Charleston airport code CHS: identify the right airport and plan the trip
CHS is Charleston International Airport in South Carolina. Use this guide to confirm the code, avoid Charleston/WV/Canada confusion, find the terminal, check departures, compare parking, reach rideshare pickup and plan security without hunting across multiple sites.
Check these CHS live pages before leaving
Charleston International now publishes several genuinely useful live or near-live tools. This page links to them instead of pretending a static WordPress article knows your gate, queue or available parking space.
Six Charleston airport details that prevent common travel mistakes
CHS is Charleston, South Carolina—not West Virginia
Charleston International Airport in South Carolina uses CHS. Charleston, West Virginia uses CRW for West Virginia International Yeager Airport.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Charlottetown, Canada is YYG
If a search for “Charleston airport code Canada” actually means Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the code is YYG—not CHS.
Canada confusionCHS is one terminal, not multiple terminals
Passengers use one main terminal and then branch to Concourses A or B after security. Look for a concourse/gate, not “Terminal 1” or “Terminal 2.”
WayfindingRideshare pickup is across both roadways
After baggage claim, follow signs to the covered rideshare shelter in Zones 1, 2 or 3, across both roadways and to the right of the last sidewalk.
Pickup locationEconomy parking has a shuttle every five minutes
Economy is across from the Daily Garage and costs less, but add shuttle time before the airline’s check-in or bag-drop cutoff.
Parking bufferCHS is a joint civil-military airport
Runways are shared with Joint Base Charleston. Military aircraft activity is normal and does not by itself mean the passenger terminal is disrupted.
Local contextWhat airport is CHS?
CHS is Charleston International Airport, the main commercial airport serving Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is physically located in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States.
The passenger-facing IATA code is CHS. The FAA location identifier is also CHS, while aviation, dispatch and flight-planning systems use ICAO code KCHS.
Charleston airport code South Carolina vs West Virginia, Charlotte and Canada
“Charleston airport code” is ambiguous because more than one place has a similar name. Match the state/country on your ticket before booking parking, a rental car or a hotel shuttle.
| What you mean | Correct code | Airport | Location | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, South Carolina | CHS | Charleston International Airport | North Charleston, SC, USA | This page |
| Charleston, West Virginia | CRW | West Virginia International Yeager Airport | Charleston, WV, USA | Do not drive to CHS |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | CLT | Charlotte Douglas International Airport | Charlotte, NC, USA | Charleston ≠ Charlotte |
| Charlottetown, Canada | YYG | Charlottetown Alexander B. Campbell Airport | Prince Edward Island, Canada | Spelling: Charlottetown |
What time is it at CHS airport?
Charleston airport time now
Loading Charleston time…
CHS uses the America/New_York time zone: Eastern Standard Time in winter and Eastern Daylight Time when daylight saving time is active.
Your device vs Charleston
Comparing your device time with Charleston…
Always use the local time printed by your airline for departure and boarding deadlines.
Charleston airport address, map and physical location
Official passenger address
5500 International Blvd. #101
North Charleston, SC 29418-6911
Use the full airport name/address in navigation apps.
Relative to downtown Charleston
CHS is about 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston. Driving time can vary significantly with I-26 and local traffic.
FAA/state aeronautics coordinates
32.898639, -80.040528
Published field elevation is about 46 feet.
Build a practical CHS plan
Which Charleston airport do I need?
Select the place from your booking before arranging ground transportation.
Recommended terminal-arrival time
CHS recommends arriving about 90 minutes to two hours before departure. This calculator adds practical buffers but does not replace airline cutoffs.
Parking cost estimate
Uses official published daily maximums checked August 11, 2026.
Pickup readiness checker
Use this before leaving the free Cell Phone Waiting Area.
One terminal with Concourses A and B
Charleston International is easier to understand than a multi-terminal hub: ticketing and baggage claim are in the main terminal, one central TSA checkpoint leads airside, and passengers continue to Concourse A or Concourse B for their gate.
Concourse A
One of the two post-security gate areas. The post-security service-animal relief area is near Gate A2.
Concourse B
The second gate area. CHS’s post-security nursing suite is in Concourse B.
