A Southern Living pick is among MidAmerica’s cheap beachfront flight destinations
Planning a trip for spring break or looking ahead to summer travel? MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has a new nonstop beach destination taking off soon, as well as future international options in the works.
The local airport has several flights available for less than $150 round-trip, though taxes and fees may apply. If you’re making arrangements for Monday, May 7 or later, you’ll need a REAL ID or passport to fly domestically.
Nonstop flights from MidAmerica to Gulf Shores, Ala., will begin Friday, May 23. At Gulf Shores, you can visit public beaches on the Gulf of Mexico coast.
If you’re looking for an overseas destination, MidAmerica officials are building a new facility that will accommodate international flights, as well as attract more aircraft and airlines, according to an April 2 press release. Allegiant Air is currently the airport’s only airline.
The facility construction will take place under two phases. Phase 4a will cost $18.2 million, according to MidAmerica officials, and will house U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the General Aviation Facility and the exterior of the Federal Inspection Station. That construction began in late summer 2024 and is expected to conclude by the end of this year.
Phase 4b is expected to cost about $10.9 million and will focus on the Federal Inspection Station’s interior, the press release continued. The airport’s new facility will be 25,277 square feet overall.
The construction timeline for Phase 4b is still being finalized, but is expected to ramp up while the first phase is still in progress.
“This expansion project marks a significant milestone in our plans to continue to grow the number of passengers flying out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, while simultaneously working to increase the number of destinations and flights available for travelers in the future,” St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said in the press release. “It is providing good-paying jobs for the community and economic benefits for St. Clair County, as we work to help meet the demand for expanded international commercial air service for underserved areas throughout the Metro East and the broader St. Louis region.”
MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has undergone other renovations recently, including the completion of a $34 million terminal expansion that opened in 2023.
Here’s what to know about the cheapest flights available soon from the local airport, including the new nonstop route to Gulf Shores.
These are the lowest prices listed online as of April 16 for each itinerary for any dates April through August, and taxes and fees may apply. These are listed by lowest one-way fare, and round-trip fares vary by trip length. Some flights are seasonally offered.
1. Knoxville, Tenn.
Cheapest one-way ticket: $37.50
Cheapest round-trip: $76.50
Average flight time: 1 hour
Nonstop flights from MidAmerica to McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville began in June 2024. Knoxville is located about 180 miles east of Nashville and was the site of the 1982 World’s Fair. The city is also referred to as “Barxville” for its host of dog-friendly activities.
Some of the top attractions in Knoxville include the Sunsphere, Knoxville Museum of Art and Zoo Knoxville.
2. Gulf Shores, Ala.
Cheapest one-way ticket: $40
Cheapest round-trip: $142
Average flight time: 2 hours
Flights from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Gulf Shores will be available beginning May 23. You can explore “clear turquoise waters and sugar-white sand beaches” at the beachfront town, as well as a zoo, waterpark and more.
3. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Cheapest one-way ticket: $44.50
Cheapest round-trip: $110.50
Average flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Popular attractions in Myrtle Beach include the boardwalk, beach, live music and amusement parks. You can take a deep sea fishing or dolphin cruise, catch a show at Alabama Theatre or race go-karts at the Broadway Grand Prix.
4. Savannah, Ga.
Cheapest one-way ticket: $50.50
Cheapest round-trip: $134.50
Average flight time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Savannah is known for its walkable areas, architecture, history and coastline. You can explore City Market, Forsyth Park and River Street, and there are a number of historic inns where you can book a stay.
5. Tampa, Fla.
Cheapest one-way ticket: $50.50
Cheapest round-trip: $92.50
Average flight time: 2 hours
Tampa is home to the Tampa Riverwalk, Busch Gardens amusement park, Zoo Tampa and several parks.
The Tampa Bay area’s Clearwater Beach was lauded as a “can’t-miss beach town” in a January Southern Living article, and Fort De Soto Park has also been recognized as a top beach.
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