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Plane and simple tips for the Chattanooga Airport

To help make your entire process at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nine nonstop flights.

The outside of the Chattanooga Airport with the CHA sign

Get ready to take flight with these need-to-knows.

Photo by @chattairport

Table of Contents

Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in the cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours.

The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nine nonstop flights.

What to know

  • TSA | According to the Chattanooga Airport’s website, it takes ~10 minutes to get through during off-peak hours and ~20 minutes during peak hours (5-8 a.m., Monday-Friday).
  • Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
  • Food and drink | Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tailwind Concessions after clearing the security checkpoint or snag some extra jet fuel at CoPilot Coffee — we heard the peanut butter cup latte shouldn’t be overlooked.
  • Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
  • Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
The inside of Chattanooga Airport's terminal with the skyline dome and signs pointing to gates 1-3

Not the worst waiting room to be in.

Photo by Pascale H. (submitted in our 2023 Photo of the Year Contest)

Current airport updates

CHA has been in the news for quite a bit this last year. Not only did Las Vegas, NV get added to the destination list, but folks can expect flights to Miami, FL to resume this summer + with the help of grant funds, a western hub destination is in the works (think: Denver, CO or Houston, TX).

But wait, there’s more. After first announcing plans for a $28 million expansion in 2021, the updated terminal is now complete. The airport’s looking pretty fly with an added 26,000 sqft, two new gates, a brand new concourse, updated facilities, and so much more.

Parking and shuttles

Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Each lot and garage offers 15 minutes of free parking, 16-30 minutes for $2, and each additional 30 minutes for $2. Beyond that, the price per day is as listed:

  • Short term parking | $20/day
  • Covered parking garage | $15/day
  • Long term lot 1 | $12/day
  • Long term lot 2 | $12/day

Bonus: Because the Chattanooga Airport only has one terminal, all of these parking options are within walking distance of TSA and your gate.

Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by the Chattanooga Airport:

photo of a plane wing with a layer of clouds below and a blue sky in the background

One way or round trip, CHA will get you there.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Top Flights

Chattanooga offers nine nonstop flights. Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.

Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).

  • Atlanta, GA | Delta | Daily | Various times
  • Charlotte, NC | American | Daily | Various times
  • Chicago, IL | United | Daily | Various times
  • Dallas, TX | American Eagle (regional brand of American Airlines) | Sunday-Friday | Various times
  • Detroit, MI | Delta | Daily | Various times throughout the day
  • Orlando, FL | Allegiant | Three days a week, schedule changes seasonally
  • Tampa, FL | Allegiant | Two days a week, schedule changes seasonally
  • Washington, DC | American | Monday-Saturday | Various times
  • Las Vegas, NV | Allegiant | Thursday and Sunday | Will depart in the afternoons + arrive in the mornings — available beginning Thursday, May 16.

Fly comfortably

While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:

  • Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
  • The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
  • Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
  • Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
  • Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
  • Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
  • Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
  • Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
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