North Charleston, South Carolina – Parking at Charleston International Airport is becoming faster and more efficient as new technologies and development projects address increased demand.
A new artificial intelligence-powered system now reads license plates as they enter parking lots, linking them to a digital parking session. A paper ticket is still printed as a backup, but it is no longer required upon leaving.
Charges are automatically computed, and drivers can pay with tap-to-pay cards or a smartphone app, a mechanism designed to reduce congestion and shorten exit times. According to airport officials, the new check-out process takes tourists approximately 10 seconds to complete.
“After a long travel day, there’s nothing worse than having to worry about finding a ticket and paying to get out of the park,” said Robert Hollis, the airport’s Manager of Landside Operations. “This method makes it a lot easier. There’s less fumbling, and fewer stuff to mess with. “You can simply go in and out.”
The parking system update is part of a larger modernization plan at Charleston International, which involves the construction of a $348 million multi-level parking structure set to open in 2027.
The airport also kicked ground this year on a $100 million West Gates expansion to meet rising passenger traffic and increase regional economic activity.
The AI-powered parking solution is being carried out in stages, with a total cost of $1.8 million.
Hollis stated that future updates could eliminate the need to even scan a credit card. “This device has future potential, including the ability to accept credit card payments. That is possible with this equipment in the end.” This could allow people to go without stopping at a kiosk.
As part of their continuous attempts to expand the airport, they created a revamped website earlier this year that provides real-time updates on parking availability. The modifications are intended to make parking selection and trip planning easier for guests during peak travel hours.
These enhancements come after a year of consistent expansion for Charleston International, which now handles more than 90 flights per day and welcomed 6.2 million people last year. Recently, the airport has worked to improve payment choices, signage, and the handling of numerous parking permits for employees, vendors, and rental agencies.
