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Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) gives you a handful of options for international travel, so you don’t have to drive hours just to start your trip. The airport’s focus is mostly domestic, but you can still reach international routes through airlines like Lufthansa, KLM, Brussels Airlines, and Qatar Airways by connecting through major hubs.
These airlines help you get to global destinations with a pretty convenient connection process.
Flying international from CAE means you save time and hassle by departing locally. You’ll find solid choices for flights through trusted carriers that have earned good reviews.
Knowing which airlines serve your routes can help you pick the best flight for your schedule and budget.
Planning ahead when booking is smart if you want smoother travel and better deals. Always double-check the important travel details before your trip so you’re not caught off guard.
Key Takeways
- You can reach global destinations through major international airlines at CAE.
- Trusted airlines provide reliable routes for your international travel needs.
- Planning and booking early helps you find the best flights and prices.
Overview of International Airlines at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has a handful of international airline options if you’re looking to get beyond the U.S. It’s mostly a domestic airport, but a few airlines extend service to key international locations via connections.
Knowing which airlines operate here and where they fly can make it easier to find the right ticket for your needs.
List of International Airlines
At CAE, international service is limited but slowly growing. Most options are carriers that connect you to international hubs through partner airlines.
Key international carriers include:
- Spirit Airlines: Known for budget fares, Spirit has expanded at CAE and links to international airports with connecting flights.
- Other airlines at CAE focus mostly on domestic routes but partner with global carriers for international connections.
You’ll generally book with a U.S. airline and connect to a larger international network.
Nonstop and Direct Flight Options
Nonstop or direct international flights from CAE are very rare because of the airport’s size. Most of the time, you’ll fly to a U.S. hub first—like Charlotte or Atlanta—then catch an international flight.
Direct flights mean you don’t have to change planes, while nonstop means you go straight to your destination without stops. With international service being so limited, you’ll need to plan your itinerary with these connections in mind.
Popular International Destinations
Most international destinations from CAE are reached by connecting through major U.S. hubs. The usual suspects are:
- Cancun, Mexico (via connections)
- Toronto, Canada (seasonal with connections)
- Europe (usually requires a connection at Atlanta or Charlotte)
If you’re starting at Columbia, you’ll probably have one layover before you’re off to your international destination.
Top-Rated International Airlines and Routes
Several airlines at CAE offer international flights or connections to overseas spots. You can find reliable options with established carriers that run frequent schedules to global hubs.
Delta Air Lines International Services
Delta Air Lines connects you internationally by taking you through its Atlanta hub. From Columbia, you’ll fly to Atlanta, then catch direct flights to Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Delta’s network covers cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Mexico City. They update their schedules often, so you get a good range of options.
You’ll get amenities like in-flight entertainment and meals, and you can earn loyalty points for global routes.
American Airlines Routes Abroad
American Airlines gets you abroad by routing through hubs like Charlotte or Dallas-Fort Worth. From there, you’ve got nonstop flights to places like London, Madrid, and Cancun.
Their schedule is pretty robust, with both seasonal and year-round flights. You’ll find easy connections to Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.
American tries to keep things smooth with coordinated flights and baggage handling for international trips.
Spirit Airlines International Flights
Spirit Airlines is your go-to for budget-friendly international travel from Columbia. They mostly fly to the Caribbean and Latin America.
It’s not a long-haul international airline, but their low prices make short trips accessible. You can book flights to spots like Cancun or San Juan.
Just keep in mind, Spirit is no-frills—don’t expect a lot of extras. Still, if you want to save money on a short international hop, they’re worth a look.
Booking Tips for the Best Fare
If you want to save on flights from CAE, it pays to know how and when to look for deals. There are plenty of tools and strategies out there to help you spot the lowest prices.
Finding the Cheapest Month to Fly
Flight prices jump around depending on the season. Using a flight calendar can help you spot cheaper months.
Usually, late fall or winter (outside the holidays) is less expensive. Avoid big events and holidays if you can—they almost always drive prices up.
Checking prices a few months out is smart. Flexibility with your travel dates can make a big difference in what you pay.
Utilizing Price Alerts and Deals
Set up price alerts on sites like Expedia or Google Flights. These will ping you when fares drop for your chosen route.
It’s a huge time-saver and can help you jump on deals right away. Sometimes package deals that bundle flights with hotels or car hire can also save you cash.
Don’t forget to check airline newsletters or their websites for exclusive offers.
Comparing Travel Providers
Use a few different travel providers to compare flights, hotels, and rentals. Kayak and Skyscanner are good for seeing a wide range of options.
Pay attention to fees, flight times, and cancellation policies, not just the ticket price. Sometimes the cheapest ticket adds up once you factor in bags or seat choices.
It’s also worth checking airline sites directly—they sometimes have better deals or perks.
Essential Travel Information for International Departures
When you’re flying internationally from CAE, a little planning goes a long way. You’ll want to know how to get to the airport, what nearby airports offer, and your ground transportation options.
Getting to Columbia Metropolitan Airport
CAE sits about 12 miles southwest of downtown Columbia. You can get there by car via Interstate 26 or U.S. Route 378.
If you don’t have a car, public transport is pretty limited. There’s no direct bus service, so you’ll probably need to grab a taxi or use Uber or Lyft.
For international flights, get there early. TSA recommends arriving at least three hours ahead for check-in, security, and customs.
Nearby Airports for Additional Options
If you need more flight choices, especially international ones, check out nearby airports. Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) is about 90 miles away and has tons of direct international flights.
Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) is another option, about 90 miles northwest. For big East Coast hubs, Orlando International (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) are farther but offer more nonstop international routes.
Newark Liberty International (EWR) is also a key hub, especially for return or connecting flights. These bigger airports can help you avoid indirect routes.
Ground Transport and Car Hire
Car rentals are available inside the terminal at CAE. You can book ahead or at the airport for easy driving after you land.
Taxis and ride-shares are common for getting to and from the airport. With limited public transport, renting a car or grabbing a ride-share is usually your best bet.
If you’re planning to explore cities like Orlando or Fort Lauderdale after your flight, renting a car at your arrival airport gives you more freedom.
Connecting Flights via Major Hubs
Columbia Metropolitan doesn’t really offer many nonstop international flights. So, most folks end up connecting through bigger airports like Charlotte Douglas (CLT), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), or Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
Your trip might start with a short hop to one of these hubs. After that, you’ll catch your main flight overseas.
It’s worth thinking ahead about layover times, customs, and switching terminals. That stuff can sneak up on you.
Booking through a big East Coast airport usually means more choices and sometimes better prices. On the flip side, it might tack on a few extra hours to your journey.
Take a look at layover lengths and what each airport offers. A little planning goes a long way, honestly.