Myrtle Beach flight earns high marks for convenience

Myrtle Beach flight convenience drew attention as passengers boarded Contour Airlines’ inaugural service from Altoona-Blair County Airport to Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Wednesday afternoon. Jackie Ivock of Johnstown said she did not realize she was part of history when she boarded the first flight, traveling to celebrate her 60th birthday with her relative Maggie Ivock. Ivock changed her plans after Spirit Airlines ended operations, considered flying from Pittsburgh International Airport, and then chose the Martinsburg-area airport where Contour’s seasonal service was announced in June. Airport manager Tracy Plessinger said nearly 70% of the available tickets had been sold, with only one seat remaining on the 30-passenger jet. Rita Thomas of Somerset County bought one of the last two seats after a head-on crash near Conway left her daughter with a dislocated wrist, and planned an orthopedic appointment. Other passengers cited free parking and regional connections as major factors.