Summer just became a lot closer for Northeast beachgoers, as Allegiant Air has announced new seasonal nonstop flights between Atlantic City International Airport and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, giving travelers a fast, low-cost route to one of the East Coast’s most popular shore destinations starting May 21, 2026.
A New Nonstop Link Between Two Classic Beach Towns
The new Allegiant service will connect Atlantic City International Airport with Myrtle Beach International Airport, introducing a direct option between two of the region’s most recognizable coastal getaways. Previously, travelers often had to connect through larger hubs or make the journey by car, adding time and complexity to what is meant to be an easy escape to the shore.
Allegiant is positioning the route as a summer-focused leisure connection, aimed at vacationers looking for a straightforward way to swap one boardwalk for another. Myrtle Beach’s 60 miles of shoreline, sprawling resort corridor and renowned golf scene have long attracted families and groups from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, a demand segment the airline is now targeting more directly from Atlantic City.
The carrier, which specializes in linking small and mid-size cities to high-demand vacation markets, expects the route to draw both New Jersey residents and visitors already staying in Atlantic City who are considering a two-stop coastal vacation. For Myrtle Beach, the added service further strengthens its status as a major drive-to and fly-to destination for summer travelers up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Start Date, Frequency and Promotional Fares
Allegiant’s Atlantic City to Myrtle Beach flights are scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, in time for the busy Memorial Day travel period and the unofficial launch of the summer season. The airline plans to operate the route three times a week, with departures on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, a schedule pattern that aligns with typical leisure travel habits and long weekend getaways.
To mark the launch, Allegiant has rolled out introductory one-way base fares starting at 49 dollars for a limited time. The promotional pricing applies to select flights booked by the airline’s early booking deadline and for travel into the fall season, although specific seats and dates are limited. As with Allegiant’s other promotions, taxes, carrier charges, government fees and optional services such as baggage and seat selection are additional.
The timing and cadence of the flights are tailored to vacationers rather than business travelers, allowing customers to depart near the end of the workweek, spend several days on the Grand Strand, and return home before the Monday morning routine. For Atlantic City International Airport, the added frequency also means more consistent summer traffic and a broader range of options for travelers planning both short breaks and extended stays.
Atlantic City’s Growing Role in Leisure Air Travel
The Atlantic City to Myrtle Beach route builds on Allegiant’s broader investment in Atlantic City International Airport, which the airline began serving with a slate of Florida routes. Atlantic City already enjoys nonstop Allegiant connections to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford and Punta Gorda in Florida, helping transform the airport from a niche facility into a growing base for budget-conscious leisure flyers.
Airport officials have welcomed the announcement as another step in Atlantic City’s evolution into a more versatile air gateway. Local transportation leaders note that the new route not only connects residents to a different kind of beach vacation, but also opens the door for Carolinas-based travelers to experience Atlantic City’s casinos, entertainment venues and classic boardwalk atmosphere.
For Allegiant, the Atlantic City expansion fits its long-standing strategy of linking secondary airports with high-demand leisure markets. By avoiding congestion-prone major hubs and focusing on nonstop point-to-point routes, the airline aims to reduce total travel time and keep base fares lower than traditional network carriers. The new Myrtle Beach service reinforces that playbook while strengthening Allegiant’s portfolio of East Coast sun destinations.
Myrtle Beach Demand Surges as Airport Network Expands
Myrtle Beach International Airport has been in growth mode, welcoming a stream of new flights and destinations as airlines respond to sustained demand for coastal getaways and golf vacations. Allegiant has already announced new seasonal routes to Myrtle Beach from several midwestern and northeastern cities, including Dayton in Ohio and Elmira in New York, slated to begin in May 2026.
With the latest Atlantic City connection, Myrtle Beach gains yet another nonstop option from a key Northeast source market. Tourism and airport officials emphasize that such additions support the local economy by bringing in more visitors during both peak summer months and shoulder seasons, when golf travelers and bargain-seekers help fill hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Allegiant’s focus on Myrtle Beach reflects broader trends in U.S. leisure travel. Many travelers continue to prioritize domestic beach destinations that are accessible on relatively short flights, particularly when paired with low base fares and flexible travel windows. As airlines shift capacity toward routes that consistently fill seats with vacationers, Myrtle Beach remains well positioned as a repeat favorite for families, couples and groups.
