Columbia Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Columbia Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

One of the airport managers suggested we sleep over at the chapel. – Jim

CAE Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

What to Expect

Columbia Airport (code: CAE) is an easy-to-navigate, single-concourse facility with ten departure gates and a few dining and shopping options on both sides of security. WiFi is available to help pass the time. This airport has no private lounges, but a USO is available for active duty and retired military personnel and their families.

Sleeping in Columbia Airport

Airside seating is reportedly limited and not conducive to sleeping. Still, there are reportedly some armrest-free chairs on the landslide that can be pulled together to create a reasonable bed. The airport chapel and atrium have also been mentioned as possible sleeping spots, but you may want to avoid sleeping in the chapel during the day as it is considered disrespectful to have people snoring during prayer. For uninterrupted sleep, there are some hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels below for more information.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Columbia Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Columbia Airport sounds like a nightmare, here are a few nearby hotels:

Sleep Inn Columbia Airport (1.7 mi)
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (1.7 mi)
Motel 6 West Columbia, SC – Airport (2 mi)
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Cayce I-26 Airport (2.1 mi)

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

At the time of this update, pay-per-use lounges were not available. If this information is incorrect, click here to update this airport guide.

Military Lounge

USO Lounge – Location: Landside, Main Terminal, near Baggage Claim (before Security). Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area with recliners). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: complimentary for active-duty U.S. military members and their families with valid ID.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us that water bottle refill stations are available. (May 2025)

Food & Drinks

There are no 24-hour dining options.

Landside – SkyBar
Airside (Food Court) – Red Eye Express Coffee • The Paradies Shops

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

A reader tells us that mobile charging stations are “scattered throughout the airport next to seats. Some outlets are also available against the outer walls of the terminal, but are more sporadic.” (October 2019)

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Columbia Airport. Connect to the “FlyWithEase” network. No login is required.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits, especially when travelling internationally.
Conference Room – A conference room is available and can be reserved free of charge. Contact the Airport Information Desk for availability and reservations.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are not available.
Shopping – A small selection of shops sells coffee, snacks, and last-minute gifts, with options both before and after security.

Airlines

Columbia Airport is served by the following airlines: American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

The following on-site car rental agencies are located in baggage claim: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis and Shared-Ride Shuttles

Taxis and shared-ride shuttles are readily available at the terminal’s lower level near baggage claim. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.

Last updated: 2026-02-09

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.