Accessibility

Charleston (CHS) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services

Wheelchair assistance at Charleston International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.

Airline-provided service

Wheelchair assistance

Request wheelchair assistance through your airline when booking or at check-in; airline-contracted Skycaps provide escort and transport service curbside at the front of the terminal. Contact your airline before travel to arrange it.

Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.

TSA Cares

Free security screening assistance

TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.

How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the CHS security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.

Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight so a TSA agent can help plan for screening, or submit a request at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares.

Security lanes

Family lane available

CHS was among the first US airports to add TSA's dedicated 'Family on the Fly' lane at its security checkpoint (rolled out August 2025) — it is the only South Carolina airport in the initial launch. Ask any TSA officer for the lane if signage isn't visible.

Service animal relief areas

Three designated Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA): two outdoor locations at each end of the terminal (pre-security) and one post-security location in Concourse A near Gate A2.

Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.

Quiet and sensory room

CHS does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. CHS does not have a confirmed dedicated sensory or quiet room. Travelers who need a calmer space can ask the Guest Services Desk (across from Central Hall) about quieter seating, or use the paid membership lounge The Club CHS, which offers a quieter environment.

Wheelchair and mobility device rentals

CHS has no independent wheelchair rental counter; wheelchair and escort service is provided free through your airline (arrange at booking or via curbside Skycaps). Boarding bridges provide level entry, and a passenger access lift is available for aircraft without jet bridges.

Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.

Pro Tip

Get a free Hidden Disabilities Sunflower bracelet or lanyard at the Guest Services Desk across from Central Hall — TSA and airport staff are trained to recognize the symbol and offer extra time and assistance to anyone wearing it.

Frequently asked questions

Is wheelchair assistance free at CHS airport?

Yes — wheelchair assistance at CHS is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.

How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from CHS?

Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the CHS security checkpoint at no cost.

Does CHS airport have a family security lane?

Yes — Charleston International Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. CHS was among the first US airports to add TSA's dedicated 'Family on the Fly' lane at its security checkpoint (rolled out August 2025) — it is the only South Carolina airport in the initial launch. Ask any TSA officer for the lane if signage isn't visible.

Where is the service animal relief area at CHS airport?

Three designated Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA): two outdoor locations at each end of the terminal (pre-security) and one post-security location in Concourse A near Gate A2. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.

Know exactly when to leave for the airport

The Leave-By Time calculator folds the live CHS TSA wait, real-time drive time from your door, and gate-walk distance into one exact time to leave home — no guesswork.

Calculate my Leave-By Time →