It Just Got Easier to Visit the ‘Best City in the United States’ From NYC

American Airlines is adding a New York City to Charleston route.

By Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta

Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on February 18, 2025

Close Colorful historic houses line the street in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo:

Peter Unger/Getty Images

Charleston, South Carolina has long been a favorite destination among travelers, and a new airline route is making it easier to visit. 

American Airlines will soon begin direct service between Charleston, SC and New York, NY (LGA) on June 6, 2025. The new route will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays through the summer, according to American’s booking website. The two-hour and 17-minute flight will be operated with an Embraer 175 aircraft. 

American Airlines currently operates flights to Charleston from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Miami, and Washington, D.C. (DCA). The Charleston International Airport has additional air service from Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United. The airport also has service to Toronto, Canada on Air Canada. 

Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of discounted one-way fares with Friday flights available at $99, and Saturday flights as low as $79. Travelers can also use American Advantage miles for the flight, and book award tickets as low as 7,500 miles plus $5.60. Best of all, the flights operate from LaGuardia’s recently-opened Terminal B, which is home to an Admirals Lounge, as well as a Chase Sapphire Lounge. 

Charleston has been ranked as “The Best City in the United States” for over a decade by T+L readers in the annual World’s Best Awards.

The city is also home to many notable hotels, and T+L readers ranked Wentworth Mansion as the best. Guests enjoyed the period decor with marble fireplaces and the multi-course tasting menus from the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Circa 1886. Readers also ranked the French Quarter Inn, The Loutrel, and Hotel Bennett as great hotels in Charleston.

Throughout the summer, Charleston is home to a variety of activities and attractions such as carriage rides throughout the shopping district, and exploring the beaches of Sullivan’s Island.