Allegiant to add Myrtle Beach flights

Airline to offer route twice weekly in early summer

Allegiant said Tuesday it will launch twice-weekly seasonal flights between Albany International Airport and Myrtle Beach, S.C., beginning June 5. Introductory fares will be $49 each way, the ultra-low fare carrier said,

The seasonal flights will continue through Aug. 10, according to Allegiant’s online reservations site.

Elite Airways last year offered seasonal service from April 5 through Sept. 30, flying twice a week from Albany, on Thursdays and Sundays. It used 50-seat and 70-seat regional jets on the route, with the first checked bag, which

could be a golf bag, carried free. Fares were $199 each way.

Allegiant uses larger Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.

Myrtle Beach is a popular resort destination for residents in the Capital Region.

“Allegiant’s decision to provide new air service between Albany and Myrtle Beach will be welcomed by the thousands of area vacationers that annually make the lengthy 12-hour trip by car and is further evidence of Allegiant’s commitment to increase air service at Albany International Airport,” said the Rev. Kenneth Doyle, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority, in a prepared statement.

Allegiant in December began service to three Florida destinations: Tampa/st. Petersburg, Fort Myers/punta Gorda and Orlando/sanford.

Paul Buckowski/times Union The Allegiant ticket counter at Albany International Airport. In June the ultralow fare carrier will add flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C., from Albany.