CAE implements loading zone regulations

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has implemented loading zone regulations in accordance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – which states that patrons may only pull up to the curb in front of the terminal while actively loading or unloading. To enforce this regulation, CAE has installed and are currently using photographic curbside parking bollards that have been in place since November 2024, yet only active since January 21, 2025.

If a vehicle is parked longer than five minutes, a ticket will be automatically issued by mail to the vehicle’s owner. Please be advised: There are no bollards located in the handicap drop-off area to allow passengers that are handicapped extra time to load or unload.

Many airports have designated traffic control officers monitoring its loading and unloading zones. At CAE, the airport has chosen to utilize the technology of photo-taking bollards to monitor the curb front at the entrance to the terminal.

With the increase in passenger traffic at CAE, and the anticipation of even heavier summer traffic due to increased flights and service, it is imperative that CAE adhere to this TSA security regulation to ensure the safety of all travelers and visitors.

“First and foremost, safety is our priority at CAE. By implementing these curbside bollards, we can keep traffic flowing smoothly and continue the efficient check-in process at CAE. In an effort ensure the continued safety of our passengers as well as adhere to TSA regulations, the implementation of these loading and unloading zone guidelines was needed. We have also seen an increase in the number of vehicles waiting at the curb and are trying to cut down on this safety issue” said Interim President & CEO and CFO for CAE, Gregg Hornsby.

For travelers who may take longer than five minutes to unload the car, the first 30 minutes of parking is free in the surface lot. This increase in grace time was made in recent years for those picking up or dropping off passengers.

For people picking up a traveler, the cell phone waiting lot (located just beyond the CAE entrance sign) is also available to wait until their traveler arrives.

For more information about CAE, to book flights for your next trip or to stay up to date on what’s happening at your local airport, please visit www.FlyCAE.com.

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Now providing 26+ daily flights with nonstop service to 12 major airports in 10 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National). Beginning in May of 2025, Allegiant will offer nonstop service to Orlando/Sanford and Fort Lauderdale and beginning in June, Spirit will offer nonstop service to Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale and Newark. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2024, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Allegiant and serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS and served by cargo carrier, FedEx.