So, you’re thinking about swapping the Ohio River for the Atlantic Ocean. Honestly, it's a smart move. But if you’re looking for flights from CVG to Myrtle Beach, you probably noticed something frustrating. One day the prices are basically the cost of a nice steak dinner, and the next, they're high enough to make you consider just driving the nine hours down I-77.
Most people assume that because Myrtle Beach is a "vacation spot," you can just hop on a plane whenever. That isn't exactly how it works at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
The Seasonal Reality of Direct Flights
Here is the big secret: nonstop flights from CVG to Myrtle Beach are a seasonal game.
If you are looking for a flight right now in the dead of January, you’re probably coming up empty-handed for direct options. Allegiant Air is the heavyweight champion on this route, but they treat it like a summer romance. They typically fire up the nonstop service in early April—this year, the schedule kicks off around April 2, 2026.
Before that? You’re looking at layovers.
📖 Related: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
I’ve seen people spend six hours in the Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL) airports for a trip that should take 90 minutes. When Allegiant is running, the flight time is a breezy 1 hour and 30 minutes. When they aren't, you’re at the mercy of American Airlines or Delta, which means at least one stop.
Pricing Nuances Nobody Mentions
Everyone says "book on a Tuesday." Kinda true, but mostly a myth now. According to recent 2026 data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation, you actually save about 16% on domestic flights by flying on a Thursday rather than a Sunday.
Booking on a Sunday can sometimes save you 10% to 13% compared to booking on a Friday, but that "Tuesday at midnight" rule is basically dead.
If you’re hunting for the absolute basement prices, keep these figures in mind:
👉 See also: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
- The Sweet Spot: $60 to $90 round-trip (Allegiant, if you’re lucky and travel light).
- The "Standard" Price: $150 to $220.
- The "I waited too long" Price: $350+.
Southwest also plays in this space, often connecting through Baltimore (BWI) or Nashville (BNA). They aren't always the cheapest, but once you add Allegiant’s fees for seat selection, a carry-on, and a bottle of water, Southwest’s "Bags Fly Free" starts looking pretty good. Honestly, I’ve done the math—if you’re bringing more than a backpack, Southwest is frequently the better deal.
Which Airline Actually Makes Sense?
Choosing between airlines at CVG is basically choosing your own adventure.
Allegiant Air is great if you are a minimalist. They use Airbus A320s and fly directly into MYR. If you want to get there fast and don't care about legroom, this is your winner. But remember: they don't fly every day. Usually, it's a twice-a-week schedule, like Sundays and Thursdays or Mondays and Fridays.
American Airlines is the "reliable" choice because they fly through Charlotte. CLT is a massive hub, so if your first flight is delayed, there are ten more chances to get to Myrtle Beach that same day.
✨ Don't miss: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
Southwest is the lifestyle choice. If you’re a golfer heading down for a week at the Dunes Club, those free golf bag checks are non-negotiable.
The Best Time to Go
January is the cheapest month for flights from CVG to Myrtle Beach, but let's be real—the Grand Strand isn't exactly "tropical" in the winter. You’ll get the beach to yourself, but you’ll be wearing a hoodie.
The real value is in the "shoulder seasons." Late May and September offer the best balance of warm water and airfares that won't make you cry. By October, flight frequency starts to drop off again as airlines move their planes to Florida routes for the winter.
Pro Tips for the CVG Departure
- Don't ignore CVG's ValuPark: If you're flying Allegiant, you’re already trying to save money. Don't blow it on the $20+ a day terminal garage. The shuttle from the ValuPark lot is fast.
- Check the MYR Rental Car Situation: Myrtle Beach International is a small, easy airport. You can walk from the terminal to the rental car lot in about three minutes. No shuttle needed.
- Wait for the Bundle: Allegiant frequently offers "Flight + Hotel" deals. Sometimes the hotel discount is so steep it basically makes the flight free. It sounds like a gimmick, but for Myrtle Beach, it often works out.
If you’re planning a trip for 2026, start watching prices about 3 months out. Any earlier and the "low-cost" carriers haven't released their best promotional seats yet. Any later and the "vacationers" have already gobbled up the cheap inventory.
How to Secure the Best Deal Right Now
- Check the Calendar: Look for departures on Tuesdays or Wednesdays if you aren't tied to a weekend.
- Toggle the "Direct" Filter: If it's before April, be prepared to see a lot of 4-hour travel times.
- Calculate the Fees: Before you hit "buy" on a $45 Allegiant ticket, add your bags. If it jumps to $140, check Southwest or American.
- Track with Google Flights: Set an alert for your specific dates. It’s the only way to catch the random 24-hour flash sales that happen on this route.
To get started, pull up a flight aggregator and look specifically at the first week of May—it’s historically the most consistent window for low-cost, nonstop flights before the summer rush hits.