Long layover in Charlotte (CLT)
Mar 9, 2011, 11:21 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: FRA
Programs: LH FTL, BA Blue, UA Corpse
Posts: 1,423
If you have *G status you may try the US Airways Club. It is very spacious, but food-wise nothing to write home about. I once stayed there several hours after deciding that a trip to downtown Charlotte probably is not worth the taxi fare of $50 or so (There is a cheap bus leaving every hour from CLT). For food I left the club and went to the food court.
Mar 9, 2011, 12:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Československá socialistická republika
Posts: 375
Mar 9, 2011, 1:22 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
Go to the wine bar and sample some of North Carolina's best, if you can stomach it. Then sleep off your drunken stupor in a rocking chair.
Mar 10, 2011, 1:11 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 954
You might contact one of the airport hotels, the Sheraton seems pretty nice, and see if they offer a day pass to the fitness center. There you could take a swim/sauna and have a good shower. I find most U.S airport hotels sell passes for around 20 dollars or so.
Mar 10, 2011, 5:24 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 71
Since CLT is my home territory, I hate to admit it, but there's not much to accomplish in just 5 hours.
I find the atrium in the main area of the terminal very relaxing, as there are the aforementioned rocking chairs. Comfortable and great people watching or reading. there also is a grand piano, at which random travelers can sit and play. I saw an awesome performance a few years ago by an 8-year-old playing spectacular classical music and show tunes and whatever else, all without sheet music.
I also was going to suggest the nearby Sheraton. Call and ask for a day pass.
Lastly, if you want to try to good ol' southern cooking, there are some great BBQ and soul food places nearby. Using the word "restaurant" is too classy -- more of a dive, but awesome food. Closest place is right across the freeway from the Sheraton, along the frontage road (Queen City Drive) between Billy Graham Parkway and Little Rock Road.
I find the atrium in the main area of the terminal very relaxing, as there are the aforementioned rocking chairs. Comfortable and great people watching or reading. there also is a grand piano, at which random travelers can sit and play. I saw an awesome performance a few years ago by an 8-year-old playing spectacular classical music and show tunes and whatever else, all without sheet music.
I also was going to suggest the nearby Sheraton. Call and ask for a day pass.
Lastly, if you want to try to good ol' southern cooking, there are some great BBQ and soul food places nearby. Using the word "restaurant" is too classy -- more of a dive, but awesome food. Closest place is right across the freeway from the Sheraton, along the frontage road (Queen City Drive) between Billy Graham Parkway and Little Rock Road.
Mar 11, 2011, 3:18 pm
#10
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
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Posts: 33,857