Frequently Asked Questions at Charlotte-Douglas Airport (CLT)

The most economical option is usually public transportation. The Sprinter bus (Route 5) of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) connects the airport to downtown Charlotte (and the LYNX Blue Line light rail). The trip downtown takes approximately 25-30 minutes and runs every 20-30 minutes for most of the day (check exact schedules on the CATS website, as they may vary). Stops are located in Zone D of the baggage claim area (lower level). The standard fare is approximately USD2.20.

Uber and Lyft: Pickup points for ride-sharing app services are located on the Departures (upper) level, inner lanes, Zones 1 to 3. Follow the "Ride Share Pickup" signage. Your app will guide you to the exact spot.

Taxis: Licensed taxis are available at designated stands on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim (lower) level. A taxi attendant is usually present between 6:45 am and 12:15 am to assist.

Note on taxis: User experiences with taxis at CLT are very mixed, with frequent reports of high fares, poor vehicle condition, and lack of professionalism. Consider comparing with ride-sharing apps. MORE DETAILS HERE.

Yes, passengers can connect to the "CLT Free WiFi" network температураthroughout the terminal. If you have trouble connecting, try opening a new browser window and navigating to a webpage, or refresh your current browser. Connection stability may vary in very crowded areas.

The primary (and only) mode of transport between concourses and within the secure area (post-security) is walking. The airport is fully connected once you pass security. Distances can be considerable, especially if you are going from one end to the other (e.g., Concourse A to E). Users report that a walk between the furthest points can take 15 to 30 minutes or more, depending on your pace and crowd levels.

CLT does not have internal trains or moving walkways in all extensive areas, which is a frequent complaint. If you require mobility assistance (wheelchair), you must request it in advance directly from your airline. SEE MORE.

Items Lost in the Airport (common areas, security): CLT's Lost and Found office is located in the Baggage Claim area and operates daily (check CLT's website for exact hours). You can file a Lost Item Report online.

• On the Aircraft or Boarding Gate Area: Contact your airline directly. They are responsible for items left on their planes or at their gates.
• Lost or Damaged Checked Baggage: You must report this immediately to your airline at their baggage service counters in the arrivals area.
• In Restaurants or Food Court Areas: Contact HMSHost at [email protected].
• In Shops: Contact The Paradies Shops by emailing [email protected].

Currently, CLT Airport does not offer luggage storage or locker services directly within its facilities. However, private companies like Bounce and Stasher provide storage services at locations near the airport or in the city, which can be booked online.

Yes, there are two main options:

• Cell Phone Lot: This is a free waiting area for drivers picking up passengers. You must remain with your vehicle. When your passengers arrive and have their luggage, they can call you to drive to the lower level of the terminal (Arrivals/Baggage Claim) to pick them up.
• Hourly Deck: The first 15 minutes of parking are free, which is ideal for quickly dropping off or picking up passengers if you don't need to wait long.

Yes, iStore locations within the airport usually offer SIM cards for travelers. They are located on Departures Level 2, in Concourse A Connector and Concourses C and D. It's advisable to check their operating hours, which are typically from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, but may vary.

Yes, the main terminal and concourses at CLT Airport are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it's important to note that:

• TSA security checkpoints have specific operating hours that vary by day and scheduled flights. They generally open very early (around 3:30 am - 4:00 am) and close late at night (around 10:00 pm - 10:45 pm). Check CLT's official website for updated checkpoint hours.
• Most food options and shops, as well as VIP lounges, do not operate 24 hours and have limited hours, especially overnight. There are a few 24/7 food options, but they are scarce.

CLT offers some amenities:

• Dining and Shopping: Explore available options, but be aware that quality and service can be inconsistent, and hours may be limited outside of peak operations.
• VIP Lounges: If you have access (through membership, credit card, or by paying an entry fee where possible), lounges like American Airlines' Admirals Clubs or The Centurion Lounge can offer a more comfortable space with food, drinks, and more stable Wi-Fi.
• Minute Suites: Located in the main atrium and D/E Connector, these offer private cabins to rest or work (for a fee). Some include showers. They are open 24 hours and access may be available with Priority Pass (check conditions).
• Other Amenities: Rocking chairs, charging stations, nursing rooms, a children's play area, and a chapel.
• Nearby Hotels: For very long or overnight layovers, numerous hotels offer shuttle service to the airport. Options include Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites, Courtyard Charlotte Airport North, etc. Search and book hotels near CLT here.

CLT offers a range of services, including:

• Variety of dining options (restaurants, fast-food, cafes), though with inconsistent quality and service.
• Diverse shops (duty-free, souvenirs, convenience).
• VIP lounges with varying levels of access and services.
• Nursing Rooms with privacy for breastfeeding and diaper changing.
• Charging stations for electronic devices.
• Children's play area.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Assistance services for passengers with special needs (coordinate with airline).
• Multiple parking options.

CLT is committed to accessibility. Key services include:

• Wheelchair Assistance: You must request this directly from your airline at least 48 hours in advance.
• Accessible Facilities: Restrooms, ramps, elevators, and accessible parking are available.
• TSA Cares: For special assistance during security screening, you can contact TSA Cares in advance.
• Sunflower Program: For passengers with hidden disabilities.
• Aira: Visual assistance service for blind or low-vision passengers.

For more details, visit the Special Needs Passengers section.

CLT offers various parking options: hourly (Hourly Deck with 15 min free), daily (Daily Decks, Daily North Lot), and long-term (Long Term Lots, Express Decks), plus Valet. Shuttle services operate 24 hours between parking lots and the terminal. Online booking is highly recommended. Check the CLT parking page for current rates and more information.

As in any crowded place, stay alert to your surroundings and belongings. Only use authorized transportation services and taxis. Do not leave valuables unattended and consider carrying them in your hand luggage. Be wary of unsolicited help from strangers that seems suspicious. For more tips, visit the airport's theft and scam prevention page.

The car rental experience at CLT varies greatly by company.

• Generally Positive: National and Alamo (especially with loyalty programs or "skip the counter") often receive good reviews for efficiency and service. Enterprise also has many positive mentions for staff friendliness.
• Mostly Negative or Mixed: Avis, Budget, and Dollar accumulate numerous complaints for long waits, lack of vehicles, poor vehicle condition, unexpected charges, and aggressive sales tactics. Hertz has mixed experiences.

Recommendation: Book in advance, consider joining loyalty programs, read recent reviews for the specific company at CLT, and thoroughly document the vehicle's condition before and after rental.

Baggage handling is one of the most consistently criticized points by passengers at CLT, especially concerning American Airlines. Frequently reported issues include:

• Significant delays in baggage delivery to carousels.
• Damaged luggage during transit.
• Cases of lost or misrouted baggage.

Recommendation: Travel with carry-on luggage whenever possible for essential and valuable items. If checking bags, consider using luggage trackers (like AirTags) and ensure your bags are well-identified. Report any issues immediately to your airline.

Perceptions of cleanliness at CLT are mixed. While the airport makes maintenance efforts, the high volume of passengers can mean that some areas, especially restrooms and certain waiting or food court areas, are not always in the best condition, particularly during peak hours. Some users have reported neglected restrooms or common areas that could be improved.