CAE Airport Insights & Guide
Key CAE Airport Topics:
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know CAE Airport
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.
iFly Tip: Enhance your travel knowledge with the wide array of resources on our Flying Info and Tips page.
Navigating CAE's Terminals
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from CAE-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Columbia Metropolitan Airport is relatively small, which makes it easy to navigate. The terminal is straightforward, with clear signage directing you to gates, baggage claim, and other amenities. If you’re in a rush, knowing that the security checkpoint is centrally located can save you time." — James P., Lexington, SC, August 2023
"One thing to note about CAE is that the gates are close to each other. This means less walking compared to larger airports, but it can get crowded during peak hours. Plan to arrive a bit earlier if you’re flying out in the morning or late afternoon." — Emily R., West Columbia, SC, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Columbia. If you’re using a ride-share service, the pickup area is right outside the baggage claim. It’s well-marked and easy to find." — Michael T., Cayce, SC, September 2023
"For those renting a car, the rental car center is conveniently located right across from the terminal. No need for a shuttle, which is a huge time-saver." — Laura K., Irmo, SC, October 2023
Parking
"Parking at CAE is pretty straightforward. The garage is right next to the terminal, and there’s also a surface lot if you prefer. Both options are reasonably priced compared to larger airports." — David H., Forest Acres, SC, November 2023
"If you’re picking someone up, use the cell phone lot. It’s free and only a short drive from the terminal, making it easy to time your pickup perfectly." — Linda M., Chapin, SC, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"The food options at CAE are limited but decent. There’s a nice café near the gates that serves good coffee and pastries if you need a quick bite before your flight." — Karen S., Blythewood, SC, January 2024
"Don’t miss the gift shop if you have some time to kill. They have a great selection of local products, which make for perfect last-minute souvenirs." — Robert J., Columbia, SC, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"CAE is generally less crowded than major airports, but it’s always a good idea to check your flight status before heading out. Delays can happen, especially during the summer storm season." — Angela W., Springdale, SC, March 2024
"If you’re traveling with kids, the family restrooms are a lifesaver. They’re spacious and conveniently located near the gates." — Brian C., Dentsville, SC, April 2024
"For a stress-free experience, I recommend using the TSA PreCheck lane if you’re eligible. It’s usually much faster and can save you a lot of time, especially during peak travel periods." — Jessica L., Oak Grove, SC, May 2024
iFly Tip: Learn how to select the best seats with help from our overweight passenger tips.
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.
Transportation Options
When arriving at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), travelers have several ground transportation options to choose from:
- Car Rentals: Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers several major car rental providers, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Rental car counters are conveniently located in the baggage claim area, and rental cars can be picked up just outside the terminal building. It’s advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel times.
- Taxis: Taxis are available with designated drop-off areas outside the baggage claim area. Fares are metered and can vary depending on your destination. It is recommended to confirm the fare with your driver before starting your trip to avoid any surprises.
- Ride-Share Services: Services such as Uber and Lyft are available at CAE. Pickup areas for these services are located outside the baggage claim area. Be aware that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers or the amount of luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.
- Airport Shuttles: Various providers offer shuttle services to and from the airport. Pickup areas for shuttles are located outside the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the provider and destination, and it’s recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
- Public Transportation: The COMET bus system provides affordable service to and from the airport, with stops located just outside the terminal building. Fares are budget-friendly and vary depending on the route. This is a great option for those looking for a cost-effective way to travel.
iFly Tip: Learn how to apply for TSA PreCheck and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
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.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Columbia Metropolitan Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal building for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Columbia Metropolitan Airport features a designated children's play area near the food court.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
- ATM: ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the main terminal building. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
- Airport Lounges: Columbia Metropolitan Airport features the USO Lounge, which is available to military personnel and their families. The lounge offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and a comfortable seating area to relax before your flight.
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.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that houses all facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the CAE Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Columbia Metropolitan Airport handles approximately 2,500 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 60 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from CAE are Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington D.C., and Chicago.
- Hub Status: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a key hub for American Airlines, which operates several daily flights to and from the airport.
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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Columbia Metropolitian Airport Q&A
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