Yeah, we know. Traveling out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a breeze. From check in to take-off, the experience does wonders for the weary or anxious traveler. The airport has amped up its amenities for an even more manageable journey to and from your destination. Here are a few of our favorite things about CAE.
Red Eye Express
Just after you pass through TSA, there’s a charming coffee kiosk waiting to give you a boost for your upcoming flight. Red Eye Express features local flavors of coffees, teas, lattes, expresso drinks and baked treats from vendors including Loveland Coffee, Crust Bakehouse, and Mathias Sandwich Shop. We also love that Red Eye Express donates all compostable materials to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Art in the Airport
Get a taste of Columbia’s unexpected art scene as soon as you land. CAE’s Art in the Airport program showcases artwork from artist here in the Columbia Region. Located in the connector of the terminal between the security checkpoint and the departure/arrival gates, this mini exhibit gives travelers a gallery feel as they move through the airport, and a sense of the culture in the region.
A Bookworm's Dream
Uniquely featured at the main hallway to gates is a Free Little Library where fellow travelers leave and take books as they please. You never know what you'll find, or maybe you will leave a book and contribute to another reader's TBR.
Restaurant Options
No matter what time of day you're at CAE, there are dining options for all once you're air-side. From Dunkin' to Jimmy Johns to Samuel Adams Brewhouse you'll be sure to get your fill before you fly.
Parking
Strike parking off of your list of worries when traveling out of CAE. There’s an abundance of garage and surface parking at affordable rates. There are red and green lights in the parking garage to make parking easier and faster by notifying you which spots are occupied or vacant. They even offer a new pre-booking system so you can have your parking or valet service squared away before arriving – and get discounts. Winning!
Nonstop Flights
We love that you can catch a quick, non-stop flight to nine major airports in eight cities across the country serviced by the three major US based airlines: Delta, United, or American Airlines. Destinations include Newark, New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas (DFW), and Chicago (ORD). New to CAE in May 2025, Allegiant Airlines will service flights to Florida at a low cost. Allegiant will offer nonstop services to Orlando (SFB) and Fort Lauderdale.