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.
#706
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
The entrance to the C/D Admirals Club on the C Concourse side is currently closed for construction. A sign directs passengers to the D Concourse entrance.
#707
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Europe
Programs: Costa Coffee
Posts: 112
SJO - CLT - LHR with checked bags in 70 minutes?
I have this tight connection from AA1706 to AA732 in April. 3 of us will have to clear immigration with ESTA and recheck luggage.
Should I call AA now or wait for the likely schedule change between now and April? The alternative routing would be through DFW.
Should I call AA now or wait for the likely schedule change between now and April? The alternative routing would be through DFW.
#708
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
That said, if you booked a longer connection but AA already changed schedules to drop it to 70 mins, you could call AA now and ask about a more comfortable connection through DFW or MIA, if that's what your after.
#709
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
Interesting morning in CLT (090418). At approx. 10:00 am gates B12-B16 have flights departing simultaneously, so lots of pax queuing--"normal" for CLT; but the gate monitors were not working properly (one had to listen for periodic announcements). One flt clt-dfw had suffered a bird strike and was being delayed for inspection (adding to the overcrowding).
A fun morning in CLT
A fun morning in CLT
Last edited by nrr; Sep 4, 2018 at 6:16 pm
#710
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AA-EXP
Posts: 617
Interesting morning in CLT (090418). At approx. 10:00 am gates B12-B16 have flights departing simultaneously, so lots of pax queuing--"normal" for CLT; but the gate monitors were not working properly (one had to listen for period announcements). One flt clt-dfw had suffered a bird strike and was being delayed for inspection (adding to the overcrowding).
A fun morning in CLT
A fun morning in CLT
#711
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,634
C Gate to B Gate in 51mins?
I've a tight connection in CLT this weekend:
AA1648 - PHL-CLT - Arrives 7:02pm @ C13
AA1736 - CLT-PDX - Departs 7:51pm @ B5
Both flights part of a larger itinerary booked as a single ticket with AA.
I can't gauge from the map how far it actually is between the gates, anyone offer any advice on the likelihood of making this? I'm sorta assuming it must be OK otherwise they'd not sell me the ticket?!
(Edit: I can't count - it's actually a 49 minute connection time )
AA1648 - PHL-CLT - Arrives 7:02pm @ C13
AA1736 - CLT-PDX - Departs 7:51pm @ B5
Both flights part of a larger itinerary booked as a single ticket with AA.
I can't gauge from the map how far it actually is between the gates, anyone offer any advice on the likelihood of making this? I'm sorta assuming it must be OK otherwise they'd not sell me the ticket?!
(Edit: I can't count - it's actually a 49 minute connection time )
#712
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I've a tight connection in CLT this weekend:
AA1648 - PHL-CLT - Arrives 7:02pm @ C13
AA1736 - CLT-PDX - Departs 7:51pm @ B5
Both flights part of a larger itinerary booked as a single ticket with AA.
I can't gauge from the map how far it actually is between the gates, anyone offer any advice on the likelihood of making this? I'm sorta assuming it must be OK otherwise they'd not sell me the ticket?!
(Edit: I can't count - it's actually a 49 minute connection time )
AA1648 - PHL-CLT - Arrives 7:02pm @ C13
AA1736 - CLT-PDX - Departs 7:51pm @ B5
Both flights part of a larger itinerary booked as a single ticket with AA.
I can't gauge from the map how far it actually is between the gates, anyone offer any advice on the likelihood of making this? I'm sorta assuming it must be OK otherwise they'd not sell me the ticket?!
(Edit: I can't count - it's actually a 49 minute connection time )
#713
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,634
Excellent thanks George ^ I'll do my best Hugh Grant, "terribly sorry", run through the terminal
#714
Join Date: May 2004
Location: HYI/AUS/SAT originally TTN/EWR/PHL
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards, Jetblue TrueBlue, American Advantage
Posts: 1,190
New A Terminal gates are nice
I know it's not AAs gates. But I am flying thru CLT right now and being that I missed my earlier flight I am now on a 3 1/2 hour layover so I thought it would be a great time to check out the new gates. They are really nice. I'm now sitting in a rocking chair in a plane watching area where though the A gates are a ghost town I am seeing takeoffs. Not too much for food though yet but they have plans.
Upstairs where dining will be
Upstairs where dining will be
#715
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
Thanks for posting pix. The new A concourse extension is beautiful. A long overdue update to CLT. I'll be back on Thursday and will take the time to get some more pictures to share.
#718
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
So plenty of time for the connection (and even if it wasn't a precleared flight, it would have been OK)
Preclearance Locations / Overview
#719
Join Date: May 2014
Location: BRU
Programs: BA GGL, TK E (*G), ITA exec
Posts: 4,104
Hi, I need a reality check about an INT-DOM connection of 1h49m.
I should arrive around 3PM on a Saturday, end of December, with EU passport (ESTA), NO preclearance, NO luggage (HBO only).
It would be all in one ticket, but losing the connection could screw up the itinerary.
In August this year I managed to make a 1h35m connection at PHL under the same conditions, but I felt it very tight...
Thanks in advance
I should arrive around 3PM on a Saturday, end of December, with EU passport (ESTA), NO preclearance, NO luggage (HBO only).
It would be all in one ticket, but losing the connection could screw up the itinerary.
In August this year I managed to make a 1h35m connection at PHL under the same conditions, but I felt it very tight...
Thanks in advance