Exploring the Airports in South Carolina (3+ Key Airports)

South Carolina has a prodigious past in aviation, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century. The state presently features an impressive network of airports that caters to a wide array of aviation requirements. 

The airports in South Carolina include both big international hubs and small regional airports that connect the state to other parts of the country and the world.

In this article, we will explore all airports located in South Carolina, their whereabouts, and the services and amenities they provide to both travelers and aviation enthusiasts.

What are the major airports in South Carolina?

South Carolina is home to 100+ airports including public, private, heliport, seaplane base, and international airports. Among them, 6 are passenger service airports while others are general aviation facilities.

Charleston International Airport (CHS), Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), and Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) are the 3 major international airports in South Carolina.

Other important airports include Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Florence Regional Airport (FLO), and Hilton Head Airport (HHH). Now, let’s explore these airports in detail.

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Charleston Int’l Airport (ICAO: KCHS, IATA: CHS, FAA LID: CHS) is the busiest commercial airport in South Carolina. The airport is owned by Charleston County/Joint Base Charleston and serves as a focus city for Breeze Airways.

Located at an elevation of 46 ft (14 m) AMSL, CHS Airport facilitates regular commercial passenger flights, and cargo services to several domestic, and international destinations.

CHS Airport Infrastructure

Spanning a total area of 2,060 acres (830 ha), CHS Airport features two runways: Rwy 15/33 (9,001 by 200 ft), and Rwy 03/21 (7,000 by 150 ft).

The airport is equipped with a passenger terminal that holds two Concourses: Concourse A (towards the east), and Concourse B (towards the west).

CHS Amenities, and Services

• Baggage Services
• Free Wi-Fi
• 2,000 Electric Outlets, and USB Ports
• Animal Relief Areas
• Card-to-Card Kiosks
• Curbside Check-in
• Nursing Suites
• Lost & Found
• Accessibility Services
• Dog Therapy
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transportation
• Airline Lounge
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Shopping Options at CHS Airport

• Veranda News Discover Charleston (Central Hall/Arrivals Area)
• Hudson Stores (Concourse A, Central Marketplace, and Concourse B)
• Tech on the Go (Central Marketplace)
• Eddie Bauer (Central Marketplace)

Dining Options at CHS Airport

• Caviar & Bananas (Central Marketplace)
• Charleston Beer Works (Concourse A)
• Jack Nicklaus Grill (Central Marketplace)
• DeSano Pizza Bakery (Concourse B)
• Harvest & Grounds (Post & Pre-Security)
• Burger King (Central Marketplace)
• Dunkin’ Donuts (Concourse B)
• Samuel Adams Brewhouse (Concourse B)
• Cinnabon (Central Marketplace)
• Verde (Central Marketplace)

Airlines Serving CHS Airport

The major U.S. airlines serving Charleston International Airport include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

AIRLINES AT CHS AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Alaska Airlines	Seattle – Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA)
Allegiant Air	Cincinnati — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Columbus — Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) Indianapolis — Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Louisville — Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
American Airlines	Charlotte — Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Chicago — Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Dallas/Fort Worth — Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Philadelphia — Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Miami — Miami International Airport (MIA) Washington, D.C. — Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Avelo Airlines	New Haven – Tween New Haven Airport (HVN)
Breeze Airways	Akron/Canton — Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) Columbus — John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) Cincinnati — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Fort Myers — Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Hartford — Bradley International Airport (BDL) Islip — Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) Louisville — Louisville International Airport (SDF) New Orleans —Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Norfolk — Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Orlando — Orlando International Airport (MCO) Phoenix — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) Portland, ME — Portland International Jetport (PWM) Providence — T. F. Green Airport (PVD) Richmond — Richmond International Airport (RIC) Syracuse — Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) Tampa — Tampa International Airport (TPA) Westchester, NY — Westchester County Airport (HPN) West Palm Beach — Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta— Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) Boston— Logan International Airport (BOS) Detroit— Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) New York City — LaGuardia Airport (LGA) New York City — John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)Minneapolis — Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Frontier Airlines	Philadelphia – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
JetBlue	Boston— Logan International Airport (BOS) Fort Lauderdale— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) Los Angeles— Los Angeles (LAX) New York City— John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) New York City — LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Westchester, NY — Westchester County Airport (HPN)
Silver Airways	Fort Lauderdale— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Orlando—Orlando International Airport (MCO) Tampa– Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Southwest Airlines	Austin— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Baltimore— Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Chicago — Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Dallas— Dallas Love Field (DAL) Denver— Denver International Airport (DEN) Houston — Houston Hobby (HOU) Nashville — Nashville International Airport (BNA) St. Louis — St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Spirit Airlines	Fort Lauderdale— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Newark– Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Philadelphia—Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Sun Country Airlines	Minneapolis – Minneapolis–St. Paul Int’l Airport (MSP)
United Airlines	Chicago— Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Denver— Denver International Airport (DEN) Houston— Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Newark —Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Washington, D.C. — Dulles International Airport (IAD)

CHS Airport Travel Tips

Here are some of the important travel tips for travelers, and visitors at Charleston International Airport (CHS).

