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.
Jun 2, 2009, 2:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
GUIDE: CLT / Charlotte Douglas Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
The original post content has been updated and moved to the wiki post.
The original post can be read in the archive of 2013 and prior years' posts here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...rport-lus.html
Our thanks to izt for starting this important thread and contributing the extensive seminal information.
American Airlines | AAdvantage forum moderation team
The original post can be read in the archive of 2013 and prior years' posts here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...rport-lus.html
Our thanks to izt for starting this important thread and contributing the extensive seminal information.
American Airlines | AAdvantage forum moderation team
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Jan 1, 2014, 7:39 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
The Preferred line at the security checkpoint to the left of the US first class ticket counter (leading to the C/D concourses) isn't quick- when I flew out on Sunday afternoon, it seemed as though everyone except airport/airline employees was funneled into the Preferred line, and so it took about 20 minutes to get through security.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
Jan 2, 2014, 1:21 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NYC/CLT/LHR
Programs: AA Plat, Bonvoy Gold, SkyMiles Dirt
Posts: 446
The Preferred line at the security checkpoint to the left of the US first class ticket counter (leading to the C/D concourses) isn't quick- when I flew out on Sunday afternoon, it seemed as though everyone except airport/airline employees was funneled into the Preferred line, and so it took about 20 minutes to get through security.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
Jan 2, 2014, 7:15 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
The Preferred line at the security checkpoint to the left of the US first class ticket counter (leading to the C/D concourses) isn't quick- when I flew out on Sunday afternoon, it seemed as though everyone except airport/airline employees was funneled into the Preferred line, and so it took about 20 minutes to get through security.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
The one leading to the A/B concourses isn't particularly fast, either.
They had the preferred lines and the PreCheck Lines shut down early on Sunday. The sign for 'Preferred' was still there but there was no Preferred line. I asked a TSA agent and got barked at to go to the back of the normal line and wait like everyone else. Mentioned the bad temper to another agent and they said "Oh, he's the 'Behavior analyst' but always has behavior issues, sorry he was rude!"
Figures ...
Jan 2, 2014, 9:39 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: US, HH
Posts: 894
The last few times I flew out of CLT, maybe starting sometime in November if I remember correctly, they closed down the preferred lines in B and D altogether and made the entire C checkpoint preferred (and some airport employees in a separate line). There's even a gatekeeper to check you're preferred/first/etc. No idea if this is a permanent move or not, it looked that way. All I know is that it definitely isn't any faster than before.
Jan 3, 2014, 7:11 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: CLT
Programs: DL DM, AA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 438
Checkpoint B is not to the left of the US Air Counter. B is to the left of AA and WN and to the right of United. C is to the left of US Air. C is the Priority line that is a mess--it is also because they recently closed the B priority line. B now has two options: Normal Line or PreCheck. (At least this is how it was running last week)
Jan 3, 2014, 7:44 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
Checkpoint B is not to the left of the US Air Counter. B is to the left of AA and WN and to the right of United. C is to the left of US Air. C is the Priority line that is a mess--it is also because they recently closed the B priority line. B now has two options: Normal Line or PreCheck. (At least this is how it was running last week)
Sorry to hear things are screwed up with the priority lanes. I've got PreCheck myself. I find it much more valuable insofar as getting through security is much quicker and more convenient with PreCheck than any airline "priority" status could ever provide.
Also, my prior statement about moving on to checkpoints D or E when A, B and/or C are backed up still stands. Navigating CLT checkpoints isn't that difficult when you know the tricks to get around the crowds.
Last edited by KenTarmac; Jan 3, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Jan 4, 2014, 6:27 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: CLT
Programs: DL GM USAIR GP
Posts: 13
Anyone know if they are going to add lanes at the terminal. They are well on the way with the new parking garages. I see no evidence they are going to add lanes in front of the terminal. Its quite pathetic that there is only two lanes for all arrival traffic.
Buses,hotel,taxis,rental cars, and everyone else- two lanes and a relative short drop off zone. The is more room at GNV for goodness sake.
other than that I like CLT
and working moving sidewalks would be good too- not that I can't use the exercise
Buses,hotel,taxis,rental cars, and everyone else- two lanes and a relative short drop off zone. The is more room at GNV for goodness sake.
other than that I like CLT
and working moving sidewalks would be good too- not that I can't use the exercise
Jan 4, 2014, 7:07 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: AVL
Programs: AA EXP ; Cunard Plat
Posts: 4,211
It'd take 2 more years (Dec 2015 projected), but more lanes are coming.
... Additional commercial and passenger vehicle lanes will be constructed to assist those picking up and dropping off passengers. When complete, a total of 16 lanes will accommodate traffic.
Traffic flow will be reconfigured on each level; commercial vehicles will move to the three inside lanes and personal vehicles to the five outside lanes. This project will also move the roadway further north to accommodate the future Terminal Lobby Expansion ...
Traffic flow will be reconfigured on each level; commercial vehicles will move to the three inside lanes and personal vehicles to the five outside lanes. This project will also move the roadway further north to accommodate the future Terminal Lobby Expansion ...
Jan 5, 2014, 6:11 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 124
Damn...just got a notice that US424 CLT-PDX is delayed from 6:15 to 8:15.
