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.
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:
- A-1 Taxi & Transportation | Taxi and shuttle — bonus: This service will also take you to and from Atlanta.
- Ave Taxi | Taxi
- CARTA GO | Shuttle — bonus: Get a connection to the #4 Eastgate/ Hamilton Place bus route where you can easily transfer to the downtown area.
- Lookout Limousine | Premier shuttle — bonus: This service will also take you to and from surrounding airports in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama + there are no mileage fees or max stops.
- Mercury Cab | Taxi
- Millennium Taxi & Transportation | Taxi and shuttle
- Nation Taxi | Taxi
- Nooga Shuttles | Shuttle
- Nooga Taxi | Taxi
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.
