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Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT

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Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) Guide

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub in North Carolina, stands out for its captivating public art program, enhancing travelers' experiences. This condensed guide equips you with essential information, ensuring a smooth journey through CLT. Discover everything from flight updates, terminal details, to dining and shopping options, simplifying your airport navigation.

For a seamless travel experience at CLT or any other major airport, explore our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

The airport has six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and Main Terminal. Each terminal has a different number of gates, with Concourse A having 16 gates, Concourse B having 17 gates, Concourse C having 18 gates, Concourse D having 13 gates, Concourse E having 38 gates, and Main Terminal having 4 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines use various terminals at CLT.

When navigating the airport terminals, it is important to pay attention to the signs and directions to your gate. The airport also offers a shuttle service that runs between the terminals for passengers who need to transfer between flights. Additionally, there are moving walkways and escalators throughout the airport to make it easier to get around.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates. The map is user-friendly and provides detailed information about each terminal, including the location of restrooms, ATMs, and shops.

Connecting Between Terminals

Charlotte Douglas has six concourses: A, B, C, D, E, and the Main Terminal. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the airport's complimentary shuttle bus service. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight and every 20 minutes from midnight to 5:00 AM. Walking between the terminals is also an option, but depending on the concourse, it can take up to 15 minutes.

For passengers with connecting flights, it's important to note that the Main Terminal is the central hub for all concourses. Passengers can easily access all other concourses from the Main Terminal via the shuttle bus or walking.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At CLT, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must not be left unattended at any time. Drivers who wish to wait for their passengers should use the cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free and provide a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers.

Passengers can be picked up and dropped off at any of the airport's six concourses or the main terminal. Each terminal building has its own designated curbside area for passenger drop-off and pick-up. It is important to note that the airport has strict security measures in place, and vehicles may be subject to search at any time. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for sufficient time to navigate security and check-in procedures.

Parking Facilities & Options

CLT Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. There are several parking garages and lots available, including the Hourly Deck, Daily Deck, Long Term Lots, and Curbside Valet.

The Hourly Deck is located directly in front of the terminal and is perfect for short-term parking needs. The Daily Deck is located just a short walk from the terminal and is ideal for those who need to park for a day or two. The Long Term Lots are located a bit further from the terminal but offer a more economical option for longer stays.

For those who are picking up passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are conveniently located near the terminal and offer a place to wait until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the parking garages and lots. There are designated spaces located near the elevators and shuttle stops for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available. These lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. They are a great option for those who are looking to save money on parking.

Get details about CLT parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their final destination.

For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies available at the airport. These include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car facilities are located on the lower level of the terminal, near the baggage claim area.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated taxi drop-off areas located outside of the baggage claim area. The fares for taxis are based on a metered rate, which includes a $2.50 airport surcharge.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. The pickup areas for these services are located on the curbside of the baggage claim level. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage that can be accommodated in a shared ride.

Airport shuttles are another option for transportation. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and nearby hotels. The pickup areas for the shuttle service are located on the curbside of the baggage claim level. The fares for the shuttle service vary depending on the destination.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provides bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located on the curbside of the baggage claim level. The fare for the bus service is $2.20 per ride.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be tiring, and finding a comfortable place to rest near the airport can make your journey much smoother. We have compiled a list of excellent hotels located within a few miles of the airport, offering a range of amenities to suit every traveler's needs. From those offering free airport shuttle services to those with fitness centers and swimming pools, there is something for everyone. Many of them are also close to local attractions, so you can easily explore the city during your stay. Discover the best hotel options with our comprehensive guide to Charlotte Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Charlotte Douglas Airport has a wide range of dining options and shopping destinations. From Shake Shack to Phillips Seafood, and from No Boundaries to MAC Cosmetics, there's something for everyone. The airport offers a remarkable assortment of dining options, designed to satiate all taste buds and cater to all types of travelers. Whether you're in the mood for a quick grab-and-go snack or a leisurely meal, there's a culinary adventure waiting for you. CLT Airport is home to a wide variety of shops and stores, offering everything from duty-free items to convenience store essentials. Here are some of the most popular stores located at the airport.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Charlotte Douglas International Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.

Passenger Services

Charlotte Douglas is a busy airport located in the United States. The airport offers a range of services to make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient.

Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. The Wi-Fi network is easy to access and provides fast and reliable internet connection.

If you have lost an item at the airport, you can visit the lost and found office located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal. The office is open 24/7 and you can also call them to report a lost item.

For families traveling with children, the airport has designated play areas in each concourse. These areas are equipped with toys and games to keep children entertained while waiting for their flight.

