Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) Airport serves Savannah and the surrounding region, which includes Hilton Head Island and the Georgia/South Carolina coastal region. It’s a much larger facility than Hilton Head’s own airport, offering more flight options across a greater number of airlines. The terminal is simple to navigate, and SAV has invested in amenities that genuinely improve the travel experience in ways other airports of its size should emulate.
The airport is growing by leaps and bounds with upcoming expansion work, but it remains an easy-to-use, customer-friendly facility. Here’s what you need to know about SAV.
How to navigate SAV airport
The terminal has two levels: departures upstairs with airline ticket counters and security, arrivals is downstairs with baggage claim, a visitors center and car rental counters. Once you pass through security (the TSA PreCheck lanes save substantial time when they’re open), you’ll find one long terminal building with gates along a single concourse. Like many other southern airports, the rocking chairs are popular places for people to await a departing flight or arriving passengers.
The first thing I usually notice is just how packed the building can be with people. Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times at SAV, when it swarms with passengers looking for gates or something to eat. The airport does a good job providing ample seating and power outlets, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough during rush hour times.
Luckily, the airport is planning an expansion project to make more space in the terminal after passing through security.
Getting to and from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Rideshare services, taxis, rental cars and sedan companies are available from the airport. Hotels can also organize private transfers for an additional fee.
There used to be a direct bus route from downtown Savannah, but it was proving too expensive for the city to operate since not many people used it. For now, the #3 West Chatham Route still travels to the airport, but makes numerous stops along the way. I would not recommend it, especially with luggage.
If you want to know more about getting around the area or popular tourist sights, there’s a visitors center in the arrivals area. I like stopping there to pick up maps and destination guides because they include coupons and discounts.
Airlines and destinations from SAV
SAV serves most major U.S. carriers with a network of destinations that includes hubs up and down the east coast and central states. There are no international destinations from SAV, but you can reach destinations around the world with one or sometimes two stops.
Low-cost airlines have helped bring down overall airfare from the airport. Avelo, Breeze and Frontier all fly from SAV, and Allegiant Air established an operating base at the airport in recent years with numerous destinations. The carrier charges for things like seat assignments and larger carry-on bags, but offers substantial savings over other carriers.
When booking an Allegiant flight, you need to go to its own website or use KAYAK as most other flight aggregators do not list Allegiant flights. The airline offers substantial savings over other carriers. Keep in mind that most Allegiant flights operate just two to three times per week rather than daily service.
Parking options at Savannah/Hilton Head Airport
The airport has a parking garage next to the terminal, which is the most convenient. Cheaper though are economy lots that are farther from the terminals, but they make more sense for longer trips. There are also electric car charging stations.
Valet parking is the easiest option if you have heavy luggage and don’t want to walk longer distances to your car. When other lots are full, the airport opens designated overflow parking areas.
Where to eat and drink at SAV
There are numerous restaurant options in the terminal, but they are mostly limited to chain link outlets after passing security like Auntie Anne’s, Burger King and Starbucks. The airport is also adding a to-go station for cocktails and craft beer to enjoy around the terminal.
PGA Tour Grill, found in many airports around the country, has a location here. It is one of the only sit-down options worth noting, and it serves a la carte dining as well as grab-and-go food. I like its power salad with chickpeas and quinoa (dressing on the side!).
A local favorite is Leopold’s Ice Cream, which got its start in the city more than a century ago. I love the Honey Almond and Cream with Savannah Bee honey or Savannah Socialite with Georgia pecans and homemade bourbon-infused caramel.
The Salt Table is a store between Gates 6 & 8 selling hundreds of locally made products like tea, olive oil, salt, popcorn and jams. You can also sample some of the locally distilled libations like bourbon, gin and even moonshine. It’s a tiny spirits store, one of the smallest in the state, and has earned awards for its creative lineup.
Kudos to the airport for bringing in these Savannah-born venues, and I hope they search for more local brands to add to the terminal.
Terminal amenities and services
For a small airport with limited terminal space, I really like how SAV continues to add flyer-friendly perks. Not only does this make the travel experience better, but it also helps it to draw passengers who otherwise may consider driving to nearby airports instead.
Nursing mother’s room
Nursing mothers have a private area where they can take their kids. It has a comfortable armchair and a power outlet to charge devices while there.
Business facilities
Travelers with some emails to answer or work to do have access to workstations with power outlets and desk space. The airport also has free Wi-Fi.
Beauty salon
There is even a beauty salon before security in case you need a quick haircut or want to get “dolled up” before the flight.
Airport lounge
My favorite thing about SAV is the Passport Club, the only lounge at the airport. It’s run by the airport itself, so you won’t find massage services, buffets of food or showers, but you will find friendly staff and a quiet place to work.
The lounge is open to anyone with certain airline lounge membership or a particular credit card. This includes American Admirals Club access through the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, Delta Sky Club membership, United Club access through the United Club Infinite Card or Priority Pass.
A list of other premium credit cards also provides access, but travelers can choose to purchase an annual membership to the Passport Club or a one-day pass at the door.
Inside, snacks and free soft drinks, coffee and water are on offer, along with free Wi-Fi. My main reason for using the lounge is that the peace and quiet makes a big difference when the terminal is crowded.
Art gallery
Open to the public, the Savannah Art Association Gallery, located before security, features paintings and drawings from local artists that are available for purchase.
Alternative airports to consider
SAV is one of the busier airports in the region, but two alternatives are worth considering. Hilton Head Island has its own airport an hour away. Thanks to recent runway expansion, Hilton Head’s airport has grown its own schedule of flights. Larger aircraft have opened more destinations for those heading to the island. It’s only minutes from most parts of Hilton Head.
Jacksonville International Airport is two hours away by car and offers more flight options. It may be worth comparing prices, especially if you are visiting the beaches south of Savannah.
If you notice a lot of private jets taxiing along the apron, that’s because SAV is the headquarters for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (in case you want to ditch flying commercial for private).
Airport hotels near Savannah/Hilton Head
If you have an early flight or simply want a convenient place to stay near the airport, there are several hotels with free shuttles. Within Savannah Aviation Village, there are thirteen properties within one mile of the airport.
These include Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Airport and the DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Airport. Many of these hotels also offer rates that include long-term parking, and they can represent greater savings than the airport’s own parking.
What’s new at SAV airport
To handle its growing popularity, the airport is expanding the terminal to add four new gates and provide more sitting and shopping space. The security area will also get more room by expanding to six lanes, helping to ease those rush-hour crowds.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
