyrtlebeach.com.