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.
#631
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
#632
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
Finally, we have a fuller sense of what's planned for the new renovations. Looking forward to the new terminal opening, better restaurants, art that better represents Charlotte, and NO MORE CARPET!
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/new...175513801.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/new...175513801.html
#633
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
Finally, we have a fuller sense of what's planned for the new renovations. Looking forward to the new terminal opening, better restaurants, art that better represents Charlotte, and NO MORE CARPET!
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/new...175513801.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/new...175513801.html
#634
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
Perfect! Only seven more years
#636
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 15
Direct to Asia
So I just moved to CLT in the past few months. I've done extensive traveling through Europe and would love to start knocking out Asia soon but it's hard with AA boxing out most other carriers and not having direct flights. I've heard AA is not interested in ever adding Asia direct flights from CLT. Why is this? Surely there's enough demand with Bank of America, wells Fargo, and Duke Energy to have a 1-2 times weekly flight somewhere west of Cali. Do we really think they'll never add Asia direct service?
#637
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Jacksonville, Fl USA
Programs: AA EXP, Admirals Club, IHG Gold, Hilton Diamond, National Emerald Executive
Posts: 140
So I just moved to CLT in the past few months. I've done extensive traveling through Europe and would love to start knocking out Asia soon but it's hard with AA boxing out most other carriers and not having direct flights. I've heard AA is not interested in ever adding Asia direct flights from CLT. Why is this? Surely there's enough demand with Bank of America, wells Fargo, and Duke Energy to have a 1-2 times weekly flight somewhere west of Cali. Do we really think they'll never add Asia direct service?
#638
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
So I just moved to CLT in the past few months. I've done extensive traveling through Europe and would love to start knocking out Asia soon but it's hard with AA boxing out most other carriers and not having direct flights. I've heard AA is not interested in ever adding Asia direct flights from CLT. Why is this? Surely there's enough demand with Bank of America, wells Fargo, and Duke Energy to have a 1-2 times weekly flight somewhere west of Cali. Do we really think they'll never add Asia direct service?
What is a source of continual frustration is the lack of foreign carriers operating out if CLT. All these middle-sized cities are getting a ton of European legacy and budget carriers moving in and CLT gets bupkis. We've got the LH flight to Munich (which I've taken several times and is great), but that's all. AA's international service out of CLT was a blessing at first, but it's stifled competition and is now a curse. MIA and ORD get sub $400 r/t fares to destination cities. In CLT, it's pay $1,300 or get lost.
Last edited by flyingmusicianlax; Oct 6, 2017 at 4:02 pm Reason: Typos
#639
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 23
For those that actually fly to and from CLT they are shifting the Commercial arrival (lower level) traffic to new lanes at 11pm tonight. Personal vehicle traffic is not currently affected. However in 2018 when Phase 2 of the new elevated roadway is complete they will shift personal vehicle arrivals to new lanes.
More info here: https://www.facebook.com/cltairport/
More info here: https://www.facebook.com/cltairport/
#640
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
So I just moved to CLT in the past few months. I've done extensive traveling through Europe and would love to start knocking out Asia soon but it's hard with AA boxing out most other carriers and not having direct flights. I've heard AA is not interested in ever adding Asia direct flights from CLT. Why is this? Surely there's enough demand with Bank of America, wells Fargo, and Duke Energy to have a 1-2 times weekly flight somewhere west of Cali. Do we really think they'll never add Asia direct service?
You can read more here: http://www.openandfairskies.com/
More here: https://news.delta.com/seven-us-sena...ies-agreements
#641
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FRA/SXB
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 1,999
Agreed. For my TATL (leisure) trips, it's been cheaper to buy separate tickets to JFK and fly out a foreign carrier from there.
#642
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AA Gold, Enterprise PLT, Marriott Gold
Posts: 604
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I feel like they could do something better with the money that they are planning to use to "raise the ceiling a foot." I just don't really see what good that's going to do. Almost nobody is even going to notice that change IMO.
I hope they plan on making a bigger restroom near the D gates. It's so odd how small the bathroom is right next to international departures. with 250+ seat planes departing all around 4-6pm.
I hope they plan on making a bigger restroom near the D gates. It's so odd how small the bathroom is right next to international departures. with 250+ seat planes departing all around 4-6pm.
#643
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
... like improving the baggage service off of the E concourse. I flew AA today back to CLT just to keep my AA account active and not have my miles expire.
Anyway, landed on E and it took 40 minutes for AA to get my bags out to me after landing. After inquiring with the baggage agents after about 25 minutes I was told it could take, and often does take, an hour or more! This is an unacceptable amount of time to deliver bags. I'm thankful that I only fly AA on the rarest of occasion. AA should strive for better.
Ahem ...
https://www.usatoday.com/story/today...bags/25232833/
Anyway, landed on E and it took 40 minutes for AA to get my bags out to me after landing. After inquiring with the baggage agents after about 25 minutes I was told it could take, and often does take, an hour or more! This is an unacceptable amount of time to deliver bags. I'm thankful that I only fly AA on the rarest of occasion. AA should strive for better.
Ahem ...
https://www.usatoday.com/story/today...bags/25232833/
#644
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
We're not Texas but CLT is at 60 handguns found at TSA checkpoints (so far) this year ....
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/2-loa...port/495495542
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/2-loa...port/495495542