A Quicker Way to the Coast

If you’ve ever wished you could skip the traffic, bypass the connecting flights, and just be on the beach already—well, darlin’, your wish just came true.

Thanks to Allegiant Air, Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) in Gulf Shores is now offering direct commercial flights. Yep, it’s true—you can now land just minutes from the beach, no detours through Pensacola or Mobile required.

We’re talking nonstop service from Houston, Knoxville, Kansas City, Belleville, Cincinnati and Northwest Arkansas—with Appleton, WI and Des Moines, IW beginning October 2. What once took a full day behind the wheel or a multi-leg flight now takes just a couple of hours—and you’re off that plane and on the beach in no time flat.

This makes it easier than ever to plan that spontaneous trip with friends or grab a long weekend before the kids go back to school. Want to surprise your sweetheart with a last-minute getaway? Done. Need to pop down and see the grandkids? Now it’s just a quick hop, skip, and a jump away.

From Tarmac to Toes in the Sand

The Alabama coastline has always been one of the South’s best-kept secrets—tucked along the shore like a pearl in an oyster shell. We’ve got the kind of charm that slows your heart rate and the kind of food that’ll have you clearing your plate and going back for more.

But we’ll be honest—getting here used to take a little effort. Most visitors had to fly into nearby cities like Pensacola, Mobile, or even New Orleans, then drive a couple of hours to reach us. And while the scenery isn’t too shabby, we know that kind of travel can be a hassle—especially with little ones in tow or when you’re coordinating multiple arrivals.

That’s why this new wave of direct flights is such a big deal. It changes the game for couples, families, girls’ trips, golf weekends, weddings, reunions—you name it. Less time traveling means more time digging your toes in the sand, exploring local shops, or just sitting back with a cold drink and letting the waves do their thing.

What This Means for Our Beachballers

We know many of y’all have been loyal road warriors, packing up the car and trekking across state lines just to reach our slice of paradise. We love that about you. But now? You’ve got options.

Maybe your folks aren’t up for a big drive but still want to watch the grandbabies build sandcastles. Maybe your college roommates want to squeeze in a reunion weekend without burning vacation days. Or maybe you just need a quick reset—two nights of shrimp and sunsets can do wonders for the soul (Don’t say we didn’t tell you!).

Whatever your reason, flying directly into Gulf Shores opens the door to shorter, more frequent getaways—and makes coordinating group travel easier than ever. No more waiting on late arrivals or juggling rental cars. Everyone just lands right here, ready to relax.

The Local Buzz

If you’re wondering how the locals feel about all this—you’re not alone. The energy around town is downright electric. Businesses are buzzing, restaurants are setting more tables, and folks at the airport are ecstatic.

Gulf Shores International Airport has undergone impressive improvements in recent years to prepare for this moment. We’re talking runway expansions, terminal upgrades, and new services—all designed to keep things stress-free and efficient. It’s the kind of airport that still feels personal and manageable but now has the reach to welcome travelers from all over.

And we couldn’t be more proud.

Let’s Get This Vacation Rolling (Or Flying!)

At BEACHBALL PROPERTIES, we’re grinning from ear to ear about what this means for you—our beloved Beachballers. This is the kind of news that makes you wanna shout it from the rooftops—or at least from the porch with a cool bushwhacker in hand.

So if you’ve been dreaming of a trip down to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, consider this your green light to head on down. Book that flight. Pack that bag. And don’t forget to holler at us when you’re headed our way.

Your beach chair is waiting, your flip-flops are calling, and the coast is clearer—and closer—than ever.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson