Exploring Charleston Airport: Efficient Access With Multiple Gates

Charleston International Airport is South Carolina's busiest airport, serving over 6 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two concourses: Concourse A, with eight gates, and Concourse B, with ten gates. In 2022, the airport celebrated the opening of two new gates, A6 and A7, increasing the total gate count to eighteen. The airport's master plan for future growth includes the construction of an additional concourse, adding up to eleven new gates.

Concourse A has eight gates

Charleston International Airport in South Carolina is a busy hub, serving over 6 million passengers in 2023. The airport consists of two concourses, A and B, with Concourse A containing eight gates.

Concourse A, located towards the east of the terminal, is primarily used by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection. The eight gates of Concourse A are labelled A1, A2, A2A, and A3-A7. These gates are used almost exclusively by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection, though other airlines can use them if needed. Concourse A also has a dedicated TSA security checkpoint, making the process more efficient for travellers.

The concourse features a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. For instance, passengers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and charging stations for their electronic devices. Additionally, there are information desks, family restrooms, and public telephones available throughout the concourse. The spacious atrium connecting Concourse A to Concourse B houses essential facilities, including vending machines and an animal relief station.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, the airport has implemented measures to improve efficiency and comfort. For example, "common use" gates have been introduced, allowing all airlines to utilise the gates and improve flight turnaround times. Furthermore, additional seating has been added to Concourse A to help manage congestion during peak times. These enhancements ensure that Concourse A at Charleston International Airport remains a convenient and accessible gateway for travellers.

Concourse B has ten gates

Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina is a busy hub, serving over 6 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two concourses, and, as of 2025, Concourse B has ten gates (B1-B10). This concourse is used by several airlines, including international arrivals.

Concourse B is located to the west of the airport, with the arrival area at the west end of the terminal. The concourse is easily accessible, with a consolidated TSA security checkpoint serving both Concourse A and B. This makes the security process more efficient for travellers.

Concourse B has a range of amenities for passengers. For those looking to relax with a drink, Charleston Beer Works is a popular spot, serving local brews. For food, DeSano Pizza Bakery offers freshly baked pizza, and there is also a local brewery, Commonhouse Aleworks, where travellers can sample a wide selection of beers. For mothers travelling with babies, there is a Mamava suite located between gates B4 and B6, with comfortable benches, mobile pods, electric outlets, fold-down tables, and a privacy door.

In addition to the amenities within Concourse B, the airport also offers various services throughout the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available, along with around 2,000 USB ports and electrical outlets for charging devices. There are also family restrooms, information desks, and public telephones. For those looking to smoke, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminal building.

Charleston International Airport's $200 million redevelopment

Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina underwent a $200 million redevelopment project that transformed the airport from top to bottom. The project lasted three years, from 2013 to 2016, and resulted in a state-of-the-art terminal that is customer-friendly and capable of handling a large volume of passengers.

The redevelopment project addressed the unexpected growth in passenger numbers, which skyrocketed by 121% between 2000 and 2016. The project involved coordination with various stakeholders, including airport staff, designers, contractors, airlines, rental car agencies, and concessions, to ensure the airport remained fully functional during construction. Renovations required temporary relocations of airline gates, but an adequate number of gates were always provided.

The original terminal, built in 1985, was stripped down and rebuilt with modern designs and improved functionality. The $200 million investment added five new gates, bringing the total number of gates to 18 (8 in Concourse A and 10 in Concourse B). The interior appearance of the facility was also significantly renovated, enhancing the airport's capacity and aesthetics.

The redevelopment project included a new consolidated TSA security checkpoint serving both Concourse A and Concourse B, making the security process more efficient for travellers. The departure and arrival areas were strategically located on the same floor, with departures at the east end and arrivals at the west end, simplifying navigation for passengers.

In addition to the gate expansions and interior renovations, the project also involved upgrades to various airport facilities. A new kitchen was installed to cater to the introduction of international flights, such as British Airways' transatlantic service to London. The Federal Inspection Station, also known as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area, underwent a makeover to meet international standards. The baggage carousel and bathrooms were upgraded, and new carpeting and equipment were installed.

The successful $200 million redevelopment project at Charleston International Airport transformed the airport into a modern, efficient, and customer-friendly transportation hub, accommodating the growing number of passengers and solidifying its position as South Carolina's busiest airport.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Charleston International Airport is South Carolina's busiest airport, serving over 6.1 million passengers in 2023. The airport has recently expanded its capacity by 20% with the addition of two new gates, A6 and A7, bringing the total number of gates to 18. The airport consists of two main concourses: Concourse A with eight gates and Concourse B with ten gates. Both concourses are served by a consolidated TSA security checkpoint.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck requires an appointment and pre-enrollment online, with a fee of $78 for five years. Applicants must provide documentation proving their identity and citizenship status, and fingerprints and a photograph are also required. Successful applicants receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) that can be used when booking flights to access the expedited security process. Global Entry has a similar enrolment process, including an online application, background check, and in-person interview, with a fee of $85 for five years.

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can significantly enhance the travel experience, reducing wait times and providing a more seamless journey through the airport.

Airport amenities

Charleston International Airport has a range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable. The airport has a simple layout, with both departures and arrivals located on the same floor. Here are the details for each area of the airport:

Concourse A

Concourse A, located towards the east, contains eight gates (A1, A2, A2A, and A3-A7) and is primarily used by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection. This concourse has comfortable seating areas, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi. It also features the Charleston Beer Works, a great spot to enjoy a local brew before your flight.

Concourse B

Concourse B, towards the west, has ten gates (B1-B10) and serves various airlines, including international arrivals. Similar to Concourse A, it offers free Wi-Fi and charging stations near the seating areas. Concourse B also features a variety of dining and shopping options, such as DeSano Pizza Bakery, Commonhouse Aleworks, and Charleston City Market.

Central Marketplace (past security)

The Central Marketplace, located past security, offers additional dining options. You can choose between the Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill, Harvest + Grounds, and more.

Main Terminal

The Main Terminal provides further shopping opportunities, including popular stores such as Hudson News and Palmetto Moon. It is also where you can find essential services like information desks, family restrooms, and public telephones. Additionally, the Main Terminal is home to the Club CHS lounge, which offers a relaxing environment with food, beverages, and freshening-up facilities.

Other Amenities

Charleston International Airport also offers a nursing room, a pet relief area, baggage storage, and vending machines near the baggage claim area. For passengers with heavy luggage, there are carts available near the baggage claim. The airport also provides a mail-back service for items that cannot be taken through security.

Frequently asked questions