Tips for stress-free holiday travel
It’s the busiest time of year at Charleston International Airport. So here are four tips to make your travels enjoyable and stress free.
Tip #1 – Arrive early
Arrive two hours before departure for domestic flights and three if you will be connecting to a flight going overseas. This way you will have plenty of time to park, check in and go through security.
Tip #2 – Plan for parking
We have more parking this year. The covered deck, surface lot and remote parking are open around the clock. Because more people are flying with CHS, parking fills fast, you want to have plenty of time to find a space then make your way to the terminal. Some travelers may prefer other transportation options. The airport is also served by area taxi companies, ride-share operators and CARTA, the public transportation system. There’s also valet parking available in front of the terminal. Just drop your car off and go.
Tip #3 – Plan ahead
Check flight status with your airline before driving to the airport. To avoid delays in security, check your luggage ahead of time and remove any items that are not allowed aboard an aircraft. Remember you will be asked to remove liquids, food and electronic devices larger than a cellphone from your carryon luggage for separate screening.
Tip #4 – Wrap those presents later
Wrapped gifts are allowed through security, however the Transportation Security Administration may ask you to unwrap a package should it prompt an alarm during the security screening process. Save time and avoid delays by using gift bags or wrapping presents once at your destination.
In partnership with TSA, our goal is to ensure safe and secure travel for all. TSA offers expedited screening through its TSA Pre✓® program. Still have questions about security screening, you can contact TSA by phone 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, weekdays; 9 a.m.to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays. You can also download the AskTSA app on your mobile device and send a tweet for Facebook post to @AskTSA. More information.
During the 15-day holiday travel period in 2017, more than 170,000 people flew into and out of the airport.
“We will be working hard to ensure our passengers have a great travel experience at Charleston International Airport – from the time they park until they board their flights,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., Executive Director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.