Savannah's Airport: Does It Exist?

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the closest airport to Savannah, Georgia. The airport is roughly 12 miles northwest of the Historic District and is accessible from Interstate 95. Savannah Airport is one of the prettiest airports in the nation and has been voted the #1 Best Domestic Airport in Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards 2022. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. Savannah/Hilton Head International is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015, categorised as a primary commercial service airport since it accommodates over 10,000 passenger boardings per year. The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres at an elevation of 50 feet above mean sea level and features two runways with concrete surfaces.

The history of the airport dates back to 1929 with the inauguration of air service between New York City and Miami. Over the years, the airport has undergone various name changes, including Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, and Chatham Field. In 2003, it was renamed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The airport has received recognition as the "#1 Best Domestic Airport" in Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards 2022 and by Condé Nast Traveler magazine for three consecutive years.

The airport has a variety of airlines operating from its gates, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air. These airlines provide connections to various domestic and international destinations, with non-stop flights to several US cities, particularly on the East Coast, the South, and the Midwest. However, it is important to note that there are currently no non-stop flights between Savannah and any West Coast airports.

Airport history

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (IATA: SAV, ICAO: KSAV, FAA LID: 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 roughly 12 miles northwest of Savannah's Historic District, with direct access to Interstate 95.

The history of the airport dates back to 1929 when the first Savannah Municipal Airport was opened. However, its earlier names were Hunter Field, Travis Field, and Chatham Field. In 1932, a city resolution named the airport Hunter Field, with a trolley car serving as its first terminal in the mid-1930s. As commercial airlines continued to use Hunter Field, the U.S. Army Air Corps proposed to take it over if a war broke out. In response, the city decided to construct a new airfield near Cherokee Hill, one of the highest elevations in the county. This new airfield was named Chatham Field and was used by the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a bomber and crew training base.

In 1948, the airfield was turned over to the Georgia Air National Guard, and the airport was renamed Travis Field, honouring Brigadier General Robert F. Travis, a Savannah native who perished in a plane crash. Over the years, the airport underwent several expansions and improvements, including the construction of new terminals, runway extensions, and the introduction of jet aircraft. In 1983, the airport was renamed Savannah International Airport, and in 2003, it was renamed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Today, the airport offers direct flights to various destinations within the United States and seasonal international service. It is recognised as one of the nation's prettiest airports and has received accolades for its accessibility, amenities, and overall traveller experience.

Airlines and destinations

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the closest airport to Savannah, Georgia. The airport is located roughly 12 miles northwest of the Historic District 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 Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Allegiant Air, and Sun Country Airlines.

Delta

Delta is the second-largest airline in terms of both revenue passengers and kilometres flown. Operating over 5,400 flights daily, Delta offers year-round direct flights to Atlanta, Detroit, and New York LaGuardia from Savannah.

JetBlue

JetBlue Airways is an American discount airline that principally focuses on flying to destinations within the United States. JetBlue offers year-round direct flights to Boston and New York JFK from Savannah.

United Airlines

As the world's second-largest airline, United Airlines operates a domestic and international route network. United offers year-round direct flights to Baltimore, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Newark, Washington Dulles, and Fort Lauderdale from Savannah.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers year-round direct flights to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, New York LaGuardia, and Washington Reagan National from Savannah.

American Eagle

American Eagle is the regional brand of American Airlines.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air offers year-round direct flights to Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Nashville, Newark, New York Stewart, and St. Louis from Savannah. They also offer seasonal flights to Allentown, Appleton, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Tampa.

Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines is an American airline based at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The airline primarily focuses on flying Minnesotans to warmer destinations. Sun Country offers seasonal flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul from Savannah.

Transport to and from the airport

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located 8-12 miles northwest of Savannah's Historic District. The airport is accessible by car via Interstate 95, and there are several options for onward transportation to the city.

If you are driving, the airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight to ensure you have sufficient time to park and get through security. The airport has ample parking available and will open remote overflow lots if needed. A shuttle service to and from the terminal is provided for passengers using the remote overflow lots. If you are being dropped off or picked up, the Airport Cell Phone Lot is free to use, and drivers must remain with their vehicles.

If you are travelling to or from the airport by bus, the cheapest option is the $5 CAT bus. There are also taxis available at the airport, and rideshare services are available in Savannah.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several limo services in Savannah that can be booked in advance.

If you are staying at a hotel near the airport or in Savannah's Historic District, many offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Be sure to inquire about this service when booking your room.

Several car rental companies operate at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

When travelling to and from the airport, it is important to allow sufficient time for traffic and security, especially during the busy season. The airport recommends arriving two hours before your flight to ensure a smooth experience.

Airport hotels

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located roughly 12 miles northwest of Savannah's Historic District in Georgia, United States. The airport is accessible to travellers visiting Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as well as neighbouring areas.

There are several airport hotels near SAV, including:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Savannah Airport, located 2 miles from the airport with complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and an indoor pool.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Airport, less than a mile from the airport, offering a free shuttle service, a pool, and a fitness centre.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Airport, located in the hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment, with complimentary Wi-Fi and parking.
• Hampton Inn and Suites Savannah Airport, situated 2 miles from the airport, providing complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free hot breakfast.
• Embassy Suites Savannah Airport, located 2 miles from the airport, featuring free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary happy hour.

These airport hotels offer convenient accommodations for travellers flying into or out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, providing easy access to the airport terminals and a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Frequently asked questions