What Travelers Can Expect Onboard and On the Ground
Allegiant operates a single-class cabin configuration, with all-economy seating and a menu of optional add-ons. Travelers flying between Atlantic City and Myrtle Beach can expect unbundled fares that keep the initial ticket cost low while allowing customers to pay separately for services such as checked and carry-on bags, advanced seat selection and priority boarding.
The airline’s business model is designed for travelers who are willing to trade some onboard frills for lower fares and direct flights. The route’s relatively short flying time, typically around an hour and a half depending on conditions, further supports that approach. For many passengers, the appeal lies in avoiding connections and getting to the beach with minimal hassle.
On arrival, both airports are positioned to serve leisure travelers. Myrtle Beach International Airport sits close to the city’s hotel corridors and resort districts, with quick access to Ocean Boulevard, the Boardwalk, and major golf courses that stretch along the Grand Strand. Atlantic City International offers convenient links to the city’s casino resorts, iconic boardwalk, and surrounding coastal communities, making the new route an efficient bridge between two distinct but complementary vacation experiences.
Economic Boost for Both Ends of the Route
Tourism and transportation officials in New Jersey and South Carolina expect the nonstop service to deliver tangible economic benefits. In Atlantic City, the additional route helps diversify the airport’s traffic profile and can encourage more visitors from the Carolinas to discover the city beyond its well-known gaming reputation, including its growing dining scene, seasonal festivals and family-friendly attractions.
In Myrtle Beach, the influx of travelers from southern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region is likely to support hotels, vacation rentals, golf courses and entertainment venues that rely heavily on out-of-state guests. Historically, a large share of Myrtle Beach visitors have driven long distances for weeklong stays; the new flight gives that same audience a faster alternative that could encourage shorter, more frequent trips.
Local business leaders along the Grand Strand have highlighted air service expansion as a key factor in sustaining year-round employment and investment. Additional nonstop flights are often linked to higher visitor spending, from dining and shopping to attractions and tours, while also enhancing the destination’s visibility in competitive vacation markets.
How the Route Fits Allegiant’s Broader Network Strategy
The Atlantic City to Myrtle Beach route underscores how Allegiant continues to refine its network around leisure-focused, point-to-point flying. The airline has recently announced multiple waves of new routes across the country, often adding service to secondary airports and emerging vacation destinations instead of major hubs.
By layering the new Atlantic City service on top of its existing Myrtle Beach and Florida offerings, Allegiant is creating a web of coastal connections that appeal to travelers seeking simple, direct options to the beach. Seasonal scheduling allows the airline to concentrate capacity during periods of strongest demand, while the low-frequency, high-leisure model helps manage costs and utilization.
Industry observers note that such routes also provide valuable competitive pressure in markets that may have previously seen limited low-cost options. Even with relatively few flights per week, a new entrant can influence pricing and encourage other carriers to reassess their own route structures and seasonal capacity decisions.
Planning Your Summer Escape From Atlantic City
For travelers considering a Myrtle Beach getaway from Atlantic City, the new Allegiant connection opens the door to flexible trip planning. The three-day-per-week schedule caters to weekend escapes, extended holidays and multi-stop trips that might include time in Atlantic City before or after a stay on the South Carolina coast.
Given the promotional fares and limited seat availability, early booking will be important for those seeking the lowest prices and optimal travel dates. Travelers should also factor in Allegiant’s fee structure when comparing costs, including luggage, seat selection and any on-board purchases, in order to get a clear picture of the total trip budget.
With the route set to launch just ahead of the peak summer rush, the new nonstop link is poised to become a high-profile addition to the East Coast leisure travel map. For many flyers in the Mid-Atlantic, the dream of trading Atlantic City’s lively boardwalk for Myrtle Beach’s sweeping shoreline may soon be as simple as choosing a flight and packing a beach bag.