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.
Feb 14, 2024, 2:40 pm
#1426
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
"If the LHR-CLT and CLT-PUJ flights are on the same ticket, it is a connection -- albeit an overnight one -- unless you specifically purchased separate fares for each segment, and opted to treat CLT as a "stopover" on the outbound."
On manage booking on the AA website, LHR to CLT is shown as "flight 1", CLT to PUJ as "flight 2" and PUJ to LHR as "flight 3".
On manage booking on the AA website, LHR to CLT is shown as "flight 1", CLT to PUJ as "flight 2" and PUJ to LHR as "flight 3".
I agree w/ others on the hotels, don't expect much, they are old and worn. But the Sheraton is okay. I personally like the Ritz downtown but it sounds like you'd intend to get up super early (not sure why 3am... at that hour, I would wake up at 5, leave at 5:30, and comfortably get to the airport by 5:50-6) so maybe not a great choice.
You didn't ask, but to avoid jet lag, I would recommend a very short nap on the LHR-CLT flight and then pushing through until about 8 or 9pm CLT time on your day of arrival. Wake up (ideally at the aforementioned 5am) before your flight to PUJ and you're ready for the beach. Of course, if you want to sleep on the beach anyhow, ignore me (:
Mar 2, 2024, 2:41 pm
#1428
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: ORD/LHR
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, 1MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,304
You will do immigration in DUB so will arrive like a domestic arrival, no need to collect bags either, just walk off the plane and to your next gate. Arrive with extra time in DUB for formalities though.
Mar 2, 2024, 2:43 pm
#1429
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 540
DUB has pre-clearance, meaning you clear Immigration in Dublin. The flight is treated as a domestic flight when disembarking in CLT. So you shouldn’t have to relearn security and your luggage can checked through DUB-CLT-BOS.
Mar 3, 2024, 8:25 am
#1430
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,815
Thank you for the enlightening list. I never knew it was looked at by flight number. This works if flight numbers are restricted to certain gates. (At DFW, this concept would not work.)
I don't get why airports are not enticing airlines to set prices to favor an extended layover time. Everyone benefits from a less stressed traveler who spent extra money to have a nice meal and shopping experience during their layover (except when people spend too much time at a bar and get annoying).
I don't get why airports are not enticing airlines to set prices to favor an extended layover time. Everyone benefits from a less stressed traveler who spent extra money to have a nice meal and shopping experience during their layover (except when people spend too much time at a bar and get annoying).
LMAO!! In my mind I instantly imagined everyone in the club as a hamster--hilarious mental image! Thank you for the smile!
Last edited by Microwave; Mar 3, 2024 at 11:16 pm Reason: PLEASE use the multi-quote feature going forward
Mar 11, 2024, 5:49 pm
#1432
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,314
No doubt it eventually will start.
Was thru there recently and the food options were retuning to normal-ish (less pre-packaged items), although the club is still very much under renovation all over: front, hallway / entry, something going on near the restrooms, the bar area is quasi open. It's weird.
Last edited by LovePrunes; Mar 11, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Mar 13, 2024, 7:31 am
#1433
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
uh, the airport hasn't even approved the project yet, from talking with CLT airport execs I know. It'll be at least 1-2 years even if they started today, (and THAT'S definitely not happening haha)
No doubt it eventually will start.
Was thru there recently and the food options were retuning to normal-ish (less pre-packaged items), although the club is still very much under renovation all over: front, hallway / entry, something going on near the restrooms, the bar area is quasi open. It's weird.
No doubt it eventually will start.
Was thru there recently and the food options were retuning to normal-ish (less pre-packaged items), although the club is still very much under renovation all over: front, hallway / entry, something going on near the restrooms, the bar area is quasi open. It's weird.
Mar 13, 2024, 7:41 am
#1434
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Admirals Club member
Posts: 419
Yesterday they had the mini-subs, pesto pasta salad and a chili-bar out in the BC club. It's a nice change, but certainly no better in quality then what was previously offered (meaning, no additional value for the increase in annual fee.)
Apr 25, 2024, 12:03 pm
#1435
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
Just curious on your thoughts on connection odds from the experts here (as I am not a frequent CLT user with AA, though I have a few flights to, from, and through in the last year).
On an upcoming Friday evening in May, I am flying with three others, all of us on the same PNR in paid first BTR-CLT-PHL on AA5402 up front row 2 (PSA flight) 4:35p-7:38p then a quick scheduled 42 minute connection time onto AA mainline flt AA1648 in paid first row 3 CLT-PHL scheduled to depart at 8:20pm.
