Though many North Carolina cities and towns offer local and regional airports, the entire state offers only four international airports. The North Carolina Airport Association lists 12 air carrier airports, including the four international hubs in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro and Wilmington. The state also has more than 30 local airports, including one at the site of the first ever American plane flight in Kill Devil Hills.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers flights from nine major airlines and six regional carriers, according to the airport website. The hub offers two terminals with direct flights to 35 destinations and connections to national and international cities. Options available to travelers wanting to fly in or out of RDU include AirTran, Continental Airlines, Southwest Airlines, US Airways, Delta and Air Canada. The airport offers nearly two dozen restaurants serving everything from fried chicken to steak dinners, and also features more than 20 retail shops.
Those traveling through Charlotte-Douglas International Airport can select from 11 major carriers or one local airline. Options include Lufthansa, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, AirTran, Continental, Air Canada and Delta. US Airways and US Airways Express concourses take up the most space in Charlotte; the airline's presence is in four of Charlotte's five concourses. Visitors to the airport can choose from one of more than 50 on-site restaurants, which serve a range of dishes from Chinese to fast-food pizza. CLT also features more than 30 shopping and entertainment options as well as a business center.
Piedmont Triad International Airport, in Greensboro, is also convenient to other major North Carolina communities such as Winston-Salem. The airport is also about four hours from Wilmington, Charleston, South Carolina and Norfolk, Va. GSO offers nine major airlines as well as daily direct flights to New York City. Travelers can choose flights from carriers such as Allegiant, American, United and US Airways. Visitors can sample fare from six airport restaurants, which serve a variety of items such as fast-food subs and sports bar and grill dishes. GSO offers five shops selling everything from books to souvenirs.
Wilmington International Airport offers flights from three major carriers, including direct service to Orlando, Fla. Passengers can purchase tickets from Allegiant Air, ASA "The Delta Connection" or US Airways. ILM offers one restaurant, which is a delicatessen and bar. The airport also offers free high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the property as well as a gift shop. Visitors may also want to stop by ILM's Wilmington Aviation Gallery, which depicts the history of flight in Wilmington as well as the rest of North Carolina.
