Overview of Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport is a public airport located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It serves the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area and is the largest airport in the state of South Carolina. The airport is owned and operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
Charleston International Airport handles both domestic and international flights. It has one passenger terminal with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. The airport has 15 gates and offers non-stop service to over 30 destinations.
The airport’s amenities include a variety of dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, ATMs, a business center, and an art gallery. Charleston International Airport is also home to a military museum that includes exhibits showcasing the history of the air base that previously occupied the site.
The airport has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented numerous environmentally-friendly initiatives. These initiatives include using energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, utilizing electric ground support equipment, and implementing a recycling program.
Overall, Charleston International Airport is a modern and efficient airport that provides a high level of service to its passengers. Its location in the heart of Charleston makes it a convenient choice for travelers visiting the southeastern United States.
Terminals at Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport has one central terminal that is divided into two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B.
Concourse A serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, while Concourse B serves Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
The airport’s terminal features numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops for passengers to enjoy before their flights.
Passengers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and charging stations located throughout the airport.
In addition to the amenities within the terminal, Charleston International Airport also boasts a variety of art installations, including murals and sculptures, for passengers to admire.
For those who need to catch up on work or just relax, there are a number of lounges available in the airport, such as the Delta Sky Club and the United Club.
Overall, Charleston International Airport’s terminal offers a convenient and enjoyable experience for travelers passing through the airport.
Airlines and Destinations
Charleston International Airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
American Airlines offers flights to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Delta Air Lines operates flights to Atlanta, New York–LaGuardia, Detroit, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Southwest Airlines has daily flights to Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Houston–Hobby, Nashville, and Orlando, while United Airlines offers flights to Chicago–O’Hare and Washington–Dulles.
International destinations include Toronto, Canada, with Air Canada; London, UK, with British Airways; and Frankfurt, Germany, with Lufthansa. Seasonal services to popular vacation destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, and Nassau, Bahamas, are also available through Southwest Airlines and American Airlines.
Transportation at Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport offers a range of transportation options for travelers arriving or departing from the airport.
One of the most convenient options is the shuttle service, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The shuttle provides transportation to and from the airport to downtown Charleston, as well as to hotels and other destinations in the area.
For travelers who prefer to have their own vehicle, there are several car rental companies located at the airport. These include well-known brands such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel times.
Another option is the shuttle bus service, which provides transportation to and from the airport as well as to local destinations. Companies such as Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co., Coastal Limo & Transportation, and Charleston Style Limo offer shuttle services that can be booked in advance.
For those who prefer public transportation, there are several train lines that run near Charleston International Airport. The nearest station is the Amtrak Station located about 10 miles away in North Charleston. From there, passengers can connect to other destinations throughout the country.
In addition to these options, there are also several taxi companies available at the airport, including Uber and Lyft. These services can be booked through an app on your smartphone.
Overall, Charleston International Airport offers a variety of transportation options to suit the needs of all travelers. From shuttle services to car rentals, there are plenty of ways to get to and from the airport and explore everything that the beautiful city of Charleston has to offer.
Parking at Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport offers several parking options to meet the needs of all travelers. The airport has a Garage Parking, Surface Lot Parking, and Economy Lot Parking. Garage Parking is available for those who want to be closest to the terminal. The parking price for Garage Parking is $20 per day.
Surface Lot Parking is good for travelers who have a tight budget but still want to park near the terminal. The parking price for the Surface Lot is $10 per day. Economy Lot Parking is located far from the terminal, and the shuttle service is available for free for Economy Lot Parking users. The parking price for Economy Lot Parking is $8 per day.
Passengers can book a parking spot in advance when traveling amid high traffic. Payment options include cash, debit or credit cards, or digital payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. The airport’s parking lots are equipped with security cameras and are patrolled by law enforcement to ensure maximum safety.
In conclusion, passengers traveling through Charleston International Airport can choose from multiple parking options at different prices. Passengers should weigh their options before making a parking decision, considering the parking lot’s proximity to the airport and parking rates.
Check-In Procedures
Charleston International Airport offers multiple ways for passengers to check-in for their flights. One option is online check-in, which can be done up to 24 hours before departure. This method allows passengers to select their seats and print their boarding pass from home or work.
Another option is self-service kiosks, which are located throughout the terminal. Passengers can use these kiosks to check-in, print their boarding pass, and even check their bags. These kiosks are available 24/7 and offer a convenient option for those who prefer to skip the lines at the traditional check-in counters.
For those who prefer the traditional method, check-in counters are also available. These counters are staffed by representatives who can assist with any questions or issues passengers may have. Additionally, some airlines offer curbside check-in, allowing passengers to quickly drop off their luggage and receive their boarding pass without ever having to enter the terminal.
No matter which method passengers choose, it is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare in order to complete the check-in process and make it through security. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Security Measures and Tips at Charleston International Airport
At Charleston International Airport, security measures are taken seriously to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. All passengers are required to go through a security checkpoint before boarding their flight.
To make the security check process smoother, travelers should remove all items from their pockets, such as phones, wallets, and keys, prior to entering the checkpoint. It is also important to place any liquids, gels, or aerosols in a clear, quart-sized bag before entering the checkpoint.
Shoes, belts, and jackets must be removed and placed in a bin for X-ray screening. Personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, must also be placed in a separate bin for screening.
By following these guidelines and arriving at the airport with plenty of time before your flight, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free security check experience at Charleston International Airport.
