Oct 10, 2013, 10:57 am
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.
Oct 3, 2019, 6:46 am
#826
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
Do you know what year they resumed service to CLT? It was my understanding that BMW was the driving force for LH service to CLT.
Oct 3, 2019, 7:52 am
#827
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 414
2003/2004; I personally though it was 2003 but this year LH advertised it as their 15th year of service to CLT. BMW is definitely a factor in Munich flights (helps with cargo and J seats) but it's not the only factor- Germany is by far the foreign country with the strongest links to North Carolina- there are something like 215 German companies in Charlotte and there is also the military aspect of armed forces going between NC and German bases.
Oct 17, 2019, 4:47 am
#829
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Nov 7, 2019, 12:09 pm
#830
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,438
CLT or ORD?
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Nov 7, 2019, 12:16 pm
#831
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
CLT or ORD?
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Nov 7, 2019, 1:33 pm
#832
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
CLT or ORD?
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Given the choice, I can't think of any compelling reason to go with CLT over ORD in this scenario. CLT is a crowded mess. Maybe if you're in economy, then the A330 on CLT-FCO might be marginally more comfortable, but you'd have to endure a longer LAX-CLT flight in a crap LUS 321 to get there, so really a wash. In business it's ORD hands down.
Nov 7, 2019, 2:25 pm
#833
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,438
Two hours is more than enough for this kind of connection at either ORD or CLT so I wouldn't worry at all about that.
Given the choice, I can't think of any compelling reason to go with CLT over ORD in this scenario. CLT is a crowded mess. Maybe if you're in economy, then the A330 on CLT-FCO might be marginally more comfortable, but you'd have to endure a longer LAX-CLT flight in a crap LUS 321 to get there, so really a wash. In business it's ORD hands down.
Given the choice, I can't think of any compelling reason to go with CLT over ORD in this scenario. CLT is a crowded mess. Maybe if you're in economy, then the A330 on CLT-FCO might be marginally more comfortable, but you'd have to endure a longer LAX-CLT flight in a crap LUS 321 to get there, so really a wash. In business it's ORD hands down.
Nov 7, 2019, 4:37 pm
#834
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
CLT or ORD?
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Looking at an award itinerary next year either LAX-CLT-FCO or LAX-ORD-FCO. My connection time at both ORD and CLT would about 2 hours. I'm much more familiar with ORD than CLT. I know in ORD, I will probably (or at least possibly) land and depart from the same terminal, so that saves time.
Any pros / cons to connecting in CLT rather than ORD? Thanks!
Nov 7, 2019, 4:46 pm
#835
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
Nov 7, 2019, 4:47 pm
#836
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
Nov 7, 2019, 5:47 pm
#837
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,438
(Sorry to get off topic here on the CLT forum, but if anyone else sees this, it is useful to know that ORD summer delays are real!) Avoiding ORD in the winter is a no brainer. But I also agree about the summer! Last two times in ORD were separate days in August. I got a fog delay on one and an Air-Show-Over-Lake-Michigan delay on the other.
Nov 8, 2019, 6:19 am
#838
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
ORD is actually very equipped and able to handle winter weather.....I’m there literally dozens of times in the winter months and have never had issues or nightmare meltdowns.
Its usually stations that aren’t use to winter weather like DFW or CLT that meltdown because they don’t have enough equipment or preparedness.
Its usually stations that aren’t use to winter weather like DFW or CLT that meltdown because they don’t have enough equipment or preparedness.
Nov 10, 2019, 10:25 am
#839
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Life Plat
Posts: 801
Uggg ... a literal full hour for bags to come out from domestic flight into CLT last night. It was all the more frustrating because the flight from MCO wasn't over an hour itself.
Since the weather was clear, the only "reason" I could think of is that the flight was on a A330 and CLT probably has limited equipment (and perhaps crew) for unloading the baggage containers from those planes. If there's a conflict, I'm sure the international flights get priority handling.
Still, it still seems like an unreasonably poor level of service, and perhaps a situation to make a point of avoiding when flying into CLT.
Since the weather was clear, the only "reason" I could think of is that the flight was on a A330 and CLT probably has limited equipment (and perhaps crew) for unloading the baggage containers from those planes. If there's a conflict, I'm sure the international flights get priority handling.
Still, it still seems like an unreasonably poor level of service, and perhaps a situation to make a point of avoiding when flying into CLT.