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Charlotte Douglas International Airport [CLT] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 10, 2021   |    10

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) served 46.4 million passengers in 2018 and has seen growth consecutively for several years now, indicating that operations are only going to get busier.

It’s the second-largest hub for American Airlines after Dallas-Fort Worth with the airline occupying around 90% of flights in and out of CLT.

Considering the number of passengers CLT serves, it’s quite a compact airport and does not require the need to travel by train or shuttle in between departure areas — all concourses are accessible by walking.

Quick Information

Airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Terminals: 1 Central Terminal and Concourses A, B, C, D, and E

Airport Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208

Distance from Uptown Charlotte: 8 miles (13 km)

Website: cltairport.com

Phone Number: 704-359-4013

Destinations Served: 175 non-stop destinations globally

Daily Flights: 1,400

Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

Airlines Operating from CLT

Concourse A
Air Canada, Contour, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Swiftair, United Airlines, Via Airlines

Concourse B
American Airlines

Concourse C
American Airlines

Concourse D
American Airlines, Lufthansa

Concourse E
American Airlines

CLT Airport Terminals

Charlotte Douglas International Airport consists of 1 main terminal and 6 concourses. The concourses are all inside the secure area and are walkable from each other, so there is no need to take a train or shuttle bus to get around.

A looping road system (outside of the main terminal) connects the airport to the parking lots, car rental center, and the major highways and interstates leading to Charlotte and beyond.

Main Terminal

The main terminal is the central body of the airport and consists of 3 levels. Level 1 is baggage claim with tunnel access to the car rental center and hourly parking deck adjacent to the terminal.

Level 2 is check-in and ticketing with 5 security checkpoints leading through to the departure concourses. Level 3 is the mezzanine level with a USO lounge, chapel, and nursing room.

Concourse A

Concourse A has a total of 21 gates split across 2 areas. Gates A1-A12 are closest to the main terminal and gates A21-A29 are further north of the airport accessible via a connector with moving walkways.

Security checkpoint A is the closest to Concourse A on the west side of the terminal and there is a good selection of shops and restaurants in the north and south concourses, as well as in the connector.

Concourse B

Concourse B is located in the southwest area of the airport and has 16 gates numbered B1-B16. The concourse has an American Airlines Admirals Lounge and a range of shops and restaurants.

Security checkpoints A and B are the closest to Concourse B. To reach Concourse A, take a left out of Concourse B, or for the other concourses, take a right out of Concourse B.

Concourse C

Concourse C has 18 gates numbered C2-C19 and is located in the southeast area of the airport. Just outside of the concourse is a large American Airlines Admirals Club that is situated in the D and E gate connector, and the closest security checkpoint is checkpoint C.

There are several shops and restaurants in Concourse C and flights are operated exclusively by American Airlines. To reach the D and E gates, take a right out of Concourse C, or to reach the A and B gates take a left.

Concourse D

Concourse D is located on the east side of the airport and is the main concourse for international flights. There are 13 gates numbered D1-D13, and the closest security checkpoints are D and E on the east side of the terminal.

To reach Concourse E, take a right out of Concourse D, or to reach the other concourses, continue straight along the moving walkways.

There are several shops and restaurants in Concourse D with more situated in the D/E connector. A Centurion Lounge is also located in the Concourse D/E connector on the mezzanine level.

Concourse E

Concourse E consists of 37 gates numbered E1-E36, and E38 and is situated on the east side of the airport.

To access Concourse E, passengers need to take the escalator/elevator down to level 1 from the connector where there are moving walkways within the different sections. To reach Concourse D, take a left out of Concourse E, or to reach the other concourses take a right and walk along the connector.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Charlotte Douglas is a relatively small airport with all concourses accessible from the main terminal and each other. The only way to get between concourses is to walk — there are no trains or electronic people movers.

It’s possible to walk between the 2 furthest gates within 15 minutes, and for passengers with any mobility issues, wheelchair assistance can be provided by contacting your airline.

Security and Customs at CLT

Any passengers arriving on international flights will be required to clear customs at CLT, excluding any countries with pre-approval.

CLT has 5 security checkpoints situated across the terminal, providing easy access to each concourse.

TSA PreCheck

CLT has 2 dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes — 1 at checkpoint B and 1 at checkpoint D. If you have been approved following the application process, then you are eligible to use these lanes for expedited clearance.

CLT has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the atrium after security and applicants can visit here for an enrollment interview. You’re able to use any TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport once your application has been approved and you have received your Known Traveler Number.

