So, you're planning a trip to the Lowcountry. You’ve probably already started dreaming about the Spanish moss, the wide Atlantic beaches, and maybe a round of golf or two. But then comes the logistical headache: how do you actually get there without spending half your vacation in a rental car?
Most people just assume they have to fly into Savannah and drive across the bridge. Honestly? That's what I did for years. But the landscape has changed. If you're wondering what airlines fly into Hilton Head Island, the answer depends entirely on whether you want to land on the island or just near it.
There is a massive difference between HHH and SAV. One puts you ten minutes from your beach chair; the other involves a 45-minute trek (on a good day) across the Georgia-South Carolina border. Let's break down who is actually landing on that short, scenic runway on Beach City Road.
The Big Three: Who Actually Lands at HHH?
When people ask what airlines fly into Hilton Head Island, they usually mean the Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH). This is the small, charming terminal located right on the north end of the island. For a long time, it was mostly regional prop planes. Not anymore.
Since the runway was extended, we've seen a pretty big shift in service. As of early 2026, three major players dominate the tarmac here.
American Airlines
American is basically the king of HHH. They offer the most consistent, year-round service. If you're coming from anywhere on the East Coast or the Midwest, you’ll likely find yourself on an American Eagle flight connecting through Charlotte (CLT).
They also run seasonal nonstops from Washington Reagan (DCA), Philadelphia (PHL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Chicago (ORD). I’ve found that the Charlotte connection is the most reliable because if a flight gets delayed, there’s usually another one heading to the island a few hours later.
Delta Air Lines
Delta keeps it simple. Their main artery into the island is through Atlanta (ATL). It's a quick jump—barely enough time for the flight attendants to hand out a Biscoff cookie—but it connects Hilton Head to basically the entire world.
During the peak summer months, Delta usually adds a seasonal nonstop from New York (LGA). It's a game-changer for folks in the city who want to trade the subway for a bike path by lunchtime.
United Airlines
United rounds out the trio. Their presence is a bit more seasonal than American's, but they are vital for travelers coming from the Northeast and the West. You’ll typically find nonstop service from Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD).
Sometimes they toss in a Chicago (ORD) route during the high season. If you’re a United loyalist, Newark is your best bet for a direct shot into the island’s backyard.
The Savannah Alternative: Why You Might Choose SAV
Look, HHH is convenient. It’s tiny. You can walk from the gate to your rental car in about 60 seconds. But it isn't always the cheapest option.
That’s where Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) comes in.
Despite the name, SAV is in Georgia. It’s about 40 to 50 miles away from the island. However, the airline list there is much, much longer. If you’re looking for budget carriers or more West Coast flexibility, this is where you'll look.
- Southwest Airlines: They are a huge presence at SAV. If you have "Companion Pass" status or just love two free bags, you’re flying into Savannah. They run routes from Baltimore, Nashville, Dallas-Love, and Chicago-Midway.
- JetBlue: Great for the Boston and NYC (JFK) crowd.
- Allegiant & Breeze: These are the "hidden gems" for cheap flights. They fly from random spots like Akron, Columbus, Hartford, and Providence.
- Avelo: Occasionally pops up with seasonal routes from New Haven.
- Spirit: Recently started offering service from Newark and Fort Lauderdale into SAV.
The Runway Reality Check
Why doesn't every airline just fly into the island? It comes down to physics.
HHH has a 5,000-foot runway. That is plenty for the Embraer 175s and CRJ-900s that American and Delta use, but you won't see a massive Boeing 777 landing there. This means the planes are smaller.
Smaller planes often mean higher ticket prices.
I’ve seen flights to HHH cost $200 more than flights to SAV for the same dates. You have to ask yourself: Is saving an hour of driving worth $200? For some people, especially families with young kids or those who hate I-95 traffic, the answer is a resounding yes.
Parking, Rental Cars, and The "Hurry Up and Wait" Factor
One thing nobody tells you about flying into Hilton Head (HHH) is how much time you save after you land.
At a big airport like Atlanta or even Savannah, you might spend 20 minutes walking to baggage claim and another 20 waiting for a shuttle to the rental car lot. At HHH, the rental cars are literally parked right outside the door. You grab your bag, walk 50 feet, and you’re driving.
Ground Transportation at HHH
- Rental Cars: All the big names (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise) are on-site.
- Ride Share: Uber and Lyft operate here, but honestly, they can be sparse during the off-hours.
- Taxis: There is usually a line of cabs waiting for every scheduled arrival. It’s very old-school, and it works.
When to Book to Save a Few Bucks
If you are determined to fly directly onto the island, timing is everything. Hilton Head is a seasonal destination.
January and February are the "quiet" months. You can often snag deals because the golfers haven't swarmed the island yet. Once the RBC Heritage golf tournament hits in April, forget about it. Prices skyrocket, and seats sell out months in advance.
My advice? If you see a flight into HHH that is within $75 of the price into Savannah, book the HHH flight. By the time you factor in the gas, the Uber cost from Savannah (which can be $80+), or the general hassle of the bridge traffic, the direct flight usually pays for itself.
The Verdict on What Airlines Fly Into Hilton Head Island
Basically, if you want the "luxury" of landing on the island, you are looking at American, Delta, or United. They are the gatekeepers of HHH.
If you are looking for a deal and don't mind a beautiful drive over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge and through the marshlands, Southwest, JetBlue, and the budget carriers at SAV are your best friends.
The island is getting more accessible every year. Whether you land on the short runway surrounded by pines or the big international one in Georgia, the salt air feels the same once you get here.
Actionable Travel Steps
- Check HHH First: Go to Google Flights and enter "HHH" as your destination. See if the "convenience fee" (the price difference) is worth it for your schedule.
- Toggle the "Nearby Airports" Button: Always compare HHH with SAV. Sometimes SAV has a nonstop that HHH doesn't, which might actually be faster than a connection through Charlotte.
- Book the Morning Flight: Summer storms in the Lowcountry are real. They usually roll in around 4:00 PM. Flying in the morning gives you the best chance of landing on the island without being diverted to Savannah due to visibility.
- Reserve Your Car Early: HHH has a limited supply of rental cars compared to a major hub. If you wait until you land, you might be stuck with a minivan when you wanted a convertible.