FWA is bringing back non-stop service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this summer.

Are you tired of the bi-polar Indiana weather and dreaming of sunny skies? Looking for a summer vacation spot you can fly to without having to combat big city traffic and confusing airports? Are you dreaming of sand, sun and the ocean? Your hunt may be over with the announcement that Allegiant Airlines is bringing back their non-stop service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

Starting Thursday, May 16, Allegiant will operate two flights a week from Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). These flights will depart Fort Wayne on Thursdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an estimated arrival time in Myrtle Beach at 3:35 p.m. When you’re done vacationing, you can return to Fort Wayne on Thursdays and Sundays at 4:20 p.m. and you will be back home again in Indiana at 6 p.m.

The non-stop service to Myrtle Beach via Allegiant Airlines is no stranger to the Fort Wayne International Airport. The service began in 2010 and has been extremely successful with nearly 24,000 passengers having flown between the two airports since the route began.

Sunny skies and the beautiful beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

This is a great chance to have a family getaway without the hassle of a long flight or layover! Myrtle Beach is home to world-class golf, 60 miles of sandy beaches, exciting entertainment and family attractions. There’s something for everyone! Myrtle Beach welcomes nearly 14 million visitors annually and boasts an ideal setting for your vacation experience.

If non-stop travel sounds good, but you have visions of a different vacation locale, Allegiant also offers convenient non-stop flights from FWA to Orlando/Sanford, Tampa/St. Pete and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Florida.

Plan your trip and book your flight today! The seasonal service is booking now for your summer travel!

For more information on this great service, how to book your flight and to find out what other getaways you can take this summer, visit the Fort Wayne International Airport or Allegiant Airlines websites, or call 1-702-505-8888.

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Whether you’re considering relocating to Fort Wayne, or you’re visiting and want to get to know the city a little better, a driving tour can be a great way to see all of our great city. We’ve put together a Fort Wayne drive-about guide to seeing the sites through your windshield.

Welcome to Fort Wayne!

FWA

Your flight has landed and you’re ready to be on your way, but before you leave, check out the Greater Fort Wayne Aviation Museum located in the terminal, at the top of the escalators. Aviation history buffs will find historic details of the hold Baer Field and local aviation heroes. Admission is free. Be sure to take the cookie they’ll offer you as you leave the terminal – it’s a deliciously sweet way to be welcomed to our city and it’s made right across the street. Military history buffs will also enjoy the retired military aircraft showcased at the entrance of to the National Air Guard Base located just east of the airport.

Come on by!

Stop by our Visitors Center, located in downtown Fort Wayne at 927 Harrison St. (on the corner of Harrison and Washington directly across from the Grand Wayne Center) for maps, guides, and information about what to see and do.

Explore Downtown

Downtown Fort Wayne is easily accessible on foot and parking is reasonably priced near by. From here you can venture through downtown to enjoy the architecture and history of our great city. Grab a bite at one of our many restaurants, take a walk around Parkview Field (it’s open during non game days and admission is free), shop in our unique shops, and check out our historic Allen County Courthouse.  If you’re looking to know about the history of Fort Wayne, pop in to the Fort Wayne History Center located at 302 E Berry St (on the corner of Barr and Berry).  If you’d like to know more about the architecture and preservation of area buildings visit ARCH, Architecture and Community Heritage, at 818 Lafayette Street.  Downtown Fort Wayne has beautiful parks to enjoy as well.  Relax by the fountains in Freimann Square or go ice-skating in Headwaters Park.

Check out our great neighborhoods

Consider a walking tour of West Central’s historic homes. This historic neighborhood, located just west of downtown Fort Wayne boasts many restored homes and tree lined streets just waiting for you to stroll down. Looking for a sweet treat and some great shops? Check out the East State Neighborhood with great shops to pop in and out of. Don’t forget to pick up a cupcake at Yum.Mee’s Bakery (I recommend the vanilla). Want a great place to watch the game? Check out Wrigley Bar and Grill in the Georgetown Neighborhood.

Get a little shopping in while you’re in town

Fort Wayne has two great malls. Glenbrook Mall and the surrounding shopping centers have all of the stores you’re looking for. From Macy’s to Bobick’s Golf there’s a little bit for every shopper. Or, head to Jefferson Pointe for a beautiful shopping experience in their outdoor mall. With high end department stores such as Von Maur and boutiques such as Vera Bradley and Acorn you’ll find the best Fort Wayne has to offer.  Make sure to stop by DeBrands for a truffle or share the decadent ice cream sundae with a friend.

Take in a game

We love minor league sports in Fort Wayne. No matter the time of year, you can find an event to watch. Check out Mad Ants Basketball, Komets Hockey, The Derby Girls, or a TinCaps Baseball game. Tickets are reasonably priced and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Be a kid again

Explore the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. It appeals to kids from 3-93 and will make you want to return. Be sure to feed the giraffes and take in the sea lion show.  If animals aren’t your thing, head on over to Science Central where kids can learn about science hands on.  You can’t miss their brightly painted smoke stacks just north of downtown.

Take in a festival

From late spring to early fall there’s a festival almost every weekend. You’re sure to be entertained by GermanFest, the Three Rivers Festival, or Johnny Appleseed Festival. Even if you’re not here during the Johnny Appleseed Festival, stop by Johnny Appleseed Park at 1500 Coliseum Blvd. There you’ll find the final resting place of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed.

