Florence Airport

The Florence Regional Airport is not just a runway, but a compact and convenient aerial gateway to the heart of the Pee Dee region in South Carolina. It serves as an excellent alternative to large and noisy hubs, allowing travellers to quickly and fuss-free begin their acquaintance with the hospitable south of the USA. This small yet efficient airport is valued by locals and business travellers alike for its simplicity and convenient location.

The main advantage of Florence Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Here, you will not encounter long queues for check-in or security screening, and baggage claim takes mere minutes. It is an ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer a calm environment.

The airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, primarily servicing American Eagle flights to a major international hub — Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT). Thanks to this short flight, passengers from Florence gain access to an extensive network of routes across the country and the world. Basic services are available within the terminal, including car rental counters from leading companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise), making it a convenient starting point for trips around South Carolina.

• Official Website: www.flyflo.us
• Help Desk Phone: +1 (843) 669-5001
• Airport Address: 2100 Terminal Dr, Florence, SC 29506, USA
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage during your flight, you must contact your airline's representative office directly. Regarding items left behind in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, you can use the help desk phone. For questions related to booking, flight check-in, or airline policies, please contact your air carrier directly.

Getting to Florence Regional Airport (FLO) from the city centre of Florence is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres to the east. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods. A trip by car usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, making this airport very accessible for travellers.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to the terminal is by taxi or ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. They are widely available throughout the city and offer quick pick-up times. Given the short distance, the cost of the trip will be quite moderate. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with luggage or simply value comfort and speed.

For those who prefer independence when moving around the USA, car rental will be an excellent choice. Several major rental companies operate at Florence Airport. You can both pick up and return a rented car directly at the terminal. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is at your service. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking located in immediate proximity to the terminal entrance. It is recommended to check current parking rates on the airport's official website.

Public transport options for travelling to the airport are limited. The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) bus system operates in the city, but direct routes to the terminal may be unavailable. It is recommended to study the schedule and route map on the carrier's official website in advance to plan a route with possible transfers. Trains or metro services are not available as a means to reach the airport.

Although Florence Regional Airport is the most convenient for trips directly to the city, it is worth considering alternative options in the region. Larger aviation hubs, such as Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), may offer a greater number of flights and destinations. However, it is important to remember that they are located at a significant distance — the road to Myrtle Beach Airport will take over an hour. Choosing such an airport will require additional planning for ground transfer to Florence.

Florence Airport (FLO) is a small regional aviation hub distinguished by a cosy atmosphere and a lack of the bustle typical of large international hubs. Thanks to its compact size, the airport offers travellers maximally simple and understandable logistics.

The airport structure includes just one passenger terminal. This single-storey building serves both arriving and departing flights. The absence of a complex system of buildings and satellites makes navigation intuitive: it is practically impossible to get lost here, and all necessary services are within walking distance of each other.

The departure zone and check-in counters are located immediately at the terminal entrance. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening point, which leads directly into the "sterile area" (airside) towards the boarding gates. The arrival zone and baggage claim are located in the same building, literally a few steps from the exit from the airfield. Transfers between terminals are not required, as all infrastructure is concentrated under one roof.

The main feature of the terminal is the speed of service. Check-in and pre-flight screening procedures take place significantly faster here than in major airports. Usually, all formalities take no more than 20–30 minutes; however, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage and pass control without rushing.

Special maps are not required for navigation: clear signs are installed everywhere. Travellers should remember that the range of amenities in the terminal is limited to basic services necessary for a comfortable wait for the flight. If you have free time before boarding, you can spend it in the small waiting hall located immediately after the security zone.

The history of Florence Airport (FLO) is a vivid example of how a small airfield can turn into an important transport hub of regional significance. Its journey began in the golden era of aviation, in 1928, when it was officially opened as the Municipal Airport of the city of Florence. In the early years of its existence, it served as a base for private planes and mail flights, laying the foundation for the future development of air communication in South Carolina.

One of the most significant periods in the airport's history occurred during World War II. During this time, the facility was transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Army Air Forces and was named Florence Army Airfield. It became an important centre for training bomber and fighter pilots, as well as a base for anti-submarine patrols of the Atlantic coast. This military stage not only expanded the airfield's infrastructure, including runways, but also forever inscribed it in the country's history.

After the end of the war, the airport was returned to civil jurisdiction and began a new chapter of its development. In the post-war decades, major commercial airlines such as Eastern Air Lines and Piedmont Airlines began operating flights here, connecting Florence with major cities along the entire East Coast. This contributed to the economic growth of the region, making travel more accessible for business and tourists.

Key modernisation took place at the end of the 20th century. In 1993, a new, modern passenger terminal was opened, which significantly increased the comfort and throughput capacity of the airport. It was during this period that the airport received its current name — Florence Regional Airport, to reflect its increased role in serving not only the city but the entire surrounding Pee Dee region. Since then, the airport continues to regularly update its infrastructure, maintaining high standards of safety and service quality, remaining an important aerial gateway to South Carolina.