Central Hall / Marketplace
Main passenger circulation, dining, shopping and lounge access sit around the central terminal area. The Club CHS is in the main concourse.
How to make a connection between Concourses A and B
CHS uses one passenger terminal with a central secure area feeding Concourses A and B. For a normal domestic-to-domestic connection on one protected itinerary, you generally do not need a train, shuttle or terminal change. Follow the new gate shown by your airline or the airport flight board.
How to check Charleston departures and arrivals
Start with the operating airline
Codeshare tickets can show a marketing airline that is not operating the aircraft. Use the “operated by” carrier for bag rules, check-in and rebooking.
Use CHS flight status
The official airport board lets you search by flight number, airline or city and may show status, scheduled/estimated time, gate and baggage information.
Recheck inside the terminal
Gate assignments and boarding times can change after you leave home. Follow terminal displays and airline notifications.
Which airlines currently serve CHS?
As checked August 11, 2026, the airport’s official route directory lists the carriers below. This is useful for recognizing the operating airline, but it is not a fixed gate or concourse assignment list.
Current international nonstop examples
The official directory currently shows Toronto (YYZ) on Air Canada as seasonal and Cancún (CUN) on Breeze as less-than-daily. International routes are especially schedule-sensitive, so confirm the exact travel date.
Why an airline list cannot tell you the gate
CHS’s live flight board is the correct place for the current gate. A carrier can use different gates based on aircraft, operations and construction.
CHS security checkpoint hours, wait times and check-in buffer
The main TSA checkpoint is published as opening daily at about 3:30 a.m. and operating until roughly 9:30 p.m. or the last departing flight. It may close earlier or stay open later based on the flight schedule.
When to arrive
CHS recommends reaching the airport about 90 minutes to two hours before scheduled departure so you have time to park, check in and clear security.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
CHS publishes Touchless ID availability for eligible PreCheck travelers who opt in with participating airlines and have valid passport information in the airline profile.
ConfirmID in 2026
The airport warns that travelers unable to present acceptable ID may be directed to TSA’s paid ConfirmID identity-verification process. Use TSA’s current ID page before relying on this fallback.
Boarding starts before departure time
CHS says passenger boarding typically begins 30–45 minutes before scheduled departure. Your “departure time” is not the time to reach the gate.
TSA PreCheck enrollment is off-airport
The airport currently points applicants to the UES Enrollment Center at 1954 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407, generally Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. Confirm before making a special trip.
CHS Check n’ Go curbside baggage check-in
CHS operates an in-house baggage check service that can let eligible passengers check bags before entering the terminal. The current dedicated amenities page lists Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United as participating airlines. Because the airport homepage and dedicated amenity page have not always displayed the same carrier list, treat on-site signage and your airline as the final eligibility check.
Where it can help
- Front curb of the terminal.
- Airport also promotes bag check on the second level of the Daily Parking Garage for participating travelers.
- Can reduce time spent in the indoor ticket-counter line.
What it does not change
- Your airline’s bag acceptance cutoff still applies.
- Oversize, special, international or document-sensitive bags may require airline handling.
- You still need enough time for TSA and boarding.
Charleston airport parking rates, shuttle time and accessibility
| Parking option | Current rate | Best use | Transfer | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Garage | $3/hour · $21/day max | Short visit or close parking | Short walk | Max height 7 ft 11 in; ADA spaces on Level 2; 30-day max stay |
| Daily Garage | $5/hour · $17/day max | Convenience + lower daily max | Walk | Multi-level; open-air top level; 30-day max stay |
| Economy Lot | $5/hour · $13/day max | Lowest routine long-stay price | Shuttle about every 5 min | Open 24 hours; ADA spaces near pickup shelters; 30-day max stay |
| Overflow Lot | $5/hour · $13/day max | Peak/holiday overflow | Shuttle about every 5 min | Opens when Economy is full; access from Porsche Blvd/RAC Access Road |
| Valet | $10 first hour, then $3/hour · $25/day max | Fastest curb-to-terminal option | Curbside | Drop-off booth 4 a.m.–8 p.m.; pickup counter 24/7; no handicap discount |
Accessible parking discount
Qualified travelers can receive the first 48 hours free. After that, normal parking rates apply. The placard/license-plate holder must be present, and matching state-issued documentation is required at exit.
