Charleston International Airport faces baggage claim delays of 20-25 minutes due to its 1980s-era system, which handles luggage from only three aircraft at once during peak arrival times. Officials have introduced AI technology to predict bag volumes, assign carousels pre-arrival, and display locations for arriving passengers, improving staff efficiency.[query]​
Future Improvements
A $70 million upgrade over the next few years will modernize the baggage system to manage oversize bags and reduce congestion.[query] Passenger traffic has surged nearly 77% in the last decade, making these enhancements critical for smoother operations.[query]
Current Context
Holiday travel in late December 2025 has amplified delays amid record projections of over 6.1 million annual passengers. Travelers should monitor flight updates and arrive early to navigate potential backlogs.
