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.
#661
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
The piano in the B-C connector is still there but covered. In the past it was open, and I thought a "public piano" for those who are talented enough to tickle the ivories. Is that still the case? I didn't notice a sign on it, but I also haven't seen/heard anyone playing it in my recent transits through.
#663
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
From what to what? Two American Eagle flights that will both leave from the E gates? Probably OK. Two mainline flights? Probably OK. A regional flight that might come in five minutes late at E50 and a mainline leaving from B12? Maybe not.
#664
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
American Eagle CRJ200 operated by PSA to an AA A319. Coming from Toledo, OH heading to Atlanta. Never connected in CLT before and I know there are plenty of flights afterwards to Atlanta if I were to miss it.
#665
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
You'll be coming into the E gates and leaving from B,C or D gates. If there are more flights to Atlanta and you're OK with waiting for a couple hours if you misconnect, go for it. If everything's on time, you should be OK.
#666
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
The flight I just booked has me coming off of a PSA flight and getting onto another PSA flight to ATL. Do all Eagle flights come in and out of Terminal E? Does Charlotte get bad afternoon thunderstorms like Atlanta does?
#667
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
Almost all Eagle flights are in and out of E. A few E190s are operated out of other concourses. Yes, Charlotte can get afternoon thunderstorms.
#668
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,492
Question for the CLT experts.
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
#669
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AA-EXP
Posts: 618
Question for the CLT experts.
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
#670
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Question for the CLT experts.
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
I've flown through CLT several times, but wanted to see if this sounds doable.
Booked for AUS-CLT-AVP tomorrow, with about 2-1/2 hours at CLT. There's an earlier CLT-AVP that I can switch to--and it even has vacant seats in F. That flight would give me a 50 min connection.
AUS-CLT is mainline and will land in B or C.
CLT-AVP is express (CR9) and will leave from E (don't yet know how deep, but I often leave from the very end).
Would you switch to the 50 min connection, or keep the 2-1/2 hour one? Either way, looks like I'd get F (I'm already in F for my current flight).
#671
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,492
This is what I have done several times: Book the longer connection to be safe, but if you land early enough do a standby for the earlier flight. Assuming CLT-AVP is not elite heavy you should be able to be confirmed with a Y seat and put on the upgrade list on the earlier flight. I usually end up in F, but sometime in Y but happy to be home several hours earlier. Just make sure you aren't checking bags, that is a deal breaker for AA (even as EXP).
Unfortunately I'm checking a bag, so I can't just show up at the gate and move flights.
When I check in at AUS shortly I'll see if there's still F availability on that earlier leg, and if they'll put me on it.
#672
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,492
Thanks again for the recent replies!
I did get on the earlier CLT-AVP flight, in F. Since that is 509 miles, there were only 5 people in F (I guess plats and golds didn't want to use 2 stickers for it). Not only that, but some storms rolled into CLT as we were leaving, and it sounds like that later flight was canceled.
My AUS-CLT was delayed a bit (mechanical), but I still had plenty of time for the connection, and my checked bag also made it just fine.
I did get on the earlier CLT-AVP flight, in F. Since that is 509 miles, there were only 5 people in F (I guess plats and golds didn't want to use 2 stickers for it). Not only that, but some storms rolled into CLT as we were leaving, and it sounds like that later flight was canceled.
My AUS-CLT was delayed a bit (mechanical), but I still had plenty of time for the connection, and my checked bag also made it just fine.
#673
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Yeah, at 9 miles over the trigger for stickers, most non EXPs are going to waive off using the upgrades for that one -. Im glad DTW is exactly 500 miles.
Would be interesting to see a master list of active AA city pairs that are just over the 500 mile hump. I'm not talking 600 miles (like DCA-ORD which is 612) but ones that are, say, within 25 miles of 500 miles.
Would be interesting to see a master list of active AA city pairs that are just over the 500 mile hump. I'm not talking 600 miles (like DCA-ORD which is 612) but ones that are, say, within 25 miles of 500 miles.
#674
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: AA - Plat, HHonors - Diamond, IHG - Plat, Marriott - Gold, National - Exec, Amtrak - Select, NEXUS
Posts: 1,075
I actually put in for PHL-CVG for next week, as I have earned 16 stickers since I the last time used one. I'm an EXP-level spend Plat segment runner, and >50% of my flights when I have a connection are hub-hub where I'll never upgrade. so I might as well use them when I can.
#675
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
On Monday, 5/14/18, I was connecting from C to B at 8:15 AM. There were several flights departing from low numbered B gates, in the same vicinity a flt (or two) had just arrived; there was so much congestion it took nearly 10 minutes to get to the B AC--navigating NYC subways during rush hours is a much easier operation.
When AA makes gate assignments (particularly for B) they should factor congestion issues into their choices.
When AA makes gate assignments (particularly for B) they should factor congestion issues into their choices.