Charlotte Douglas Airport offers special services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and special boarding assistance. Passengers can request these services at the time of booking or at the airport.

The airport has several ATMs and banking services located throughout the terminals. There are also currency exchange services available for international travelers.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical clinic located in the main terminal. The clinic is staffed with qualified medical professionals and is open 24/7.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At Charlotte Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find your flight number on the display and check the status.

Another way to stay informed is through the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own app that allows passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check-in for their flight. These apps can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play.

In addition, passengers can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications from their airline to receive updates on their flight status. This is a convenient way to stay informed, especially if you are not at the airport yet.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at CLT by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at Charlotte Douglas at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are weekdays from 6:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm, as well as weekends during peak travel seasons.

Getting to the Airport

Charlotte Douglas Airport is conveniently located 7 miles west of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. Passengers can get to the airport by car, taxi, or public transportation. The airport offers on-site parking options including hourly, daily, and long-term parking. Passengers can also take advantage of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, or public transportation options including the CATS bus and light rail system.

Getting Oriented

Passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented at Charlotte Airport. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's terminals, gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Passengers can also use the airport's free Wi-Fi to access the airport's website and mobile app for real-time flight information and updates.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at CLT, passengers should check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport and sign up for flight alerts. Passengers should also pack their bags appropriately and arrive at security checkpoints prepared to go through the screening process quickly. Additionally, passengers should be aware of the airport's rules and regulations regarding liquids, electronics, and other items that are not allowed on board the aircraft.

Security Wait Times

At CLT Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help reduce wait times, including the use of automated screening lanes and TSA PreCheck. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to get through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

CLT Airport, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It serves as a major hub for American Airlines, and is the second largest hub for the airline after Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The airport has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal.

On average, the airport handles around 1,400 daily flights, with an average of 130,000 passengers passing through the airport each day. The airport serves over 180 destinations worldwide, with nonstop flights to major cities across the United States, as well as international destinations in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Some of the top airlines with the most daily flights at Charlotte Douglas include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. American Airlines, which uses Charlotte Douglas as a major hub, operates over 700 daily flights from the airport, making it the largest carrier at the airport. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines also operate a significant number of daily flights from the airport.

The top five destinations served by Charlotte Douglas Airport include Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York-LaGuardia, Chicago-O'Hare, and Philadelphia. These destinations are all major hubs for American Airlines, which offers nonstop flights to these cities from Charlotte Airport.

Other airlines that use CLT as a hub include regional carriers like PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines, both of which are owned by American Airlines. Additionally, low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines has recently arrived at the airport.

Airport History

CLT Airport is a major airport in the United States located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport was established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport and has since undergone numerous renovations and expansions to become the bustling airport it is today.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1935 - Charlotte Municipal Airport is established with a single runway and a small terminal building.
  • 1954 - The airport is renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in honor of former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr.
  • 1961 - The airport's first jet service begins with Eastern Airlines operating a Douglas DC-8.
  • 1982 - The airport is renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport to reflect its growing importance as an international hub.
  • 1991 - The airport opens a new 10-gate concourse, Concourse D, to accommodate increased traffic.
  • 2002 - A new 20-gate concourse, Concourse E, opens to serve international flights.
  • 2010 - The airport completes a $1.5 billion expansion project, including a new runway, a new terminal building, and a new parking deck.
  • 2013 - Charlotte Douglas International Airport becomes the 6th busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movements.

Today, Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves over 46 million passengers annually and is a major hub for American Airlines.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Charlotte Douglas International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: CLT
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 704-359-4013
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Charlotte Douglas Airport Q&A

To navigate between terminals, passengers can use the complimentary shuttle bus service or choose to walk. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight and every 20 minutes from midnight to 5:00 AM. Walking times between concourses can take up to 15 minutes.
You can find a wide range of dining and shopping options throughout the airport. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, browse the full directory here.
Yes, there are several excellent hotels located within a few miles of the airport, offering a range of amenities. You can discover the best hotel options with our comprehensive guide to Charlotte Airport Hotels.
The airport offers a variety of parking options including the Hourly Deck, Daily Deck, Long Term Lots, and Curbside Valet. For more details about parking options and rates, visit the parking information here.
The airport provides several ground transportation options including car rentals, taxis, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation. For detailed information on each, check the respective links for car rental, taxi, and airport shuttles.
You can check the status of your flight departure at Charlotte Douglas by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
The airport offers special services for passengers with disabilities or special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and special boarding assistance. Passengers can request these services at the time of booking or at the airport.