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CLT Main Terminal and Concourses
What to Expect When Transiting Through Charlotte Airport
Details of layout, composition, and the 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, consisting of a main terminal and five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. These concourses are connected to the main terminal, which houses ticketing, security, and baggage claim. Despite the internal connection between the concourses, the passenger experience is diverse, with feedback ranging from comfort to the organization and accessibility of the airport.
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Between Parking Lots and Concourses
Shuttles. Transportation between parking lots and the concourses is available via a 24/7 shuttle service. Travelers can take a shuttle service at various parking shelters in lots 1 and 2 for long-term stays. Shuttle service is also available at the shelter between Daily Decks and from Express Deck Preferred. Upon return, all shuttles can be found in the inner lanes outside the lower level of the terminal (Arrivals/Baggage Claim).
Congestion and Seating Shortages
Many travelers frequently express frustration with overcrowding and a lack of seating. Passengers have reported sitting on the floor or standing due to a shortage of available seats, especially during peak hours. Gates in concourses B-E are particularly narrow, leading to overcrowding around boarding areas, and making it difficult to navigate. These conditions are often exacerbated during flight delays, making the waiting experience uncomfortable for many.
Walking Distances and Accessibility
A common challenge at CLT is the long walking distances between concourses, especially from Terminal E to A, which can take up to 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. While the design is intended to facilitate pedestrian movement, it is often not sufficient for the airport’s heavy passenger volume. Elderly passengers and those with tight connections may find the walking distances especially burdensome.
Ongoing Construction
Ongoing renovations at CLT have been a source of both optimism and inconvenience. While new areas, like parts of concourse E, are seeing improvements, others are still outdated and overcrowded. Passengers are frustrated with confusing signage and disruptions caused by the construction, which has been ongoing for several years. These upgrades are aimed at accommodating the airport’s growing traffic, but the process has been slow and disruptive for daily travelers.
Connection within the Airport Grounds
Between the main terminal and concourses: Passengers must walk to move between the concourses, as there are no trains or electronic people-mover systems. The design is intended to be pedestrian-friendly, allowing a walk between the furthest gates in approximately 15 minutes. However, some passengers agree that "the walk from Terminal E to A is not quick," and for others, it may even be challenging, especially if they have tight connections.
Between parking lots and concourses: The airport offers a 24-hour shuttle service between the parking lots and the concourses. This service is crucial for those using long-term parking or the Daily Decks, and all shuttles are found in the inner lanes outside the lower level of the terminal, in the Arrivals/Baggage Claim area.
Main Terminal
CLT’s main terminal is the central hub of the airport and consists of three levels:
- Level 1: Baggage claim, with tunnel access to the car rental center and hourly parking.
- Level 2: Check-in and ticketing, with five security checkpoints leading to the departure concourses.
- Level 3: Mezzanine, housing a USO lounge, chapel, and nursing room.
Despite these facilities, some users express that the airport feels "too small for the number of flights it handles," especially during peak hours.
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Concourse A
Concourse A has 15 gates, divided into two main areas:
- Gates A1 to A13: These gates are closer to the main terminal.
- Gates A21 to A29: Located further north, with access via moving walkways.
This concourse is relatively close to Security Checkpoint A. However, congestion at the security checkpoints is a common complaint, with long lines reported during peak hours.
Concourse B
With 9 gates numbered B1 to B11, Concourse B is known for its American Airlines Admirals Lounge and a good selection of shops and restaurants. However, some passengers mention that the terminal can be "very crowded and dirty," which affects the overall travel experience.
Concourse C
Concourse C has 12 gates and is located in the southeast part of the airport. This concourse exclusively serves American Airlines flights and is connected to a large Admirals Club. Despite these amenities, some users comment that the airport is "so crowded that there is barely room to move."
Concourse D
Concourse D is the main one for international flights, with 6 gates and several shops and restaurants. Checkpoint D is one of the most congested, especially during international flights, and several passengers express frustration over the "lack of organization and seating space."
Concourse E
With 29 gates, Concourse E is one of the largest at the airport. Despite its size, many passengers report long walks and insufficient seating, making waiting uncomfortable, especially during delays.
Customs and TSA
The airport has several security checkpoints:
- Checkpoint A: 3:30 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.
- Checkpoint B: 4:00 a.m. - 10:45 p.m.
- Checkpoint C: 3:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Checkpoint D: 5:00 a.m. - 10:05 p.m.
- Checkpoint E: 4:15 a.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Passengers report that these checkpoints can be "very congested," especially during peak hours, often causing delays in accessing the departure gates.
Security checkpoint hours are subject to change.
For more information on security checkpoints, questions, or updates, contact TSA at 1.866.289.9673, email [email protected], or visit the official TSA website.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
CLT offers TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to streamline the security and customs process. Although these services are available, some users criticize the efficiency of the process, suggesting that "it could improve compared to other airports of its size."
CLT offers two exclusive TSA PreCheck lanes: one at Checkpoint B and another at Checkpoint D. Approved travelers can use these lanes for expedited security screening.
A TSA PreCheck enrollment center is available in the atrium after security. Applicants can visit this center for their enrollment interview. Once approved and issued a Known Traveler Number, you can use TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport.
Additionally, CLT participates in the Global Entry program, which offers expedited international clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Conditionally approved applicants must attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center to complete their application. The CLT Enrollment Center is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal and operates Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additionally, the airport offers enrollment on arrival in the Federal Inspection Area of Concourse D.
In summary, while Charlotte Douglas International Airport is an important connection hub, it faces significant challenges in terms of capacity, organization, and passenger experience. Travelers appreciate the amenities like rocking chairs and food options, but many call for improvements in seating, signage, and security efficiency to make it more user-friendly for its large volume of passengers.