Before a holiday trip
Check official parking availability before leaving home. Overflow is specifically intended for times when Economy fills, which is common during high-traffic travel periods.
Passenger pickup, drop-off and the free Cell Phone Waiting Area
Dropping off
Confirm the airline and flight status first, use the active departure curb, unload promptly and keep the driver with the vehicle.
Picking up
Wait until the passenger has landed, collected bags and can provide a curbside location. Do not circle the terminal repeatedly while baggage is still being delivered.
Cell Phone Waiting Area
Free temporary waiting is on the right side of International Blvd. just before the terminal drop-off area. Current published capacity: 80 spaces. Driver must remain with the vehicle.
Uber, Lyft, taxi, CARTA, rental cars and hotel shuttles at CHS
Uber, Lyft, KreweCar and rideshare
CHS currently lists Uber, Lyft and KreweCar. After baggage claim, follow airport signs to the covered rideshare shelter in Zones 1, 2 or 3. The pickup area is across both roadways and to the right of the last sidewalk. Request the ride only when you are ready to walk to the zone.
Taxi
Proceed to the ground-transportation booth in the center median outside Baggage Claim. A starter quotes the rate based on destination. CHS publishes a $17 minimum taxi fare from the airport.
CARTA Route 11 to downtown Charleston
Route 11 Dorchester/Airport serves CHS, North Charleston hotels, Tanger Outlets and downtown Charleston. The airport stop is a lighted, covered shelter outside Baggage Claim near the passenger-pickup/rental-car area. CARTA’s current regular fixed-route fare is $2 one way; cash riders should have exact change, and transfers are currently free within two hours. The Transit app provides real-time vehicle locations and service alerts.
Rental cars
Rental-car desks are at the end of the terminal past Baggage Claim. Vehicle return is on Level 1 of the five-tier parking deck, with covered walkways to the terminal.
Hotel shuttles
Many nearby hotels offer courtesy shuttle service, but schedules and eligibility vary. Confirm the shuttle directly with the hotel before travel and ask for the exact pickup area outside Baggage Claim.
CHS taxi meter rules, sample downtown fares and shared shuttle
Charleston International’s current ground-transportation page links an official taxi brochure dated March 2024. The current webpage independently confirms the $17 minimum taxi fare. The brochure adds useful meter/payment detail, but its destination examples should be treated as sample estimates, not guaranteed 2026 quotes.
Meter rule
The linked brochure uses a $3-per-mile meter rate including up to two passengers, with a $17 minimum.
Extra passengers
The brochure lists $7 per additional passenger beyond the first two.
Credit cards
Taxi/shuttle vehicles accept major cards, and the brochure says drivers may not add a credit-card handling fee.
Meter must be on
The brochure states that if a taxi driver fails to turn on the meter, the customer should not be charged.
Sample fares in the official brochure
| Example destination | Brochure miles | Sample meter fare | Use this as |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Citadel / MUSC | 11.5 mi | $35 | Historical official estimate |
| Francis Marion Hotel | 12.0 mi | $36 | Historical official estimate |
| Charleston Place | 12.4 mi | $37 | Historical official estimate |
| King & Broad | 13.4 mi | $40 | Historical official estimate |
| Folly Beach | 20.3 mi | $61 | Historical official estimate |
| Kiawah Island Gate | 29.0 mi | $87 | Historical official estimate |
The brochure also describes a shared downtown shuttle at $15 per passenger, departing within about 15 minutes and potentially making several stops. Because this detail comes from the dated brochure rather than the current summary webpage, ask the ground-transportation booth whether it is operating and what the current fare is before depending on it.
Wheelchairs, accessible parking, Sunflower support and service animals
Wheelchair and boarding help
Arrange wheelchair escort/transport with the operating airline before travel. Airline Skycaps are also available at the front curb.
TSA Cares
For screening assistance, contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 about 72 hours before travel when possible.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Free bracelets or lanyards are available from the Guest Services Desk across from Central Hall. The Sunflower signals that extra time or understanding may be helpful; it does not replace airline assistance.
Service-animal relief
Three areas are published: two outside at opposite ends of the terminal and one post-security in Concourse A near Gate A2.
