Charleston Airport (CHS) Guide
Welcome to Charleston Airport, where Southern charm meets modern convenience. As the largest airport in South Carolina, CHS offers a variety of domestic and international flights, making it a popular hub for business and leisure travelers alike. Whether you're flying in or out, this guide has everything you need to know to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you're flying through CHS Airport, this comprehensive guide is your one-stop-shop for all the information you need to get from your door to your gate. From up-to-date flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll help you navigate parking options, provide terminal maps, and even point you in the direction of the best food and shopping options in the airport. Let us take the hassle out of your travel experience so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
For more detailed information on other major commercial airports, check out iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are weekday mornings from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and weekends from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Getting to the Airport
The best ways to get to Charleston Airport are by car, taxi, or ride-share services. If you are driving, there are several parking options available including hourly, daily, and economy parking. Taxis and ride-share services are available at the airport and can be requested through their respective apps.
Getting Oriented
Charleston Airport has an interactive airport map available on iFly.com that can help you get oriented at the airport. The map provides information on the location of gates, restrooms, restaurants, and other amenities. You can also use the map to find your way to baggage claim or ground transportation.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at CHS, it is important to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. You can do this through the airline's website or app. Additionally, be sure to pack your carry-on bag according to TSA regulations to avoid delays at security checkpoints. Finally, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck to expedite the security process.
Security Wait Times
At CHS Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. 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 reduce wait times, such as adding more TSA agents and implementing a pre-check program. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to go through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Charleston Airport (CHS) Terminals
Navigating CHS's Terminals
The airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 5 gates and is used by American Airlines, while Concourse B has 7 gates and is used by Delta Air Lines. The Main Terminal has 15 gates and is used by several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
To navigate between the terminals, passengers can use the airport's shuttle service, which runs every 10 minutes and is free of charge. The shuttle service stops at each terminal and the parking garage.
For those who need to transfer between airlines, the airport provides a convenient baggage recheck service. Passengers can drop off their luggage at the baggage claim area and have it transferred to their connecting flight.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Charleston Airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the complimentary shuttle bus service that runs every 10 minutes. The shuttle bus stops at each terminal and takes about 5 minutes to travel between them.
If you prefer to walk, it is possible to walk between the Main Terminal and Concourse A or B. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes, and there are covered walkways for protection from the elements. However, it is not recommended to walk between Concourse A and B due to the distance and lack of pedestrian walkways.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Traveling through Charleston Airport and looking for some great food and shopping options? Look no further! The airport offers a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals, including popular spots like Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill and Caviar & Bananas. And when it comes to shopping, you'll find everything from newsstands and bookstores to outdoor clothing and gear stores. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our comprehensive list of airport hotels offers a variety of amenities to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. From complimentary airport shuttles to proximity to local attractions, these hotels ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay. Whether you're in town for a convention, a shopping spree, or simply to explore the historic city, you'll find a hotel that suits your requirements. Discover the best hotel options with our CHS Hotels guide.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
CHS Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you're dropping off a passenger, you can use the curbside area in front of the Main Terminal or Concourses A and B. However, please note that there is a strict time limit for curbside parking, so be sure to unload your passenger and their luggage quickly before moving your vehicle.
If you're picking up a passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These areas are free to use and allow you to wait in your vehicle until your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage. Once your passenger is ready, you can quickly drive to the curbside area for pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. The airport has several parking lots and garages located near the terminals. The Main Terminal Parking Garage is the closest parking option to the terminal, while the North Charleston Coliseum Parking Lot is the most economical option.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are located near the airport entrance and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, and shuttle service is provided from the parking lots to the terminals for those who need assistance.
Off-airport parking is also available and can be a more economical option for travelers. Many off-airport parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and some even offer additional services such as car detailing and oil changes.
Get details about Charleston Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking options, by visiting https://www.ifly.com/airports/charleston-international-airport/parking.
Transportation Options
Charleston Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located in the baggage claim area of the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can book your rental in advance or at the rental counter upon arrival.
Taxi services are also available outside of baggage claim. The airport has designated taxi drop-off areas, and fares are based on a metered system. It is recommended that you confirm the fare with the driver before beginning your trip.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, can pick up passengers at the designated rideshare pickup area outside of baggage claim. However, there are some restrictions on these services, such as no pickups on the upper level of the airport.
Airport shuttles are available for those who need transportation to nearby hotels or other destinations. The shuttle service is provided by several companies, including Charleston Shuttle and Tri-County Transport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and fares vary depending on the destination.
For those who prefer public transportation, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of baggage claim, and fares are based on a zone system.
Passenger Services
CHS, located in the United States, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all.
For those needing to stay connected, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you happen to misplace an item, the lost and found office is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.
Traveling with children? The airport offers a designated children's play area in both Concourse A and Concourse B, equipped with toys and games to keep little ones entertained.
Special needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. If you require medical attention, the airport has a medical clinic located on the second level of the main terminal.
For banking needs, there are ATMs located throughout the airport, as well as a full-service bank located in the main terminal.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At CHS Airport, there are several ways to check the status of your flight and be alerted about any changes or delays.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Another helpful tool is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, and email alerts to keep passengers informed about any changes to their flight status. These alerts can include departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Charleston International Airport is located in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It is the busiest airport in the state, serving over 4 million passengers on average annually.
The airport has three terminals - Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. The Main Terminal houses the baggage claim, ticketing, and security checkpoints, while Concourse A and B serve the airline gates.
The top airlines with the most daily flights from CHS are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 80 daily flights to and from various destinations.
There are over 20 destinations served by CHS, with the top 5 being Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago. These destinations are served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
Charleston International Airport is also a hub for American Airlines and a focus city for Delta Air Lines, making it a popular airport for connecting flights.
Airport History
Charleston Airport, located in Charleston, South Carolina, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1919: The Charleston Municipal Airport opens as a small airfield with a single runway.
- 1931: The airport is renamed to the Charleston Army Airfield and becomes a military base.
- 1947: The airport is returned to civilian control and reopens as the Charleston Municipal Airport.
- 1950s: The airport experiences a period of growth and expansion, with the addition of a new terminal building and longer runways.
- 1960s: The airport becomes a hub for Eastern Airlines, leading to increased passenger traffic and more flights.
- 1980s: The airport undergoes a major renovation and expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and parking garage.
- 1990s: The airport continues to grow and attract new airlines, including Southwest and JetBlue.
- 2010s: The airport undergoes another renovation and expansion, adding new gates and amenities for passengers.
Today, Charleston Airport serves as an important transportation hub for the southeastern United States, with over 4 million passengers passing through its gates each year.
Airport Contact Info
- CHS Website
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