Are you planning a trip to Destin? Whether you're driving from nearby regions or flying in from across the country, getting to our beautiful beaches has never been easier. With new flights and expanded services, more visitors are discovering the convenience and joy of reaching Destin by air.

Driving vs. Flying

Many people who visit Destin travel by car, with some coming from cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans within a few hours' drive. However, quite a few visitors have decided to take the Beach Boys' advice to "get there fast, then take it slow" and fly here. Folks from distant cities such as New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles are just now discovering our gorgeous jewel-toned waters beside the sugary white beaches and the tropical paradise of Destin. This is particularly true since many across the nation have heard Taylor Swift's latest hit song "Florida!!!," which says, "Your home's really only a town you're a guest in, so you work your life away to pay for a timeshare down in Destin!"

Convenient Access: 

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest one to our area and only about twenty minutes away by car from most of our fine Ocean Reef vacation rentals. Thanks to the Mid Bay Toll Bridge, you can make it to Miramar Beach and the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort from this airport in thirty minutes. If you stay in this exclusive gated world-class all-inclusive resort, you don't even need a car for your stay and can Uber or shuttle in from the airport. A complimentary beach tram takes you anywhere you want to go on the lushly landscaped grounds, from the bright beach to the beautiful bay. This includes the enchanting French Quarter-inspired Village of Baytowne Wharf, the swank Sandestin town center known as Grand Boulevard, restaurants, bars, shopping adventures, liquor & wine outlets, and a Publix grocery store.

Flight Options from Major Cities

Over fifty flights per day arrive at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport from all over the nation from airlines including Allegiant Air, American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, and Xtra Airways. Allegiant Airlines has a slogan that says "Travel is our DEAL" and was one of the first airlines to introduce low-cost airfares for travelers. True to their "deal," they have just announced the latest seasonal expansion of inexpensive nonstop travel options on eighty-one routes in sixty-six cities with a total of fourteen different destinations. This summer season schedule lasts through August. It includes flights from Asheville, North Carolina; Clarksburg/Morgantown, West Virginia; Des Moines, Iowa; Evansville, Indiana; Huntington, West Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Omaha, Nebraska; Peoria, Illinois; Shreveport, Louisiana; Springfield/Branson, Missouri; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. They also have a number of other flights here with a one-stop connection from large cities like New York, Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas.

Airport Amenities and Services

The award-winning Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport terminal has 110,000 square feet and serves well over 1,000,000 travelers every year. The lush tropically landscaped grounds around it provide a perfect welcome to The Emerald Coast. There is even a pet relief and play area if your pooch is traveling with you. This terminal has many convenient amenities of a big city airport but with a wonderful laid-back ambiance of a smaller facility. A free shuttle service is available to and from the parking area. Complimentary curbside assistance is also available. Rental car services are inside on the premises with easy access to transportation. Private cabs, shuttles, Uber, and limos are available. The bright, spacious interior has vaulted ceilings with multiple skylights and an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Escalators lead easily from the upper gates area down into a main foyer near baggage claim with a unique inlaid terrazzo tile custom floor displaying a huge colorful map showing all of Choctawhatchee Bay, Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, Miramar Beach, and the Gulf.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) Airport Shuttles

Once you fly in, local transportation is important, and fortunately, there are quite a few options provided to choose from.

Dining and Shopping at the Airport

Drinking and dining options in the terminal include the Emerald Coast Bar & Grill. They serve a wide array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and burgers and have a full bar known for its Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Slick Mick's Sports Bar & Grill offers sandwiches, salads, pizza, nachos, loaded French fries, giant fresh-baked pretzels, cocktails, and beer. A special USO Freedom Lounge is available for military personnel and their families. It includes a spacious seating area with comfortable furnishings, WIFI, large flatscreen HDTVs, and refreshments. The Market serves as a small convenience store for cold drinks, snacks, and a few personal necessities. Two gift shops, Shayless Customs, and Coastalinspired4u, offer scented candles, jewelry, seashell art, and fun souvenir items. There is WIFI throughout the terminal, and two ATMs are in the building.

Private and Charter Flights: 

Destin's Executive Airport

Another way to get here is Destin's Executive Airport (DTS), also known as Coleman Kelly Field, which has been in operation since 1963, serving private aircraft and charters. It is conveniently located in the heart of Destin off Airport Road, just two miles north of Highway 98. This highly acclaimed airport has a 5,000 linear foot runway that accommodates private planes and jets. The 6,000-square-foot terminal has received recognition among privileged private plane owners as one of the best facilities of its kind in the entire nation. The airport is open 24/7, with air traffic control and guidance provided from nearby Eglin AFB. The luxurious terminal provides the kind of intimate service you might expect for its "jet set" patrons and corporate executives. Amenities include plush sofa seating, comfortable leather recliners, big screen LCD TVs, WIFI, kitchenettes with Wet Bars, dressing areas with lockers and showers. Down-home touches include complimentary coffee, delicious cookies, and rocking chairs on the veranda. Besides private planes, many small commuter charter flights arrive here regularly from Atlanta.

New Airline: JSX (JetSuiteX)

Now, a new airline called JSX (JetSuiteX) offers seasonal "Hop on" roundtrip service directly to Destin from both Houston and Dallas, Texas. JSX offers Lear jet service with 30 roomy comfortable window seats, friendly service, and complimentary savory snacks, favorite drinks, wine, or beer. You are allowed two free bags of luggage up to 50 pounds, which are stored for you when you hop on the plane, and you can arrive up to twenty minutes before departure. There are power outlets at each seat and Starlike WiFi service. The limited number of passengers on each flight, personal service, and quick baggage retrieval gets pampered passengers on their way in no time at all. JSX is also pet-friendly, allowing small dogs or cats to accompany you in a carrier that will fit beneath the seat in front of you for a nominal charge of $100. Large leashed dogs can also accompany you, but you have to purchase an extra passenger seat for them at full cost.

Fly to Destin and Relax

If you decide to fly into one of these great Destin airports, then just like the classic song said, you "can get there fast and then take it slow." The time saved on two different days of travel by car will provide more opportunities to luxuriate in the glowing Gulf, relax on the shimmering white sands, and enjoy delightful diversions. Ocean Reef Resorts will have everything ready for you and yours at one of our fine Destin vacation rental accommodations once you arrive. Safe travels and enjoy