Accessible parking
Qualified patrons can receive the first 48 hours free. Valet does not offer the handicap discount. The parking page says the placard/plate holder must be present at exit; the accessibility page additionally says that if the holder is absent, a same-day boarding pass bearing the holder’s name may be shown. Because the official wording differs, use the exit-station phone for confirmation before payment.
Aircraft access
Passenger boarding bridges provide level entry where used, and an access lift is available to airlines for travelers who need assistance boarding or deplaning.
Wi-Fi, charging, nursing suites, lounge, luggage carts and food hours
Free Wi-Fi
The airport publishes the network name CHSFREEWIFI.
Power
CHS advertises roughly 2,000 electrical outlets and USB ports for device charging throughout the terminal.
Nursing suites
One suite is pre-security between Baggage Claim carousels 2 and 3; another is post-security in Concourse B.
Luggage carts
Near Carousel 1 and the ground level of the parking deck. Current price: $4, with a 25-cent refund on return.
Cash-to-card kiosks
Two ReadySTATION kiosks in ticketing can convert cash to a prepaid Visa card; the published fee is $5 per transaction for conversions up to $1,000.
Guest Services
Located between Central Hall and Baggage Claim. Current airport information lists desk hours around 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.
The Club CHS lounge
The Club CHS is a shared-use lounge in the main concourse. CHS currently lists it as 4,400 square feet, seating up to 100 guests, with daily hours of 4:10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.. Access includes eligible Priority Pass travelers, while the airport also lists a $60 day pass and a discounted $51 AAA rate. Children under 24 months may accompany a member at no cost. Admission rules can change, so check before purchasing or walking away from your gate.
Food and shopping for early or late flights
The official dining page says many concessions open around 5 a.m. and remain open until the last departing flight; selected shops open around 4 a.m.. Because individual hours vary, use the current airport directory rather than relying on a copied restaurant-hours table.
What happens on an international arrival at CHS?
Charleston International is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry and CBP lists biometric entry/exit technology at CHS. Passengers arriving from an international airport without U.S. preclearance should expect U.S. entry formalities at CHS before entering the public terminal.
Immigration / admissibility
Follow CBP signs and keep passport/entry documents accessible.
Baggage and customs
If CHS is your first U.S. port of entry, follow CBP instructions for baggage and declaration requirements.
Connecting onward
If continuing to another U.S. flight, confirm with the airline whether baggage must be rechecked after CBP processing.
What CHS plans to do during diversions or excessive tarmac delays
CHS publishes an Irregular Operations / Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan. It is mainly an airport-airline coordination document, but it answers a useful passenger question: what resources exist when multiple aircraft divert or passengers cannot immediately enter the terminal?
Gate sharing
The plan says CHS controls and schedules 17 fully common-use gates and can coordinate gate sharing during an emergency.
Remote deplaning support
When gate space is unavailable, CHS can coordinate transportation, alternate facilities and airline/handler equipment to help deplane passengers from remote parking positions.
International sterile area
The plan identifies a limited-capacity sterile area for international passengers who have not yet cleared U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What to do when something is lost at Charleston airport
CHS uses Boomerang as its authorized Lost and Found partner for items found in the terminal, security-checkpoint area and airport parking facilities. The airport warns travelers about scammers asking for personal or payment information.
| Where the item was lost | Best first contact | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal, checkpoint or CHS parking | CHS/Boomerang claim | Terminal area, date/time, detailed description and contact information |
| On the aircraft | Operating airline | Flight number, date, seat and item description |
| Rental vehicle | Rental-car company | Rental agreement, vehicle and return location |
Why CHS is different: a joint civil-military airfield
Passenger operations use Charleston International’s civilian terminal, but CHS shares its runway system with Joint Base Charleston. The FAA’s “From the Flight Deck” video shows the runway environment and explains why military traffic, intersecting runways and unusual aircraft activity can be normal at CHS. This is optional aviation context—not a substitute for passenger flight status or security information.
Publisher: Federal Aviation Administration. Video is visibly embedded because it is CHS-specific. VideoObject schema is not added because exact upload date and duration were not independently verified.
