Akron-Canton Airport adds nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach, Norfolk

The Akron-Canton Airport celebrated two new nonstop flight additions to Myrtle Beach and Norfolk, giving area residents more opportunities to travel and vacation this summer on a budget.

The two new direct flights are to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, via Allegiant Airlines and to Norfolk, Virginia, via Breeze Airways. Fares start as low as $50.

The airlines celebrated with "gate parties" on Thursday to get passengers excited about the new additions to the Akron-Canton Airport.

Christian McCauley, marketing communications manager for Akron-Canton Airport, was eager to welcome passengers with free refreshments, chips and sandwiches at their gate as they waited for boarding to begin.

"Allegiant is the only carrier who now provides travel to Myrtle Beach as of today and Breeze is the only carrier that provides the new destination to Norfolk," McCauley explained. "So this is really exciting and good for the airport to have new travel destinations."

A total of 137 passengers waited in line to board the plane to Myrtle Beach, some dressed in tropical attire with little ones scrambling around with travel bags bigger than themselves.

For Debra Lumbreras and Tommie Jo Adkins, they couldn't wait to take off on their girls-only trip.

"I haven't flown since 2019, so I'm excited and I heard this was their first week taking off to Myrtle Beach here," Adkins said.

Lisa Dalpiaz, vice president of air service and business development, said she is excited for the future of these two permanent flights, especially for Breeze, which will be the largest carrier at the Akron-Canton airport by October.

"We're already looking pretty full for the season, and it'll only go up from here," Dalpiaz said.

She was adamant to do another one of the gate parties, as she says it's a way to connect with the passengers.

"You get to talk to everyone and see why they're going, and having balloons and stuff at the gate gets them happy and excited," she said.

Standing on the airport runway, Dalpiaz and McCauley watched as the Allegiant flight to Myrtle Beach took off for the first time — the first of many flights.

Here's how to save money on flights from CAK to Myrtle Beach or Norfolk

Want to lower the cost of your plane ticket?

Dalpiaz has the inside scoop.

On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1p.m., stop by the airport and buy your plane ticket in person. There, they will waive the technology fee usually added onto flight tickets.

Save yourself about $30 or so and head to Myrtle Beach or Norfolk for some summer fun.