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How early should I get to CHS?

Charleston International Airport, North Charleston, SC · Checked Oct 26, 2026

The short answer

CHS recommends arriving at least 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled departure. If your flight is delayed, still arrive before the checkpoint's scheduled closing time.

Those are blanket rules. Your real number depends on your terminal, the time of day, traffic from your door, and whether you have PreCheck or a bag. Leave By works out your exact leave time.

Source: iflychs.com

Security lines at CHS

CHS shows live wait times and an hourly wait forecast, based on historical data, on its security page. It does not publish typical peak times. In TSA's hourly screening counts for Sep 13-19, 2026, CHS was busiest from 4am to 7am, peaking 5-6am. There were smaller rises around 11am-noon and 2-5pm (highest 3-4pm), and traffic was light after 7pm. Sunday, Friday, Thursday and Monday were the busiest days that week; Tuesday and Saturday were the quietest.

Busiest times: 4:00-7:00am (peak 5:00-6:00am), 11:00am-12:00pm, 2:00-5:00pm (peak 3:00-4:00pm), Sundays, Fridays, Thursdays and Mondays (TSA counts, week of Sep 13, 2026).

Nationally, TSA checkpoints are busiest from 5 to 7 AM local time. See TSA's hourly numbers and the busiest days to fly.

TSA PreCheck: The main checkpoint has TSA PreCheck lanes, and CHS shows a separate PreCheck wait time. The nearest PreCheck enrollment center listed by CHS is at 1954 Ashley River Road, Charleston, open 8am-12pm and 1-4pm, Monday-Friday.

CLEAR: Not available at this airport.

Touchless ID: CHS became the first airport in South Carolina with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID in March 2026 (Post and Courier). It uses facial comparison for PreCheck members who opt in through Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest or United. You need an active airline profile, current PreCheck status and valid passport details in that profile. Look for the Touchless ID mark on your boarding pass, and carry your physical ID.

Terminals and checkpoints

Main Terminal (Concourses A and B)

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines (seasonal), Sun Country Airlines (seasonal)

Main checkpointPreCheckCLEARThe single TSA checkpoint serves both concourses. CHS lists hours of 3:30am-9:30pm daily, or until the last departing flight; it may close earlier or stay open later depending on the flight schedule. CHS shows live wait times for the main and PreCheck lanes on its security page. It is the only CHS checkpoint in TSA's hourly counts.
  • Concourse A has eight gates (A1, A2, A2A, A3-A7), used mainly by Delta and Delta Connection; other airlines use them for overflow. Concourse B has ten gates (B1-B10) and serves the other airlines (Wikipedia).
  • The terminal is on one level. Departures are at the east end and arrivals at the west end. Ticketing and check-in are to the right of the central hall.
  • CHS says boarding typically begins 30-45 minutes before departure

Between terminals: Single terminal. One consolidated TSA checkpoint has served both Concourse A and Concourse B since 2015, so you can reach every gate after security.

Terminals are connected after security, so you can walk between them without re-screening.

Getting to CHS

Rideshare and taxi: Uber, Lyft and KreweCar pick up in a sheltered area across both roadways, to the right of the last sidewalk; follow signs from Baggage Claim to Zones 1, 2 or 3. Taxis are in the center median outside Baggage Claim, with a $17 minimum fare. The free Cell Phone Waiting Lot (80 spaces) is on the right side of International Blvd. just before the terminal drop-off; drivers must stay with their vehicles.

Transit: CARTA Route 11 (Dorchester/Airport) runs directly to the airport and into downtown Charleston. The stop is a covered shelter just outside Baggage Claim, near the passenger pickup area and rental car lot. Check CARTA for times.

Driving and parking: Hourly Garage: $3/hour, $21/day maximum, a short walk to the terminal. Daily Garage: $17/day maximum. Economy Lot (across from the Daily Garage): $13/day maximum, with a shuttle every five minutes. The Overflow Lot ($13/day, behind the CRAA Annex Building) opens when the Economy Lot is full during busy periods. Valet: $25/day; drop off curbside (booth 4am-8pm) and pick up at the Valet desk at the end of Baggage Claim. Exit stations take major credit cards and cash.

Construction and changes in 2026

  • West Gate Expansion: four new gates on the west side of the terminal, raising gate capacity by about 15%. Substantial completion is expected in early 2027.
  • Parking Garage Three (PG3): about 5,164 public parking spaces and a consolidated rental car facility, expected to open in fall 2027. CHS lists no curb, checkpoint or parking closures from either project.

Checking a bag

Delta: bags 45 minutes before domestic departure, 30 minutes without bags; Delta lists no CHS exception. Southwest: check bags at least 45 minutes before a domestic flight; check in at least 30 minutes before; be at the gate 10 minutes before departure. American and United: check in and check bags 45 minutes before domestic departure. Alaska: 50 minutes for domestic flights, with or without bags (AP, May 2025).

CHS tips first-timers miss

  • There is one checkpoint for all gates, open from 3:30am. In TSA's September 2026 counts, 5-6am was the busiest hour.
  • Delta flights mostly use Concourse A; most other airlines use Concourse B. Both are reached through the same checkpoint.
  • PreCheck members flying Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest or United can opt in to Touchless ID through their airline
  • The Economy Lot ($13/day) has a shuttle every five minutes; the Hourly Garage costs $21/day
  • Check the live wait on iflychs.com before you leave; it shows the main and PreCheck lanes separately

Leaving for CHS?

Pick your flight and where you're starting. Leave By checks live traffic, security lines and your terminal, and tells you the minute to walk out the door.

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Questions travelers ask

How early should I get to Charleston airport (CHS)?

CHS recommends at least 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled departure. Early mornings, especially 5-6am, are the busiest time at security.

What time does security open at Charleston airport?

CHS lists the checkpoint as open daily from 3:30am to 9:30pm, or until the last departing flight. It may close earlier or stay open later depending on the flight schedule.

How many security checkpoints does CHS have?

One. A single consolidated checkpoint serves both Concourse A and Concourse B, so every gate is reachable after security.

Does Charleston airport have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR or Touchless ID?

It has PreCheck lanes and, since March 2026, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest and United. CHS is not on CLEAR's list of airports with CLEAR lanes.

Sources

Airport conditions change. Always follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines.

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