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.
Nov 5, 2014, 2:26 pm
#166
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: ALB
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors Diamond, Nexus
Posts: 432
While it's not a very long connection, most of the time CLT is pretty easy to connect through. The flight DTW-CLT should be mainline so you should not have to deal with the long walk or crowds in the US Express E concourse at CLT. Since it's domestic to international there's nothing special with baggage or customs though you'll have to show your passport to board CLT-SXM.
Being that it is mid-January, you are always at the whims of mother nature, and it wouldn't take much of a delay at DTW (a wait for de-icing for example) to turn that connection into a <30 minute one.
If you did happen to miss the connection, there are a few later options CLT-SXM routing through MIA that you could be rerouted on. Really a matter of personal preference on the connection.
Nov 24, 2014, 8:09 pm
#167
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: US, HH
Posts: 895
Hourly deck now open.
The hourly parking deck opened last week. Currently only level 4 is available for parking but it is really good to have a walkable option again for short trips.
That said, it is expensive at $20 a day. It was dark when I entered/left this past Sunday and I couldn't see if it is possible to walk from the daily deck yet (other than following the vehicle entry way or walking through construction, which probably will be off-limits).
There is an elevator at the side closest to the daily deck, so if one can get there, one can go up to 4, walk across and back down to 2 which is street level.
Has anybody tried to walk from the daily deck yet that can confirm if there is a path to the elevator, or does one have to walk through the vehicle entry? It would be most welcome to be able to go shuttle-free again.
That said, it is expensive at $20 a day. It was dark when I entered/left this past Sunday and I couldn't see if it is possible to walk from the daily deck yet (other than following the vehicle entry way or walking through construction, which probably will be off-limits).
There is an elevator at the side closest to the daily deck, so if one can get there, one can go up to 4, walk across and back down to 2 which is street level.
Has anybody tried to walk from the daily deck yet that can confirm if there is a path to the elevator, or does one have to walk through the vehicle entry? It would be most welcome to be able to go shuttle-free again.
Nov 30, 2014, 9:29 am
#168
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: CLT
Programs: DL DM, AA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 438
The hourly parking deck opened last week. Currently only level 4 is available for parking but it is really good to have a walkable option again for short trips.
That said, it is expensive at $20 a day. It was dark when I entered/left this past Sunday and I couldn't see if it is possible to walk from the daily deck yet (other than following the vehicle entry way or walking through construction, which probably will be off-limits).
There is an elevator at the side closest to the daily deck, so if one can get there, one can go up to 4, walk across and back down to 2 which is street level.
Has anybody tried to walk from the daily deck yet that can confirm if there is a path to the elevator, or does one have to walk through the vehicle entry? It would be most welcome to be able to go shuttle-free again.
That said, it is expensive at $20 a day. It was dark when I entered/left this past Sunday and I couldn't see if it is possible to walk from the daily deck yet (other than following the vehicle entry way or walking through construction, which probably will be off-limits).
There is an elevator at the side closest to the daily deck, so if one can get there, one can go up to 4, walk across and back down to 2 which is street level.
Has anybody tried to walk from the daily deck yet that can confirm if there is a path to the elevator, or does one have to walk through the vehicle entry? It would be most welcome to be able to go shuttle-free again.
FWIW, they are also expecting to move the rental car companies to the hourly deck "very shortly" after the holidays. Apparently, they are essentially ready for the move now, but the airport wanted the holiday rush to be over-with first.
Nov 30, 2014, 9:47 am
#169
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Florida
Programs: US CP, MR Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 441
Etiquette question: Does anybody have a problem with people cutting through the C lounge check in area as a shortcut to get from C to D/E and vis a versa? I'm a club member FWIW and it saves me a minimal 45 seconds but sometimes getting to E to make the GNV flight 45 seconds is all the difference in the world. Thoughts?
Go Gators
Go Gators
Nov 30, 2014, 10:55 am
#170
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
Etiquette question: Does anybody have a problem with people cutting through the C lounge check in area as a shortcut to get from C to D/E and vis a versa? I'm a club member FWIW and it saves me a minimal 45 seconds but sometimes getting to E to make the GNV flight 45 seconds is all the difference in the world. Thoughts?
Go Gators
Go Gators
Once I was flying BNA-CLT-PHL with two colleagues. One lived in GSO and we were late out of BNA and came on a CR9 into E. Two of us were going to hang out in the C club until our later PHL flight; her GSO flight was about to close the door at C2. We brought her through the entrance hall in the C club, and pointed the way to the C hall. She made it to the gate just as they were closing the door and got on. That ~45-60 seconds made the difference. I'd do it again.
Nov 30, 2014, 11:01 am
#171
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Florida
Programs: US CP, MR Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 441
Most people don't realize the shortcut exists. If it helps make a connection, frankly I'd do it but not make a habit of it. It can't be popular with the club staff.