I can burn a special dividends day pass to the club but I'm traveling with a colleague and i don't know if he's going to want to buy his was in.
Anyone have any suggestions on where to hang out besides the club? I'm a PHL guy, i actually don't get through CLT too often at all. At PHL im usually content to sit at vino volo. But it looks like clt doesnt have one.
I can burn a special dividends day pass to the club but I'm traveling with a colleague and i don't know if he's going to want to buy his was in.
Anyone have any suggestions on where to hang out besides the club? I'm a PHL guy, i actually don't get through CLT too often at all. At PHL im usually content to sit at vino volo. But it looks like clt doesnt have one.
Jan 6, 2014, 3:07 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
This could go on the "least substantial thing you can complain about" thread (don't think US has one though).
Anyway, at CLT, my home airport, I've heard a particular announcement several times...
In this announcement the lovely lady usese the work escalator.
However she pronounces it, es-qya-lator. (Kind of like those that don't know how to pronounce nuclear, and go with nook-qya-ler.
Amusing, but I do feel like an airport PA probably should have accurate pronunciations.
Anyway, at CLT, my home airport, I've heard a particular announcement several times...
In this announcement the lovely lady usese the work escalator.
However she pronounces it, es-qya-lator. (Kind of like those that don't know how to pronounce nuclear, and go with nook-qya-ler.
Amusing, but I do feel like an airport PA probably should have accurate pronunciations.
Jan 8, 2014, 8:16 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CLT
Programs: US CP, HH Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 261
This could go on the "least substantial thing you can complain about" thread (don't think US has one though).
Anyway, at CLT, my home airport, I've heard a particular announcement several times...
In this announcement the lovely lady usese the work escalator.
However she pronounces it, es-qya-lator. (Kind of like those that don't know how to pronounce nuclear, and go with nook-qya-ler.
Amusing, but I do feel like an airport PA probably should have accurate pronunciations.
Anyway, at CLT, my home airport, I've heard a particular announcement several times...
In this announcement the lovely lady usese the work escalator.
However she pronounces it, es-qya-lator. (Kind of like those that don't know how to pronounce nuclear, and go with nook-qya-ler.
Amusing, but I do feel like an airport PA probably should have accurate pronunciations.
Jan 11, 2014, 5:25 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
WARNING TO Charlotte based flyers: they are wreaking havoc at CLT with construction and roads. Effective 1/8 Little Rock Road is now only one way towards the airport. Long Term Lots 1 and 2, and rental car cos are effected. You can't take Little Rock to I-85/I-77 now, you have to go only direction you can on little rock, right on Old Dowd, then right on Marshall will take you to Wilkinson Blvd.
I discovered this Friday nite leaving LT 2, turned right into oncoming traffic. Not well lit (pitch black actually) and no signage visible.
Whoppeee!
I discovered this Friday nite leaving LT 2, turned right into oncoming traffic. Not well lit (pitch black actually) and no signage visible.
Whoppeee!
Feb 5, 2014, 4:31 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
US Club men's restroom Monday AM
Hello FT
Anyone else frequent US clubs in CLT Monday mornings?
I think it's insane that for a pretty big club between C and D there is one bathroom and 4 stalls for men!
It's comical to see men in suits and ties waiting in a stinky bathroom for the privilege to plop down on a still hot toilet seat-- (let alone the stench!)
I have given up, and find a more pleasant experience when the need arises using the public restrooms! Sacrilege, I know but in CLT C they are pretty much the same as the Clubs, and no waiting.
More stalls please US Club!
Sorry for the "poopy rant"!
Anyone else frequent US clubs in CLT Monday mornings?
I think it's insane that for a pretty big club between C and D there is one bathroom and 4 stalls for men!
It's comical to see men in suits and ties waiting in a stinky bathroom for the privilege to plop down on a still hot toilet seat-- (let alone the stench!)
I have given up, and find a more pleasant experience when the need arises using the public restrooms! Sacrilege, I know but in CLT C they are pretty much the same as the Clubs, and no waiting.
More stalls please US Club!
Sorry for the "poopy rant"!
Feb 5, 2014, 7:06 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: BWI/DCA/BOS/
Programs: MR & SPG Plat, BA Silver, AA Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 175
Hello FT
Anyone else frequent US clubs in CLT Monday mornings?
I think it's insane that for a pretty big club between C and D there is one bathroom and 4 stalls for men!
It's comical to see men in suits and ties waiting in a stinky bathroom for the privilege to plop down on a still hot toilet seat-- (let alone the stench!)
I have given up, and find a more pleasant experience when the need arises using the public restrooms! Sacrilege, I know but in CLT C they are pretty much the same as the Clubs, and no waiting.
More stalls please US Club!
Sorry for the "poopy rant"!
Anyone else frequent US clubs in CLT Monday mornings?
I think it's insane that for a pretty big club between C and D there is one bathroom and 4 stalls for men!
It's comical to see men in suits and ties waiting in a stinky bathroom for the privilege to plop down on a still hot toilet seat-- (let alone the stench!)
I have given up, and find a more pleasant experience when the need arises using the public restrooms! Sacrilege, I know but in CLT C they are pretty much the same as the Clubs, and no waiting.
More stalls please US Club!
Sorry for the "poopy rant"!