Customs and Immigration at Charleston International Airport
For arriving passengers, the customs and immigration process begins after getting off the plane. Passengers are required to complete an arrival card and present their passport and completed form to the immigration officer.
After clearing immigration, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area where they collect their luggage before proceeding to the customs area. At customs, passengers declare any items that need to be declared and may have their bags inspected.
For departing passengers, the customs and immigration process begins at check-in. Passengers are required to present their passport and any necessary visas to the check-in agent.
After checking in, passengers go through security before proceeding to the departure gate. At the departure gate, immigration officers may conduct spot checks before allowing passengers to board the flight.
Amenities
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
– A variety of dining options, including national chains and local favorites
– Multiple gift shops and newsstands selling books, magazines, and souvenirs
– Charging stations for electronic devices
– ATMs and currency exchange services
– Pet relief areas in both the pre- and post-security areas
– Nursing rooms for mothers with infants
– Vending machines selling snacks and beverages
– Quiet room for meditation or prayer
– Conference rooms available for rent
Accessibility Services
Charleston International Airport offers a range of facilities and services aimed at accommodating passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, wheelchair assistance, and visual paging systems.
Passengers can also request additional services such as sign language interpretation, boarding and deplaning assistance, and special seating accommodations.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to contact the airport’s customer service team in advance to make arrangements for required services.
Connecting Flights at Charleston International Airport
When catching a connecting flight at Charleston International Airport, the first step is to check the departure gate of your next flight on the monitors or with the airline’s app.
If your next flight departs from a different concourse or terminal, you’ll need to take the airport shuttle or walk to the other area. It is recommended to allow at least an hour between flights to give yourself enough time for any necessary transportation or unforeseen delays.
If your connecting flight is with the same airline, your luggage may be transferred automatically. However, if you’re connecting with a different airline, you’ll need to collect your bags and recheck them at the ticket counter or self-service kiosk.
It’s important to check the baggage claim area signs before leaving the arrival gate to ensure you’re heading in the right direction. Lastly, make sure to pay attention to any boarding announcements or updates and don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance if needed.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arriving at Charleston International Airport, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located on the first floor of the terminal. All baggage will be delivered to the designated baggage carousels, which are clearly marked with flight information.
If a passenger discovers that their luggage is missing or damaged, they should immediately report it to the airline representative at the baggage service office located in the baggage claim area. The representative will provide the passenger with a form to fill out and will then begin tracking the missing baggage.
Passengers are encouraged to ensure that all of their luggage is properly labeled with their name and contact information to make it easier to locate in case it becomes lost. In the event that luggage is not claimed within a certain period of time, it will be transferred to the airport’s lost and found department, where it can be claimed by the owner.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Charleston International Airport has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place. In case of an emergency, the airport’s highly trained staff is ready to handle any situation.
The airport has an on-site medical clinic that is open 24/7. The clinic is staffed by licensed medical professionals who are equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies.
In addition, there are several Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the airport. These devices can save lives in case of sudden cardiac arrest.
If necessary, the airport can also arrange for ambulance transport to a nearby hospital. Overall, Charleston International Airport takes emergency and medical situations seriously and has the resources in place to respond quickly and effectively.
Hotel Accommodations
Charleston International Airport offers a wide range of hotel accommodations for travelers. The hotels near the airport are convenient options for those who have late-night or early morning flights.
Here is a list of the top 5 hotels near Charleston International Airport:
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton – located just 1.2 miles from the airport
2. Hyatt Place North Charleston – located 3 miles away from the airport
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Charleston Airport – located 1.8 miles from the airport
4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – located 2.4 miles from the airport
5. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport/Convention Center – located 1.6 miles from the airport
All of these hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport. Guests can also enjoy amenities like complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, and outdoor pools.
Useful Tips for Navigating and Enjoying Charleston International Airport
As a busy airport, Charleston International can be overwhelming for first-time travelers.
Here are some insider tips to help you navigate with ease and make the most of your time at the airport:
– Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to speed up security lines and avoid removing your shoes and laptop.
– Use the airport’s mobile app to track flights, receive notifications, and access maps and wayfinding tools.
– Take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected and avoid data charges.
– If you have time to spare, explore the airport’s shops, restaurants, and art installations.
– Check out the airport’s pet relief areas if you’re traveling with a furry friend.
By following these tips, you can make your travel experience at Charleston International smooth and enjoyable.
Contact Information
– Airport Administration: (843) 767-7000
– Lost and Found: (843) 767-7025
– Parking: (843) 767-7029
– TSA: (866) 289-9673 or tsa.gov/contact
– Customer Service: (843) 767-1100
– Rental Cars: (843) 767-1109
– Taxi and Shuttle Services: (843) 367-9040
– Flight Information: (843) 767-7009 or iflychs.com
– Airline Information:
- Alaska Airlines: (800) 252-7522
- American Airlines: (800) 433-7300
- Delta Air Lines: (800) 455-2720
- Frontier Airlines: (801) 401-9000
- JetBlue Airways: (800) 538-2583
- Southwest Airlines: (800) 435-9792
- United Airlines: (800) 864-8331
Airports near Charleston International Airport
If you are considering alternative flight options or have a layover or connecting flight, there are several airports near Charleston International Airport:
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) – 95 miles away
Transportation options: car rental, shuttle service, taxi - Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – 110 miles away
Transportation options: car rental, shuttle service, taxi - Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) – 105 miles away
Transportation options: car rental, shuttle service, taxi
Make sure to check flight schedules and prices for these airports as they may offer better deals or more convenient travel options.