CHARLESTON AIRPORT (CHS) INFORMATION

Charleston International Airport, also known as Charleston Airport (IATA: CHS, ICAO: KCHS, FAA LID: CHS), is a civil-military airport in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It is approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston.

The air station is owned and operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority (CCAA) under a mutual agreement of usage with Joint Base Charleston.

Charleston Airport is South Carolina's busiest airport; in 2019, the airstrip's most active year in service served nearly 5 million passengers.

The airport serves as an airport hub for Breeze Airways. It is home to the Boeing facility that assembles the 787 Dreamliner.

The airport consists of four general areas:

• The military area to the west
• The airline terminal to the south
• The general aviation area to the east
• The Boeing aircraft assembly area is at the south of the terminal

This common airport area utilization of Charleston International Airport and Charleston Air Force Base covers 2,060 acres or 830 hectares of land. It has two runways: 15/33 with 9,001 feet × 200 feet or 2,744 meters × 61 meters and 03/21 having 7,000 feet × 150 feet or 2,134 meters × 46 meters.

In 2019, the airport had more than 118,000 aircraft operations with an average of 324 per day; 42% were commercial, 28% were general aviation, 16% were for military services, and 13% for air taxis. In the same year, the airport had 81 aircraft based at the facility: 28 single-engine, 6 multi-engine, 43 jets, and 4 helicopters.

The Joint Base Charleston (JBC) owns and operates the airport runways and has agreed with the Charleston County Aviation Authority (CCAA) to allow public airfield use.

The General aviation services are driven by the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

Currently, the airline terminal completed a three-year redevelopment project with an approximate budget of $200 million approved in 2016, adding five gates and significantly renovating the facility's interior appearance.

In 1987, the original terminal was built and designed by Howard Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff, Davis and Floyd, Inc., and Lucas and Stubbs.

The departures and arrivals are both located on the same floor area. However, the Departure Area is on the east end of the terminal, and the Arrival Area is west.

Air flights depart from Concourse A towards the east and Concourse B towards the west. Since 2015, a consolidated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint has been utilized for both concourses. The TSA classified Charleston International Airport as a security-level Category I airport.

The airport is equipped and designed for many passengers and aircraft. Thus it can handle international flights.

Concourse A contains five gates mainly used by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection. Concourse B includes ten gates and an international arrivals facility operated by other airlines.

Charleston International Airport is just near the intersection of Interstate 26 and 526. It is accessible from both interstates using International Boulevard and Montague Avenue exits.

History of Charleston International Airport

1928 was the foundation year of the Charleston Airport Corporation which purchased about 700 acres of land previously belonging to a mining company.

Although owned privately, the City of Charleston initiated bonds in 1931 to acquire a portion of the airfield for public and commercial use. Ten years had passed, and three runways were paved and outfitted with lighting for night-time operations.

During the World War, airfield control was given to the United States. However, civilian service was still allowed to continue to use the landing field. After the war, the airport reverted to public utilization for a short period.

In 1949, a new civilian terminal was built, but during the Korean War, the airfield was reactivated for military use.

In 1952, Charleston City and the United States Air Force agreed to control the base and the runways. This arrangement has been re-negotiated and is valid up until now.

In 1979, the operation of civilian portions of the airport was transferred from the City of Charleston to the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

The current terminal airport, the airport's south end, was built in the 1980s on land acquired by Georgia Pacific.

In October 2009, Boeing made Charleston Airport, with a designated land area of 265 acres, a second hub for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

In July 2011, the facility began its limited operations, and in April 2012, it rolled out its first completed aircraft.

Throughout the airport's history, all three domestic legacy airline carriers, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and their predecessor companies have tirelessly served Charleston Airport and its people.

Aside from the pioneer airlines, Charleston has witnessed many changes through time, including some additional air services from others, yet those services were short-lived.

In 2001, Air Canada had a brief service to the airport from Toronto. Still, it ended its service right after the September 11 terror attacks.

Since 2010, the airport's number of passengers has doubled in time. New services were established due to additional airlines, and benefits services from the three legacy carriers have also contributed to this growth.

In 2015, Porter Airlines also briefly served the city with flights to Toronto.

In 2019, the airport was the only facility in South Carolina to offer regular flights across all four different time zones in the United States.

In October 2018, British Airways announced its commencement of a direct service route from London Heathrow, flying for the summer season twice weekly. This became the first scheduled flight crossing the Atlantic from Charleston. However, this route was canceled in December 2020.

In 2021, the newly established airline company, Breeze Airways, announced that the Charleston Airport would be its central hub while serving eleven other cities.

Transfer Services at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport offers different transfer services for inbound and outbound passengers.

Car rentals, rideshares, taxis, shuttles, and buses are available for transport to and from the Charleston Airport.

Amtrak trains are also available; however, they are not accessible from within the airport premises.

Passengers are always recommended to check what items are allowed for hand-carry and check-in baggage. Also, securing personal belongings before and after boarding the aircraft is a must.

Rental Car Services at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport provides car rental services for interested customers.

Car Rental counters are directly located in the Rental Car Pavillion next to the Baggage Claim Area.

To rent a vehicle from the airport, the renter must provide a valid driver's license or an international driver's license permit and be 21 years old and above. See and compare all rental car companies at Charleston International Airport.

Renters must also complete the rental agreement form before picking up their rented car. Most cars for rent are parked outside the Rental Car Pavillion.

Renters must also be credit and debit cardholders to pay the rental.

Note that rental rates may vary depending upon the car agency and the selected vehicle.

