As some of the South’s biggest and busiest airports undergo major construction and updates, security and pick-up lines grow increasingly unmanageable. Savvy travelers know that flying in and out of small airports, despite fewer amenities, can be a real treat. From accessible parking and swift security to short walks to gates and even some fantastic local cuisine, there are myriad reasons to love small airports. Here are seven of our favorites around the South!
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) | Greer, SC
2.61 million passengers per year • 22 non-stop destinations • 13 gates
We have an undying crush on the Greenville, SC, area, and their clean, compact airport is a huge reason why. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is known for its friendly vibe, easy parking, and a growing number of convenient flight routes. It’s tiny but mighty with modern amenities, including a fabulous outdoor garden where travelers can relax before or between flights.
The airport hosts live music and other communal events inside the airy Grand Hall and outside in the Airside Garden. Travelers love the short security lines, quick walk to gates, and upscale food options like The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. GSP has direct flights to popular cities like Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York. Plus, it’s a perfect gateway to the beautiful Upstate South Carolina region.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) | Savannah, GA
3.5 million passengers per year • 35 cities non-stop destinations • 15 gates
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers all the perks of a small Southern airport but with one gleamingly unique quality: its architecture and design. The iconic indoor “square” welcomes you with brick and wrought iron accents, a stately old-fashioned clock dangling above, and travelers perched on long wood benches.
The light-filled atrium is lined with shops, local food, lush greenery, and live trees mirroring Savannah’s famous historic squares. This blend of nature and architecture gives the airport a relaxing and unforgettable aura, making it the perfect gateway to the coastal beauty of destinations like St. Simons, Sea Island, Tybee Island, Hilton Head, Edisto, Beaufort, and more.
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) | Birmingham, AL
3 million passengers per year • 26 non-stop destinations • 19 gates
Pull up a rocking chair and enjoy the ease of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport! A few years ago, BHM underwent a major renovation, adding more modern amenities and sweetening the terminal’s overall look and feel. Its size makes checking bags, passing security, finding gates, and navigating the terminal easier and quicker.
Sure, many destinations require an ATL connection, but bypassing the headaches of entering ATL is so worth it. Southwest and other airlines are adding more and more non-stop destinations like Dallas, Phoenix, Miami, New York City, Denver, Nashville, and beyond. Travelers also praise the airport’s friendly Southern hospitality and growing selection of shops and eateries, including a local BBQ joint, Chick-fil-A, and a shop for all your Alabama sports gear. (Roll Tide!)
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | Knoxville, TN
2.7 million passengers per year • 33 non-stop destinations • 13 gates
McGhee Tyson Airport was established in the 1930s and named after World War I pilot Charles McGhee Tyson. The small airport has a major aviation history tied to Knoxville’s military contributions and continues to welcome and send off thousands of deployed citizens each year. It’s also the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and the most visited national parks in the U.S., making it a great hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
During football season, the airport is often drenched in orange to celebrate the Vols as their athletes head off to and return home to Knoxville from away games. After breezing through check-in and security, you’ll have time to see rotating exhibits of local artwork and historical displays celebrating Knoxville’s culture and aviation history.
Charleston International Aiport (CHS) | Charleston, SC
6.1 million passengers per year • 48 non-stop destinations • 18 gates
When it comes to tiny airports, Charleston International Airport is top of mind. This easy, breezy airport is perched right next to the burgeoning town of North Charleston and its waterfront dining, walkable boardwalk, and fabulous lineup of annual music festivals. It’s also 15 minutes from downtown and 20 to 25 from Mount Pleasant, James Island, and other popular Lowcountry destinations.
After an effortless check-in and security screening, note the works from local artists on display and the coastal aesthetic touches peppered throughout the light-filled airport. Cozy up in the super comfy waiting areas with a slice of delicious Desanos pizza, a Charleston Beer Works brew, some Chick-fil-A nuggets, or a Cinnabon sweet treat. There’s also a lovely little local lounge for Priority Pass or Amex card holders.
Dallas Love Field (DAL) | Dallas, TX
7.6 million passengers per year • 72 non-stop destinations • 20 gates
Dallas Love Field may be closer to a medium-sized airport, but it feels so cozy when you’re there, especially when contrasted with its gargantuan DFW counterpart. DAL is one of the country’s busiest medium-hub airports despite its federally mandated cap of 20 gates and barring of international travel. Southwest Airlines reigns supreme here, and the airline devotees love Love’s proximity to central Texas and its connections to the rest of the Southwest repertoire.
Grab some Whataburger or a gourmet gelato to take to the gate, or post up at the Dallas Cowboys Club to cheer on your favorite teams. Dallas Love Field was recently named the best kid-friendly airport in the country by Motherhood and is up for the best airport shopping experience by USA Today. It’s also only one of a handful of U.S. airports to become carbon neutral and achieve level four in the Transformation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program. Bravo, Love!
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Washington D.C.
25.5 million passengers per year • 107 non-stop destinations • 60 gates
Ok, DCA (call it “National” like the locals still do!) is not tiny, but it’s much smaller than its counterparts, Dulles (IAD) and BWI, with easier gate navigation and shorter wait times at security and baggage claims. And it’s too cool not to mention. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to downtown D.C., making it incredibly convenient for business travelers, politicians, and tourists alike. You can reach the city center in 15 minutes by car or Metro (It’s directly connected to the Washington Metro system!).
DCA is famous for its scenic approach, so snag that window seat and keep the shade open … (revisit our piece on airplane etiquette). Flights often give passengers an unforgettable view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the Potomac River. Pilots follow a special river approach to minimize flying over sensitive areas of D.C., which adds to the thrill of the landing experience.
Do you have any favorite tiny airports around the South? Shoot us a direct message on Instagram!
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