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.
#1171
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA 1MM EXP, DL Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador (RIP SPG), Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 1,156
That’s the thing - when it’s quiet, it’s nice. Stopped through last Friday evening and it was nearly standing room only. Bar line extended down that narrow hallway to the windows overlooking E. Had a quick bite of real food standing at one of those wood tables before trekking to the C/D AC. What was weird too is that they removed the high chairs looking over the backside of D.
Do they have outlets? Seems like a nice place to hang for a bit, but obviously lacking quiet (if you’re looking for that), drinks / food and a restroom where you don’t have to pack up and go.
Neither. The space where the temporary Admirals Club was- the second floor, accessible from the stairs in the food court (where the A, B and C concourses come together)- is much better: comfortable rocking chairs overlooking the food court area, with a piano player and large windows.
#1172
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
That’s the thing - when it’s quiet, it’s nice. Stopped through last Friday evening and it was nearly standing room only. Bar line extended down that narrow hallway to the windows overlooking E. Had a quick bite of real food standing at one of those wood tables before trekking to the C/D AC. What was weird too is that they removed the high chairs looking over the backside of D.
Do they have outlets? Seems like a nice place to hang for a bit, but obviously lacking quiet (if you’re looking for that), drinks / food and a restroom where you don’t have to pack up and go.
Do they have outlets? Seems like a nice place to hang for a bit, but obviously lacking quiet (if you’re looking for that), drinks / food and a restroom where you don’t have to pack up and go.
#1173
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,813
And in addition to the AC, keep in mind if you have an Amex card that there is a centurion club, although it is has been packed in recent times with the only semi quiet seats in the back behind the bar. I'm usually in for a quick eat and go so it doesn't bother me as much, but if you're looking for a place to have some peace, the minute suites below it on the other side of the 'food court' is a better option that's free with priority pass.
#1175
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Posts: 1,148
Advice needed. Flying DCA-CLT-GCM (Grand Cayman) and saw a bargain flight on points (Web special) in March but the connection time is 35 MINUTES. Is that crazy?
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
#1176
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,094
Advice needed. Flying DCA-CLT-GCM (Grand Cayman) and saw a bargain flight on points (Web special) in March but the connection time is 35 MINUTES. Is that crazy?
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
One benefit of a 35 minute connection in CLT is that…it’s only 35 minutes that you’d have to spend in that airport (with recent upgrades to LGA, CLT is the worst, in my view).
#1177
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,478
Advice needed. Flying DCA-CLT-GCM (Grand Cayman) and saw a bargain flight on points (Web special) in March but the connection time is 35 MINUTES. Is that crazy?
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
Should I attempt this? No knowledge of Charlotte airport. Also, is there a way to get AA Customer service to help change this? I did call and they said I would have to
cancel and rebook (through Miami) and it's triple the points.
And AA is not going to change your connection on a web special award just because you now have buyers remorse. As they mentioned you can cancel for free and rebook whatever is available with a more comfortable connection time at the going rate now. However since your flight is not until March your best course of action is to just sit back and wait for a schedule change, then call AA and ask for something better.
#1179
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
The issue is that if you booked the connection as it is now AA may not be willing to change it. It would be different if you booked a longer connection and then had a schedule change. Generally IMHO you always want AT LEAST one hour between connections to cover things like waiting for a gate to open, issues with attaching the jetbridge, and delays getting to the gate once landed. Leaving and landing on time aren't the only areas that can be problematic. It also ensures you will be able to board with your Group and have space for your bag somewhere near you.
#1180
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,813
Depends on how tight you want to keep it, but I would say no less than 45-50m. But if your schedule is flexible, you can simply take something else if you miss the connection and it was because of a late arrival. Otherwise, what I have done when I know my flight is going to arrive late is to call aa and give them a heads up and also give them the desired change I want with flight numbers, and that has done smoothly before.
#1181
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 39
I've got a connection on Sunday that lines up perfectly with watching the Bills game. I don't mind streaming it, but obv would need decent club Wi-Fi and would prefer an outlet. From what I've picked up on in this thread, the C/D AC doesn't have many outlets, is that right? Would I be better off just using the B AC?
#1182
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
I've got a connection on Sunday that lines up perfectly with watching the Bills game. I don't mind streaming it, but obv would need decent club Wi-Fi and would prefer an outlet. From what I've picked up on in this thread, the C/D AC doesn't have many outlets, is that right? Would I be better off just using the B AC?
#1183
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
I've got a connection on Sunday that lines up perfectly with watching the Bills game. I don't mind streaming it, but obv would need decent club Wi-Fi and would prefer an outlet. From what I've picked up on in this thread, the C/D AC doesn't have many outlets, is that right? Would I be better off just using the B AC?
#1184
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
I've got a connection on Sunday that lines up perfectly with watching the Bills game. I don't mind streaming it, but obv would need decent club Wi-Fi and would prefer an outlet. From what I've picked up on in this thread, the C/D AC doesn't have many outlets, is that right? Would I be better off just using the B AC?
The gates seemed to come alive at about 4-5pm. Yes, a few were active earlier, but most were not.
#1185
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,813
I had some longer connections at CLT during some afternoons over the summer. I went over to the D terminal (where most international flights depart), and many of the gates were completely empty. It was quite nice being able to relax, mostly by myself, and get online. There aren't a ton of electrical outlets, and the chairs are typical airport chairs. But as long as you don't mind that, and can get near an outlet (and use headphones), you should be fine.
The gates seemed to come alive at about 4-5pm. Yes, a few were active earlier, but most were not.
The gates seemed to come alive at about 4-5pm. Yes, a few were active earlier, but most were not.