Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) Flights & Flight Status

Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) Airport serves Savannah and the surrounding region, which includes Hilton Head Island and Georgia coastal resort towns and beaches. While Hilton Head Island has its own airport, SAV is a much larger facility with more flight options by a greater number of airlines. Its terminal is simple to navigate, and the airport has invested in amenities that improve the travel experience in a way that other airports of its size should emulate. Savannah/Hilton Head Airport is growing by leaps and bounds, including some upcoming expansion work, but it remains an easy to use, customer-friendly airport. Here’s what you need to know about SAV.

One terminal, many gates

The terminal has two levels: one for departures with airline ticket counters and security and the other for arrivals with baggage claim, a visitor’s center and car rental characters. Like many other southern airports, the rocking chairs are popular places for people to await a departing flight or arriving passengers.

Once you pass through security (hint: the TSA PreCheck lanes are always open and save substantial time), you find one long terminal building with 15 gates. The first thing I usually notice is just how packed the building can be with people.

Early in the day and late afternoon are some of the busiest times for SAV, and 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 does not 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.

Best food and beverage choices

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 flavor that uses Savannah Bee honey or the Savannah Socialite flavor with Georgia pecans and homemade bourbon-infused caramel.

Salt Table is a store selling hundreds of locally made products like tea, olive oil, salt, popcorn and jams, among other things. You can also sample some of the locally distilled libations like bourbon, gin and even moonshine.

It is located near the departure gates after security and holds the title of being the smallest spirits store in the entire state. The outlet has earned awards for its creative lineup of products.

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

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 airport is the Passport Club. This is SAV’s only lounge, and it is run by the airport itself. 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.

In the lounge, soft drinks, coffee, tea and light snacks are all the buffet has on offer. There are places to relax and recharge devices while working. 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 is located before security and features paintings and drawings from local artists. Many of the pieces are also available for sale.

Airlines and destinations

The airport serves most major U.S. carriers with a network of destinations that includes hubs up and down the east coast and central states. From SAV, you can reach destinations around the world with just one (or sometimes two) stops.

There are no international destinations from SAV, but you can travel through major airline hubs to get where you need to go. Low-cost airlines have helped to bring down the overall airfare from the airport.

Among the low-cost airlines are Avelo, Breeze and Frontier. Allegiant Air has also chosen to make the airport an operating base where they fly to numerous destinations. The carrier charges for things like seat assignments and larger carry-on bags.

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 are not daily and only operate a few days a week.

How to get to and from Savannah/Hilton Head

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 public bus route directly from downtown Savannah to the airport, 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 is a visitor’s center in the arrivals area of the airport. I like stopping there to pick up a few maps and destination guides because they include some coupons and discounts.

Parking at the 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 those on longer trips. There are also electric car charging stations.

When the other lots are full, the airport opens an overflow parking area to meet demand. It is located next to the economy parking lot. Valet parking is the easiest option if you have heavy luggage, and do not want to walk longer distances to your car.

Alternative airports

SAV is one of the busier airports in the region, but 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 to those heading for the island. It is 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 is because SAV is the headquarters for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (in case you want to ditch flying commercial for private).

Airport hotels

If you have an early flight or simply want a convenient place to stay near the airport, there are several hotels with free shuttles to the airport. Within Savannah Aviation Village, there are more than a dozen properties.

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 for SAV airport?

The airport is expanding the terminal on the east end to add four gates and provide more sitting and shopping space. The security area will also see more space by expanding it to six lanes.