{"response": {"Key": "HOU-CHS", "orig": {"code": "HOU", "type": "airport", "city": "Houston", "fullCity": "Houston, Texas", "airport": "William P Hobby Airport"}, "dest": {"code": "CHS", "type": "airport", "city": "Charleston", "fullCity": "Charleston, South Carolina", "airport": "Charleston Air Force Base-Intl Airport"}, "faq": {"q0": {"question": "What is the typical flight duration from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "The flight from Houston to Charleston is about 930 miles and typically takes 2 hours and 20 minutes nonstop. The return trip is longer, at 2 hours and 40 minutes, due to prevailing headwinds.", "methodology": "Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.", "toolsUsed": ["flight_schedule"]}, "q1": {"question": "Are there any direct flights from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "Southwest is the only airline flying nonstop from Houston Hobby to Charleston, with up to 23 departures each week. The flights run daily, with departures spread throughout the day from around 9:40 AM to 9:10 PM. The nonstop trip takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, and the typical fare runs around $186.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.", "toolsUsed": ["route_airlines", "flight_schedule"]}, "q3": {"question": "What are the ground transportation options in Charleston?", "answer": "Charleston International Airport (CHS) is just 12 miles northwest of downtown, and the most-used option is rideshare, with Uber and Lyft providing a direct trip in about 20 minutes for roughly $25–$40. Taxis are available at a flat rate of about $35 to the historic district, while CARTA public bus route 11 offers a budget-friendly alternative at $3.50, though it takes 45–60 minutes. All major rental car agencies operate on-site, and there’s no rail link, so rideshare or taxi is the fastest door-to-door choice.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://iflychs.com/nonstopdestinations/", "title": "Airlines & Flights - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:23:19Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/nonstopdestinations/?filter=international", "title": "Airlines & Flights - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2026-02-18T13:50:18Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston_Airport_(disambiguation)", "title": "Charleston Airport (disambiguation)", "time_published": "2019-05-13T22:30:51Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KCHS", "title": "KCHS", "time_published": "2025-05-20T22:41:56Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/why-choose-chs/", "title": "Why Choose CHS - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2025-07-03T17:44:52Z"}]}, "q4": {"question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "The cheapest time to fly from Houston to Charleston is April and May, with average fares around $443 to $461. The most expensive months are June and July, where average prices climb to $539 to $541.", "methodology": "This 'good deal' estimate shows a representative best price for each departure date across roughly a 12-month window (about 3 months back and 9 months forward). It is built from real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, accumulated into a price history for each departure date. Rather than weighting all of that history equally, we apply exponential time decay so recent prices dominate — a price seen yesterday counts almost in full, one from about a month ago roughly a third, and prices from a few months back very little — giving a figure that tracks today's market instead of a stale long-run average. Clear price outliers are removed before any calculation, departure dates with no observations are filled in from nearby dates, and the resulting curve is lightly smoothed so it reads as a clean seasonal trend rather than day-to-day noise.", "toolsUsed": ["seasonal_prices"]}, "q5": {"question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "For flights from Houston to Charleston, the best fares typically appear when booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead, averaging $287. The absolute cheapest single-day fare is $248 around 100 days out, but prices spike sharply within two weeks of departure. During summer and holiday peaks, it's wise to book a bit earlier — roughly 6 to 10 weeks ahead — as last-minute fares can climb above $500.", "methodology": "This booking-window guidance is built from the same real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, re-grouped by how many days before departure each price was seen (from the departure day out to about 180 days ahead) across the route's price history. At each booking lead time we report the 25th-percentile price — the cheaper end of what travelers were quoted, rather than the rock-bottom minimum (which can be a fluke) or the average (which is pulled up by expensive last-minute fares). The buy-or-wait advice then applies a risk premium that grows as departure approaches, since seat availability shrinks and prices become less predictable; using that adjusted curve we flag windows where waiting is likely to save a meaningful amount (at least $20 or 5%) versus windows where booking now is the better call. Isolated single-day recommendations are filtered out, so the advice only reflects a window that holds for several days in a row.", "toolsUsed": ["booking_timing"]}, "q6": {"question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "Yes, Southwest operates nonstop red-eye flights from Houston Hobby to Charleston three times a week — on Monday, Thursday, and Friday — departing at 9:10 PM. These flights depart late evening and, on a route of this length, arrive the same night rather than the next morning.", "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.", "toolsUsed": ["redeye_flights"]}, "q8": {"question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Houston and Charleston?", "answer": "Common layover cities include Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas, which offer frequent connections and keep total travel time competitive. Atlanta is a major Delta hub with numerous onward flights to Charleston, while Charlotte serves as an American Airlines hub with efficient transfers. Dallas offers broad connections via American and Southwest. Since this is a domestic route, visa‑free transit is irrelevant."