I know from prior BTR flights they are normally way down at the farthest end of E, and I have no idea where the mainline hub-to-hub stuff goes from. No checked bags and likely just 2-3 carry-ons. No reason to stop on the way to connect. I presume if all is on time we will be fine. There is another final flight to PHL about two hours later.
Would AA automatically book us on the next PHL even if downgraded should there be a delay? Most of my AA flying is point-to-point via PHL, IAH/HOU, and DCA so I don't have much IRROPs experience with them. I presume anything more than a 15 minute delay would cause a miss, and while UA holds flights for me as GS, I presume AA is not in that habit for lower status (not a CK) flyers.
I like to game out any plan Bs ahead when I am not flying along
On an upcoming Friday evening in May, I am flying with three others, all of us on the same PNR in paid first BTR-CLT-PHL on AA5402 up front row 2 (PSA flight) 4:35p-7:38p then a quick scheduled 42 minute connection time onto AA mainline flt AA1648 in paid first row 3 CLT-PHL scheduled to depart at 8:20pm.
I know from prior BTR flights they are normally way down at the farthest end of E, and I have no idea where the mainline hub-to-hub stuff goes from. No checked bags and likely just 2-3 carry-ons. No reason to stop on the way to connect. I presume if all is on time we will be fine. There is another final flight to PHL about two hours later.
Would AA automatically book us on the next PHL even if downgraded should there be a delay? Most of my AA flying is point-to-point via PHL, IAH/HOU, and DCA so I don't have much IRROPs experience with them. I presume anything more than a 15 minute delay would cause a miss, and while UA holds flights for me as GS, I presume AA is not in that habit for lower status (not a CK) flyers.
I like to game out any plan Bs ahead when I am not flying along
Apr 25, 2024, 12:36 pm
#1436
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Just curious on your thoughts on connection odds from the experts here (as I am not a frequent CLT user with AA, though I have a few flights to, from, and through in the last year).
On an upcoming Friday evening in May, I am flying with three others, all of us on the same PNR in paid first BTR-CLT-PHL on AA5402 up front row 2 (PSA flight) 4:35p-7:38p then a quick scheduled 42 minute connection time onto AA mainline flt AA1648 in paid first row 3 CLT-PHL scheduled to depart at 8:20pm.
I know from prior BTR flights they are normally way down at the farthest end of E, and I have no idea where the mainline hub-to-hub stuff goes from. No checked bags and likely just 2-3 carry-ons. No reason to stop on the way to connect. I presume if all is on time we will be fine. There is another final flight to PHL about two hours later.
Would AA automatically book us on the next PHL even if downgraded should there be a delay? Most of my AA flying is point-to-point via PHL, IAH/HOU, and DCA so I don't have much IRROPs experience with them. I presume anything more than a 15 minute delay would cause a miss, and while UA holds flights for me as GS, I presume AA is not in that habit for lower status (not a CK) flyers.
I like to game out any plan Bs ahead when I am not flying along
On an upcoming Friday evening in May, I am flying with three others, all of us on the same PNR in paid first BTR-CLT-PHL on AA5402 up front row 2 (PSA flight) 4:35p-7:38p then a quick scheduled 42 minute connection time onto AA mainline flt AA1648 in paid first row 3 CLT-PHL scheduled to depart at 8:20pm.
I know from prior BTR flights they are normally way down at the farthest end of E, and I have no idea where the mainline hub-to-hub stuff goes from. No checked bags and likely just 2-3 carry-ons. No reason to stop on the way to connect. I presume if all is on time we will be fine. There is another final flight to PHL about two hours later.
Would AA automatically book us on the next PHL even if downgraded should there be a delay? Most of my AA flying is point-to-point via PHL, IAH/HOU, and DCA so I don't have much IRROPs experience with them. I presume anything more than a 15 minute delay would cause a miss, and while UA holds flights for me as GS, I presume AA is not in that habit for lower status (not a CK) flyers.
I like to game out any plan Bs ahead when I am not flying along
Your BTV-CLT will arrive into E like you mentioned abd CLT-PHL will most likely be from B or C, although it could be from A or D as well.
The biggest issue I see is that BTV-CLT is operated by a CRJ, so even if you're carry-on only if any of these are larger size they'll ll have to be gate checked, which means waiting an extra 5-15 mins typically on the jetbridge after you arrive in CLT.
