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Columbia Metropolitian Airport CAE

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) Guide

Embark from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Carolina's capital gateway, known for its unique art installations and Southern hospitality. Our concise guide covers essential travel information, from flight statuses and terminal details to parking and amenities, ensuring a seamless experience. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for more insights and prepare for an enjoyable journey through CAE.

CAE has one terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 6 gates and Concourse B has 4 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operate out of Concourse A, while Allegiant Air and Southern Airways Express operate out of Concourse B.

As you enter the terminal building, you will find the ticket counters and baggage claim on the first level. The second level is where the TSA security checkpoint is located, along with the airport lounges and restaurants. There are several dining options available, including a coffee shop, a bar, and a restaurant serving Southern cuisine.

After passing through security, you will find yourself in the departure lounge. There are several seating areas available, as well as charging stations for your electronic devices. If you need to do some last-minute shopping, there are a few retail stores selling souvenirs, books, and travel essentials.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Columbia Metropolitan Airport has only one terminal, making it easy for travelers to navigate and find their way around. The terminal is conveniently located near the parking lot, making it easy for travelers to access the airport. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals as there is only one terminal at the airport. Travelers can easily walk from one end of the terminal to the other in just a few minutes.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Columbia Metropolitan Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles cannot be left unattended at any time. Drivers are advised to remain with their vehicles while waiting for passengers.

For those who need to wait for their arriving passengers, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal building. This area is free to use and allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and collected their baggage. Once the passengers are ready to be picked up, drivers can proceed to the curbside to collect them.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, travelers have a few options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with both lots located adjacent to the terminal. There are also covered parking garages available for those who prefer to park indoors.

If you're waiting for an arriving passenger, CAE has a cell phone waiting lot conveniently located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passenger has landed and is ready to be picked up.

For those who require handicapped parking, designated spaces are available in all parking areas, including the garages. Shuttle service is also available to transport passengers with disabilities to and from the terminal.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near CAE. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Get details about CAE parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), travelers have several ground transportation options to choose from.

For those looking to rent a car, there are several major car rental providers available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area, and rental cars can be picked up just outside the terminal building.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated drop-off areas located outside the baggage claim area. Fares are metered and vary depending on your destination. It's always a good idea to confirm the fare with your driver before starting your trip.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at CAE. Pickup areas for these services are located outside the baggage claim area. It's important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and are available through various providers. Pickup areas for shuttles are located outside the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the provider and destination.

Finally, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is available at CAE. The COMET bus system provides service to and from the airport, with stops located just outside the terminal building. Fares are affordable and vary depending on the route.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're in transit, on a business trip, or starting a vacation, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel near the airport can make your journey smoother. Our list of Columbia Metropolitan Airport Hotels provides a range of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, all within a short distance of the airport. These hotels not only offer the convenience of proximity to the airport but also provide amenities such as complimentary shuttle services, WiFi, and more to enhance your stay. Discover options like the Hyatt Regency, Courtyard by Marriott, H Hotel, Homewood Suites By Hilton, and Sheraton Gateway, all less than a mile away from the airport, ensuring quick and easy transfers. Dive in to find the perfect hotel to suit your travel requirements.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

At Columbia Metropolitan Airport, travelers have a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For those looking for a quick bite, there is a Starbucks located in the main terminal as well as a Hudson News newsstand. For a sit-down meal, passengers can visit the Flight Deck Restaurant, located before the TSA security checkpoint. The restaurant offers a variety of American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and has a full bar for those looking for a drink.

For shopping, there is a PGA Tour Shop located in the main terminal, offering a variety of golf apparel and accessories. There is also a Discover Columbia store, which sells local souvenirs and gifts. Travelers can also visit the Tech on the Go kiosk, which offers a variety of electronics and travel accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Columbia Metropolitan Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, see your options here.

Passenger Services

Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Whether you're traveling with children, have special needs, or require medical assistance, the airport has got you covered.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport. If you lose something during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal building.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area located near the food court. For travelers with special needs, the airport offers a range of services including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to do some banking during your travels, there are ATMs located throughout the airport. And if you require medical assistance, the airport has a first aid station located in the main terminal building.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

The most common way to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information.

Another convenient way to stay informed is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own app that allows passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. These apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.

In addition to mobile apps, airlines also offer other methods of communication such as text, email, and push notifications. Passengers can sign up for these alerts when they book their flight or by logging into their airline account.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Columbia Metropolitan Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at Columbia Metropolitan Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and find your gate. The busiest times at CAE are typically during the early morning and late afternoon, so it's best to avoid those times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to CAE is by car. The airport is located just six miles southwest of downtown Columbia and is easily accessible from I-26 and I-77. If you're driving, be sure to check the airport's parking options ahead of time and reserve a spot if necessary. If you prefer public transportation, there are several taxi and shuttle services available in the area.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at CAE, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps will show you where your gate is located, as well as the location of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to find your way around the airport and avoid getting lost.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at CAE, be sure to check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. You can do this by visiting the airport's website or by downloading the airline's app. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact the airline as soon as possible to rebook your flight. Additionally, be sure to follow all TSA guidelines to avoid any delays at security checkpoints.

Security Wait Times

When traveling through Columbia Metropolitan Airport, it's important to plan ahead for TSA Security wait times. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help expedite the security process, including TSA PreCheck and Clear. By enrolling in these programs, travelers can enjoy shorter wait times and a more streamlined security experience. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located in the United States and serves the city of Columbia, South Carolina. The airport has one terminal building that houses all of its facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.

On average, the airport handles around 2,500 passengers daily and has approximately 60 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

The airport serves over 20 destinations across the United States, with the top 5 destinations being Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington D.C., and Chicago. These destinations are served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is also a hub for American Airlines, which operates several flights to and from the airport on a daily basis.

Airport History

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport, also known as CAE, is located in West Columbia, South Carolina, United States. The airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1940s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1940: The airport was established as Lexington County Airport and was used primarily for military training during World War II.
  • 1948: The airport was renamed Columbia Owens Downtown Airport and became a commercial airport.
  • 1965: The airport was renamed Columbia Metropolitan Airport to reflect its growing importance in the region.
  • 1970s: The airport underwent a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1990s: The airport continued to expand, adding more airlines and destinations.
  • 2000s: The airport underwent another major renovation, including the construction of a new parking garage and the expansion of the terminal building.
  • 2010s: The airport continued to grow, adding new airlines and destinations, and becoming an important hub for air cargo in the region.

Today, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport serves over 1 million passengers annually and is an important economic driver for the region.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Columbia Metropolitan Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: CAE
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 803-822-5000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 3250 Airport Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29170, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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