Once I was flying BNA-CLT-PHL with two colleagues. One lived in GSO and we were late out of BNA and came on a CR9 into E. Two of us were going to hang out in the C club until our later PHL flight; her GSO flight was about to close the door at C2. We brought her through the entrance hall in the C club, and pointed the way to the C hall. She made it to the gate just as they were closing the door and got on. That ~45-60 seconds made the difference. I'd do it again.
Once I was flying BNA-CLT-PHL with two colleagues. One lived in GSO and we were late out of BNA and came on a CR9 into E. Two of us were going to hang out in the C club until our later PHL flight; her GSO flight was about to close the door at C2. We brought her through the entrance hall in the C club, and pointed the way to the C hall. She made it to the gate just as they were closing the door and got on. That ~45-60 seconds made the difference. I'd do it again.
Go Gators
Nov 30, 2014, 11:54 am
#172
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: US, HH
Posts: 895
As of this Thursday there was not a walkable option from the Daily Deck. I will be arriving back at CLT this afternoon and will report if somehow something changed over the holiday.
FWIW, they are also expecting to move the rental car companies to the hourly deck "very shortly" after the holidays. Apparently, they are essentially ready for the move now, but the airport wanted the holiday rush to be over-with first.
FWIW, they are also expecting to move the rental car companies to the hourly deck "very shortly" after the holidays. Apparently, they are essentially ready for the move now, but the airport wanted the holiday rush to be over-with first.
Jan 19, 2015, 12:03 pm
#174
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
It's doable, but bear in mind yo're going to have the longest walk in the airport: From A to E. Probably a minimum of 10 minutes but likely closer to 15-20. Still, as long as that wasn't the last flight of the night, I'd be okay with it.
Jan 19, 2015, 12:25 pm
#175
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP / HH Diamond
Posts: 592
Size up each moving-walkway separately in the E concourse -- that airport more than most seems to have the stand-and-block riders, it is often quicker to hoof it. The major exception would be the walkaway that takes you from E to central area -- that one usually is much faster to take.
All-in-all, you should be fine.
All-in-all, you should be fine.
Jan 19, 2015, 3:54 pm
#176
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
Nice touch in CLT this morning. All the "signage" which typically stated the destination, time, and "checked in full", or "no seat change available" at the gates in C were DOA. They went with paper prints in rather small font.
Things happen yes, but this seemed rather bush league.
Things happen yes, but this seemed rather bush league.
Jan 19, 2015, 5:01 pm
#177
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: Choice Hotels/FFOCUS
Posts: 7,256
I'd go with the 15-20 & that's moving it,
Jan 19, 2015, 5:52 pm
#178
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Jan 24, 2015, 7:28 am
#179
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 106
Short(ish) connection at CLT - will my luggage make it?
Hi all,
In a couple of months I was meant to be arriving into CLT on US499 from Miami and connecting onto US732 to LHR. I had around 1hr 40mins to make the connection.
As with every single other AA/US booking on the rest of my itinerary, which has either been changed or cancelled (apparently they're not very good at scheduling!), US499 has been cancelled and I've been rebooked onto US501 with a 1hr 10min connection.
Few questions:
1) When connecting domestic to international, do I have to collect and re-check my luggage or can I check it through to LHR from MIA?
2) If I can check through to LHR, is the loss of 30 mins in CLT likely to pose an issue with my luggage making the connection?
3) If I have to re-check my luggage, I'm guessing an hour is going to be pushing it?
Thanks in advance for any help!
In a couple of months I was meant to be arriving into CLT on US499 from Miami and connecting onto US732 to LHR. I had around 1hr 40mins to make the connection.
As with every single other AA/US booking on the rest of my itinerary, which has either been changed or cancelled (apparently they're not very good at scheduling!), US499 has been cancelled and I've been rebooked onto US501 with a 1hr 10min connection.
Few questions:
1) When connecting domestic to international, do I have to collect and re-check my luggage or can I check it through to LHR from MIA?
2) If I can check through to LHR, is the loss of 30 mins in CLT likely to pose an issue with my luggage making the connection?
3) If I have to re-check my luggage, I'm guessing an hour is going to be pushing it?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Last edited by JMS87; Jan 24, 2015 at 7:42 am
Jan 24, 2015, 7:40 am
#180
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 866
If all goes as scheduled you should be fine. Luggage will be through-checked to LHR. However, if your flight out of MIA is even slightly delayed, you may run into issues. If you're uncomfortable with the tight connection, I'd have US rebook you to an earlier flight out of MIA. Did you click on "Accept changes" within your reservation? If you haven't yet, call US and tell them you don't accept the change and you'd like them to rebook you on an earlier flight...they are usually very good about accommodating in situations like this.
OTOH, if you've already accepted the change, you'd be dinged with a change fee.
Good luck!
OTOH, if you've already accepted the change, you'd be dinged with a change fee.
Good luck!