But if you were to miss it AA will just rebook you on the next available option to PHL, most likely the flight departing 2 hrs later. If only Y is available then it's up to you whether to take that or wait for another option in J, presumably the next day.
Apr 25, 2024, 12:38 pm
#1437
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: PHL/LAX/MAD (for now)
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, AmEx Membership Rewards
Posts: 874
42 mins is very tight however like with most of these questions if you're on time you'll make it.
Your BTV-CLT will arrive into E like you mentioned abd CLT-PHL will most likely be from B or C, although it could be from A or D as well.
The biggest issue I see is that BTV-CLT is operated by a CRJ, so even if you're carry-on only if any of these are larger size they'll ll have to be gate checked, which means waiting an extra 5-15 mins typically on the jetbridge after you arrive in CLT.
But if you were to miss it AA will just rebook you on the next available option to PHL, most likely the flight departing 2 hrs later. If only Y is available then it's up to you whether to take that or wait for another option in J, presumably the next day.
Your BTV-CLT will arrive into E like you mentioned abd CLT-PHL will most likely be from B or C, although it could be from A or D as well.
The biggest issue I see is that BTV-CLT is operated by a CRJ, so even if you're carry-on only if any of these are larger size they'll ll have to be gate checked, which means waiting an extra 5-15 mins typically on the jetbridge after you arrive in CLT.
But if you were to miss it AA will just rebook you on the next available option to PHL, most likely the flight departing 2 hrs later. If only Y is available then it's up to you whether to take that or wait for another option in J, presumably the next day.
Apr 25, 2024, 12:44 pm
#1438
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
42 mins is very tight however like with most of these questions if you're on time you'll make it.
Your BTV-CLT will arrive into E like you mentioned abd CLT-PHL will most likely be from B or C, although it could be from A or D as well.
The biggest issue I see is that BTV-CLT is operated by a CRJ, so even if you're carry-on only if any of these are larger size they'll ll have to be gate checked, which means waiting an extra 5-15 mins typically on the jetbridge after you arrive in CLT.
But if you were to miss it AA will just rebook you on the next available option to PHL, most likely the flight departing 2 hrs later. If only Y is available then it's up to you whether to take that or wait for another option in J, presumably the next day.
Your BTV-CLT will arrive into E like you mentioned abd CLT-PHL will most likely be from B or C, although it could be from A or D as well.
The biggest issue I see is that BTV-CLT is operated by a CRJ, so even if you're carry-on only if any of these are larger size they'll ll have to be gate checked, which means waiting an extra 5-15 mins typically on the jetbridge after you arrive in CLT.
But if you were to miss it AA will just rebook you on the next available option to PHL, most likely the flight departing 2 hrs later. If only Y is available then it's up to you whether to take that or wait for another option in J, presumably the next day.
Many Thanks , kind of what I figured as I need it ontime to work.
Very good point to bring up on bags, I should have mentioned the carry-ons were smaller types as I don't want to gate check so just backpack style bags. I do know the CRJ900 is tight, I flew it somewhat often out of BTR (just a note it is Baton Rouge BTR to CLT not BTV which is Vermont IIRC) but the backpack bags will fit thankfully. They are not the bigger gate check roll-aboard types for this. Thanks again for the info. I will definitely have plan Bs ready.
Apr 25, 2024, 12:52 pm
#1439
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Many Thanks , kind of what I figured as I need it ontime to work.
Very good point to bring up on bags, I should have mentioned the carry-ons were smaller types as I don't want to gate check so just backpack style bags. I do know the CRJ900 is tight, I flew it somewhat often out of BTR (just a note it is Baton Rouge BTR to CLT not BTV which is Vermont IIRC) but the backpack bags will fit thankfully. They are not the bigger gate check roll-aboard types for this. Thanks again for the info. I will definitely have plan Bs ready.
Very good point to bring up on bags, I should have mentioned the carry-ons were smaller types as I don't want to gate check so just backpack style bags. I do know the CRJ900 is tight, I flew it somewhat often out of BTR (just a note it is Baton Rouge BTR to CLT not BTV which is Vermont IIRC) but the backpack bags will fit thankfully. They are not the bigger gate check roll-aboard types for this. Thanks again for the info. I will definitely have plan Bs ready.
Apr 25, 2024, 3:38 pm
#1440
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,815