Columbia Metropolitan | Columbia, SC | Updated April 2026
Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is a mid-sized airport in Columbia, SC, with about 1.2 million passengers annually. Lines are typically short outside of weekday mornings, but PreCheck still saves meaningful time.
Columbia Metropolitan is served by: American, Delta, United. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | CAE |
| Location | Columbia, SC |
| Primary Carriers | American, Delta, United |
| Annual Passengers | ~1.2 million |
CAE has a single TSA checkpoint serving all gates. PreCheck and standard lanes share the same checkpoint area; PreCheck is open during posted commercial flight windows.
As of May 7, 2025, all TSA checkpoints — including CAE — require a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other accepted federal ID for domestic flights. If you arrive without one, expect additional screening or denied boarding. See our Real ID guide for accepted alternatives.
Q: How early should I arrive at CAE?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 1.5 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.
Q: Does CAE have TSA PreCheck?
A: Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at CAE's primary checkpoints. Hours may vary by checkpoint, so confirm with the TSA app before arrival.
Q: What is the average wait time at CAE?
A: Averages run around 10 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 20 minutes.
Q: Can I bring liquids through CAE security?
A: Yes — TSA's 3-1-1 rule applies (3.4 oz containers, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). See our liquid rules guide.
Q: Is CLEAR available at CAE?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current CAE availability before flying.