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Lake Charles Regional Airport LCH Airport Traveler Guide

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LCH Airport Insights & Guide

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Anthony Bruno
Reviewed by: Brian Ozment
Updated:
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Getting to Know LCH Airport

Discover Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), the welcoming gateway to Louisiana's vibrant Lake Charles. Known for its easy navigation and warm staff, LCH ensures a seamless journey. This guide simplifies your travel with essential info on flights, parking, and amenities, plus unique local dining options that capture the spirit of the region. Navigate effortlessly from arrival to departure, and for broader airport insights, explore our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.

iFly Tip: Pack like a pro with advice from our baggage tips page.

The airport has a single terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 5 gates and Concourse B has 3 gates, making a total of 8 gates in the terminal. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, which operate from both concourses.

After checking in for your flight, you can navigate the terminal easily by following the signs and information displays. Concourse A is located to the left of the security checkpoint and Concourse B is located to the right. Both concourses have a range of food and beverage options, including a coffee shop, a bar, and a restaurant. You can also find a variety of retail shops selling souvenirs, books, and travel essentials.

If you need assistance or have any questions, you can approach the airport staff or visit the information desk located in the center of the terminal. The staff can provide you with information about flight schedules, baggage claim, and ground transportation options.

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

Connecting Between Terminals

Lake Charles Regional Airport has a single terminal building, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. All gates, baggage claim, and check-in counters are located within the same building, making it easy to navigate the airport. However, passengers should still allow enough time to go through security and reach their gate, as wait times can vary depending on the time of day and number of flights.

Tips from LCH Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Lake Charles Regional Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from LCH-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

"LCH might be small, but it's super easy to get around. As soon as you pass security, look for the signs to Concourse A on the left and Concourse B on the right. It's a breeze to find your gate, and there are plenty of seating areas while you wait." — John D., Lake Charles, LA, December 2023

"If you're unsure about where to go, the information desk is right in the center of the terminal. The staff are really helpful and can point you in the right direction for gates or services." — Mary L., Sulphur, LA, February 2024

Getting To/From the City

"I always recommend booking a rental car in advance if you want to explore Lake Charles. The car rental counters are right next to the baggage claim, so you can grab your car as soon as you land." — Alex T., Westlake, LA, March 2024

"For a quick ride into town, taxis and ride-shares are reliable. Just make sure you know where the pick-up zone is outside the terminal to avoid confusion." — Lisa G., Iowa, LA, June 2024

Parking

"For short visits, the short-term parking is super convenient and right in front of the terminal. If you're staying longer, the long-term lot is just a short walk away and very affordable." — Michael S., Moss Bluff, LA, May 2024

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and just a few minutes from the terminal, so you don’t have to circle around." — Sarah P., Carlyss, LA, August 2024

Inside the Airport

"Don't miss out on the Cajun cuisine at LeBleu's Landing. It's a taste of Louisiana right in the airport, perfect for a quick meal before your flight." — Jean C., Lake Charles, LA, April 2024

"For a caffeine boost, stop by Caffeine Connection near the entrance. It's a great spot to grab a coffee and relax before heading through security." — Robert A., Vinton, LA, July 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Even though LCH is small, I still recommend arriving at least an hour before your flight. Security lines can get busy, especially in the mornings." — Emily R., Lake Charles, LA, October 2024

"Keep an eye on the flight display boards for any updates on your flight. They’re located throughout the terminal, and it’s the best way to stay informed about any changes." — David M., Sulphur, LA, September 2024

iFly Tip: Prepare in advance and avoid frequent security mistakes.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At LCH Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off curbside at the terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are only allowed to park for a maximum of five minutes. Violators may be subject to fines or towing.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides a cell-phone waiting area located just a few minutes away from the terminal. This area allows drivers to park their vehicles for free and wait until their passengers arrive before heading to the terminal for pick-up. It's important to note that vehicles cannot be left unattended in the cell-phone waiting area, and drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.

Parking Facilities & Options

Traveling to the airport and looking for parking options? The airport offers a variety of parking facilities to meet your needs.

For short-term parking, there are two parking lots located in front of the terminal building. These lots are ideal for those who are dropping off or picking up passengers. If you need to park for an extended period, the airport offers a long-term parking lot located just a short walk from the terminal.

If you're looking for a place to wait for arriving passengers, the airport has a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to wait for free until their passengers arrive and are ready to be picked up.

For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces located in all parking lots. These spaces are located close to the terminal building and are clearly marked for easy identification.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a cost-effective alternative to parking at the airport itself.

