The news keeps getting better and better for Charleston International Airport, and the latest milestone is thanks to British Airways. As I’ve covered many a time, CHS has undergone a massive $200 million renovation. It’s easier and more pleasant than ever to fly to Charleston and our Isle of Palms luxury rentals. It’s generally the fastest way to get here if you’re coming “from off.” Several new airlines have begun flying here, like JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska. Existing ones have been adding flights and new routes at a good clip. Not coincidentally, we’ve seen more folks flying to stay with us from many of these new destinations. Well, this fall the powers-that-be made yet another big announcement. CHS will soon have nonstop flights to London, thanks to the fine folks at British Airways.
The British are Coming! The British are Coming! Cheerio, British Airways
Beginning April 4, 2019, British Airways will provide twice-weekly service between CHS and Heathrow. Flights will take place on Thursday and Sunday. They’ll be aboard a Boeing 787-8, just like the ones that are assembled right next to the airport. In fact, part of the actual plane that will be flying to and from Charleston was made here.
Here’s the schedule:
Depart from Charleston at 10:50 p.m. Arrive in London at 11:50 a.m. the next day.
Depart from London at 5:20 p.m. Arrive in Charleston at 9:20 p.m.
This initial schedule will last through October 24th, 2019. It is quite possible they will eventually add even more flights during future peak travel seasons. Five-day-a-week flights between England and Charleston are not out of the question. Here are some interesting stats. Last year, 110,000 left CHS headed for Europe. That breaks down to around 2,100 per week, a sizable number. South Carolina receives around 750,000 international visitors per year. Approximately a quarter million of those come from overseas. So, soon it will be easier than ever for our friends across the pond to come and stay here. When it’s cold and drizzly in London, they’ll be able to hop on a single flight and then be lounging on the beach on Isle of Palms.
Charleston International Airport on pace to set records
CHS is busier than ever. As of late September, before this news was announced, the number of ticketed travelers passing through was 3.3 million, up 12% from last year. At last check, they’re likely to set an all-time record and pass 4 million by the end of this calendar year.
For your convenience: More parking at CHS
Also, just in time for the holidays, CHS has added more parking options at the airport. They’ve added a remote lot with an extra 200 spots, along with free shuttle service. They’ve also doubled the number of spaces in the handy cell phone waiting lot. It can now hold 80 vehicles. Here’s more on the story. So we say a special welcome to our friends from Great Britain. If you are interested in staying at the beach, do be sure to give us a call. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger