Oct 10, 2013, 10:57 am
Last edit by: KenTarmac
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
This is a quick and updated (periodically, by members) summary of post 1 that will be visible at the top of all pages of this thread.
CLT airport website: https://www.cltairport.com/
Link to older archived posts.
American operates flights out of concourses (sometimes) A and (always) B, C, D and E.
Ticket counters
Main Terminal - Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Concourses:
From Airport Website
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
Getting from Concourse to Concourse
There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. [Obviously not applicable for those pre-cleared at selected overseas locations such as DUB] Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles!
There are several moving walkways at the airport. At the least, there is a moving walkway at the beginning of each concourse, sometimes there are several (concourses A and E).
Other moving walkways include:
Security at CLT
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day. Monday mornings can have long lines. Checkpoints A and B are often the most crowded. When this is the case it's worth the walk to checkpoints C through E to avoid the long lines.
Since all the checkpoints share access to the secure area it really doesn't matter which one you use, they will all get you access to all gates.
Below is a break down of where the TSA precheck lanes are and where the checkpoints drop you off within the airport.
Most of the time CLT is really good in terms of on-time performance. However summer thunderstorms can drastically affect your travel experience.
AA-AA ID .50 BDA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY BS - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00 COUNTRY CA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY IE - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.15 REGION EUR - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00
--Parking info can be found at this link.
*Security Note: If you park using curbside valet your car will be searched.
Cell Phone Lot: Park for free while waiting for arriving flights at CLT’s Cell Phone Lot. All drivers are required to remain with their vehicles. Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis as space is available.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are in the parking deck directly across from the terminal. Follow the signs to the deck and take the escalator or elevator to the second level where you'll find the rental car counters. You no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental cars.
--More info on Rental Cars
Public Transportation
CATS offers service from CLT:
Visit the CATS Website for more details and schedules.
Where to eat in the airport
--Good map of CLT Dining
CLT Lounges
There are two Currency Exchange locations in CLT, both operated by Travelex:
How quick is baggage claim in CLT?
CLT offers free Wi-Fi around the airport. The Admirals Club provides free access for club members through AT&T.
Do I have time to go into Charlotte?
You could take a cab or the city bus (see post Public Transportation above for info). I would venture to town only if there is more than 3 hours to kill and there is nothing you can do at the airport.
Lyft and Uber can both pick up at the airport.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
There are three:
This is a quick and updated (periodically, by members) summary of post 1 that will be visible at the top of all pages of this thread.
Check-in times Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
Link to older archived posts.
American operates flights out of concourses (sometimes) A and (always) B, C, D and E.
Ticket counters
Main Terminal - Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Concourses:
- Concourse A is used by mostly other airlines (Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Via) but American uses Concourse A for some flights
- Concourse B is usually used for flights to the West
- Concourse C is usually used for East coast flights. Republic operated flights fly out of C as well.
- Concourse D (The International Concourse) Most transatlantic flights out of CLT are at the far end of concourse D (Lufthansa and Volaris included)
- D4 (A and B) are also express gates (Piedmont operated flights.)
- Concourse E is the American Eagle concourse (Regional flights – RJs)
From Airport Website
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
Getting from Concourse to Concourse
There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. [Obviously not applicable for those pre-cleared at selected overseas locations such as DUB] Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles!
There are several moving walkways at the airport. At the least, there is a moving walkway at the beginning of each concourse, sometimes there are several (concourses A and E).
Other moving walkways include:
- Across the atrium between concourses A, B and C.
- Between the security checkpoint C exit and concourses D and E.
Security at CLT
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day. Monday mornings can have long lines. Checkpoints A and B are often the most crowded. When this is the case it's worth the walk to checkpoints C through E to avoid the long lines.
Since all the checkpoints share access to the secure area it really doesn't matter which one you use, they will all get you access to all gates.
Below is a break down of where the TSA precheck lanes are and where the checkpoints drop you off within the airport.
- A Checkpoint: Standard 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.
- B Checkpoint: Standard, Main Pre✓ ® 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.
- C Checkpoint: Standard, Flex Lanes 5 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.
- C Checkpoint: Employee 4 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
- D Checkpoint: Main Pre✓ ®, Preferred 6 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.
- E Checkpoint: Standard 4:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Most of the time CLT is really good in terms of on-time performance. However summer thunderstorms can drastically affect your travel experience.
- Domestic Connections: MCT is 40 minutes. A minimum 1 hour scheduled connection time should be sufficient for domestic connections.
- According to ExpertFlyer, the current MCT for American Airlines International-Domestic are:
AA-AA ID .50 BDA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY BS - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00 COUNTRY CA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY IE - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.15 REGION EUR - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00
- MCT for anything involving international flights is 90 minutes; that will work for domestic to international, but:
- I'm a non-US passport holder connecting in CLT from an international to a domestic flight. How long of a layover should I schedule?
A: MCT is 90 minutes, but you should schedule a minimum of 2 hours to be safe to accommodate CBP, claiming your bags and then rechecking. (ie: LHR-CLT-PHX)
--Parking info can be found at this link.
*Security Note: If you park using curbside valet your car will be searched.
Cell Phone Lot: Park for free while waiting for arriving flights at CLT’s Cell Phone Lot. All drivers are required to remain with their vehicles. Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis as space is available.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are in the parking deck directly across from the terminal. Follow the signs to the deck and take the escalator or elevator to the second level where you'll find the rental car counters. You no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental cars.
--More info on Rental Cars
Public Transportation
CATS offers service from CLT:
- Route 5 Sprinter Airport Express - To Center City (Uptown)
Visit the CATS Website for more details and schedules.
Where to eat in the airport
--Good map of CLT Dining
CLT Lounges
- American Airlines has two Admirals Clubs in CLT: A larger one between concourses C and D and smaller newly renovated one in concourse B.
- AMEX is adding a new Centurion lounge, at CLT. It will be located after security at the intersection of Concourses D and E, on the top floor of a new airport expansion. Opening Monday, February 24, 2020
- The Club CLT. Priority Pass lounge located in the A gate connector.
There are two Currency Exchange locations in CLT, both operated by Travelex:
- One location in the center court atrium inside the secured area (airside). This location is open from 7 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
- A second currency exchange location has been added at the entrance to the D concourse in front of gates D1 and D2. This location is open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
How quick is baggage claim in CLT?
- Baggage claim returns in CLT tend to run a little longer than most airports. Expect a wait time of 20 to 25 minutes on average after deplaning. Depending on workload baggage returns can run upwards of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Baggage returns for flights arriving on the E concourse and the A Concourse extension can take up to 45 minutes.
- There is one the 2nd floor of the Atrium. More info available here: www.cltairportchapel.org
CLT offers free Wi-Fi around the airport. The Admirals Club provides free access for club members through AT&T.
Do I have time to go into Charlotte?
You could take a cab or the city bus (see post Public Transportation above for info). I would venture to town only if there is more than 3 hours to kill and there is nothing you can do at the airport.
Lyft and Uber can both pick up at the airport.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
- Charlotte Douglas International is a smoke free facility. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, which includes all restaurants and bars.
- Smokers on the front curb of the terminal are encouraged to use courtesy areas on each end of Baggage Claim and Ticketing levels.
There are three:
- Concourse A Connector
- Concourse A/B Connector
- Concourse D
GUIDE: CLT / Charlotte Douglas Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:39 pm
#586
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
if you like burgers, check out Bad Daddy's Burger Bar in Concourse C
Mar 30, 2017, 6:19 pm
#587
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
Mar 30, 2017, 6:32 pm
#588
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Ate at Bad Daddy Burgers today for the first time in Mooresville. Solid burger for a chain.
Mar 31, 2017, 8:31 am
#589
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LTP, Bonvoy Titanium; AA CK before I retired
Posts: 1,597
Have been through CLT a zillion times since the 1980s. I've also misconnected there. The MCT of 40 minutes is doable, but if you are in the back of a large aircraft inbound (e.g. a 321) at the far end of the B concourse (e.g. B16) and your departing flight is at the far end of the E concourse (e.g. E18), you have very little margin to work with. If your inbound is late arriving by as little as 20 minutes in that scenario, be prepared for a misconnect... unless you can run a six-minute mile with bags. The commuter operators are notorious for not holding for late-connecting pax.
Last edited by ccengct; Mar 31, 2017 at 8:36 am
Mar 31, 2017, 4:01 pm
#590
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Life Plat
Posts: 801
The space is somewhat walled off from main airport space, so I find it gives a bit a of a relaxed break from the chaos of connecting.
Mar 31, 2017, 4:07 pm
#591
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
I've had some good meals at 1897 Market, which is at the Concourse A/B side of the main atrium area. They have a nice selection of salads, fresh pizzas, and entrees available (I'm a fan of their beet and goat cheese salad) -- it's my go-to option in CLT when I have time for a sitdown meal.
The space is somewhat walled off from main airport space, so I find it gives a bit a of a relaxed break from the chaos of connecting.
The space is somewhat walled off from main airport space, so I find it gives a bit a of a relaxed break from the chaos of connecting.
Apr 6, 2017, 9:28 pm
#592
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CVG
Programs: Hyatt Giraffe
Posts: 1,663
Hi All - wondering if you all thought we would make this connect.
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
Apr 7, 2017, 5:51 am
#593
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
Hi All - wondering if you all thought we would make this connect.
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
Was there a schedule change that shortened the connection? If yes, then I would definitely call AA.
Like a lot of connections, you'll be ok if everything is on time and there are no delays at immigration/baggage/customs/security, but obviously 61 mins leaves no room for error. If there are later CLT-CVG flights that day, then I wouldn't worry too much.
Apr 7, 2017, 11:39 am
#594
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
Hi All - wondering if you all thought we would make this connect.
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
MBJ -> CLT (61 minutes) -> CVG. Sunday afternoon.
2 adults + 2 kids + 2 checked bags (nothing to gate check). GE but kids always throw a flag due to no biometrics. No status sitting middle of plane.
Or should I start trying to beg a rep now?
If you could get a better connection without getting charged for the change, I would go for it. But I don't know if I would pay a lot for it though. It would depend on how many flights there are to CVG after yours on Sundays and how full they are.
Apr 10, 2017, 12:45 pm
#595
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CVG
Programs: Hyatt Giraffe
Posts: 1,663
@JJeffrey and @cheltzel Thanks for your responses. For the record we made it, but really didn't. We ended up paying for preferred seats - about $120 to sit in rows 6 and 7. Walked fast and cleared immigration with GE with no problems.
But... it took at least 20 minutes for bags to come out. By this time, everyone else on the plane was already off, so the $120 wasn't well spent.
After we rechecked bags and desperately went through security and jog/ran all the way to the gate, we made it to the plane with 1-2 minutes to spare (although they held the plane 10 minutes for 8 of us).
Without GE/TSA pre, this was a no go. And that was an exhausting run with 2 kids and carry-on's.
And of course... I'm waiting on bags to be delivered today as they didn't make the connect.
But... it took at least 20 minutes for bags to come out. By this time, everyone else on the plane was already off, so the $120 wasn't well spent.
After we rechecked bags and desperately went through security and jog/ran all the way to the gate, we made it to the plane with 1-2 minutes to spare (although they held the plane 10 minutes for 8 of us).
Without GE/TSA pre, this was a no go. And that was an exhausting run with 2 kids and carry-on's.
And of course... I'm waiting on bags to be delivered today as they didn't make the connect.
Apr 12, 2017, 7:27 am
#596
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
too many pax too little space in B
I've connected several times in CLT, mostly C to B.
A few weeks ago my flt (from LAS) landed in D and I connected to B:
The end gate area in D is SUPER SPACIOUS a far cry from B (end gates), several flights (in very cramped area) were jumbled together, so it was hard to find which line went with a given flight.
A few weeks ago my flt (from LAS) landed in D and I connected to B:
The end gate area in D is SUPER SPACIOUS a far cry from B (end gates), several flights (in very cramped area) were jumbled together, so it was hard to find which line went with a given flight.
Apr 12, 2017, 9:46 am
#597
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
I've connected several times in CLT, mostly C to B.
A few weeks ago my flt (from LAS) landed in D and I connected to B:
The end gate area in D is SUPER SPACIOUS a far cry from B (end gates), several flights (in very cramped area) were jumbled together, so it was hard to find which line went with a given flight.
A few weeks ago my flt (from LAS) landed in D and I connected to B:
The end gate area in D is SUPER SPACIOUS a far cry from B (end gates), several flights (in very cramped area) were jumbled together, so it was hard to find which line went with a given flight.
Apr 12, 2017, 11:43 am
#598
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Life Plat
Posts: 801
I know there have been plans in the works to expand at least B concourse, but it's tough to pull off since it most of the concourse has to be in use at the same time. Construction is also underway on a new concourse, and that might given them some short-term spare capacity to make it easier to do the work on B.
Apr 12, 2017, 12:34 pm
#599
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Unfortunately that was all designed and built in a time when Piedmont was primarily flying planes like 737s that carried considerably fewer passengers than the A321s that seem to dominate there today. Load factors were much lower then too (ah, for the days when it was common to have an empty middle seat).
I know there have been plans in the works to expand at least B concourse, but it's tough to pull off since it most of the concourse has to be in use at the same time. Construction is also underway on a new concourse, and that might given them some short-term spare capacity to make it easier to do the work on B.
I know there have been plans in the works to expand at least B concourse, but it's tough to pull off since it most of the concourse has to be in use at the same time. Construction is also underway on a new concourse, and that might given them some short-term spare capacity to make it easier to do the work on B.
Apr 12, 2017, 1:01 pm
#600
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
Unfortunately that was all designed and built in a time when Piedmont was primarily flying planes like 737s that carried considerably fewer passengers than the A321s that seem to dominate there today. Load factors were much lower then too (ah, for the days when it was common to have an empty middle seat).