Charleston, SC – With Thanksgiving upon us, Charleston International Airport (CHS) is experiencing a significant increase in travelers, making this week one of the busiest in recent years. CHS Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Spencer Pryor reports that early numbers are pointing towards a record-breaking holiday season.
According to Pryor, yesterday alone saw a 9% increase in travelers compared to last year. This is a promising sign for the airport, indicating a positive trend for the upcoming holiday rush.
The airport staff are pleased to report that the current atmosphere is positive, lines are moving smoothly, and operations are running without issues. However, they urge travelers to plan ahead to ensure a stress-free journey.
Pryor compares traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday to preparing for a hurricane, emphasizing the importance of having a travel plan in place. This plan should include arriving at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight time. He also advises travelers to be mindful of parking availability, as it tends to fill up quickly during this busy season. To alleviate this issue, CHS offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service from remote parking lots.
Additionally, ongoing construction may cause detours and changes in traffic patterns. However, airport officials assure that clear signage is in place to guide drivers to the correct lots. To make traveling more convenient, CHS offers a free baggage check-in service called Check ‘N Go. This service allows travelers to check their bags in at the daily parking garage and head straight to TSA, eliminating the need to carry heavy luggage through the airport.
Passengers who took advantage of this service on Tuesday had positive feedback, with one traveler stating, “Easy, painless fast check-in. I believe they should utilize this tool.
TSA wait times at CHS have been moving quickly, with PreCheck passengers taking approximately 5 minutes and standard lines taking under 15 minutes. To ensure a smooth screening process, TSA advises travelers to pack smart and remove electronics, liquids, powders, and food for screening. However, some Thanksgiving items, such as frozen turkeys, are allowed on board.
Passengers expressed their gratitude for the smooth operations at CHS, especially after recent concerns nationwide about delays and cancellations. One traveler, Luke Alger, stated, “It’s very important that we get home for family. fingers crossed, it looks like the airport’s running pretty smoothly right now.
Janiah Beaver, who was heading to New York, initially had concerns about flight cancellations but was relieved to see everything going as planned.
CHS staff urge travelers to remain positive and patient during this busy time and appreciate any acts of kindness from passengers. Pryor reminds travelers that airport staff are doing their best to get everyone to their destinations and a little smile and thank you go a long way.
As a final reminder, travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving home, allow extra time for parking and shuttles, and utilize the Check ‘N Go