}, "q9": {"question": "How reliable are on‑time arrivals on this route from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "On the Houston–Charleston route, Southwest Airlines has an on‑time arrival rate of 75.6% and a cancellation rate of 0.0%.", "methodology": "Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.", "toolsUsed": ["flight_schedule"]}, "q10": {"question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Charleston?", "answer": "March to May and September to November offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than summer."}, "q11": {"question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "For this domestic U.S. flight, bring a Real ID or valid passport, matching your ticket, and a payment method for baggage. No visa, proof of onward travel, or vaccination certificates are required."}, "q12": {"question": "Which airport should I use in Charleston?", "answer": "Charleston International is the only commercial airport serving Charleston, located about 12 miles northwest of downtown. It offers flights from major U.S. carriers and is the sole option for air travel to the city."}, "q13": {"question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?", "answer": "From downtown Houston, William P. Hobby Airport is about 7 to 11 miles southeast and reachable by taxi, ride‑share, rental car, or shuttle. There is no direct public‑transit rail link, but shared‑ride shuttles and app‑based services like Uber and Lyft are the most popular choices, typically taking 20–30 minutes and costing less than a taxi. Taxis offer a flat‑rate option, while driving yourself and parking on‑site is convenient if you need a car at your destination. Ride‑share is generally the fastest and most popular option for solo travelers.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation", "title": "HOU Ground Transportation | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Uber, Lyft & Rent Car Houston"}, {"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%20P.%20Hobby%20Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-21T04:20:29Z"}, {"url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/hef", "title": "Manassas Regional Airport/Harry P. Davis Field (HEF) | Federal Aviation Administration", "time_published": "2026-03-10T00:00:00Z"}]}, "q14": {"question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Charleston airport?", "answer": "Charleston International Airport (CHS) does not have on-site hotels, capsule hotels, or sleeping pods inside the terminal. However, several nearby hotels such as the Courtyard North Charleston Airport/Coliseum and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport/Convention Center offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/charleston-airport-guide.htm", "title": "Charleston Airport Guide", "time_published": "2024-08-26T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/charleston-international-airport", "title": "Charleston International Airport - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:41:24Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/business/contact-us", "title": "Contact Us - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:31:36Z"}, {"url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chscn-courtyard-north-charleston-airport-coliseum/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0", "title": "Hotels Near CHS Airport | Courtyard", "time_published": "2023-08-11T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chscs-fairfield-inn-and-suites-charleston-airport-convention-center/overview/", "title": "Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport/Convention Center - Near CHS", "time_published": "2023-08-11T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/amenities-lounge/", "title": "Amenities & Lounge - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2026-02-11T16:54:38Z"}]}, "q15": {"question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Charleston Air Force Base-Intl Airport?", "answer": "Charleston International Airport (CHS) has cash-to-card kiosks, but no dedicated currency exchange offices; prayer rooms or chapels are not mentioned among the available amenities. Free Wi‑Fi is not explicitly listed in the terminal amenities, though the airport does offer a premium lounge and other services. For specific terminal locations, the two ReadySTATION kiosks are in the ticketing area across from Frontier and American Airlines.