• Arrive Early: It is always a good idea to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.
• Check Flight Status: Before leaving for the airport, make sure to check the status of your flight to avoid any unnecessary waiting at the airport. You can do this by checking the airline’s website or using a flight-tracking app.
• Know the Airport Layout: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the airport layout, especially if it’s your first time there. This will help you navigate the airport quickly and easily.
• Carry Essential Documents: Always carry your essential travel documents, including your passport or ID, boarding pass, and any necessary visas or travel documents. Keep them in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Pack Smart: Make sure to pack all your essential items in your carry-on bag, including any medications, valuables, and important documents. Also, check the TSA guidelines for prohibited items before packing.
• Be Prepared for Security: To avoid any delays or issues, make sure to have your boarding pass and ID ready, remove any liquids from your carry-on bag, and be prepared to remove your shoes, jacket, and belt before passing through security.
• Stay Connected: Make sure to have your phone, laptop, and other devices fully charged before your flight. Consider bringing a portable charger to stay connected during your journey.
• Know the Ground Transportation Options: Familiarize yourself with the ground transportation options available at CHS, including taxis, rental cars, ride-sharing services, and public transportation.

If you are traveling with your pets via CHS Airport, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Myrtle Beach Int’l Airport (ICAO: KMYR, IATA: MYR, FAA LID: MYR) is the second-busiest commercial airport in South Carolina after Charleston Int’l Airport (CHS). The airport is owned by Horry County, and operated by the Horry County Department of Airports.

Located at an elevation of 25 ft (8 m) AMSL, MYR Airport serves Myrtle Beach, a resort city in South Carolina. The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility.

MYR covers a total area of 3,795 acres (1,535 ha), and features a single asphalt/concrete runway 18/36 whose length is 9,503 ft. (2,897 meters).

There is a terminal building at the airport named for Myrtle Beach’s first mayor Dr. Wilford Leroy Harrelson. 

MYR Airport Amenities and Services

• Baggage Services
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transportation
• Lost & Found
• TSA Security Check
• Self Check-in
• Special Assistance
• Shopping & Dining Options
• ATM Banking Service
• Airport Information Center
• Mamava Lactation Suite
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Shopping Options at MYR Airport – Hudson News (Books, Media…) 

Dining Options at MYR Airport – Salt & Tide (Beer & Wine Bar), Pavilion Bar & Grill (American Cuisine), Nacho Hippo Cantina Maxima (Mexican Cuisine), Starbucks (Coffee & Beverages), Steak ‘n Shake (Burgers, Fries & Shakes), Subway (Sandwiches), Chick-Fil-A (Chicken/Southern Cuisine)

Related: Explore Travel Park in Myrtle Beach (The Best Place to Create Lifelong Memories)

Airlines Serving Myrtle Beach Int’l Airport

MYR Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

AIRLINES AT MYR AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS SERVED
Allegiant Air	Albany, NY Allentown, PA Clarksburg, WV Cincinnati, OH Fort Wayne, IN Hagerstown, MD Huntington, WV Indianapolis, IN Lexington, KY Harrisburg/Hershey, PA Pittsburgh, PA Louisville, KY Knoxville, TN Newburgh/Stewart, NY Syracuse, NY Belleville, IL Columbus, OH (LCK) Columbus, OH (CMH) Portsmouth, NH
American Airlines	Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL (ORD) Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) Philadelphia, PA Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Avelo Airlines	New Haven, CT Wilmington, DE
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta, GA Detroit, MI Boston, MA New York, NY Minneapolis-St Paul, MN
Frontier Airlines	Philadelphia, PA Islip/Long Island, NY Denver, CO
Porter Airlines	Toronto, Canada
Southwest Airlines	Nashville, TN Baltimore, MD Chicago, IL (MDW) Dallas, TX (DAL) Pittsburgh, PA Atlanta, GA Columbus, OH (CMH) Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO (STL) Denver, CO
Spirit Airlines	Atlantic City, NJ Boston, MA Chicago, IL (ORD) Cleveland, OH Detroit, MI Fort Lauderdale, FL New York, NY Newark, NJ Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Latrobe, PA Baltimore, MD Orlando, FL Hartford, CT Manchester, NH Miami, FL
Sun Country Airlines	Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
United Airlines	Chicago, IL (ORD) Newark, NJ Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

The Greenville-Spartan Int’l Airport (ICAO: KGSP, IATA: GSP, FAA LID: GSP) is a prominent airfield located in Greenville, South Carolina that regularly caters to commercial air travel with diverse domestic destinations throughout the United States. The ownership of the airport lies with the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, and its operation is carried out by the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission.

