Chattanooga Airport: What You Need To Know

Yes, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has an airport. Known as the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA), it is located 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and is a Class C airport serviced by the Chattanooga Airport Traffic Control Tower. With non-stop flights to major cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York, Chattanooga's airport provides convenient travel options for residents and visitors alike.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport's history

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA), also known as Lovell Field, is located 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. The airport has a rich aviation history dating back to the early 1900s and has undergone several transformations over the years.

Chattanooga's first rudimentary airfield was located in the Rossville Blvd area in the early 1900s. However, the city's first commercial airfield, Marr Field, was dedicated in December 1919 and was named for Walter L. Marr. It was located off the present-day Amnicola Highway. Marr Field was a stopover on the Contract Air Mail route between Atlanta and Chicago, served by Interstate Airlines. Despite its significance, Marr Field was poorly located, and multiple accidents occurred due to adverse air currents and limited landing and takeoff directions.

In 1927, John Lovell, an aviation enthusiast and president of the local Kiwanis Club, brought Charles Lindbergh to Chattanooga, generating interest in a new airport. Lovell campaigned for a $250,000 bond issue to fund its construction. The bond issue passed with a significant majority, and the current location, previously a farm, was chosen after consulting with engineers and pilots. The new Chattanooga Airport, with an unpaved runway, opened in 1930 and was named Lovell Field in honour of John Lovell. Airmail service began just a month after its opening. In 1936, the landing area was expanded, and runways were paved as part of the New Deal's Works Progress Administration (WPA). The original terminal building was also constructed during this expansion.

During World War II, Lovell Field served as a military training facility. Post-war aviation growth in the 1950s led to a transfer of airport operations to the City of Chattanooga. The airport expanded with a new runway, and the original terminal was expanded in 1950 and 1955 before being replaced by a new terminal in 1964.

In July 1985, the airport's ownership was transferred from Chattanooga to the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority (CMAA). The current passenger terminal, designed by Gensler, opened in 1992. The airport continued to evolve, adding a solar farm in 2011 and expanding its facilities in the 2020s with a multi-story car park, additional gates, and a new terminal wing.

Today, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a small-hub primary commercial service facility, offering non-stop flights to various destinations across the United States. It is a Class C airport serviced by the Chattanooga Airport Traffic Control Tower. The airport covers 950 acres and has two asphalt runways, accommodating a range of aircraft, including Airbus A319/A320 and Boeing 757.

Airlines and destinations

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA) is located 5-6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is served by four airlines: United Express, Delta Air Lines, American Eagle, and Allegiant Air.

There are non-stop flights to 11 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.

The airport has one concourse with eight gates and is a Class C airport serviced by the Chattanooga Airport Traffic Control Tower. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorised it as a small-hub primary commercial service facility in its 2019-2023 plan.

The busiest domestic routes from CHA between April 2022 and March 2023 included Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Washington, Orlando, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and more.

American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines offer round-trip flights to and from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, with prices ranging from $165 to $195.

Parking and transportation

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is located 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport offers convenient parking options at affordable rates, allowing for easy access to the terminal.

Short-Term Parking

Short-term parking is located adjacent to the terminal, making it a convenient option for passenger pick-ups, departures, and arrivals. The rates for short-term parking are as follows:

• First 15 Minutes: FREE
• 16 - 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Each Additional 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Daily Rate: $20

Garage Parking

The garage parking at CHA offers both covered and uncovered options, with a convenient walkway to the terminal. The garage parking rates are as follows:

• First 15 Minutes: FREE
• 16 - 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Each Additional 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Daily Rate: $14 (originally $15)

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking at CHA is located within a short walking distance from the terminal, offering unlimited parking duration. The rates for long-term parking are as follows:

• First 15 Minutes: FREE
• 16 - 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Each Additional 30 Minutes: $2.00
• Daily Rate: $12

In addition to the parking options available at the airport, there are off-site parking alternatives nearby, such as Thrifty, which offers long-term parking for $6.75 per day.

For those who prefer not to drive to the airport, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available in Chattanooga.

When driving to or from the airport, it is recommended to take I-75 towards Chattanooga and use Exit 4 for TN-153 N toward the Chickamauga Dam/Airport. Continue on TN-153 N for 1.1 miles, then take exit 1A for Shepherd Road toward the airport. Turn left onto Airport Connector Road/W Shepherd Road and follow the signs to reach the parking and terminal areas.

TSA security and check-in times

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is located 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority.

The TSA recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight time. During peak hours, which are 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. EST, Monday through Friday, the average wait time is 20 minutes. At other times, the average wait time is 10 minutes. However, it is important to note that wait times can vary significantly, especially during peak travel periods.

TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints and offers a streamlined screening process for enrolled passengers. With PreCheck, passengers typically wait for less than 5 minutes for security checks without having to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their cases. The operating hours for TSA PreCheck vary from day to day, but generally, the service is available from early morning to late evening.

To ensure a smooth security screening process, passengers are advised to prepare their carry-on bags accordingly. This includes checking for prohibited items and following the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and metal objects, such as coins and keys, should be placed in carry-on bags. Passengers are also required to remove their shoes, jackets, and belts for screening.

For checked bags, the TSA may inspect baggage during the screening process. If a physical inspection is conducted, a notice will be placed inside the bag. Passengers whose property is lost or damaged during the screening process can file a claim with the TSA.

Small pets are allowed through the security checkpoint, but owners should check with their airline for their specific policy. Pets must be removed from their carrying case and placed through the X-ray machine, while the empty travel carrier is X-rayed separately. A TSA officer will also swab the owner's hands to check for explosive residue. Once screening is complete, owners should return their pets to the travel carrier in the re-composure area, away from the security checkpoint.

On-site facilities

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CHA, ICAO: KCHA, FAA LID: CHA), also known as Lovell Field, is located 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Chattanooga, in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The airport is owned and operated by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. It is a small-hub primary commercial service facility, offering passengers the convenience of a smaller airport with the amenities of a larger one.

Chattanooga Airport provides free wireless internet to all passengers, thanks to EPB Fiber Optics. There are several charging stations in the Ticketing Lobby, across from the airline ticket counters, as well as in the lounge areas of the pre- and post-security restaurants. The new E Concourse business center also has plentiful chargers and seating, and free-standing recharging stations can be found in all the gate areas.

The Airport Lost and Found is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, and is located in the Dispatch Office on the lower level of the rotunda.

Tailwind Concessions offers a variety of dining options at the airport, including a cafe before the security checkpoint and two restaurants after it. Drink options include a full-service bar, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies. Food options include burgers, burritos, pizza, chicken and waffles, southern specialties, and breakfast favourites.

The airport also has a multi-story car park, and passengers are advised to arrive 2 hours before their flight's departure time.

Frequently asked questions