Transportation Options

When it comes to ground transportation options at Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), travelers have several choices to get to their final destination:

  • Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National located on-site. This allows visitors to easily rent a car and explore the city at their own pace. It is advisable to book your car rental in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are available at LCH, with drop-off areas conveniently located near the terminal building. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey to avoid any surprises. Taxis offer a straightforward and efficient way to reach your destination.
  • Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are another option for travelers. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building. Be sure to check with the service provider regarding any restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage before booking your ride.
  • Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles provide a convenient and hassle-free option for travelers. These shuttles offer door-to-door service to and from the airport, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on the destination and the number of passengers. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
  • Public Transportation: For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is available. The city bus system provides service to the airport, with stops located near the terminal building. However, it is important to note that the bus schedule may not be as frequent as other transportation options, so planning ahead is essential.

iFly Tip: Discover how airline hubs support airline cargo and passenger operations.

Airport Hotels

When you're traveling, convenience is key. That's why we've compiled a list of the best hotels near the airport. Whether you're looking for a large family home, a peaceful place, or a cozy studio with golf course views, we have options to suit every traveler's needs. Our selection of hotels not only provide comfortable accommodations, but are also conveniently located near local hot spots, universities, casinos, and more. From luxurious escapes with home theaters to vacation rentals near casinos, our selection caters to a range of preferences. For those traveling with pets, we have pet-friendly options as well. Each hotel is within a short distance from the airport, ensuring a hassle-free commute for air travelers. So whether you're in town for a quick business trip or a leisurely vacation, our list of hotels makes it easy to find the perfect place to stay. View all Lake Charles Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Lake Charles Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to the Caffeine Connection located near the main entrance. If you're in the mood for something heartier, try the Cajun cuisine at LeBleu's Landing or grab a burger at Whataburger. Both restaurants are located near the boarding gates.

For shopping, check out the Lake Charles Regional Airport Gift Shop for souvenirs and travel essentials. If you need to pick up some reading material for your flight, head to the Hudson News stand located near the security checkpoint. And if you're in the market for some new headphones or electronics, stop by the InMotion Entertainment store near the boarding gates.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at LCH can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: Lake Charles 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 terminal building for your convenience.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Lake Charles Airport features a designated children's play area near the boarding gates. This area is equipped with toys, games, and other activities.
  • 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: An ATM is available in the terminal building, 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 terminal building. Trained medical professionals are available to provide assistance and care to passengers in need.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at LCH.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, and gate assignments. Passengers can easily locate their flight on the display board and check for any updates or changes.

Another way to stay informed is by using airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to track their flight status and receive alerts about any changes. These alerts can be sent via text, email, or push notifications, depending on the passenger's preference.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at LCH 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: Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States.
  • Terminal: The airport has a single terminal building that serves both arrivals and departures.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including United Airlines and American Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the LCH Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Lake Charles Regional Airport handles approximately 1,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 50 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from LCH are Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Denver.
  • Hub Status: United Airlines uses LCH as a hub for their regional flights.

Airport History

Lake Charles Regional Airport, located in Louisiana, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1929 - The airport was established as a small grass airstrip.
  • 1941 - The airport was leased to the United States Army Air Corps and used as a training base during World War II.
  • 1946 - The airport was returned to civilian control and commercial flights began operating.
  • 1961 - A new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
  • 1982 - The airport underwent a major renovation, including the addition of a longer runway and improved facilities.
  • 2002 - Hurricane Lili caused significant damage to the airport, resulting in a temporary closure.
  • 2019 - The airport celebrated its 90th anniversary and continues to serve the Lake Charles community with daily flights to major cities in the region.

Today, Lake Charles Airport is a vital transportation hub for Southwest Louisiana, providing convenient access to business and leisure destinations throughout the country.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Lake Charles Regional Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: LCH
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 337-477-6051
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Lake Charles Regional Airport, 500 Airport Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70607, United States

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

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Lake Charles Regional Airport Q&A

It's recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight as the terminal can get busy, especially in the mornings.
You can choose from car rentals, taxis, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
There are short-term parking lots in front of the terminal and a long-term parking lot a short walk away. Off-airport parking with shuttle services is also available.
Yes, you can enjoy Cajun cuisine at LeBleu's Landing or grab a coffee at the Caffeine Connection near the entrance.
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, a lost and found office, a children's play area, special-needs services, an ATM, and a first aid station.
Use the in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, or visit the iFly.com flight departures page for real-time updates.
Yes, major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National have facilities on-site.
You can pick up or drop off passengers curbside, but vehicles cannot be left unattended. A cell-phone waiting area is available for free parking while you wait.
There are several hotels nearby, offering various accommodations, including pet-friendly options, and they are conveniently located for easy commuting.
Major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines operate from here, with top destinations including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Denver.