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Summer Travel Season to Myrtle Beach Off to Flying Start as Early Airport Flights Nearly at Full Capacity

By Jeff Toquinto on June 21, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

If the start of year three is any indication of future success, then flights to and from Bridgeport and Myrtle Beach are in good shape.
 
According to North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock, the first few flights for the 2018 season have either been at or right near capacity. And he said that’s the case on flights departing or coming into the city.
 
“The load factors are basically right at 100 percent. It’s always good to see people you know using the flights and a friend of mine who flew in and lives in Myrtle Beach told me she was amazed to look around the airplane and that there wasn’t an open seat to be found,” said Rock. “That’s what you want to hear, especially when you’re just getting your season started.”
 
The flights began June 7 and will continue through Sept. 23. Flights leave and arrive every Thursday and Sunday during that time frame.
 
“We’re at 165 passengers and, in airport speak, it’s a full airplane so we’re pleased,” Rock said.
 
Rock said the fact the planes have been basically full in the first two weeks of flights means the community has faith in the flights provided by destination carrier Allegiant. He said the best part is that there is generally a mix of passengers on the plane.
 
“When you have numbers like that right out of the gate you know you have returning customers who are aware of the flight and you also know you have new customers as well,” said Rock. “Seeing these numbers allows us to build on momentum and a lot of the momentum is the result of word of mouth, which is the best type of advertising you can get.”
 
Rock said the passenger base isn’t just local or regional. He said the flights are showing individuals coming from every surrounding state.
 
“We’re getting folks from a 200-mile radius for these flights,” said Rock. “It’s the result of reliable service, great fares and a staff doing a tremendous job. We’re in year three so we think we have a mature flight service and operation and we’re hopeful this will be the best year yet.”
 
As is always the case, Rock said strong numbers will help in his quest to have the seasonal service expanded. He would like to see a few more weeks, or even months, added to the Myrtle Beach route. He said there’s always a slim chance it could be extended this year.
 
“We think if that’s going to happen, it would happen soon. Honestly, we expect it to stay at the times they have right now, but if they want to expand we’re ready,” said Rock. “The key is for the numbers to stay strong and when we meet with them annually we can once again show them and ask for an extended service and even new destination routes. When you have the numbers they may not give you what you want, but they will listen.”
 
Rock said fares for the flights average between $100 and $150 for a round trip. He said booking early usually results in a lower flight. And booking early will also do something else.
 
“You may want to book early for more than a chance to save a few dollars. With these flights at capacity, it’s wise to book early to assure yourself a seat,” said Rock. “This is certainly going as well as could have hoped it to go and we have the community to thank for it.”


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