Ride Shares at Charleston International Airport

Rideshare vehicles have been serving Charleston International Airport. They are available upon pre-booking by downloading the company's application on your smartphone or any device.

In Charleston Airport, passengers have been booking rideshares from Lyft and Uber.

It is recommended for passengers to choose the right vehicle size for their luggage. Also, passengers should consider that booking rideshare means they have to be with other passengers.

Rideshare rates may vary depending upon the company, the chosen vehicle size, and the passenger's point of destination.

Taxis at Charleston International Airport

Taxis are available for transfer service to and from Charleston International Airport. They are accessible at the ground transportation area outside the terminal building.

The airport is about 12 miles or 20 minutes drive from Downtown Charleston and vice versa via I-26 E road, which is the fastest route. See more information about taxis at Charleston International Airport.

The estimated minimum taxi fare from the airport to downtown Charleston ranges from $40.00 to $45.00.

Passengers should know that taxi fares may vary depending on the area's traffic condition.

Buses at Charleston International Airport

The Charleston Area Regional Authority (CARTA) provides bus transfer services to and from Charleston International Airport, notably to those passengers bound for Tanger Outlet Center and Downtown Charleston.

Charleston Airport buses are located at the covered curb outside the Arrivals Hall.

Passengers may purchase their bus tickets ahead of time at CARTA's official website or download the company's application to acquire mobile passes. More information about buses to and from Charleston International Airport.

Fare boxes are also provided inside the bus; thus, it accepts bills and coins. However, it is advised for passengers to prepare the exact amount to pay upon boarding.

The one-way regular bus fare is $2.00.

Trains at Charleston International Airport

The Amtrak Train Station in Charleston, South Carolina, is about 5 miles or 10 minutes drive from Charleston International Airport via International Boulevard and Rivers Avenue. More information about train services near Charleston International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Charleston International Airport

Hotel Shuttles are available for transfer services to and from Charleston International Airport upon pre-booking. Therefore, it is advised for passengers to contact their Charleston hotel accommodations for shuttle service reservations.

Non-hotel shuttles also serve the airport. However, corresponding rates may apply depending upon the passenger's negotiation with the service provider.

Parking at Charleston International Airport

Charleston Airport provides customers with five convenient and accessible parking areas: the Hourly Parking Deck, Daily Parking Deck, Economy Lot A, Valet Parking, and Cell Phone Waiting Area.

However, parking rates vary depending upon the customer's chosen car park area and the duration of stay inside the facility.

The parking rate at the airport starts at $3.00. See more information about short and long term parking at Charleston International Airport.

Other Services at Charleston International Airport

WiFi at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport provides complimentary WiFi access for passengers.

Internet access is possible within the airport terminal through the "CHSFREEWIFI" network.

ATMs at Charleston International Airport

Automatic Teller Machines are located on both concourse levels of the terminal.

There is also an ATM in the facility's open-roofed central hall.

Currency exchange at Charleston International Airport

Foreign currency exchange services are unavailable inside the airport terminal.

Nursing Stations at Charleston International Airport

There are currently two nursing suites provided for mothers inside the airport terminal.

The suites are located in the pre-security area near baggage conveyors 2 and 3. The other nursing room is in the post-security area, specifically on Concourse B.

Restrooms at Charleston International Airport

Public Restrooms are available in pre-and post-security areas of the terminal.

Food and Beverages at Charleston International Airport

Restaurants and food kiosks are available on Concourses A and B and Central Marketplace within the airport terminal.

Smoking at Charleston International Airport

Smoking is strictly not allowed within the airport terminal. Since September 1, 2021, the airport administration, in cooperation with the local government of Charleston, South Carolina, banned smoking within Charleston International airport to maintain the health and safety of the traveling public.

Pet-Relief Area at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport has three Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) for passengers traveling with their pets or service animals.

Two Service Animal Relief Areas are located at both ends outside the airport terminal. One designated area is inside the terminal, specifically at Concourse A near Gate A2.

Lost and Found Section at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport maintains a Lost and Found Facility for missing items within the airport premises.

In case of missing items, passengers may connect to the hotline of the airport's Lost and Found office at +1 843 767 7070.

An airport representative will immediately call back after receiving your inquiry or concern.

Airport Communication Center at Charleston International Airport

The airport's Information Desk, also called the Guest Service desk, is located between the Central Hall and the Baggage Claim Area.

The desk is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Baggage Claim at Charleston International Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is conveniently located on the left portion of the Central Hall.

Self-service luggage carts are available near baggage carousel number 1 and on the ground level of the parking deck facing the surface parking area.

The cost per luggage cart is $4.00, and return the cart to receive a .25 cents refund.

Disabled Passengers at Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport provides necessary facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) or persons with special needs. This is under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The facility offers passenger assistance, ramps, elevators, PWD restrooms, public telephones, and wheelchair accessibility with Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD).

It is a must for passengers with special needs to contact the airport or their airline provider ahead of time to address their concerns and prepare the necessary facilities upon arrival.

Charleston International Airport Contacts

Address: 5500 International Blvd., North Charleston, South Carolina 29418, United States

General Phone: +1 843 767 7000 or +1 843 767 7007

Email: info@iflychs.com

Lost and Found Phone: +1 843 767 7070

Official website: https://www.iflychs.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 120V/60Hz

Plug: A and B

Currency: U.S. Dollar, Dollar, $

WiFi at Airport: The airport provides complimentary WiFi. Passengers may log on to the "CHSFREEWIFI" network.