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.
#737
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Refurb Admirals Lounge in "B" is open: https://thepointsguy.com/news/americ...rals-club-clt/
#738
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,487
That is quite the refurb given how the area overlooking the tarmac now runs down the length of a large part of the lounge. They must have ripped out some pretty hefty infrastructure to do that, although without a floorplan to see where it all fits I can't quite make it out myself.
#740
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: AA - Plat, HHonors - Diamond, IHG - Plat, Marriott - Gold, National - Exec, Amtrak - Select, NEXUS
Posts: 1,075
I was never in the old club, but today I flew in and out of B so I wandered into the club there. The new B club is long and narrow for its layout. The seating is about 50/50 upholstered chairs around quieter rooms and hard chairs at 4 tops in the food/bar area. Nothing special but just like the other recent refurbs of smaller clubs, which is fine with me.
#741
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
We are flying PUJ/CLT/MSP on 12/7/2019. I was wondering if I could get some input on which CLT/MSP flight we should book, can we clear customs and make the earlier flight or should we be safe and just book the later flight ? Thanks
Our options are 3:50pm PUJ .......... 6:34pm CLT connecting to ..........
8:15 pm CLT.......10:01pm MSP or
10:20pm CLT ........12:03 am MSP
Our options are 3:50pm PUJ .......... 6:34pm CLT connecting to ..........
8:15 pm CLT.......10:01pm MSP or
10:20pm CLT ........12:03 am MSP
#742
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Admirals Club member
Posts: 419
If it were me, 1:45 is more then enough to journey through CLT.
And as you pointed out, there’s a later flight if something goes sideways.
While I don’t think you’ll have any time pressure, 1 caveat I suppose is if you suddenly become hurried for your 2nd flight, you may have to grab food & eat on the plane instead of sitting down in the airport..
And as you pointed out, there’s a later flight if something goes sideways.
While I don’t think you’ll have any time pressure, 1 caveat I suppose is if you suddenly become hurried for your 2nd flight, you may have to grab food & eat on the plane instead of sitting down in the airport..
#743
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
If it were me, 1:45 is more then enough to journey through CLT.
And as you pointed out, there’s a later flight if something goes sideways.
While I don’t think you’ll have any time pressure, 1 caveat I suppose is if you suddenly become hurried for your 2nd flight, you may have to grab food & eat on the plane instead of sitting down in the airport..
And as you pointed out, there’s a later flight if something goes sideways.
While I don’t think you’ll have any time pressure, 1 caveat I suppose is if you suddenly become hurried for your 2nd flight, you may have to grab food & eat on the plane instead of sitting down in the airport..
I think we will just book they later flight and play it safe, thanks for your input.
#744
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
We are flying PUJ/CLT/MSP on 12/7/2019. I was wondering if I could get some input on which CLT/MSP flight we should book, can we clear customs and make the earlier flight or should we be safe and just book the later flight ? Thanks
Our options are 3:50pm PUJ .......... 6:34pm CLT connecting to ..........
8:15 pm CLT.......10:01pm MSP or
10:20pm CLT ........12:03 am MSP
Our options are 3:50pm PUJ .......... 6:34pm CLT connecting to ..........
8:15 pm CLT.......10:01pm MSP or
10:20pm CLT ........12:03 am MSP
#745
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: NYC/BOS
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 54
Connecting in CLT, arriving from CUN at 6:35pm and then departing for BOS at 8:05pm. We will be checking bags and plan to use mobile passport. Should 1.5 hours be enough time?
#746
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
If you should find that either of your flights results in a connection time that is shorter than 90 minutes you should have no problem seeking a reasonable re-accommodation or change of routing request.
#747
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: AS, DL, WN
Posts: 5
Quiet places to hang out/do work in CLT?
Hi guys,
Tomorrow I'm arriving into CLT on the AA redeye from Seattle, and I have a 3.5 hour layover until my flight to SBY. I'll be in CLT from about 6:20 to 9:50 am. I know that CLT is a busy, crowded airport, but I was wondering if there's any semi-quiet place to be able to sit down and do some work during my layover. I don't hold status with AA (in fact, this is my first time flying on them), so the Admirals Club won't work for me, and this is my first time visiting CLT, so I'm not overly familiar with the airport.
Thanks in advance for the help, I appreciate it.
Tomorrow I'm arriving into CLT on the AA redeye from Seattle, and I have a 3.5 hour layover until my flight to SBY. I'll be in CLT from about 6:20 to 9:50 am. I know that CLT is a busy, crowded airport, but I was wondering if there's any semi-quiet place to be able to sit down and do some work during my layover. I don't hold status with AA (in fact, this is my first time flying on them), so the Admirals Club won't work for me, and this is my first time visiting CLT, so I'm not overly familiar with the airport.
Thanks in advance for the help, I appreciate it.
#749
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage EXP
Posts: 67
INTL>DOM MCT at CLT is 90 minutes so your ticket is legal but it's a good idea to hustle in the event that you troubles finding a gate or there are any baggage-related delays. Great idea on using the mobile passport as that can really speed the CPB formalities along!
If you should find that either of your flights results in a connection time that is shorter than 90 minutes you should have no problem seeking a reasonable re-accommodation or change of routing request.
If you should find that either of your flights results in a connection time that is shorter than 90 minutes you should have no problem seeking a reasonable re-accommodation or change of routing request.
CLT hasn't been set up yet for Mobile Passport yet. But I think it's coming.
https://mobilepassport.us/
#750
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
Hi guys,
Tomorrow I'm arriving into CLT on the AA redeye from Seattle, and I have a 3.5 hour layover until my flight to SBY. I'll be in CLT from about 6:20 to 9:50 am. I know that CLT is a busy, crowded airport, but I was wondering if there's any semi-quiet place to be able to sit down and do some work during my layover. I don't hold status with AA (in fact, this is my first time flying on them), so the Admirals Club won't work for me, and this is my first time visiting CLT, so I'm not overly familiar with the airport.
Thanks in advance for the help, I appreciate it.
Tomorrow I'm arriving into CLT on the AA redeye from Seattle, and I have a 3.5 hour layover until my flight to SBY. I'll be in CLT from about 6:20 to 9:50 am. I know that CLT is a busy, crowded airport, but I was wondering if there's any semi-quiet place to be able to sit down and do some work during my layover. I don't hold status with AA (in fact, this is my first time flying on them), so the Admirals Club won't work for me, and this is my first time visiting CLT, so I'm not overly familiar with the airport.
Thanks in advance for the help, I appreciate it.