A Quick Guide to Charleston International Airport (CHS)
The Charleston International Airport is twelve miles from downtown Charleston. If it is your destination or you have a layover, this article will be useful.
You will find details about the airport terminal, services, and facilities. They will help you navigate through the facility.
The airport is South Carolina’s largest and busiest airport serving millions of passengers each year. The airport can be divided into four major segments. They are:
- The military area
- The airport terminal
- The general aviation area operated by Charleston County Aviation Authority.
- The Boeing assembly area operated by Boeing South Carolina
So, let’s start exploring the airport with the Terminal.
Charleston International Airport Terminal
If you book airline fare deals to Charleston, you will find that the terminal is a small. It comprises of two concourses, i.e. A and B. A walkway connects them to the airside.
However, you will also find that there are sufficient shops and things to pass time at the airport (more on it later under the segment facilities and services).
- 2016 Uplift:
The terminal you see now underwent significant renovation in 2016. The refurbishing cost $200 million.
It really changed the appearance and face of the airport. Five new boarding gates were added to the facility.
- Departures and Arrivals:
Both arrivals and departures are on the same level. For departure you have to proceed to the east end of the facility.
The arrivals are to the west. The east side of Concourse A and the west of Concourse B facilitate flight departures.
- Consolidated TSA Checkpoint:
There is a common consolidated Transport Security Administration security checkpoint for both the concourses.
The TSA categorizes Charleston International Airport as a category 1 security level airport.
- Concourses:
There are five gates in Concourse A. Delta Connection and Delta Air Lines use this concourse. However, when there is an overflow in the aircraft traffic, other airlines also use it.
Concourse B, on the other hand, has 10 gates to cater to all the other airlines. Concourse B also has an international arrivals facility.
- Runways:
The runways are owned and managed by the Joint Base Charleston.
It has an agreement to allow for civilians to use the airfield with the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
Charleston International Airport Services and Facilities
You not only get low price fares, but also a chance to enjoy the airport services if you plan your travel in advance.
If you have a layover here, you can enjoy several services. Let’s start with the amenities
1. Airport Amenities
It is wise to know about the amenities at the airport even before you start finding best price for flights. Even more so, if you have special needs.
- Free Internet:
You have access to free internet. Look for CHSFREEWIFI to log in to the Wi-Fi.
- Electrical Ports:
The Charleston International Airport has about 2000 electrical outlets and USB ports.
Especially, when it comes to last-minute flight bookings, you don’t find enough time to charge your devices. But do not worry, Charleston has got you covered.
- Animal Relief Areas:
There are three animal relief stations for service animals. Two of them are in the terminal building, one of each end.
The third designated area is near gate A2 in the Concourse A, post-security.
- Boarding and Deplaning:
The Airport offers assistance to the passengers for boarding and deplaning. Boarding bridges provide level entry. Also, a passenger access lift is available if you have any physical disability.
- TDD and Public Telephones:
Charleston Airport has public telephones in the terminal building. Also, the facility has a wheelchair accessible TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf).
- Lost and Found:
There is a lost and found department. If you leave behind or forget something at the terminal or the parking areas, immediately call the Communications Center. Reach them at 843 767 1100.
On the other hand, if you left your belongings in the aircraft or the rental car, call the airline or the rental service provider.
- Post Office:
Adjacent to the information desk, you will find UPS and FedEx drop off boxes. Further, if you wish to drop off stamped postcards, or mail letters, use the mail slot.
- Emergency Call Boxes:
Throughout the Charleston International Airport parking facility, you will find emergency call boxes. You can use these in case you need any assistance.
Dinning at Charleston International Airport
Everyone knows that booking connecting flights are cheaper. And, if you have an airport like Charleston as your layover, you can spend quality time.
So, if you want to enjoy the following, and score budget air tickets, book flight to the Charleston International Airport:
- Caviar and Bananas:
This gourmet market offers specialty items from all across the world. Further, you will find assortments based on products from the Lowcountry.
