CHS Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- 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 CHS Airport
Welcome to the online guide for Charleston Airport, a bustling gateway to the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its user-friendly layout and southern hospitality, CHS offers a seamless travel experience. This guide provides a detailed overview of the airport's facilities, services, and transport options. Whether you're a frequent flyer or embarking on your first journey, our comprehensive guide to worldwide airports will help you navigate your way around CHS and other airports on your itinerary.
iFly Tip: Plan ahead and make the most of your time at the airport with our helpful airport tips.
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Charleston International Airport (CHS) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from CHS-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
"Charleston International Airport has a straightforward layout with a single main terminal divided into Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A is mostly used by Delta and American Airlines, while Concourse B serves Southwest and United. If you’re in a rush, the terminal map near the main entrance is a lifesaver." — John D., North Charleston, SC, August 2023
"One of the best things about CHS is its compact size. You can get from security to your gate in just a few minutes. The terminal map is very easy to follow, and there are plenty of signs to guide you." — Emily R., Mount Pleasant, SC, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"If you’re heading downtown, the CARTA bus service is a budget-friendly option. It’s reliable and runs frequently. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available right outside the terminal." — Michael S., Summerville, SC, September 2023
"For a more comfortable ride, consider booking a private shuttle in advance. It’s a bit pricier but worth it if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family." — Jessica T., Goose Creek, SC, October 2023
Parking
"The economy parking lot at CHS is a great deal if you’re leaving your car for a few days. It’s a short shuttle ride to the terminal, and the rates are very reasonable." — David M., Hanahan, SC, November 2023
"For quick trips, the hourly parking garage is super convenient. It’s right next to the terminal, so you can get in and out quickly." — Lisa W., Ladson, SC, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"Charleston International has some great dining options. If you have time, check out Caviar & Bananas for a quick bite or a coffee. It’s my go-to spot before any flight." — Karen H., West Ashley, SC, January 2024
"Don’t miss out on the local shops inside the terminal. They offer some unique Charleston-themed souvenirs that make great gifts." — Robert K., James Island, SC, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long security lines, try to arrive at least two hours before your flight, especially during peak travel times. The TSA PreCheck line is usually much shorter if you have it." — Susan P., Isle of Palms, SC, March 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays around the terminal. They’re updated frequently and can help you stay informed about any potential delays or gate changes." — Mark L., Folly Beach, SC, April 2024
iFly Tip: Learn about the intricacies of flying from a pilot's point of view on our takeoff to landing page.
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.
iFly Tip: Learn about the key role airport hubs play in global air travel logistics.
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.
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.
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. For those requiring 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
- Location: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located in Charleston, South Carolina, United States.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport serves over 4 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in South Carolina.
- Terminals: CHS has a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A and Concourse B. The Main Terminal houses baggage claim, ticketing, and security checkpoints.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving CHS include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, check out the CHS Airlines Served page.
- Daily Flights: The airport handles around 80 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from CHS are Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago.
- Hub Status: Charleston International Airport is a hub for American Airlines and a focus city for Delta Air Lines.
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 Information
For more information about Charleston International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: CHS
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 843-767-7000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Charleston International Airport, 5500 International Blvd, Charleston, SC 29418, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Charleston Airport Q&A
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