$51 Cheap Flights to Charleston, SC

Flights to Charleston at a glance

Traveling to Charleston is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Evaluate travel times and select the best option that fits your budget and schedule as you plan to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of downtown Charleston. Look out for great CHS flight deals to save on your journey.

• Major airports near Charleston: Charleston International Airport (CHS), Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH)
• Closest airport to Charleston: Charleston International Airport, CHS (around 9 miles)
• Flights per week: 5,000+ flights arriving across Charleston airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Charleston: around 30+ carriers

Popular airports near Charleston

Charleston is a charming city ideal for family-oriented beach getaways and outdoor adventures. Visitors are drawn to its romantic ambiance, stunning scenery, and family-friendly attractions. The city is conveniently served by three major airports, including Charleston International Airport (CHS), making travel to this delightful destination easy.

• Charleston International Airport (CHS): Situated in Charleston County, South Carolina, approximately 9 miles from the heart of Charleston, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers. With connections to over 190 domestic cities and more than 60 international spots, passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to first class, premium economy class, or business class seating based on the airline and route. Key airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): Found in Chatham County, Georgia, about 87 miles from Charleston, this airport offers services for both domestic and international flights. It connects to roughly 180 domestic destinations and over 40 international ones, allowing travelers to opt for first class and premium economy class seating for an elevated journey, depending on the specific route and airline. Prominent airlines serving this location are American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH): Located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, roughly 59 miles from Charleston, this airport provides both domestic and international flight options. It connects around 60 domestic cities and 1 international destination, giving travelers the chance to upgrade to first class and premium economy class seating for added comfort, depending on the airline and route. Popular carriers at this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Charleston

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with one-way flight options from around $60
• Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with one-way fares starting at around $65
• Newark (EWR) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with one-way fares starting at around $75
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with one-way flights starting at around $80
• Philadelphia (PHL) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with one-way flight options from around $70

Cheapest routes to Charleston

• New Haven (HVN) to Charleston (CHS/SAV), with budget one-way fares from around $40
• Providence (PVD) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with budget one-way fares from around $40
• Cincinnati (CVG) to Charleston (CHS/SAV/HHH), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• Orlando (MCO) to Charleston (CHS/SAV), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• Islip (ISP) to Charleston (CHS/SAV), with low one-way fares from around $45

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Charleston

• American Airlines: Provides service to Charleston International Airport (CHS), Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), capturing approximately 39% of Charleston's arrivals. The average one-way ticket costs around $260, with premium cabin options that may include first class, depending on the route.
• Delta: Operates flights to Charleston International Airport (CHS), Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), representing roughly 27% of arrivals in Charleston. The typical one-way fare is about $270, with premium cabin services potentially offering premium economy and first class, contingent on the route.
• United: Flies to Charleston International Airport (CHS), Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), accounting for around 14% of arrivals. The average one-way fare is approximately $260, with premium cabin options possibly including first class depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Serves Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), facilitating about 11% of arrivals to Charleston. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $240.
• JetBlue Airways: Flies into Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), making up roughly 4% of arrivals to Charleston. The average one-way fare is about $240, and premium cabin service may include premium economy class based on the route.

Best time to fly to Charleston

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Charleston are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Charleston can reach up to 65.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 77.5°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $198, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, July, and May offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $199 to $213, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Charleston

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Charleston is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Charleston flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Charleston

Charleston welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Charleston efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Charleston International Airport, Charleston Station, a train station, is located about 4.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail services.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Charleston, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Charleston is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Charleston on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Charleston

• King Street: Located around the area of Charleston, King Street is a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Here, families can enjoy a leisurely day exploring historic buildings, while outdoor enthusiasts can take in the charming streets. Key highlights include the Medical University of South Carolina for a touch of culture and the Upper King Design District, perfect for those interested in modern civic architecture. Don’t miss Marion Square, a lively spot ideal for city outings and local events.
• Downtown Charleston: Situated around the area of Charleston, Downtown Charleston offers visitors a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. It's an ideal destination for families, outdoor lovers, and those seeking a city experience. You can visit the College of Charleston, a distinguished historic college, or spend a relaxing afternoon at Marion Square. The area also boasts the Upper King Design District, where business meets creativity. With its public market and arena entertainment facilities, Downtown Charleston has something for everyone.
• Wando: Wando is located in the area of Charleston and is a delightful village perfect for eco-friendly adventures and family outings. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf at local courses or catch a game at Credit One Stadium. For a relaxing day by the water, Front Beach offers beautiful sands and scenic views, while Patriots Point provides a glimpse into maritime history. The area’s parks and rivers make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.

Tips for short-haul flights to Charleston

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Charleston

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow seat selection for free once online check-in begins, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your departure for international flights to ensure ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is usually free and available for use.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin the process of syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Charleston

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Charleston on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Charleston. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Charleston. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Charleston, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Charleston

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Charleston in 2026 starts from $102, while one-way tickets start from from $51. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Charleston. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Charleston

Breeze Airways, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Charleston. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Charleston and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Charleston, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Charleston. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Charleston plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Charleston

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Charleston.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Charleston are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Charleston. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Charleston for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Charleston. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Charleston flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Charleston. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.