Overview of Lake Charles Regional Airport
Lake Charles Regional Airport is a public airport located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It serves the city of Lake Charles as well as the surrounding areas of Southwest Louisiana. The airport is owned by the City of Lake Charles and covers an area of approximately 964 acres.
The airport has one terminal building and two runways. The main runway is 7,651 feet long and can accommodate most commercial airlines. The second runway is used primarily for general aviation and is 3,399 feet long. In addition to commercial and general aviation operations, the airport also serves as a base for military aviation.
Lake Charles Regional Airport offers a range of passenger services, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttle buses. The airport also has a café and gift shop located in the terminal building.
The airport is served by three major airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These airlines offer non-stop service to several major cities in the United States, including Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Atlanta. In 2019, the airport served over 425,000 passengers.
Overall, Lake Charles Regional Airport provides convenient and accessible air travel options for the residents and visitors of Southwest Louisiana. With its modern facilities and multiple airline options, the airport plays an important role in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
Terminals at Lake Charles Regional Airport
Lake Charles Regional Airport is a hub for the Southwest Louisiana region and serves more than 250,000 passengers each year. The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
Concourse A is primarily used for Delta Airlines flights, while Concourse B serves American Airlines, United Airlines, and their regional partners. Between the two concourses, there are a total of eight gates, with four on each concourse.
The terminal building features a variety of amenities for travelers, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a gift shop. There are also several food and beverage options available, such as a coffee shop and a restaurant.
Passengers with disabilities can take advantage of the airport’s accessible facilities, such as wheelchair service and accessible restrooms. There is also an additional security lane for those who need extra assistance.
The airport’s terminal is easily accessible from the parking lot, with ample parking spaces available for both short-term and long-term parking. There is also a cell phone lot for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
Overall, the terminals at Lake Charles Regional Airport offer a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers. With a variety of amenities and easy access to the parking lot, passengers can enjoy a stress-free journey to their destination.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Lake Charles Regional Airport: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
American Airlines operates daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Delta offers daily flights to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
United Airlines provides daily flights to Houston Intercontinental Airport and seasonal flights to Denver International Airport (DEN).
All of the routes are domestic, with no international flights currently available. There may be seasonal changes to flight schedules, so it’s always best to check with the airline to confirm the most up-to-date information.
Transportation Options at Lake Charles Regional Airport
When it comes to transportation options at Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), visitors have several choices to make getting around easy, affordable, and convenient.
First, there are many car rental companies available at LCH, including major brands such as Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz. The rental counters are located inside the terminal building, making pickup and drop-off simple and hassle-free.
Another option for visitors is to take advantage of the shuttle service provided by local hotels. Many hotels in the area offer a complimentary shuttle service for their guests, so be sure to check with your hotel for availability and restrictions.
For those who prefer public transportation, the airport also provides a shuttle bus service that runs every day to and from the airport and downtown Lake Charles. The shuttle bus has a designated stop at LCH, and it’s an affordable and reliable option for visitors who are traveling on a budget.
If you’re looking to explore the broader region surrounding LCH, you can also hop on a train. Amtrak has a station located just a few miles away from the airport, providing travelers with access to various cities and towns throughout Louisiana and beyond.
In addition to these transportation options, visitors can also hire a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Taxis are available outside the terminal building, while ride-sharing services can pick up visitors at designated locations.
Overall, there are plenty of transportation options available at Lake Charles Regional Airport that cater to different budgets, preferences, and needs. Whether you’re looking for a reliable rental car or an affordable shuttle bus, LCH has got you covered.
Parking Options at Lake Charles Regional Airport
Lake Charles Regional Airport offers several parking options to suit every traveler’s needs. There are three parking lots available: short-term parking lot, long-term parking lot, and economy parking lot.
The short-term parking lot is located closest to the terminal building, making it an ideal option for those who need to park for a few hours or less. This lot costs $2 for the first hour and $1 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $10.
The long-term parking lot is located further from the terminal but still within walking distance. This lot is best suited for travelers who will be away for a few days or longer. The cost for this lot is $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $8.
For those who are looking for budget-friendly parking options, the economy parking lot is the best choice. This lot is located farther from the terminal and requires a shuttle ride to reach the terminal building. It costs $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $6.
Overall, travelers have easy access to convenient and affordable parking options at Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Check-In Procedures:
The check-in process at Lake Charles Regional Airport is designed to provide passengers with a convenient and hassle-free experience. There are several methods available for checking in, including online, self-service, and traditional options.
Passengers who prefer to check-in online can do so up to 24 hours before their flight. This option allows travelers to select their preferred seat, print their boarding pass, and avoid the lines at the airport. Self-service kiosks are also available at the airport for those who prefer to bypass the check-in counter altogether.
Traditional check-in counters are also available for passengers who require assistance or have additional questions about their flight. These counters are staffed by knowledgeable agents who can answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the check-in process.
Once checked in, passengers can proceed to the security checkpoint and onward to their gate. It is recommended that travelers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for adequate time to check-in, clear security and reach their gate.
Overall, the check-in process at Lake Charles Regional Airport is straightforward and designed to provide passengers with a variety of options that suit their needs and preferences.
Security Procedures and Tips
At Lake Charles Regional Airport, security procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and their belongings. All passengers are required to go through a security checkpoint and have their carry-on items screened.
To ensure a smooth security check, arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight, be prepared to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket, and have all liquids and gels in a clear plastic bag. Additionally, make sure all electronic devices are charged and easily accessible for inspection.
