18 Feb Avelo Airlines expands service to two airports serving the Hammock Coast ® Avelo Airlines has significantly expanded its services to two airports serving South Carolina’s Hammock Coast ®. Beginning on May 5, the airline will connect flights from Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Charleston International Airport (CHS). With the Hammock Coast located between both airports, the Avelo announcement brings new opportunities for travelers to Georgetown County. Avelo Airlines has announced service to airports serving South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® — Myrtle Beach International and Charleston International. The service will be from Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut. (Avelo photos courtesy of Avelo Airlines/Bruce Snyder) The new routes will operate on Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft. Low introductory one-way fares on the new routes starting at $49 are available at AveloAir.com. The one-way $49 introductory fare includes government taxes and fees. The fare must be booked by March 2, 2022. This introductory fare is available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. Avelo will be the only airline offering nonstop service between Southern Connecticut and Myrtle Beach and Charleston. “The significant service expansion … builds on the excitement for Avelo we are seeing across Connecticut,” said Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy. “… Avelo is Connecticut’s most convenient, reliable and affordable choice for your next vacation, weekend getaway, or reconnecting with family and friends.” The expansion brings Avelo’s East Coast network from HVN to 10 exclusive nonstop destinations. Until the announcement, Avelo had been only servicing six Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Beginning May 5, Avelo flights are initially scheduled to operate six days per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “The addition of Avelo to the many carriers serving both the Myrtle Beach and Charleston airports adds another option for travelers to South Carolina’s Hammock Coast,” said Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. “We know that means more opportunities for visitors to discover the beauty of our region, conveniently located between the two major airports. “With the Hammock Coast offering miles of pristine Atlantic Coast beaches and vast areas of unspoiled marshes, rivers and forests, our region has long been a destination for discerning travelers looking for a more relaxed, nature-oriented vacation. In addition to our award-winning beaches in Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, southern Garden City and DeBordieu near Georgetown, the Hammock Coast is also home to more than a dozen celebrated golf courses, eclectic dining and rich American history.” Airport officials were quick with effusive praise following Avelo’s announcement. “The addition of Avelo at MYR is exciting news,” said Myrtle Beach International Airport Director of Airports Scott Van Moppes. “MYR prides itself on low average fares, convenient travel options and friendly service, which is why Avelo, with a strong focus on service and affordability, is a perfect fit for our community. We welcome Avelo with confidence that this new partnership will be a great success.” And Charleston Airport Director and CEO Elliott Summey said the Avelo announcement “is yet another exciting milestone in our rapidly growing low-cost, nonstop service for Lowcountry travelers.” Avelo Airlines is the latest airline to announce service to Myrtle Beach International Airport, just minutes away from Georgetown County and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast. (Photo by Mark Stevens/Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce) Avelo officials noted that it offers several perks for travelers. For example, there is no charge for customers who choose to make reservations by phone. Additionally, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin. Customers may choose from several seating options, including seats with extra leg room, as well as pre-reserved window and aisle seating. The Avelo announcement came the same week that Spirit Airlines announced it will launch nine nonstop routes this spring to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). The Spirit announcement introduces five new destinations, in addition to resuming service from four other cities. The seasonal Spirit service begins with nonstop routes to Manchester, New Hampshire, and a resumption of operations to Niagara Falls, New York, in April. Next up, routes to Indianapolis, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and St. Louis, Missouri, will launch ahead of Memorial Day weekend in May. In June, Spirit will connect the Hammock Coast to its newest market, Rochester, New York. “Lots of people are looking to head out to great leisure destinations like the South Carolina beaches this summer, and we’re excited to launch some new routes and resume others to help our guests get their fun in the sun,” said John Kirby, vice president of network planning at Spirit Airlines. With these new routes, in addition to the existing schedule, Spirit will be the leading carrier to MYR. Spirit will have nearly 30 daily departures during the peak season from MYR. This includes markets with multiple flight options such as twice daily service to Baltimore (BWI), Detroit (DTW), Hartford (BDL), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR) and more. MYR is considered one of the best airports in the United States and is the closest major airport to the Hammock Coast. With a growing number of passengers each year, the number of visitors flying to the Hammock Coast is also increasing. More than 3.2 million passengers came through MYR in 2021 — a record! Direct flights are available from larger cities, such as Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and more. Nine airlines serve the airport, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, along with nine rental car brands. CHS is located in North Charleston, about 19 miles from the City of Charleston and about 75 miles from the Hammock Coast. The largest and busiest airport in South Carolina, Charleston International Airport sees more than five million passengers annually. Eight airlines serve the airport, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, JetBlue, American Eagle, United, United Express, and Southwest, along with eight rental car brands. The Hammock Coast is also served by the publicly owned Georgetown County Airport (GGE), which can accommodate smaller planes and jets. The airport is located at 129 Airport Road, south of the city of Georgetown, just outside the city limits on U.S. Highway 17. Nearly 150 flights are logged at the airport each day. Georgetown County’s casual charm and Southern hospitality earned it the nickname Hammock Coast. Adventure and relaxation blend together in perfect harmony, like the flowing and ebbing of waves on the county’s famed beaches. With six communities – Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, Georgetown and Andrews – comprising the pristine coastal area between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, visitors can experience South Carolina’s Hammock Coast like never before. — By Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast ® 0 Hammock-All
