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.
#76
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
#77
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
From http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/c...onnector.aspx:
Introducing new bus routes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Beginning June 16, CATS will implement non-stop bus service from North Charlotte and from select LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Stations to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Fare $2.75 ($3 starting 7/1/14)
Route 590 Airport Connector - Northlake
Leaves from the Northlake Mall Park and Ride
Service starts at 5:00 a.m.
Operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week
Last trip leaves Northlake Mall Park and Ride at 11:30 p.m.
Route 591 Airport Connector - Archdale
Serves the LYNX Blue Line Archdale, Tyvola and Woodlawn Light Rail Stations
Service starts at 5:00 a.m. from the Archdale Station
Operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week
Last trip leaves the Archdale station at 11:30 p.m.
Introducing new bus routes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Beginning June 16, CATS will implement non-stop bus service from North Charlotte and from select LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Stations to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Fare $2.75 ($3 starting 7/1/14)
Route 590 Airport Connector - Northlake
Leaves from the Northlake Mall Park and Ride
Service starts at 5:00 a.m.
Operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week
Last trip leaves Northlake Mall Park and Ride at 11:30 p.m.
Route 591 Airport Connector - Archdale
Serves the LYNX Blue Line Archdale, Tyvola and Woodlawn Light Rail Stations
Service starts at 5:00 a.m. from the Archdale Station
Operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week
Last trip leaves the Archdale station at 11:30 p.m.
#78
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
That's helpful ^
Wish they had a bus that went to the Amtrak station, sometimes they're good fares from CLT and I'd rather take the train down from Durham than drive.
Wish they had a bus that went to the Amtrak station, sometimes they're good fares from CLT and I'd rather take the train down from Durham than drive.
#80
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
I would like to apologise for being wrong. I have worked a CLT-MCO flight departing from D. However it is only because it is either A) Before the summer international rush or B) Before all the international flights to Europe and South America depart, as when the A330s are being prepared they block the gates either side of the aircraft so D is normally full of heavies going to Europe or Brazil.
And several times recently on afternoon connections I've seen a 330 parked and boarding for TATL from the end of B; a GA told me they've been doing that a lot because they don't have enough gates over in D for everything in the current schedule.
#81
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 414
It really does depend on time of day. The last CLT-MCI in the evening (which I'm frequently on, and operates on an A319) often departs from a low D gate.
And several times recently on afternoon connections I've seen a 330 parked and boarding for TATL from the end of B; a GA told me they've been doing that a lot because they don't have enough gates over in D for everything in the current schedule.
And several times recently on afternoon connections I've seen a 330 parked and boarding for TATL from the end of B; a GA told me they've been doing that a lot because they don't have enough gates over in D for everything in the current schedule.
#82
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NYC/CLT/LHR
Programs: AA Plat, Bonvoy Gold, SkyMiles Dirt
Posts: 446
They do, you can take the 11 Bus from in front of the station to Trade and Tryon, the transfer to the Sprinter Express bus to the airport.
#83
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
#84
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: High Point, NC
Programs: None
Posts: 9,171
Jim
#85
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
Look like I'm stuck here at CLT for 2.5 hours...dinner suggestions?
#88
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 4
misconnecting at clt
i'm a relatively new flyer, as you probably can discern from my nickname, and new to flyertalk, hopefully you'll go easy on me i tried a search, but couldn't locate the information needed. i'm connecting through charlotte this summer, and i have a short connection (<1 hour) for the last flight of the day. what would happen if i misconnect? i get lost a bit easily, overwhelmed by my surroundings. i examined the map of charlotte, and it doesn't look bad, but sometimes i get lost easily. i'll try requesting help at the airport, but if i do get lost, will USAir rebook me onto the next flight in the morning, as well as provide a hotel?
when i got lost in minneapolis, with delta, several years back, they provided me a hotel and meal voucher without asking, even when there was no weather/mechanical/ATC delays.
thanks for your input!
when i got lost in minneapolis, with delta, several years back, they provided me a hotel and meal voucher without asking, even when there was no weather/mechanical/ATC delays.
thanks for your input!
#89
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
If you get lost in CLT, perhaps you need to hire a responsible adult as a guide.
1 hour is plenty of time in CLT to make a connection. Short of mechanical/crew you are on your own on the food/lodging if you miss connection.
1 hour is plenty of time in CLT to make a connection. Short of mechanical/crew you are on your own on the food/lodging if you miss connection.
#90
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
If you are worried, don't book short connections.
If you do misconnect, US will rebook you on the next flight with availability. That might not be the next flight.
You are on your own for a hotel + food unless the delay was caused by US, e.g. a mechanical problem.
If you do misconnect, US will rebook you on the next flight with availability. That might not be the next flight.
You are on your own for a hotel + food unless the delay was caused by US, e.g. a mechanical problem.