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 CLTs 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 CLTs 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.
Jan 22, 2022, 6:26 am
#976
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 822
Anyone else think 39 minutes is OK on the last flights of the night? Looking at FlightRadar24 seems that the first flight from JAX to CLT lands right on time around 9:50 PM. There's some slightly earlier flights via DCA with a longer connection time but that's on PSA/regional vs mainline.
Jan 22, 2022, 3:06 pm
#977
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BMI
Programs: AA EXP, Delta, Amtrak, Hertz PC
Posts: 658
Is the 2nd flight a mainline jet, an Republic E175 or a regional jet. 39 minutes is tight but pretty doable if all mainline or a Republic E175. A little more scary if you have to wonder down to E for a regional jet flight. Don't use FlightRadar as much as looking at the past history of this flight. AA builds a lot of buffer into their timetables now so you will likely arrive early.
I personally would take the longer layover in DCA, easier connections and they have a new regional jet terminal.
I personally would take the longer layover in DCA, easier connections and they have a new regional jet terminal.
Jan 22, 2022, 3:44 pm
#978
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Choice Hotels
Posts: 762
I agree with the poster above. There is no significant difference in service between main line and eagle at this point. The only real difference on flights of that length would be plastic versus glass for the beverage service in F. Service is a crapshoot right now anyway, and service has tended to be pretty good on eagle in my experience. As stated above, DCA is a much more pleasant place to connect, and if you're fighting for scarce upgrades, you will probably have a better chance going through there on eagle than mainline through Charlotte.
Jan 22, 2022, 3:48 pm
#979
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Somewhere
Programs: SkyMiles, AAdvantage, MileagePlus, Rapid Rewards
Posts: 120
Second flight is a mainline A320, only reason I'm a bit hesitant to take PSA through DCA is because a few weeks ago when I flew out of there we were delayed due to lack of Piedmont ground crew.
Would be in row 1 on the A319 so would be the first off.
Would be in row 1 on the A319 so would be the first off.
Jan 22, 2022, 6:25 pm
#980
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Choice Hotels
Posts: 762
It's a roll of the dice I suppose. If it were me I would rather roll the dice on an earlier connection via DCA.
Jan 22, 2022, 7:11 pm
#981
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
That's not necessarily true. When I flew to CAN just recently, they had everyone in a line and re-checked passports, etc.
Jan 22, 2022, 7:13 pm
#982
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
When connecting domestically on AA to an international flight you do not have to re-clear security at any AA gateway in the US. You literally get off the plane, walk to the next gate, and get on the international flight, just like you would on any normal domestic flight.
And your covid docs will be checked at check-in at PHX. There's a small chance they will want to see them again before boarding at the gate in CLT but this is not the norm.
At CLT a 45 min connection is perfectly doable in this case, although it admittedly doesn't leave a lot of room for error if things were to get delayed. You will most likely arrive into the B or C gates and depart from the D (or maybe A) gates to FRA. Any of these gates can be reached within a 4-8 min walk or so depending on which gates and how quickly you walk and navigate your way through the crowds.
And your covid docs will be checked at check-in at PHX. There's a small chance they will want to see them again before boarding at the gate in CLT but this is not the norm.
At CLT a 45 min connection is perfectly doable in this case, although it admittedly doesn't leave a lot of room for error if things were to get delayed. You will most likely arrive into the B or C gates and depart from the D (or maybe A) gates to FRA. Any of these gates can be reached within a 4-8 min walk or so depending on which gates and how quickly you walk and navigate your way through the crowds.
Jan 22, 2022, 7:15 pm
#983
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
Anyone else think 39 minutes is OK on the last flights of the night? Looking at FlightRadar24 seems that the first flight from JAX to CLT lands right on time around 9:50 PM. There's some slightly earlier flights via DCA with a longer connection time but that's on PSA/regional vs mainline.
Jan 29, 2022, 10:56 pm
#984
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
Going CLT-SXM in a couple of weeks. Where is a good place to have breakfast, and buy a carryon lunch since AA J food just looks disgusting? I would guess we're leaving from the D terminal.
Jan 30, 2022, 12:40 am
#985
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
For breakfast, I would go to the Centurion lounge at D, and for carry on, I do love the pork hamburger at that place owned by Dale Earnhart Jr.
Jan 30, 2022, 5:37 am
#986
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 822
https://www.cltairport.com/shop-dine-and-relax/#dine
Jan 30, 2022, 1:04 pm
#989
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
Unfortunately, I'm just an AC card holder, a relic from the days when I traveled AA almost exclusively. Now I hardly travel, and AA is no longer the de facto most convenient (or least expensive, especially for international J travel) option. Will probably get rid of the AC card after this card year, as I have 2 AA trips upcoming, and the STL AC is a nice place to wait.
Jan 30, 2022, 5:02 pm
#990
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: The Far, Far North
Programs: Alaskans fly everywhere on any aircraft going there!
Posts: 1,263
Sorry if this is somewhere
but I can't find it. Have to connect at CLT from B to E and am wondering if there are jetways at the E gates. I have to have mobility assistance and will have a wheelchair to the gate but can't do steps with a carry on bag. Any thoughts? Thanks!!