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If you’re hoping to fly out of Charleston, South Carolina without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. Several budget airlines operate from Charleston International Airport, making it easier to save on airfare.
Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Frontier Airlines are some of the main low-cost carriers at CHS. They offer affordable fares to a range of destinations across the U.S.
Booking with these airlines means you can snag cheap one-way tickets and even nonstop flights that fit your plans. Knowing which airlines serve Charleston makes trip planning a lot smoother and friendlier on your wallet.
Key Takeaways
- Budget airlines offer affordable flights from Charleston to many U.S. cities.
- Nonstop and one-way flight options are available to fit your needs.
- Knowing your airline options helps you plan and book smart flights.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Charleston
Charleston International Airport (CHS) has a handful of budget airlines ready to get you moving for less. These carriers offer a range of destinations and routes, both direct and with stops.
It’s worth getting familiar with your choices so you can pick what works best for your plans.
Major Low-Cost Carriers at Charleston International Airport
The most well-known budget airlines at CHS are Spirit Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Avelo Airlines. Spirit’s been around for a while and focuses on cheap flights to lots of U.S. cities.
Breeze Airways is newer and targets smaller or mid-size cities, which is handy if you’re not headed to a major hub. Avelo Airlines offers wallet-friendly fares to leisure destinations—think vacation vibes.
Heads up: these airlines usually tack on extra fees for things like bags or picking your seat. It pays to check their policies before you book. Sometimes, you’ll spot one-way tickets from Charleston for under $40, depending on when and where you’re flying.
Services and Destinations Offered by Budget Airlines
Budget airlines from Charleston fly to a variety of U.S. destinations, including big draws like Orlando, Tampa, and New York. Spirit Airlines connects to a bunch of domestic hubs.
Breeze Airways opens up less-served cities, which is a nice bonus if you want something different. These carriers keep base fares low, but things like meals and checked bags usually cost extra.
Expect basic seating and not a ton of in-flight frills. If you book ahead and pack light, you’ll save even more.
Direct and Indirect Flight Options
At CHS, you’ll find plenty of direct flights on budget airlines, which keeps things simple and quick. Spirit and Breeze both offer nonstop routes from Charleston.
Sometimes, the lowest fares require indirect flights with one or more stops. Sure, you might save a few bucks, but you’ll spend more time getting there.
Always check your total travel time—sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more for a direct flight. Flexibility can really pay off when you’re hunting for deals.
Finding and Booking the Best Budget Flights
Scoring the best deal out of Charleston takes a bit of know-how and timing. Comparing options and using price tracking tools can make a surprising difference.
Some months are just cheaper for flying, so it’s good to keep an eye on timing, too.
How to Compare Flights and Find Cheap Tickets
Start by searching a few different sites—Kayak, Expedia, and Skyscanner are all solid bets. They’ll show you prices from a bunch of airlines, including the budget ones.
Check both one-way and round-trip fares. Sometimes, piecing together two one-way flights is cheaper.
Use filters to sort by price, duration, and number of stops. Just remember, the cheapest ticket might mean more connections or longer layovers.
Always check baggage fees and any extras, since those can sneak up on you.
Using Price Alerts and Finding the Lowest Fares
Set up price alerts on Kayak or Expedia so you’ll know when fares drop. It saves you from checking every day.
You can set alerts for specific routes or flexible dates. That way, if there’s a flash sale or a rare discount on Frontier or Breeze, you won’t miss out.
Best Time and Cheapest Month to Fly from Charleston
Flying during off-peak times is usually easier on your wallet. For Charleston, January through March tends to be the sweet spot for deals.
Midweek flights—think Tuesday or Wednesday—are often cheaper than weekends. Booking three to six weeks ahead can also tip the odds in your favor.
Early morning or late-night flights are usually less crowded and sometimes a bit cheaper, too.
Travel Tips for Budget Flyers in Charleston
If you’re flying budget out of Charleston, a little planning goes a long way. Knowing your airport options, how to get around, and what to see can help you save time and cash.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Travel Options
Charleston International (CHS) is the main game in town for budget flights, but there’s also Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) about two hours away.
Sometimes flights from SAV are cheaper, though you’ll need to factor in the drive. Tools like Airfarewatchdog can help you track deals out of both airports.
Smaller airports like CHS sometimes have lower baggage and parking fees, which is a nice bonus.
Transportation to and from Charleston Airport
Charleston International is about 12 miles from downtown. Taxis and rideshares like Uber or Lyft usually run $25 to $35 each way.
There are also shuttle services and public buses that connect the airport to the city. The CARTA bus is a bargain at around $2.
Just check the schedule ahead of time—buses can be a bit sparse in the early morning or late at night.
Car Hire and Car Rentals for Travelers
If you’re planning to explore outside downtown, renting a car is pretty convenient. The airport has the usual suspects: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and a few others.
Booking online ahead of time usually gets you a better rate. Compare prices and check the fine print for fuel and mileage policies.
A rental car opens up easy trips to places like Fort Sumter National Monument or the beaches outside the city.
Public Transport and Local Attractions
Charleston’s CARTA bus system connects popular spots like the City Market, downtown hotels, and the airport.
Taking public transit saves you money on taxis and parking, especially in busy areas. The city market is a must-see, and you can get there without extra travel costs.
Want to see Fort Sumter? You might need to mix public transit with a ferry ride, but it’s totally doable on a budget.
A bit of route planning goes a long way—Charleston’s got plenty to see without overspending.
FAQs About Budget Airlines and Destinations from Charleston
Flying out of Charleston? There are a few things worth knowing, from popular routes to weather quirks.
Popular Routes: Charleston to Newark and New York
Flights from Charleston often head to big hubs like Newark Liberty and New York City. Both major and budget airlines serve these routes.
Newark’s handy if you want to connect elsewhere, and New York gives you options for city trips or onward flights.
Budget carriers fly these routes, but you might see more fees or fewer perks compared to the big airlines.
Choosing Between Major Airlines and Budget Options
Major airlines like American usually include checked bags, seat selection, and more customer support.
Budget airlines keep fares low but charge for extras. Sometimes, all those add-ons can sneak up on you.
If you value convenience and fewer surprises, booking a major airline makes sense. If you’re chasing the lowest fare and don’t mind paying for extras, budget airlines are the way to go.
Weather Considerations for Travelers
Weather plays a role in your flight experience. Summers—especially July—bring more storms and rain, which can mean delays.
Winter (January, for example) is colder but usually has fewer storms. Snow isn’t common in Charleston, but bad weather at your destination can still mess with your plans.
Definitely check the forecast before you travel, especially in stormy months. A little prep never hurts.
Best Times to Book: July vs January
Booking flights for July is often pricier. It’s just that time of year—warm weather, lots of folks taking vacations, and holidays crowding the calendar.
January, on the other hand, tends to be quieter. Fewer people are flying right after the holiday rush, so airlines sometimes drop their prices or toss out a few sales.
If you’re flexible, January’s a good bet for deals. For July, it’s smart to book early if you want decent prices and more choices.