Customs and Immigration
For arriving passengers, after disembarking the aircraft, they follow signs to the customs and immigration area. Here, they will present their passport and completed customs declaration form to a customs officer.
The officer will ask questions about the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and items being brought into the country. If everything is in order, the officer will stamp the passport and the passenger can proceed to baggage claim.
For departing passengers, they should arrive at the airport with enough time to go through the security checkpoint and customs and immigration procedures if necessary. They will need to present their passport, boarding pass, and any required visas or documents to the customs officer.
After clearing customs, they can proceed to their gate for boarding. It is important to note that not all departing flights require customs clearance, so passengers should check with their airline to confirm if they need to go through the process.
Amenities
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
– Gift shop with Louisiana souvenirs and snacks
– A restaurant/cafeteria offering local cuisine, sandwiches, salads, and beverages
– Vending machines with snacks and beverages
– Restrooms with baby-changing stations
– Pet relief area outside the terminal
– Wheelchair accessible facilities and assistance
– ATM machine for banking services
– Charging outlets in seating areas
– Information desk with flight and hotel information
Lake Charles Regional Airport offers a range of amenities to make your journey as comfortable and convenient as possible. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, delicious meals at the cafeteria, and purchase Louisiana souvenirs at the gift shop. The airport also provides pet relief areas, wheelchair accessible facilities, and assistance. You can also find restrooms with baby-changing stations, an ATM machine for banking services, and vending machines with snacks and beverages. Stay connected to your devices with charging outlets in seating areas and seek help from the information desk for flight and hotel information.
Accessibility Services
Lake Charles Regional Airport strives to provide facilities and services that cater to the needs of passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
Wheelchair assistance is available upon request, and the airport provides accessible parking spaces close to the terminals.
There are also accessible restrooms throughout the airport, as well as tactile markings and visual aids to assist passengers with vision impairments.
Passengers requiring additional assistance can contact the airport in advance to arrange for specialized services during their travel.
Connecting Flights at Lake Charles Regional Airport
Connecting flights at Lake Charles Regional Airport require travelers to move through multiple terminals. Upon arrival at the first terminal, passengers should check the flight board to confirm the gate for their next flight.
Passengers should also note the departure time and ensure they have enough time to reach the gate. It is recommended that travelers allow at least 30 minutes in between connecting flights.
If there is limited time or if the connecting gate is in a different terminal, passengers can take advantage of the airport’s shuttle service. The shuttle service runs regularly between the terminals and is free of charge.
It is also important for passengers to keep their boarding pass and ID on hand as they move through security checkpoints and board their connecting flight. By following these tips and utilizing the airport’s resources, passengers can easily catch their connecting flight at Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
After your flight, you can retrieve your baggage at the baggage claim area located in the lower level of the terminal.
Baggage carts are available for your convenience, and if you need assistance, airport personnel are always ready to help.
If your baggage is missing or damaged, report it to your airlines’ baggage service office in the baggage claim area as soon as possible.
Provide a detailed description of your baggage and your contact information so that the airline can reach you when they find your luggage.
If your baggage is not found within 30 days, you may file a claim for reimbursement with the airline.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, the airport has a fully equipped medical facility with trained professionals available 24/7. The airport’s emergency response team is ready to respond to any situation that may arise, from medical emergencies to security threats.
Additionally, there are several first aid stations located throughout the airport, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are also available for public use in case of cardiac arrest. If you require medical assistance while at the airport, simply notify a staff member or contact the airport’s information desk for immediate assistance.
For more serious medical issues, Lake Charles Regional Airport is located just a short distance from several major hospitals and urgent care centers. These facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from broken bones and lacerations to more serious conditions requiring hospitalization.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within and near Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Some of the hotels located near the airport include Best Western Plus Prien Lake Inn & Suites, Candlewood Suites Lake Charles South, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lake Charles South, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lake Charles, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Lake Charles.
The distance of these hotels from the airport ranges from 0.6 miles to 3.5 miles.
All of these hotels offer comfortable guestrooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.
Additionally, some of these hotels also provide complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, business centers, and outdoor pools.
Useful Tips
Are you traveling through Lake Charles Regional Airport?
Here are some insider tips to help your experience go smoothly.
1. Arrive early: The airport recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your flight.
2. Pre-check security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR expedite security screenings – making the process faster and easier.
3. Bring your own snacks: The airport has limited food options, so bring your own snacks to munch on during your flight.
4. Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
5. Relaxation: There are comfortable seating areas throughout the terminal, including rocking chairs and a relaxation room.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time at Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Contact Information
– Airport Administration: (337) 491-9961
– Airline Ticket Counters:
– American Airlines: (800) 433-7300
– United Airlines: (800) 864-8331
– TSA: (337) 405-2430
– Rental Cars:
– Avis: (337) 478-5105
– Budget: (337) 478-2946
– Enterprise: (337) 478-8691
– Airport Police: (337) 478-5353
Please note that these numbers are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific airport service or airline.
Airports Near Lake Charles Regional Airport
The following airports are located within a reasonable distance of the Lake Charles Regional Airport:
- Beaumont Municipal Airport (BMT) – 60 miles, accessible via rental car or taxi service
- Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) – 69 miles, accessible via rental car or shuttle service
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 130 miles, accessible via rental car or airport shuttle service
Each of these airports offers a range of flight options, which may be useful for travelers looking to connect to other destinations or for those seeking alternative flight options. Transportation to and from each airport is available via various modes, including rental cars and shuttle services.