Exploring Savannah Airport's Passenger Numbers: Trends And Insights

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a commercial and military airport in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. Savannah Airport is located 13km northwest of the Savannah Historic District and is accessible from Interstate 95. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1929 when the first commercial flight took off. Today, the airport serves over 2 million passengers annually.

The airport has one main terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B, and offers both short-term and long-term parking options. It is served by major airlines such as Delta, American, and United, providing direct flights to hubs such as Atlanta, New York, and Chicago. Savannah Airport handles approximately 10,000 passengers daily and is committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

The airport's history

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (IATA: SAV) is a commercial and military airport in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. It is located 13 kilometres northwest of the Savannah Historic District and is accessible via Interstate 95.

The airport has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here is a timeline of significant events in the airport's history:

• 1917: The airport was established as a military airfield during World War I.
• 1929: The first commercial flight took off from the newly opened Savannah Municipal Airport on September 20, with Eastern Air Express providing service between New York and Miami.
• 1932: A local resolution officially designated the airport as Hunter Field.
• 1940: The United States Army Air Corps planned to take control of Hunter Field in the event of a war.
• 1942: The U.S. Army Air Corps took over the new airfield and named it "Chatham Field." It served as a bomber base and crew training base during World War II.
• 1948: The airport was turned over to the Georgia Air National Guard and renamed Travis Field, in honour of two brothers with ties to Savannah who died in a plane crash.
• 1958: Construction began on a new airline terminal.
• 1962: The east-west runway was extended to 9,000 feet.
• 1965: Delta Air Lines introduced jet service with Douglas DC-9-10 flights.
• 1967: Grumman Aircraft opened a Gulfstream manufacturing plant at the airport.
• 1983: The airport was renamed Savannah International Airport, despite having no direct international flights at the time.
• 1992: The airport offered international service to the Caribbean and Mexico through Key Airlines, which operated a hub in Savannah.
• 1994: A new $21 million terminal building was constructed, replacing the previous six-gate terminal.
• 2003: The airport was renamed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to reflect its proximity to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
• 2014: A new rental car facility was opened, providing added convenience for travellers.
• 2020: The airport remained operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing safety measures to protect passengers and staff.

Today, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport continues to be a vital transportation hub, serving over two million passengers annually and connecting the region to major cities across the United States and beyond.

Passenger facilities

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is a commercial and military-use airport in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The airport provides access to Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas including Bluffton and Beaufort, South Carolina, and the Golden Isles region of Coastal Georgia.

The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. It is located 13km northwest of the Savannah Historic District and is accessible from Interstate 95 between Savannah and the city of Pooler.

The airport terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a range of facilities and services for passengers.

ATMs and Currency Exchange:

The airport has ATMs located in various areas, including the Ticketing/Check-in area, the Savannah Square retail space, after the TSA security check near Gates G4 and G10, and in the Arrivals/Baggage Claim area. However, it is important to note that there are no currency exchange facilities available at the airport.

Restaurants and Eateries:

The airport offers a variety of dining options, including fast-food joints, snack bars, and restaurants. Some of the popular choices include Pizza Hut, Southern Grill, TCBY Yogurt, Burger King, Mrs Field's Cookies, Phillips Famous Seafood, Budweiser Brew Pub, and Starbucks Coffee.

Shopping:

The airport has a range of shopping options, including the Paradies Gift Shop, which offers gifts, souvenirs, magazines, books, snacks, and drinks. There is also the PGA Tour Shop for golfers and Piera's Salon for hair and nail services.

Business Services:

The Business Centre, located in Savannah Square, provides basic business and conference facilities, including telephones and internet access. Wireless internet access is also available throughout the terminal for passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Disabled Facilities:

The airport offers various amenities for disabled passengers, including adapted restrooms, telephones, ramps, and elevators. Porter assistance is also available upon request.

Additional Services:

The airport also features a Military Reception Centre, a games arcade for children, Calm Springs Hydro-Massage chairs, a nursing room for mothers, a smoking area, and pet relief areas.

Transport options

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers a range of transport options for travellers to and from the airport.

Car

The airport is accessible by car via Interstate 95, which is located between Savannah and the suburban city of Pooler. The airport offers a variety of parking options, including short-term and long-term parking, as well as a free cell phone waiting area and off-site lots with shuttle services.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building at a designated taxi stand. The fare from the airport to downtown Savannah is approximately $28, and the ride takes about 20 minutes.

Ride-share

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available, with designated pickup areas outside the terminal.

Shuttle

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services like SuperShuttle and GO Airport Shuttle are available. These services offer door-to-door transportation to your destination, but you may have to share the ride with other passengers. The pickup area for these shared ride services is located outside the baggage claim area.

Public Transportation

If you prefer to use public transportation, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus service is available. The bus stop is located right outside the terminal building, and the fare is $1.50. However, please note that the bus may not be the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with children.

Train

It is important to note that the train station and the airport are separate locations. The Savannah Amtrak Station is about 20 kilometres from the city centre. To get from the train station to the airport, you can take a taxi, which will cost approximately $40 and take about 20 minutes.

Rental Car

If you need a rental car, you can choose from several major providers, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Their rental facilities are conveniently located near the baggage claim area, and you can easily book a car online or at the rental counter.

Ticketing services

Savannah Airport offers a range of ticketing services to ensure your trip is as smooth and stress-free as possible. The friendly staff are on hand to assist you with anything you may need, from choosing the best flight to ensuring you have all the required documentation.

In addition to their standard ticketing services, they also provide unique services for customers with special requirements. This can benefit people who need extra care or assistance when travelling, such as those with disabilities, parents, and those travelling with young children.

If you are a member of the military, or are travelling with a military family member, you can enquire at the airline's ticket counter about obtaining a military family member gate pass.

The airport recommends that you arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight time to allow for parking, check-in and security. You can save time at the airport by checking in online, which is offered by most airlines 24 hours before your flight.

If you are travelling with gifts, it is recommended that you leave them unwrapped, as they are not prohibited but may be subject to further screening.

If you are travelling with prescription medication, electronics, jewellery, or other valuables, do not pack these items in your checked baggage. Instead, keep them with you in your carry-on luggage.

Flight destinations

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located in Savannah, Georgia, and provides travellers with access to Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas, including Bluffton and Beaufort, South Carolina, and the Golden Isles region of Coastal Georgia. The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines offer direct flights to hubs such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas, providing seamless national and international connectivity.

For those looking for a quick snack or coffee, Starbucks or Cinnabon in the main terminal are good options. If you have more time, head to the Savannah Square Café for a sit-down meal with a view of the runway.

The airport's top domestic destinations include:

• Charlotte, North Carolina
• New York–JFK, New York
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The airport also offers international flights to Toronto, Canada.

Frequently asked questions