Situated in Greer, South Carolina, at an altitude of 964 ft (294 m) above mean sea level (AMSL), GSP serves upstate South Carolina and sprawls across a vast expanse of 3,500 acres (1,400 ha). The airport flaunts a single asphalt/concrete runway designated as 4/22 and measures a staggering 11,001 ft by 150 ft (3,353 m by 46 m).

The airfield’s infrastructure entails one passenger terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. 

GSP Airport Amenities, and Services

• Baggage Services
• 24-hour ATM Banking Service
• Airside Garden
• Business Workstations
• CLEAR Service
• Dining & Shopping Options
• Conference Center
• Connections Gallery
• Lounge Amenity
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Portable Charging Devices
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transporation
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Shopping Options at GSP

• Hudson Gift Shop (Concourse A, and Grand Hall)
• Kylie Cosmetics Kiosk (Concourse A)
• Premium Sound (Concourses A & B)
• Tech on the Go (Grand Hall)
• Upstate Marketplace (Grand Hall)

Dining Options at GSP

• Baskin-Robbins (Grand Hall)
• Chick-fil-A (Grand Hall)
• Dunkin’ Donuts (1st Floor-Baggage Claim, and Grand Hall)
• Escape Lounge (Grand Hall)
• Flatwood Grill (1st Floor-Baggage Claim)
• QDOBA Mexican Eats (Grand Hall)
• RJ Rockers Flight Room (Concourse B)
• The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck (Grand Hall)
• Thomas Creek Grill (Concourse A)

Airlines Serving GSP Airport

Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines are the major U.S. carriers connecting GSP to several destinations.

AIRLINES AT GSP AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS SERVED
Allegiant Air	Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, and Tampa/St. Petersburg
Avelo Airlines	New Haven, Orlando, and Wilmington (ILG)
American Airlines	Charlotte, Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. (DCA)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta, Detroit, and New York (LGA)
Silver Airways	Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA)
Southwest Airlines	Atlanta, Baltimore, and Houston (HOU)
United Airlines	Chicago (ORD), Denver, Houston (IAH), and Newark (EWR)

Other important airports in South Carolina

In addition to the 3 major international airports in the state of South Carolina, there are some other major airports offering commercial services.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Florence Regional Airport (FLO), and Hilton Head Airport (HHH) are the other important airports in the state.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

ICAO, IATA, FAA LID CODE: KCAE, CAE, CAE

Location: West Columbia, South Carolina

Hub for: UPS Airlines

Focus city for: Air Wisconsin

Airlines and Destinations

AIRLINES AT CAE AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS SERVED
American Airlines	Dallas/Fort Worth
American Eagle	Charlotte, Chicago–O’Hare (begins July 6, 2023), Dallas/Fort Worth, New York–LaGuardia (begins May 5, 2023), Philadelphia, Washington–National Seasonal: Miami (resumes June 3, 2023)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta
Delta Connection	Atlanta, and New York–LaGuardia
United Express	Chicago–O’Hare, and Washington–Dulles

Florence Regional Airport (FLO)

ICAO, IATA, FAA LID CODE: KFLO, FLO, FLO

Location: Florence County, South Carolina

Airlines (Destination): American Eagle (Charlotte)

Hilton Head Airport (HHH)

ICAO, IATA, FAA LID CODE: KHXD, HHH, HXD

Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

AIRLINES AT CAE AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS SERVED
American Eagle	Charlotte Seasonal Routes: Boston, Chicago–O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington–National
Delta Connection	Seasonal Routes: Atlanta, and New York–LaGuardia
United Express	Seasonal Routes: Chicago–O’Hare, Newark, and Washington–Dulles

Conclusion on Airports in South Carolina

In conclusion, South Carolina boasts a variety of airports catering to both domestic and international travelers. Among the top three international airports in the state, Charleston International Airport (CHS) stands out for its modern facilities, convenient location, and numerous flight options. 

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) are also excellent choices for travelers seeking a hassle-free flying experience.

Other notable airports in South Carolina include Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Florence Regional Airport (FLO), and Hilton Head Airport (HHH), which provide convenient access to their respective regions. 

Whether you’re a tourist visiting the state’s famous beaches or a business traveler headed to one of its bustling cities, there’s an airport in South Carolina that can meet your needs. 

Overall, the state’s airports are well-equipped to handle the growing demand for air travel and are continuously working to improve their services to better serve their passengers.

FAQs on Airports in South Carolina