Global Entry

CLT participates in Global Entry for expedited international clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers.

Conditionally approved passengers are required to attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center to finalize their application. CLT’s Enrollment Center is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.). The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival between the hours of 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Concourse D Federal Inspection Area.

CLT Airport Lounges

CLT has 5 lounges — 2 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Centurion Lounge, a Minute Suites, and a USO lounge for active military. Day passes can be purchased for the American Airlines lounges and hourly passes for Minutes Suites.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid lounge entry fees by checking out our article on the best credit cards for complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members are entitled to use their pass for 1 hour at Minute Suites. Any additional time will be charged at a reduced rate of $28 per hour.

Hot Tip: To become a member, check out our dedicated Priority Pass article and the best credit cards for free Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at CLT

CLT has 70 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets. Most are located within the secure area, with just a few cafes located outside of security in the baggage and ticketing areas.

If you know what concourse you’re departing from, you can check available restaurants nearby on the airport website.

CLT Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available at CLT for passengers to use in all public areas. To connect, select the network “CLT Free WiFi” and launch your browser.

Charging Stations: These can be found in all concourses and some gate areas. Seating with charging stations can be found at gates A21-A29 and throughout Concourse B.

CLT Airport Lost and Found

When you lose an item in CLT, the department you need to contact will depend on where you lost the item:

• On an airplane or within the boarding area: contact the relevant airline.
• At the security checkpoints: contact TSA Lost and Found at 704-916-2200.
• In a restaurant or inside the food court: contact HMSHost at 704-359-4997.
• In a shop: contact the Paradies Shops at 704-359-1890
• In all other areas: contact CLT Airport Lost and Found at 704-359-8765 or visit the office in baggage claim zone B, open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services: CLT has information desks in the center of the ticketing area and baggage claim. There are also customer service volunteers throughout the airport that can be easily identified by their bright yellow shirts.

Travelers Aid: There is no Travelers Aid center at CLT, however, there is a Community Link center located in Charlotte at 601 E. 5th St., Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Children’s Play Areas: There are no play areas for children at CLT, however, there are a few features that might keep the kids entertained such as musical performances in the atrium and some exciting art and sculptures.

Baby Facilities: CLT has 2 nursing rooms located on the upper level of the atrium near the chapel and in the Concourse A connector.

Pet Relief Areas: Pet relief areas are located inside and outside of security:

Inside security:

• • Near checkpoint A on the A/B connector
  • One the Concourse A connector
  • Concourse D near the Original Rum Bar and Grill

Outside security:

• • East and west ends of the terminal outside of baggage claim

Duty-free: Duty-free shopping can be found in the international concourse, Concourse D.

Smoking Areas: Smoking is not permitted inside the airport anywhere. Designated smoking areas can be found outside of the terminal at the far west end on the departures level, and near doors A and D on the arrivals level.

Interesting Features: The CLT Canine Crew consists of a team of service dogs that roam the airport looking for love and attention! You’ll see them sporting a “Pet Me” vest with a handler.

Prayer: CLT has an airport chapel located on the mezzanine level in the main terminal.

Money: ATMs are located:

Inside security:

• • Atrium near Hissho Sushi
  • Near gates A1, B7, C9, and D6
  • D/E connector near the American Airlines Admirals Club
  • Concourse E rotunda

Outside security:

• • Departures level near checkpoint A
  • Arrivals level near the visitor info desk
  • Business valet parking deck

Luggage: CLT has no luggage storage facilities inside the airport.

Important CLT Phone Numbers

General inquiries: 704-359-4000

Parking: 704-359-4038

Lost and found office: 704-359-8765

Travel To and From CLT

Transport Options

• Bus: The Sprinter bus operated by CATS runs between the airport and Uptown Charlotte. Buses operate every 20 minutes weekdays and every 30 minutes evenings and weekends with a single trip costing $2.20.
• Shuttle or limousine: These are only available by pre-arrangement and the airport recommends these providers.
• Taxi: Taxis are available from the arrivals level curbside where an attendant is there to assist from 6:45 a.m. – 12:15 a.m. Some taxis will offer a flat rate of $25 to the city center, whereas others are metered.
• Ride Services: Approved ride service companies such as Uber and Lyft operate from the arrivals level outside zone D.

Directions By Car to CLT

Arriving From Uptown Charlotte

Take US-74 W from Charlotte and after approximately 4.5 miles, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N. Josh Birmingham Parkway for access to the airport.

