Columbia Metropolitan Airport (IATA: CAE, ICAO: KCAE) serves Columbia, US. It has 160 scheduled routes to 134 destinations in 4 countries, operated by 30 airlines.
- Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: CAE is consistently described as clean, modern, and well-maintained throughout the terminal, including restrooms.
- Efficient Security and Short Wait Times: Travelers frequently report quick and efficient security checks with minimal wait times, often as little as 5-20 minutes, which is a significant advantage for a regional airport. TSA security checkpoints are open from 3:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many reviews commend the polite, friendly, and helpful staff throughout the airport, contributing to a positive experience.
- Ease of Navigation: Due to its smaller size, CAE is considered easy to navigate with clear signage, making it simple for travelers to get around.
- Parking Convenience: The airport offers various parking options, including a garage, surface lot, and valet. There are also red and green lights in the parking garage to indicate available spots, and a new pre-booking system is available for discounts and reservations. Offsite parking with shuttle services is also available.
- New Amenities: Recent upgrades include a secure exit, business center, interfaith/meditation room, sensory room, lactation room, pet relief area, and family restroom with an adult changing table.
- Local Offerings: Travelers appreciate local touches like the Red Eye Express coffee kiosk, featuring local vendors, and the Art in the Airport program showcasing regional artists. A Free Little Library is also available for travelers to exchange books.
- Limited Dining Options: A recurring complaint is the limited selection of food and restaurant options, though some note that available options like Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and Samuel Adams Brewhouse are convenient.
- Inconsistent Professionalism/Security Issues: While generally praised, a few reviews mention isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior from staff or frustrating security experiences, including intrusive pat-downs.
- Ground Transportation after Midnight: One review noted a lack of ground transportation options after midnight.
- Baggage Claim Traffic (Undergoing Improvement): The loading zone and drive-up lanes at baggage claim have been a "pain point" for those picking up passengers, but a three-phase curb-front reconfiguration project is underway to improve this, with completion anticipated by early 2025.
Bottom line: Columbia Metropolitan Airport stands out as a highly-rated regional airport, offering a generally smooth and pleasant travel experience with quick security, friendly staff, and new amenities. While dining options are somewhat limited, the overall efficiency and ease of use make it a preferred choice for many travelers in the region.
Routes from CAE
134 nonstop destinations · 30 airlines.
Airlines at CAE
30 carriers operate scheduled departures.
Route Network Map
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Airport routes
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) offers 160 flight routes operated by 30 airlines. Major carriers include Select Jet, S.k. Logistics, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and others. Popular destinations from Columbia include Charlotte/Douglas Intl, Hartsfield-Jackson Intl, LaGuardia, Reagan National, Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.
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Common questions about CAE
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from CAE?
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has 160 scheduled routes to 134 destinations in 4 countries, operated by 30 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
30 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Select Jet, S.k. Logistics, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
Where is Columbia Metropolitan Airport located?
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located in Columbia, US, at an elevation of 236 ft. Its IATA code is CAE and ICAO code is KCAE.