A taste of summer is only a flight away for area residents, as Contour Airlines is now offering seasonal service from Altoona-Blair County Airport to Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Beginning July 1, the route will operate twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday, through Aug. 22. The schedule includes flights from Altoona to Myrtle Beach from 1:15 to 3:05 p.m. and returning flights from 3:45 to 5:35 p.m.

Tickets starting at $139 each way are currently on sale through Contour Airlines’ website.

“It’s a destination in demand in our community, and it offers a nonstop way to get to that destination at a reasonable price,” Altoona-Blair County Airport manager Tracy Plessinger said.

He said there is a hole to fill in the area, especially after Spirit Airlines’ recent closure in Latrobe.

With the amount of community interest in traveling to South Carolina, he said Altoona-Blair County Airport partnered with Contour Airlines to offer nonstop trips to the beach for a limited time.

Ben Munson, president of Contour Airlines, said, “We’re excited to give the Altoona community an additional route that travelers can truly benefit from during the busy summer season.”

The airline and airport will watch how flights are received by the community before making future plans in offering the direct flight in the future.

“We will make decisions in the future if we will be able to offer it in the future,” Plessinger said.

According to the press release, Contour Airlines will operate services to and from Myrtle Beach with its 30-seat regional jet, offering snacks and beverages to travelers.

Plessinger said nonstop trips are the gold standard.

“It’s one economical flight and less hassle,” he said. “You’re leaving from Altoona and you land in Myrtle Beach and you’re ready for your day.”

For more information, visit www.contourairlines.com.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.