Arriving From the South

Take I-77 N and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 1A-B for I-485 towards Pineville/Huntersville. Keep left at the fork to continue on exit Goode Freeway following signs for I-485 Inner N./Huntersville and merge onto I-485. Take exit 9 to merge onto US-29 N/US-74 E/Wilkinson Blvd. and then take a sharp right onto N. Josh Birmingham Parkway.

Arriving From the West

Follow I-85 N to Little Rock Road in Charlotte. Take exit 32 from I-85 N to merge onto Little Road Road and continue onto N Josh Birmingham Parkway.

CLT Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

CLT has 6 on-site parking options for passengers suitable for short- and long-term parking.

Short-Term Parking

The hourly parking deck is located just across from the main terminal and is connected by walkways to/from level 2. This is in the same building as the car rental center with hourly parking available on levels 4-7. The first hour is free, and each additional 30 minutes is $1 up to a daily maximum of $20. 

There are 3 daily parking lots – east, west, and north – located a little further from the terminal. Passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus between the terminal and these parking lots. The east and west parking decks (covered parking) charge a flat fee of $10 per day to park, while the daily north lot (uncovered parking) costs $8 per day.

Long-Term Parking

There are 2 long-term lots at CLT at the north end of the airport that offers the most competitively priced parking. The long-term 1 and long-term 2 parking lots are accessible by riding the courtesy shuttle bus to/from the terminal and cost just $7 per day to park.

Curbside Valet

If you’re in a rush or are just looking for the most convenient option, then a curbside valet service is available at the far east end of the departures level. Valet parking is available daily from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and costs $35 per day.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

Passengers can be picked up and dropped off on either the departure or arrival levels, but waiting is not permitted. To accompany a passenger into the terminal or to meet them on arrival, visitors can park for up to 1 hour free in the hourly parking deck.

Alternatively, when picking up passengers, visitors can park for free in 1 of the 2 cell phone waiting lots until the passenger calls for pick-up.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Daily parking is reasonably priced at CLT, but if you’re looking for the cheapest option available, or to combine your parking with a hotel stay, then be sure to check availability at hotels and off-site parking lots.

If you book with airportparkingreservations.com, parking is from just $5.95 per day with all hotels and off-site parking lots offering free shuttle services to/from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all parking lots and shuttle buses are accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility concerns. Assistance can be requested by calling 704-359-4038.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 704-359-4038

Assistance request for disabled passengers when parking: 704-359-4038

Car Rental at CLT Airport

The rental car facility is located outside the terminal on level 2 of the hourly deck. The following rental car companies operate at CLT:

• Advantage: 800-777-5500
• Alamo: 877-222-9075
• Avis: 800-633-3469
• Budget: 800-218-7992
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 800-261-7331
• Fox: 323-673-9084
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National Car Rental: 877-222-9058

Hot Tip: Check out which credit cards include car rental insurance so you can save money on expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

CLT Airport Hotels

CLT has a good selection of hotels situated from 1.6 miles away. Accommodation ranges from 0.5-4 stars, depending on your budget, and most hotels offer a courtesy shuttle service to and from the airport.

We’ve listed hotels below that are 1.6-4 miles from the airport, ordered by distance.

CLT Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hyatt House Charlotte offers shuttle service to both the airport and destinations within a 3-mile radius, including multiple shops and restaurants. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast with an omelet bar, a 24-hour workout room, an outdoor pool, a hot tub. With award nights starting at just 5,000 points per night!

The Embassy Suites Charlotte is not only close to the airport, but other area attractions as well like Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Discovery Place Science, and SouthPark Mall. Each guest “suite” is quite large and comfortable, and amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free breakfast, free self-parking, and a free airport shuttle service. Award nights start at 40,000 Hilton points per night.

The Sheraton Charlotte Airport offers guests access to 2 pools, a fitness center, laundry service, car rentals, and a complimentary shuttle to surrounding destinations and the airport. Award nights for Marriott Bonvoy members start at 20,000 points per night for off-peak nights, 25,000 points for standard nights, and 30,000 points for peak nights.

Final Thoughts

CLT acknowledges that it is operating almost at maximum capacity and is in the midst of many renovation projects to expand and enhance its facilities.

With a phased approach, new developments are due to be launched yearly until around 2026 with some recent evidence of expansion in the unveiling of the north gates of Concourse A.

Other projects include widening the roadway outside of the terminal to allow more lanes, expansion of the terminal lobby, and a fourth parallel runway.