Charleston Airport: Size, Scope, And Travel Tips

Charleston International Airport is a small but busy airport located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston and is accessible via Interstate 26 and Interstate 526. The airport is classified as a security-level Category I airport by the TSA and is equipped to handle international flights, although there are no direct international flights available. The airport serves as a focus city for Breeze Airways and is home to a Boeing facility that assembles the 787 Dreamliner. In 2018, it was ranked as the largest and busiest airport in South Carolina, handling over 4.5 million passengers. The airport has two concourses (Concourse A and Concourse B) and offers various facilities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, USB ports, electrical outlets, and a lactation suite for breastfeeding mothers.

Charleston International Airport is 12 miles from downtown Charleston

Charleston International Airport is located in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It is approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston. The airport is South Carolina's busiest, serving over 6.1 million passengers in 2023, its busiest year on record. Charleston International Airport is a joint civil-military airport, operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority under a joint-use agreement with Joint Base Charleston. The airport consists of four areas: the military area to the west, the airline terminal to the south, the general aviation area to the east, and the Boeing assembly area further south.

The airport covers 2,060 acres (830 hectares) and has two runways: 15/33, 9,001 ft x 200 ft (2,744 m x 61 m) and 03/21, 7,000 ft x 150 ft (2,134 m x 46 m). It is equipped to handle international flights, with Concourses A and B containing eight and ten gates, respectively. The airport offers a free cell phone parking lot for passenger pick-ups, as well as short-term and long-term surface or garage parking for up to 30 days.

Travel from the airport to downtown Charleston typically takes 50-55 minutes. CARTA Route 11 is a local bus service that connects the airport to downtown Charleston, with several stops along Dorchester Road and Meeting Street in North Charleston. The airport bus stop is located outside the baggage claim area. Weekdays, buses run every 40-50 minutes, with the first departure from the airport at 6:49 am and the last at 8:10 pm. On Saturdays, buses run every 40 minutes, starting at 7:39 am and ending at 8:19 pm.

For those who prefer to drive, Charleston International Airport provides car rental services from companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 26 and Interstate 526, using the International Boulevard and Montague Avenue exits.

The airport is South Carolina's busiest, serving 6.1 million passengers in 2023

Charleston International Airport (IATA: CHS, ICAO: KCHS, FAA LID: CHS) is a bustling hub of activity, solidifying its position as South Carolina's busiest airport. In 2023, the airport celebrated a record-breaking milestone, serving over 6.1 million passengers and surpassing its previous record of 5.3 million passengers in 2022. This remarkable achievement underscores the airport's appeal to both business and leisure travellers, driving the regional economy and cementing its status as South Carolina's favourite gateway.

The airport's growth has been phenomenal, with passenger figures doubling since 2010. This surge in traffic can be attributed to new services introduced by additional airlines and expanded offerings from legacy carriers. Notably, the airport has also benefited from its focus on Breeze Airways, which commenced operations in 2021, providing connections to 11 cities. Additionally, the airport has a joint civil-military status, with Joint Base Charleston operating the runways and an agreement in place with the Charleston County Aviation Authority for civilian use.

The airport's facilities have been continually enhanced to accommodate this growing demand. A three-year, $200 million redevelopment project concluded in 2016, adding five gates and significantly enhancing the terminal's interior. Furthermore, the airport has embarked on a 20-year master plan for future expansion, which includes constructing an additional concourse, adding up to 11 new gates, and expanding parking facilities. The airport's first comprehensive renovation, completed in 2016, modernised its operations and set the stage for further growth.

Conveniently located near the interchange of Interstate 26 and Interstate 526, Charleston International Airport offers easy access for travellers. The airport provides a range of parking options, including a free cell phone parking lot for passenger pickups and short-term and long-term surface or garage parking for up to 30 days. Additionally, rental car services are readily available, and the airport is served by CARTA Route 11, providing convenient connections to downtown Charleston.

With its efficient operations, continuous improvements, and strong focus on passenger experience, Charleston International Airport is well-equipped to handle its growing passenger volume. The airport's popularity among travellers and its contribution to the regional economy solidify its position as South Carolina's premier aviation gateway.

Concourse A has eight gates, while Concourse B has ten

Charleston International Airport (IATA: CHS, ICAO: KCHS, FAA LID: CHS) is a civil-military airport in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is the state's busiest airport, serving over 6.1 million passengers in 2023, its busiest year on record. The airport is operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority, which has an agreement with Joint Base Charleston to allow civilian use of the runways.

The airport's terminal has a simple layout, with both departures and arrivals located on the same floor. Flights depart from two concourses: Concourse A towards the east and Concourse B towards the west. Concourse A has eight gates (A1, A2, A2A, and A3-A7) primarily serving Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection, with other airlines using them occasionally for overflow. Meanwhile, Concourse B has ten gates (B1-B10) and is used by other airlines serving the airport. This concourse also handles international arrivals.

The airport's current terminal underwent a three-year, $200 million redevelopment project that concluded in 2016. This project added five gates and significantly renovated the facility's interior. The original terminal was constructed in 1985. The airport also offers various amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, 2,000 USB ports and electrical outlets, special smoking areas, and lactation stations for breastfeeding mothers.

The airport offers free cell phone parking for passenger pick-ups

Charleston International Airport (IATA: CHS, ICAO: KCHS, FAA LID: CHS) is located in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States. The airport is approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston. It is a small but efficient airport, serving as South Carolina's busiest airport. In its busiest year on record, 2023, the airport served over 6.1 million passengers. Charleston International Airport offers a free cell phone parking lot for passenger pick-ups. This is a convenient option for those picking up family or friends, as drivers can wait for free until their arriving passengers are ready to be picked up. The cell phone waiting lot is located along International Boulevard, close to the terminal.

The airport's original terminal was built in 1985, with the current terminal on the south end of the airport being built in the 1980s. A three-year, $200 million redevelopment project was completed in 2016, adding five gates and significantly renovating the interior. The airport has two concourses, Concourse A towards the east and Concourse B towards the west, with a consolidated TSA security checkpoint for both. Concourse A contains eight gates primarily used by Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B contains ten gates and the international arrivals facility.

Charleston International Airport is a joint civil-military airport, with Joint Base Charleston owning and operating the runways and allowing civilian use through an agreement with the Charleston County Aviation Authority. The airport is also home to a Boeing facility that assembles the 787 Dreamliner. Several major airlines serve the airport, including Alaska, Allegiant, JetBlue, Frontier, Delta Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines, and American Airlines. However, no direct international flights are available, and travellers must connect through large international hubs like Atlanta or Miami.

For travellers looking for quick access to the terminal, Charleston Airport offers a drop-off and pick-up service. Drivers can drop off their vehicles with an attendant and pick them up right outside the terminal. The airport also provides covered parking in the Daily Parking Garage, which offers rates accommodating longer stays and weather protection. Accessible parking is also available, with free parking for up to two days for travellers with valid handicap permits.

The airport has two lactation stations for breastfeeding mothers

Charleston International Airport is a small but efficient airport located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston. The airport is South Carolina's busiest, having served over 6.1 million passengers in 2023, its busiest year on record. It is also a focus city for Breeze Airways. The airport is equipped to handle international flights, although direct international flights are not available. However, it does connect to large international hubs like Atlanta and Miami.

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