Experience the Arts

Explore the Art scene in Fort Wayne. The Art Campus is located on the east side of downtown and is walkable. There you’ll explore museums, galleries, studios, theatres, and a cinema.

Eat!

Fort Wayne is know for its unique treats.  Whether you’re in the mood for Coney Dogs at Coney Island on Main Street or a tour of DeBrand’s Chocolate Factory (complete with samples) on Auburn Rd there’s something for you. You’ll lovesimple Greek meals from Friends Too, a great steak and a merlot from Chops, and Italian goodness from Casa’s.  You’re sure to find something that fits your taste buds.

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Tug Boatright flies a A10 at Fort Wayne 122nd Guard Base.

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to fly in a military jet fighter, here’s the scoop from one of the pilots of the 163rd FS Scheduling at the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne.

“There’s a joy in flying,” said Major Scott “Tug” Boatright. “I grew up around people who loved aviation. My dad flew F4’s and my brother flies F16s in Korea.”

When he was 17, Boatright enlisted with the Air National Guard with the goal of someday being a fighter pilot. He worked weekends and two-week summer camps with the Guard through college. In 2001 after receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation, Boatright worked with the 113^th fighter squadron based at the Terre Haute International Airport in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Boatright flew F16s after earning his wings in 2005. In June 2007 he transferred to the 122^nd Fighter wing at the Air National Guard Base at Fort Wayne International Airport.

In 2009, when the Fort Wayne base converted to A10s, Boatright had to re-train. He liked both planes.

“The difference between an A10 and F16 is its mission,” he said. “An A10 carries bullets, bombs, and missiles and is designed to attack the enemy.”

The F16 is used for air support. “Our primary role with the F16 is to support soldiers on the ground,” said Boatright. “We often defended soldiers overseas with this plane.”

He served with the Air National Guard first in Iraq in 2007, then Afghanistan in 2011-2012.

“I know there is risk as a fighter pilot,” said Boatright. “But it is rewarding and well worth the danger.”

See more amazing men like Boatright (and enjoy these spectacular aircraft) at the Fort Wayne Air Show. Hours for the 2012 Fort Wayne Air Show:

Saturday and Sunday: Static exhibit 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, flights will be noon – 4:00 pm. Free to the public.

Fort Wayne 122nd Guard Base is located on Ferguson Road next to Fort Wayne International Airport.

www.fwairshow.com

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Live entertainment takes to the skies at the Fort Wayne Air Show August 31 through September 2, over the Labor Day weekend, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

This event is free to the public and will be held at the Fort Wayne 122nd Guard Base on Ferguson Road, located next to Fort Wayne International Airport on the city’s southwest side. Attendees will see a showcase of jets, helicopters, a jet-powered bus and static displays all day Saturday and Sunday. Friday night will feature an evening concert.

Featured aircraft will include a Ralph Royce Air Boss, a F-22 Raptor Heritage Flight, P-51D Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, F-22 and more! The Disabled American Veterans Flight Team will be on site, along with the Red Steel Jet Team, the U.S. Air National Guard and the Army’s Golden Knights Jump Team, among others.

Hours for the event are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Flights take place from noon to 4 p.m. both days. This show promises to be one of the city’s largest events and a must-see on this year’s end of summer agenda. There will also be a 5K and 10K run as part of the weekend, a kids zone area, a snake pit, food and concessions on site and more.

Directions, parking information and a full schedule can be found online. Be sure to keep up to date with the Fort Wayne Air Show via Facebook and Twitter too.

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If you’ve flown out of Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) recently, you may have noticed something new underneath some of the seats in the terminal.

As of January 2012, airport officials installed 25 charging stations throughout the terminal. That makes it convenient for passengers to charge their personal electronic devices for free while awaiting their flight.

The charging stations provide power to numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and gaming systems. “We had noticed people sitting on the floor in order to be near a power source,” said Daniel Rak, Terminal Services Supervisor. “We realized since most passengers now travel with electronic devices, charging stations could be needed.”

The charging stations are located at various locations throughout the terminal. Each one is designed with two standard outlets and two USB ports. While providing power, the charging stations also shield devices from power spikes or surges. Free Wi-Fi service at the airport has been available to travelers for eight years.

The Fort Wayne Airport has 25 free charging stations for electronic devices, combined with free wi-fi creates a comfortable experience.

And, if you need a hand with your bags when loading or unloading your vehicle, call on the airport’s Customer Service Agents. These people are available curbside in front of the terminal to pick you up at your car and take you to the terminal at no cost! They can also assist you to the terminal with your bags. FWA offers free car-to-curb shuttle service every day of the week from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

The Customer Service Agents may offer rides to passengers with electric parking lot shuttles. Two Global Electric Motorcars (GEMs), provide FWA passengers with complimentary parking lot-to-terminal shuttle service seven days a week. The battery-operated vehicles cost less to operate than gas counterparts and help reduce the environmental footprint of the airport.

If you’d like to find out more of what’s going on the airport, follow it on Facebook and Twitter by typing in ‘Fort Wayne International Airport’.

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