Main Terminal and Concourses at CLT

What to Expect When Traveling through Charlotte Airport 🛬

🛫 How many concourse areas does CLT have? Five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) connected to a single central terminal.
🚗 How do you get from parking to the gates? Free 24/7 shuttle buses run between long-term parking lots and the main terminal.
🚶‍♂️ Are there internal trains? No. All movement is on foot. There are corridors with moving walkways, but they are frequently out of service.
🧶 Is it adapted for seniors or passengers with reduced mobility? Only partially. Many older passengers report difficulties due to long distances and a lack of seating.
🏠 Can you rest between flights? Only if you find a seat. Several concourses lack sufficient seating, especially during peak hours.
🛁 Is the airport clean? It depends on the area. Some restrooms are spotless; others, especially in B and C, are reported as dirty or closed.

Details on the layout, composition, and challenges passengers face —such as congestion and lack of seating— based on real experiences.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It consists of a main terminal and five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. These are connected to the central building, which houses ticketing, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. Despite the internal connectivity, the passenger experience varies widely, with feedback ranging from praise for efficiency to criticism of an inefficient design.

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🏢 Between Parking and Concourses

Transportation between parking facilities and concourses operates 24/7. Shelters are located at Lots 1 and 2 (long-term parking), the Daily Decks, and the Express Deck Preferred. On return, buses are boarded from the inner lanes of the lower level (Arrivals/Baggage Claim).

🚷 Congestion and Lack of Seating

One of CLT’s biggest pain points. Passengers frequently report having to sit on the floor due to the lack of seating, especially in concourses B, C, and E. In Concourse E, for example, “there’s nowhere to sit or even walk without bumping into others.” This worsens during delays, when overcrowding leads travelers to use even emergency exits as resting areas.

🛀 Long Distances and Accessibility

Walking between concourses can take between 15 and 30 minutes. There are no trains or motorized carts for passengers. Many criticize the lack of assistance for travelers with reduced mobility and the absence of handrails or benches along long corridors. Moving walkways are often out of service.

⚒️ Ongoing Renovations

Improvement projects have been underway for years, creating both expectations and frustration. Concourse E, for example, has been under renovation for more than two years. Users complain about confusing signage, blocked paths, and poorly informed staff. Some areas, such as the central atrium, have improved (with new dining and relaxation areas), while others remain difficult to navigate.

🚪 Connections within the Airport

Between concourses: The walk from E to A can take up to 30 minutes. The design aims to facilitate pedestrian movement but does not adequately account for current passenger volumes. Some describe the transfer as “marathon-like.”

From parking: The shuttle bus service covers all major shelters, but delays can occur during peak hours. Boarding areas are clearly marked.

🏛️ Main Terminal

Level 1: Baggage claim and tunnels to the rental car center and parking.
Level 2: Check-in and security. There are three security checkpoints.
Level 3: USO Lounge, chapel, nursing rooms.

Many feel that “the main terminal has outgrown its capacity.” During peak hours, lines and noise make it hard to find your way. Still, features such as the rocking chairs and large windows are highly appreciated.

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🏥 Concourses A to E

Concourse A: 32 gates (A1–A13 closer, A21–A39 farther away). Good signage but frequent security lines.

Concourse B: 16 gates. Home to Admirals Club. Crowded during peak hours; some describe it as “packed and dirty.”

Concourse C: 18 gates, exclusively for American Airlines. Very congested. Criticized for lack of seating and space.

Concourse D: 13 gates. International flights. TSA here is described by many users as very slow and poorly organized.

Concourse E: 45 gates. Criticized for long distances, constant construction, and inappropriate behavior by some employees.

🛬 Customs and TSA

Checkpoint 1: 3:30 am – 9:00 pm
Checkpoint 2: 3:30 am – 10:45 pm
Checkpoint 3: 4:00 am – 8:00 pm

Efficiency varies by time of day. Many travelers report congestion, especially at Checkpoint 3 (international). Some note that “the post–Global Entry signage is so confusing that it defeats the purpose of the benefit.”

🚨 TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

CLT offers dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at Checkpoints 1 and 2. The enrollment center is located in the main atrium after security. Approved travelers receive a Known Traveler Number to use PreCheck at any airport.

In addition, CLT participates in Global Entry, which speeds up entry into the U.S. for pre-approved travelers. The enrollment center operates Monday through Friday (1:00 pm to 8:00 pm) in the baggage claim area. There is also an Enrollment on Arrival option in Concourse D.

Users appreciate these services but note that local efficiency “does not match that of other airports.”

📄 Conclusion: Atrengths and Areas for Improvement

CLT is a vital hub in the eastern U.S., with strong connectivity and a wide range of dining options. However, it faces critical challenges: overcrowding, poor maintenance of facilities, and an insufficient internal transportation system. Rocking chairs, natural light, and a few standout restaurants help save the experience. Still, for many, it remains a functional airport that is not particularly friendly for tight connections.

For up-to-date information, consult TSA, Global Entry, and the official CLT website.