This is located just after the security in the Central Marketplace. The place operates from 4.30 am to 8 pm.
- Charleston Beer Works:
If you want to enjoy a delicious drink before flying, visit Charleston Beer Works. You can select from a number of impressive brews and other drinks.
You can even catch on breakfast, lunch or dinner. Head over to Concourse A anytime after 4.30 am and before the last departure.
- Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill:
The restaurant is a great place to catch some refreshments. Also, the ambiance of the place features the charm and warmth of people of the Lowcountry.
It opens at 6 am and shuts down at 8 pm. So, you can find the Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill in the Central Marketplace after security.
- DeSano Pizza Bakery:
Located in the Concourse B, DeSano Pizza Bakery is a great kitchen theater. You can watch the chefs in action. The wood-fire ovens, and dough spinning in the air put up quite a show.
It is what you need to shake off the jet-lag. The timings are 4.30 am till the last departure.
- Harvest and Grounds:
This bakery’s ambiance is a perfect blend of urban and classic elements. Also, you can taste the coffee from Charleston’s King Bean Coffee Roasters.
Pair it up with pastries from multiple local bakeries. Moreover, there are two Harvest and Grounds. One of them is in the Central Marketplace and it operates from 4.30 am to 8 pm.
The other one is pre-security near ticketing and it operates between 4.30 am and 11 pm.
- Burger King:
If you are a burger-lover, or traveling with children, you will probably choose this place. The international fast-food chain is located in the Central Marketplace. It is open between 4.30 am and 8 pm.
- Dunkin Donuts:
Apart from the delicious donuts, this particular outlet also sells bread, pastries, and sweet dishes from Charleston’s Saffron Bakery.You check that out at Concourse B.
The place operates from 4.30 am to the last flight departure.
- Samuel Adams Brewhouse:
Enjoy bottled or tap beer coupled with pub-style food. It is a great choice for lunch and dinner. Head over to Concourse B between 10 am and 8 pm to visit the Samuel Adams Brewhouse.
Shopping at Charleston International Airport
When you are traveling on last-minute flight booking deals, it is highly likely that you forget something back home.
That is exactly why airports offer a choice for passengers to catch up. Let’s take a look at what Charleston International Airport offers to shopaholics:
- Veranda News Discover Charleston:
Here you will find the largest collection of Charleston souvenirs, books, and so on. The ambiance of the place will transport you to the downtown City Market.
Spare some time to explore all the exhibits. It is located in the Central Hall in the arrivals area. The place opens at 4.30 am and shuts at 11 pm.
- Hudson Stores:
There are three Hudson Stores at the Charleston International Airport. You can get all the reading material, snacks and refreshments you will ever need for your flight.
Further, you may even buy gifts or other items. Moreover, you can find a Hudson Store in the Central Marketplace, Concourse A, and Concourse B. All of the stores lie beyond the security. They operate from 4.30 am to the last flight departure.
- Low Country Harley-Davidson
The classic motorcycle brand’s signature apparel and accessories are also available at the airport.It is located in the Central Marketplace and is open between 6 am to 7.30 pm.
- Eddie Bauer
The casual clothing retailer, Eddie Bauer is also located in the Central Marketplace. You can find a great collection of clothes and other items. It is operational from 6 am to 7.30 pm.
- Tech on the Go
If you have forgotten your charger, earphones, or any other electronic necessity, then Tech on the Go is at your service.
This is mostly the case when you grab a last-minute flight deal to start your journey. Located in the Central Marketplace, it is open from 6 am to 7.30 pm.
Apart from all of the above, you will also find King Street Cookies and Mama Chef Cuban Café kiosks at the Concourse B. Also, both kiosks are operational from 7 am to 7 pm.
Further, there is also a 4000 sq ft lounge that serves the passengers with great seating, atmosphere, and food. There are six separate zones that divide the lounge. Check it all out, next time you book flight tickets to the USA.