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/terminal-map/", "title": "Terminal Map - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2025-06-27T13:54:16Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/amenities-lounge/", "title": "Amenities & Lounge - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2026-02-11T16:54:38Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston_Airport_(disambiguation)", "title": "Charleston Airport (disambiguation)", "time_published": "2019-05-13T22:30:51Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?printable=yes&title=Joint_Base_Charleston", "title": "Joint Base Charleston", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2013-01-27T00:08:12Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/charleston-international-airport", "title": "Charleston International Airport - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:41:24Z"}]}, "q16": {"question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and Charleston airports?", "answer": "At Houston Hobby (HOU), wheelchair assistance is arranged through your airline—request it when booking or at least 48 hours in advance—and the airport provides accessible shuttles, elevators, ADA-compliant restrooms, companion care facilities near Gate 45, and TSA Cares support (call 72 hours ahead). Charleston International (CHS) also relies on airlines for wheelchair escort and transport services, offers accessible elevators, restrooms, nursing suites, and a passenger access lift for boarding, with TSA Cares available by calling 72 hours before travel. While dedicated children's play areas aren't mentioned at either airport, CHS has nursing suites and baby-changing stations, and HOU offers family restrooms; contact your airline ahead of time to ensure all needed assistance is in place.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/related-content/airport-assistance-disabled-travelers", "title": "What does airport assistance for disabled travelers include?", "time_published": "2026-01-23T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%20P.%20Hobby%20Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-21T04:20:29Z"}, {"url": "http://faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/index.cfm?directory=2016122829046305004-HOU-NDBR&event=directory&nasrId=HOU&type=ndbr", "title": "Airport Procedures Information Gateway", "time_published": "2025-12-03T16:08:12Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/amenities-lounge/", "title": "Amenities & Lounge - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "time_published": "2026-02-11T16:54:38Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/passengers/accessibility/", "title": "Accessibility - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:26:17Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistance_for_airline_passengers_with_disabilities", "title": "Assistance for airline passengers with disabilities", "time_published": "2025-09-29T17:44:25Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston_Airport_(disambiguation)", "title": "Charleston Airport (disambiguation)", "time_published": "2019-05-13T22:30:51Z"}, {"url": "https://iflychs.com/business/contact-us", "title": "Contact Us - Charleston International Airport (CHS)", "favicon": "https://iflychs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHS_favicon-300x300.png", "time_published": "2025-02-28T11:31:36Z"}]}, "q17": {"question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "Nonstop flights from Houston Hobby to Charleston are operated by United, with the Boeing 737-800 and Embraer 175 being the two aircraft types regularly assigned. The 737-800 is the more common of the two, while the E175 also appears on some departures — the exact aircraft can vary by day. On connecting itineraries, the most frequent long-haul legs are on Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s via hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Baltimore, with regional jets such as the Canadair Regional Jet 900 or Embraer 175 often covering the shorter segment. Wi‑Fi and seatback entertainment are widely available across these aircraft, though the specific offering depends on the airline and individual tail.", "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.", "toolsUsed": ["route_aircraft"]}, "q20": {"question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?", "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) does not have any traditional airline-branded lounges like a Delta Sky Club or United Club, and there are no widely known independent lounges such as Plaza Premium. The only lounge-like amenity available is through Priority Pass, which offers access to an XpresSpa location near Gate 45 in the Central Concourse, where members can use a 25-minute session on massage chairs or loungers in lieu of a lounge visit.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/related-content/hou-tips-for-first-time-travelers", "title": "Navigating William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Tips for First-Time Travelers", "time_published": "2026-01-23T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/pt-PT/lounges/usa/houston-tx-william-p-hobby/hou2s-xpresspa", "title": "XWELL HOU AIRPORT Houston TX William P. Hobby | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"}, {"url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport HOU Lounges - HOU Airport Guide and lounges.  | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"}]}, "q21": {"question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "Since this is a domestic route, international baggage rules are irrelevant. Basic economy often charges for checked bags, while main cabin typically allows a carry-on and personal item, with checked bags available for a fee. Check your airline's policy."}, "q22": {"question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to Charleston?", "answer": "Flights from Houston to Charleston typically offer only Economy seating with standard recliner seats, as Premium Economy and flat-bed Business are not common on this short domestic route."}, "q23": {"question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Same-day changes and standby depend on your airline and fare type, with flexible and premium tickets generally offering the most options."}}}}