Despite its compact size, Florence Airport (FLO) strives to ensure a comfortable stay for passengers awaiting their flight. Services here are adapted to the needs of travellers making short regional flights, so the range of services differs from large international hubs in its conciseness and practicality.

Dining and Shopping in the terminal are presented in a limited format. Travellers can use the services of a restaurant located in the public area, offering hot meals and drinks before departure. In the boarding gate area, vending machines with snacks, water, and soft drinks are installed. There is no large-scale duty-free zone or boutiques here, so it is better to purchase souvenirs or small items needed for the road in the city beforehand.

To stay connected, the airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. This allows passengers to comfortably work or communicate with loved ones right up until the moment of boarding the plane. Also, power outlets for charging mobile devices and laptops are provided in the waiting halls. For business travellers, a conference room is equipped, which can be rented for meetings or quiet work.

Financial and medical services are kept to a basic minimum. An ATM for cash withdrawal is installed in the terminal building. Currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to ensure you have the necessary currency in advance. There is no specialised medical centre, but security staff and airport personnel are trained in first aid and will promptly call emergency services if necessary.

Special attention is paid to an accessible environment. The terminal is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, wide doorways, and specially equipped restrooms are provided. Passengers with children will find it convenient to move around thanks to the absence of stairs and thresholds. There is no on-site hotel at the airport, but many comfortable hotels are located just a 10–15 minute drive from the terminal, within the Florence city limits.

Given the compact size of Florence Airport (FLO), the choice of dining places here corresponds to the status of a regional aviation hub: it is small but sufficient to satisfy hunger before departure. It is important for passengers to consider a key layout feature: full hot meals are available only in the public area (landside), prior to passing pre-flight security screening.

The main attraction for hungry travellers is the restaurant in the main hall of the terminal. This is a classic-style establishment with a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can have a leisurely lunch if you arrived at the airport in advance. The menu is focused on popular and filling dishes: they serve sandwiches, burgers, salads, as well as traditional hot breakfasts if your flight departs in the morning.

Regarding local cuisine and signature offerings, despite the simplicity of the menu, the emphasis here is on hearty "comfort food". It is recommended to try the signature burgers or chicken sandwiches — simple but tasty dishes that are prepared quickly. For a quick snack, fresh pastries and coffee are excellent, which can be packed to go upon request.

After passing security control and entering the "sterile area" (airside), dining opportunities are significantly limited. There are no full-fledged cafes in the waiting hall at the boarding gates. Only vending machines are available to passengers. In them, you can purchase bottled water, juices, carbonated drinks, as well as a standard set of snacks: crisps, chocolate bars, and biscuits. If you have a flight ahead and wish to have a full lunch, it is strongly recommended to do so in the restaurant before passing screening.

Dietary catering at the airport is limited due to the small size of the kitchen:

• Vegetarians can order vegetable salads or side dishes in the public area restaurant.
• For vegans, as well as passengers looking for Halal or gluten-free dishes, there are practically no specialised options on the menu. The best solution would be to bring suitable food with you.

The average bill in the establishment is quite democratic. A light snack with a drink will cost approximately 10–15 dollars, and a more substantial lunch will be in the range of 20–30 dollars. Prices here are only slightly higher than in the city and do not contain the huge markups typical of megacities.

The opening hours of the restaurant in the public area are strictly tied to the flight schedule. The establishment opens shortly before check-in for the first morning flight and finishes service after the departure of the last plane. Vending machines with food and drinks in the departure zone are available around the clock.

To ensure your journey through Florence Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. This regional airport serves the city of Florence, USA, and knowing a few nuances will make your trip more comfortable.

Arrival time at the airport. Although Florence Airport (FLO) is not as large as international hubs, it is recommended to arrive in advance. For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in without rushing, drop off luggage, and pass security control, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. This way you can head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint. When passing security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics, as well as containers with liquids, from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. If there is an opportunity to choose a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat (A, F) will give you beautiful views of South Carolina during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat (C, D) will allow you to stand up freely and stretch your legs during the flight without disturbing neighbours.

Hand Luggage. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in volume and packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check the exact allowances for luggage and hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Passengers with Connections. Florence Airport has a simple and understandable layout, so navigation will not cause difficulties. If you have a connection, clarify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Usually, on domestic flights within the USA, luggage is checked through to the final destination.

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices on site. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control at special fountains — this will save money on drinks. Packing light snacks will also help avoid extra spending while waiting for the flight.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information. The airport has a cafe and free Wi-Fi to help pass the time. Depending on the reason and duration of the delay, the airline may provide vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation.