Spirit Airlines announced yesterday that it was opening a new non-stop route between Myrtle Beach and Atlanta beginning in May of 2010. While that may not seem big news at first glance, especially considering the fact that other airlines already offer service to "Hotlanta," the real news is the wholesale fare reduction that is sure to follow. As one of the country's premier low-cost carriers, Spirit promises to make connecting flights reasonable once again, and to open a new world of easy access to Myrtle Beach's golden sands, championship golf and countless attractions.

In my younger days, I was generally willing to put up with more connections and a seat in the baggage compartment in order to save a few dollars. Today, thankfully, that's no longer necessary, especially if Myrtle Beach is on my itinerary (which it usually is, since I live here!) The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) offers non-stop flights from a staggering 26 destinations all over the country (in addition to connections from almost anywhere.) The list of cities from which non-stop flights can be booked is impressive:

Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
New York City, NY (LaGuardia)
Niagara Falls, NY
Plattsburgh, NY
Boston, MA
Worcester, MA
Washington, DC (Dulles)
Washington, DC (Reagan National)
Newark, NJ
Atlantic City, NJ
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Allentown, PA
Huntington, WV
Columbus, OH
Toledo, OH
Detroit, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Chicago, IL (O'Hare)
Rockford, IL
Springfield, IL
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Orlando, FL
Punta Gorda, FL

In addition, the first regularly scheduled non-stop flights to Toronto will begin in 2010 as well.

Getting to Myrtle Beach has never been easier!