Charleston Airport: Getting Around CHS

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is one of those mid-sized airports that actually works well. Not so big that you’re walking twenty minutes between gates, not so small that there’s nothing to eat. Two concourses, straightforward layout, easy to navigate.

The Layout

One terminal, two concourses. Concourse A sits to your left as you enter, Concourse B to your right. That’s basically it.

Concourse A handles Delta and American. Five gates, A1 through A5. Domestic flights only. Basic amenities: restrooms, information desk, vending machines.

Concourse B is larger with gates B1 through B10. Southwest and JetBlue operate here, along with other carriers. More food and shopping options on this side.

The whole airport is small enough that even if you land at A5 and need to get to B10, you’re talking a five-minute walk. No trains, no people movers, no confusion.

Security

Two security checkpoints, one serving each concourse. Both accessible from the ticket counter area. Lines vary by time of day but rarely get terrible. Charleston isn’t a major hub, so you’re not competing with thousands of connecting passengers.

TSA PreCheck is available. Worth having if you fly regularly.

Baggage Claim

Ground floor, right past the terminal entrance. Screens show which carousel has your flight. If something goes wrong with your bags, the airline service counters are right there.

Baggage usually appears within 15-20 minutes of landing. I’ve never had the hour-long waits that plague bigger airports.

Getting Out of There

Taxis and rideshares: Pickup zone is marked clearly near baggage claim exits. Uber and Lyft both operate at CHS. Taxis are available too.

Rental cars: Counters are near the main entrance. All the major companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National. No off-site shuttle required.

Hotel shuttles: Many airport-area hotels run free shuttles. Call when you land or arrange pickup in advance. Shuttle stops are marked on the curb.

Parking

Hourly lot is closest to the terminal. Daily lot is a short walk. Long-term lot requires a shuttle but costs less. All clearly marked on signs as you drive in.

Tip: You can reserve parking online ahead of time. During holidays or events, the close-in lots fill up.

Food and Shopping

Charleston has better airport food than you’d expect for its size. Local options serving Southern cuisine alongside the usual airport chains. Sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go both available.

Shopping is limited but covers the basics: snacks, books, Charleston souvenirs, travel accessories. Nothing fancy, nothing missing.

Amenities

• Wi-Fi: Free throughout the terminal. Works fine for email and browsing.
• Charging stations: Scattered around both concourses. Look near seating areas.
• Pet relief: Areas available both before and after security.
• Family facilities: Nursing rooms and family restrooms available.
• Business services: Basic business center with workstations and printers.

Accessibility

Elevators throughout, ramps at all entrances, accessible restrooms clearly marked. CHS handles mobility assistance well. Let your airline know in advance if you need help.

The Bottom Line

Charleston International is a pleasure to fly through. Short walks, reasonable food, efficient operations. The city deserves its tourism reputation, and the airport doesn’t undermine it.

If you’re visiting Charleston, landing at CHS means you’re 20 minutes from downtown and can start your trip without airport-induced frustration. That’s worth something.