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VIP Lounges at CLT Airport
If you have a layover at Charlotte Airport (CLT), VIP lounges can be your best refuge from the lack of seating at the boarding gates. However, not all lounges offer the same quality. Based on the real experiences of thousands of travelers, we have prepared this strategic guide so you can make the most of your Lounge Pass and avoid the crowds of this busy hub.
Quick questions about VIP lounges at CLT
- Which lounge is the most comfortable? The Delta Sky Club receives the best comments for space, design, and tranquility. It is usually not as crowded as the American Airlines lounges.
- Is any lounge open all night? Only Minute Suites operate 24 hours. Others close between 9:00 pm and 10:45 pm.
- Are there ideal lounges for traveling with children? Minute Suites offer total privacy. The USO Center also has a children's area, but it is exclusive to military personnel.
- Where is the food best? The Centurion Lounge stands out for its gourmet buffet and ice cream bar, although waiting lists are frequent.
- Which lounge receives the most criticism? The Club CLT, mainly for always being full and for the dismissive attitude of some of its staff.
- What access do they accept? Lounge Pass and Priority Pass work for The Club CLT and Priority Pass also with Minute Suites. Amex Platinum for the Centurion Lounge.
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Critical Points: The Smart Traveler's Manual
The "Waiting List" Factor
Both the Centurion Lounge and The Club CLT suffer from chronic overcrowding. It is common to encounter waits of 20 to 45 minutes, which can nullify the benefit if your layover is short.
Strategy: For the Centurion, register on the digital waiting list via the Amex app as soon as you land. For The Club, head to the counter immediately to sign up before going to eat or shop.
The blinding sun at The Club CLT
Users warn that during sunset, the sun shines directly through the windows of The Club CLT, causing the heat to rise and visibility to be annoying due to the lack of blinds.
Strategy: If you go in the afternoon, look for seats in the interior areas or bring sunglasses if you want to enjoy the views of the runway without discomfort.
Shower limitation at the Centurion
Although the lounge closes late, shower service at the Centurion Lounge usually ends at 9:00 PM.
Strategy: If you need to freshen up after a long flight, prioritize using the shower as soon as you enter the lounge, as demand is high and the service closing time is strict.
Strict policy at the USO
The Charlotte USO is known for being extremely rigorous with military identification, rejecting even veterans with proof of service if they do not carry the specific required ID card.
Strategy: Make sure you have your active or retired military ID valid before going up to the second floor of the Atrium, to avoid treatment that many users have described as "disrespectful."
The Club CLT
What users say
The Club CLT, accessible through programs like Lounge Pass, offers an alternative to airline lounges, but opinions are very divided.
User Experience: Many travelers agree that mixology is the strong point, thanks to efficient bartenders. However, the feeling of being "shoulder to shoulder" due to the reduced space tarnishes the relaxation experience.
What is Liked about The Club CLT:
- Food and Drink: Some users find the food "surprisingly good," highlighting the shrimp grits and the open bar.
- Staff: Employees like Salamatu and Povi are praised for their exceptional service and speed in cleaning.
- Budget Alternative: It is a more accessible option than day passes from major airlines.
Areas for Improvement:
- Crowds: Described as "too small" for Charlotte's traffic.
- Front Desk Service: Frequent reports of "rude" or dismissive staff when informing about wait times.
- Cleanliness: Although some smell bleach, others criticize that maintenance is not constant during peak hours.
Location
Near the A/B Connector, after Security Level 2. It is located on the left side, just before gates A22 and A21.
Hours: Daily from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Access: Available for Lounge Pass, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or by paying USD 60.00 at the door.
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American Airlines Admirals Club
What users say
With CLT being a major American Airlines hub, these clubs are the standard refuge, although the perception of "exclusivity" has declined according to frequent travelers.
User Experience: Travelers value the abundance of comfortable seats but strongly criticize the use of paper plates and plastic cutlery, something they consider unacceptable for the lounge level.
What is Liked:
- Availability: The location near Concourse D is large and usually easier to find a seat.
- Gastronomy: The avocado toast cart and mac and cheese receive positive mentions.
- Service: Bartenders like Kimberly (Concourse B) are highlighted for their professional attention.
Areas for Improvement:
- Overcrowding: During peak hours, the feeling is "stress instead of relaxation."
- Inconsistent Cleanliness: Especially in Concourse C, where tables with food remnants for long periods are reported.
- Restrooms: Considered small for the volume of passengers they handle.
Location
- Concourse A, next to gate A1.
- Concourse B, between gates 3 and 5.
- Intersection of Concourses C and D.
Day Pass: USD 79.00 per person (subject to availability).
American Express The Centurion Lounge
What users say
It is the most desired lounge at CLT, which translates into its biggest weakness: extreme saturation.
User Experience: The food is rated as the best in the airport, with special mentions to the ice cream bar and spicy margaritas. However, many Platinum card users feel that exclusivity has been lost due to constant queues.
What is Liked:
- Gourmet Quality: High-quality buffet and desserts like red velvet cookies.
- Design: Modern and comfortable environment with private offices available.
Areas for Improvement:
- Waiting Lists: There is almost always a 20 to 30-minute wait to enter.
- Location: Difficult to find; if the only elevator fails, access with suitcases is complicated.
- Drink Service: Criticism for having to wait in line at the bar even for a glass of water.
Location
Mezzanine, in the connector between Concourses D and E, above "The Plaza" area.
Hours: 5:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Delta Sky Club
What users say
Located in Concourse A, it is currently the favorite of travelers looking to escape the chaos of other terminals.
User Experience: "A French brasserie oasis," is how they describe it. They highlight the natural light, impeccable cleanliness of the restrooms, and the outdoor terrace. It is, for now, the least congested option.
What is Liked:
- Aesthetics: Modern, bright, and spacious design.
- Hospitality: Consistently friendly and attentive staff.
- Food: Mini-cheesesteaks and roasted vegetables very highly rated.
Location
Mezzanine, Concourse A, next to gate A32.
Hours: Sun-Fri (4:30 am - 7:00 pm), Sat (5:00 am - 6:00 pm).
Minute Suites
What users say
They offer private rooms to rest, but users warn not to expect a luxury hotel.
User Experience: Ideal for families with small children who need a safe space, but many travelers find the sofas uncomfortable for sleeping and report a lack of maintenance (peeling furniture or noisy air conditioning).
Critical Aspects:
- No Private Bathroom: You must leave the suite to use the public airport restrooms.
- Noise: People passing by and staff conversations outside can be heard.
- Price: Considered expensive (USD 65/hour) for the current state of the facilities.
Access: 1 hour free for Priority Pass members.
USO Lounge
What users say
An invaluable resource for the military community, praised for its warmth and free snacks.
User Experience: Volunteers (like Valerie) are the soul of the place. Reclining chairs are excellent for a nap, although the space can become small given high demand.
Location: Second floor of the main atrium.
Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.