Airfield snapshot
State aeronautics data lists two intersecting runways: 03/21 (7,000 ft) and 15/33 (9,001 ft). The airport is a shared-use civilian/military facility.
What passengers need to know
Seeing C-17s or other military activity is normal at CHS. If your commercial flight is affected, the operating airline and official CHS flight board remain the sources for your specific delay or gate status.
CHS expansion work: what travelers should watch
Charleston International is actively expanding. Current airport project information says a new parking garage/consolidated rental-car facility is targeted for fall 2027, while the West Gate expansion is expected to add four gates with substantial completion anticipated in early 2027.
Parking Garage 3 / CONRAC
The project is planned to add thousands of private-vehicle and rental-car spaces. Until it opens, follow the current parking/rental-car instructions in this guide rather than future-project diagrams.
West Gate expansion
Construction can affect temporary walking routes, curb patterns or gate assignments. Use official signs and the live terminal map on travel day.
Overnight, very early departure and late-arrival planning
TSA
Main checkpoint normally begins around 3:30 a.m.; it is not a 24-hour checkpoint.
Food
Many dining locations start around 5 a.m.; selected retail opens around 4 a.m. Check exact outlet hours.
Valet
Drop-off booth is listed 4 a.m.–8 p.m.; pickup counter operates 24/7.
Airport access
Do not assume being inside the terminal means airline counters or security are open for your flight.
CHS travel-day checklist
- Confirm your ticket says CHS, not CRW or YYG.
- Check the operating airline and live flight status.
- Review TSA wait time and checkpoint status.
- Check parking availability before driving.
- Add Economy shuttle time when applicable.
- Check airline bag-drop cutoff.
- Use CHS Check n’ Go only if your airline/bag qualifies.
- Screenshot your boarding pass as a backup.
- Keep medication and documents in cabin baggage.
- Arrange airline wheelchair assistance in advance.
- Use the Cell Phone Waiting Area for pickup waiting.
- Request rideshare only when you can reach Zones 1–3.
Charleston International Airport contact information
Airport safety emergency line
CHS Safety Management System lists this number for airport emergencies. For immediate life-threatening danger, use 911.
Frequently asked questions about Charleston airport code
What is the Charleston airport code?
What is the Charleston airport code for South Carolina?
What is the CHS airport code country?
What city is CHS airport in?
What does CHS airport code mean?
What is the ICAO code for Charleston International Airport?
Is Charleston, West Virginia airport code CHS?
What is the Charleston airport code in Canada?
Where is Charleston International Airport?
Does CHS have more than one terminal?
How early should I arrive at CHS?
What time does TSA open at Charleston airport?
Can I see TSA wait times for CHS online?
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at CHS?
What is the minimum taxi fare from CHS?
How much is Economy parking at CHS?
What is the cheapest regular official CHS parking option?
Does Charleston airport have free accessible parking?
Where is the CHS Cell Phone Waiting Area?
Does CHS have curbside bag check?
Does Charleston airport have a lounge?
Does CHS have free Wi-Fi?
Where are the nursing suites at CHS?
Where is the service-animal relief area after security?
Is CHS a military airport too?
Is CHS the same airport as CLT?
What CARTA bus goes from CHS to downtown Charleston?
How are CHS taxi fares calculated?
Does CHS have a shuttle to downtown Charleston?
Can I walk between Concourses A and B at CHS?
Is Charleston International Airport smoke-free?
What happens if my flight diverts to CHS?
Does CHS have international flights?
Official sources and update policy
This guide prioritizes Charleston International Airport / Charleston Regional Aviation Authority, FAA, South Carolina Aeronautics, TSA, CBP and CARTA for operational facts. Competitor pages were used only to identify search gaps and common traveler questions, not as the source of current airport rules. The official CHS taxi brochure and irregular-operations contingency-plan PDFs were reviewed and converted into traveler-focused sections; older economic-impact material was intentionally excluded because it does not help the airport-code searcher complete a trip.
Details most likely to change
Flights, gates, security waits, airline service, parking availability, construction routing, rideshare zones, concession hours and fares should be rechecked on travel day.
Why no guessed internal links?
The Airport-Guides.org post sitemap was not independently retrievable/index-verifiable during this build. No internal URL was invented simply to increase link count.