Spirit Airlines has announced a major expansion of its services at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by introducing twice-daily flights to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This move is part of Spirit’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity to popular leisure destinations from regional airports. Myrtle Beach, a favored vacation spot known for its beaches and golf courses, is expected to attract many travelers from western Pennsylvania.
The expansion strengthens the relationship between Spirit and the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, where Spirit has been the only commercial carrier since 2011. Spirit’s presence has grown steadily, starting with service to popular destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, and more recently, expanding to additional cities such as Las Vegas and Tampa.
The decision to launch twice-daily flights to Myrtle Beach reflects both the increasing demand for travel to coastal cities and the growing confidence in regional airports as gateways to key vacation spots. Travelers in the Latrobe area will now have greater access to affordable, non-stop flights, making it easier for them to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s wide range of attractions, from its pristine beaches to its famous golf courses.
For Myrtle Beach, this expansion enhances its appeal as a convenient destination for visitors from western Pennsylvania. Myrtle Beach already draws tourists from across the United States due to its family-friendly attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a perfect fit for Spirit’s low-cost service model. With twice-daily flights, more people will have the opportunity to explore the city at a time and pace that suits them.
The expansion is also a testament to Spirit Airlines’ growth strategy, which focuses on connecting smaller, underserved airports to high-demand vacation destinations. This not only provides residents in smaller communities like Latrobe with greater travel options but also supports regional economies by encouraging tourism and business travel.
Spirit’s ultra-low-cost model has been attractive to price-conscious travelers, offering competitive fares with the option for add-ons like checked baggage and seat selection. As demand for leisure travel continues to rebound, the airline’s new Myrtle Beach route could become a popular choice for both families and solo travelers looking for affordable beach vacations.
Additionally, the expansion is seen as a positive development for Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, which has been working to position itself as a hub for low-cost travel. The airport has benefited from increased passenger traffic, thanks to Spirit’s presence, and the new Myrtle Beach flights will likely contribute to further growth. The airport’s proximity to major cities like Pittsburgh also makes it an appealing alternative for travelers seeking lower fares and convenience compared to larger airports.
Overall, Spirit Airlines’ introduction of twice-daily flights to Myrtle Beach from Latrobe’s Arnold Palmer Regional Airport underscores the growing importance of regional airports in the low-cost travel sector and highlights the ongoing recovery of the leisure travel industry.