๐บ๐ธ Charleston, United States of America
Charleston International Airport (CHS), located in North Charleston, South Carolina, is the busiest aviation hub in the state and serves as a premier gateway to the historic Lowcountry region. The airport is a unique joint-use facility, sharing its runways and airfield infrastructure with the Charleston Air Force Base, part of Joint Base Charleston. This partnership supports a diverse mix of commercial, military, and industrial aviation, making it a critical node for both national defense and the regional economy. The airport features a modern, single-level passenger terminal building designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use. The terminal is organized into two primary concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B, which are connected by a spacious central atrium. Concourse A primarily serves Delta Air Lines and its partners, while Concourse B handles a wide variety of other domestic and international carriers. A centralized TSA security checkpoint serves both wings, and the intuitive layout ensures that travelers can navigate between the ticketing hall, baggage claim, and boarding gates with minimal transit time. Amenities at CHS are extensive and reflect the growing demand for premium travel services in the region. For those seeking a quiet workspace or relaxation, 'The Club CHS' is a shared-use lounge located in the main concourse, offering food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. The terminal provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building and features numerous integrated charging stations for electronic devices. The central atrium food court offers a variety of dining options, from local South Carolina favorites to national chains. Additional passenger services include nursing suites, animal relief stations both pre and post-security, and a well-appointed business center. CHS provides robust connectivity to over 50 non-stop destinations across the United States and select international locations. It serves as a major focus city for Breeze Airways and is a key destination for American, Delta, United, and Southwest. A significant industrial feature of the airport site is the Boeing South Carolina facility, which is the only location in the world where the entire production cycle of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner occurs. Ground transportation is well-integrated, with a dedicated rental car pavilion, official taxi ranks, and CARTA bus services providing easy access to historic downtown Charleston, located just 12 miles to the southeast.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) serves as the definitive gateway to South Carolinaโs Lowcountry, featuring a modern single-terminal layout that simplifies connections between its two concourses. Because all passenger flights share the same central atrium, "connecting" here is structurally efficient, with domestic-to-domestic transfers typically requiring only 45 minutes if you are on a through-ticket. The airport is a major focus city for Breeze Airways and is served by all major U.S. carriers. If you are connecting from Charleston to an international flight via Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT), it is highly recommended to allow a minimum buffer of 3 hours. This accounts for the larger terminal transit times and the thorough security re-screening common at these major hubs. A standout feature of CHS is the Rental Car Pavilion, which is located directly on-site across from the baggage claim area. Unlike many major hubs, you do not need a shuttle for most agencies; simply walk across the street to access your vehicle. For budget-conscious travelers, CARTA Route 11 provides a direct link from the curbside baggage claim to the Meeting Street Visitor Center in the heart of the historic district for just $2.00. Unique to this airport is its joint-use status with Joint Base Charleston; travelers should expect significant engine noise from C-17 cargo planes and should allow extra time for arrival during peak military exercises. While waiting for your departure, enjoy local favorites at the central atrium food court or escape the crowds at 'The Club CHS' lounge near the concourse entrance. Always verify your boarding gate early, as assignments for regional flights can change shortly before departure.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
150 minutes
See current Google Maps reviews, ratings, photos, and traveler experiences for Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Compare CHS/KCHS with another airport: Comparison Tool
Apalachicola, United States of America
Allentown, United States of America
Abilene, United States of America
Ambler, United States of America
Albuquerque, United States of America
Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources