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.
#676
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
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.
#677
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,488
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.
Part of the problem that I noticed yesterday was all of the people waiting at gates, with lines stretching out into the walking area.
Probably unrelated, but there also seemed to be an A/C problem in the low B area. It went from comfortable in the atrium to near locker room conditions. Thankfully by the time I got to Bojangles the temp wasn't too bad.
#678
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
The construction in B seems to be in the ceiling area. In the morning there is lots of congestion at the high numbered B gates which only affects those gates. It shouldn't be that difficult for AA to space out flts departing in close proximity of each other (especially for low B's) to avoid congestion.
#679
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,268
Seems like many airlines like to smush active gates together, even when there's plenty of space to spread out. I suspect it's a case of the bean counters in operations saying that at higher gate density, they can increase labor force efficiency by 4%, requiring 2% fewer employees during peak activity time and a cost savings of X, all the while carefully not including passenger satisfaction as a variable in their study.
#680
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
The ceiling work in the B concourse is closed up, they have boarded nearly all of the right side (facing high # gates)--it looks like when they finish the corridor will have more space.^
More toilets are needed in B: at 8:00 am on 5/28, the line for the woman's toilet stretched out the door (with 10 in the corridor), for the men's room the waiting line was confined to that area with (only) 5 on line.
More toilets are needed in B: at 8:00 am on 5/28, the line for the woman's toilet stretched out the door (with 10 in the corridor), for the men's room the waiting line was confined to that area with (only) 5 on line.
#681
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
Mailbox for US mail: gone or just moved?
There used to be a blue mailbox across from the D concourse entrance to the Admirals Club. It’s now gone.
Does anyone know if there is another drop off mailbox for US mail in the airport?
Does anyone know if there is another drop off mailbox for US mail in the airport?
#682
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
#683
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
My parents happened to fly through CLT this week. My mother's almost 80 and needed a wheelchair. When they landed, the wheelchair attendant was there, but said to my mother "You know, you need to tip me." My mother said yes, she would. The attendant kept going on about it. When they got to where they were going, my father gave the attendant $5 and the attendant said "That's not nearly enough!"
I've never heard of that happening at CLT before (the attendant they had this morning while departing was very helpful and not aggressive at all). Wonder if anyone else has experienced that at CLT.
Note: I think I should get extra Flyer Talk points for scheduling my trip into CLT at the same time my parents were flying out. Total coincidence, but I guess if I'm in and out of CLT enough, I'll see everyone else I know too.
I've never heard of that happening at CLT before (the attendant they had this morning while departing was very helpful and not aggressive at all). Wonder if anyone else has experienced that at CLT.
Note: I think I should get extra Flyer Talk points for scheduling my trip into CLT at the same time my parents were flying out. Total coincidence, but I guess if I'm in and out of CLT enough, I'll see everyone else I know too.
#684
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: ABZ
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 38
Good morning,I have a quick question for this fine forum. I'm travelling with the family from LGA to UVF (St Lucia) via CLT and was wondering what the protocol was in regards to exiting the country in Charlotte is. Has anyone done this journey? Do you get an exit stamp in NYC, or are there immigration desks at the designated concourse in Charlotte? From what I've read thus far I don't think you have to exit and re enter through security again. We have around 100+ mins for transit there and I'm a UK passport holder if that makes a difference.
Appreciated, thanks
Appreciated, thanks
#685
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Good morning,I have a quick question for this fine forum. I'm travelling with the family from LGA to UVF (St Lucia) via CLT and was wondering what the protocol was in regards to exiting the country in Charlotte is. Has anyone done this journey? Do you get an exit stamp in NYC, or are there immigration desks at the designated concourse in Charlotte? From what I've read thus far I don't think you have to exit and re enter through security again. We have around 100+ mins for transit there and I'm a UK passport holder if that makes a difference.
Appreciated, thanks
Appreciated, thanks
#687
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
As long as AA does the document check (passport/visa) at check in (at LGA) you should have boarding passes for both flights and it will be basically a standard domestic connection at CLT. If they do not do the document and/or you do not get a boarding pass at LGA you will have to check in at the gate in CLT prior to boarding.
#688
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,268
You are effectively ‘checked’ out’ of the USA when the airline sends the passenger manifest with passport numbers on it electronically to ICE. It’s exit control that actually happens effectively and behind the scenes
#689
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
CLT-B looking reaaaaaaaal good these days. A friend sent me this pic.....describing it as 3rd world. The pic speaks for itself.
#690
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484