Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Charlotte Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Charlotte’s only saving grace is the garden area by the fountain outside of security -a traveller
CLT Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Charlotte Douglas Airport.
What to Expect
Charlotte Airport (Code: CLT) consists of five concourses (A, B, C, D and E) and perhaps unsurprisingly, there can be some very long walks between gates if you have a connecting flight. Some reviewers describe the airport as worn out and inefficient, with some particularly congested areas around the gates. When it comes to amenities, CLT has a decent range of shopping and dining options airside. All concessions – with the exception of the landside Starbucks – close overnight. While free WiFi is available, power points seem to be in short supply. For added comfort, economy class passengers can access first class lounges with either a day pass or an Admirals Club membership. See Airport Lounges on the guide below for locations and access information.
Sleeping in Charlotte Airport
If you’ve arrived late with a connection in the morning it seems that you are now permitted to stay airside (according to a February 2020 review) . Be prepared to be asked for ID and proof of an outbound flight. Unfortunately, the landside area of the terminal isn’t reviewed as very sleepable. Those who have spent the night cite hard, cold and dirty floors, bright lights and loud announcements as major sleep inhibitors. There are apparently some couches and padded chairs in the Terminal E pre-security area, and a few quiet nooks under the escalators in Zones B and C in baggage claim. A sleeping pad is recommended. If none of this sounds like an experience you wish to have and you prefer privacy and a bed, there are hotels nearby that are connected by shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below or read some traveller reviews for more tips.
Covid-19 Update
Some airport reviews and tips in this guide and elsewhere on the site were written before March 2020 and may no longer be valid. To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.
For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Charlotte Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations – (1) Concourse B and (1) Concourse C. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level, Intersection of Concourses D/E. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- The Club CLT – Locations: Airside, Concourse A, near Gates A21 and A22. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid Lounge Passes • Lounge membership programs.
Military Lounge
USO Lounge – The USO offers a lounge that is free of charge to active members of the US military and their families. Location:Main Atrium, 2nd Floor.
Related Pages: Charlotte Airport Lounges
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Charlotte airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep cabins inside the airport and nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:
With Covid restrictions constantly changing, we recommend that you confirm shuttle availability prior to booking and/or prior to your arrival.
- Minute Suites – 2 locations are now available at the airport. Locations: Airside, in the Atrium (Hours: 24 hours) • Airside, D/E Connector, near the Food Court (Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM). Rates are expensive: US$ 45 (1 hour) and US$ 11.25 each additional 15 minutes until 2 hours • US$ 90 (2 hours) and US$ 8.75 each additional 15 minutes thereafter • US$ 165 (Overnight – 8 hour hour stay after 8pm). When the suites are full, they also rent air mattresses for US$ 40 with no time limit. Pillows and blankets are provided when available. Showers are $30 (non-guest for 30 minutes) or $20 (guest). » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport – Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport – Free airport shuttle service is available upon request. Dial #37 from the courtesy phone in Baggage Claim Pick-up Zone 1. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Charlotte Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Charlotte Airport. Connect to the “CLT Free WiFi” network.
More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
CLT Canine Crew – If you’re feeling stressed before your flight, look out for one of the CLT Canine Crew dogs. Easily recognizable by their blue vests which say “Pet Me”, these therapy dogs can be found being walked throughout the airport.
Chapel – The interfaith chapel is available 24/7.Location: Atrium, upper level, landside.
Currency Exchange – Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers currency exchange, Western Union, business services, and more. Two locations: Atrium, Airside • Concourse D, Airside . Hours: 7:00AM – 6:00PM)
Duty Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a variety of retail shops and at least 15 convenience/news shops for any last minute drink or snack needs. CNBC Smartshop and Heritage Booksellers operates 24/7.
Family Services
- Nursing Areas – The airport provides peaceful rooms for breastfeeding mothers. Three stalls available with privacy curtains, cushioned rocking chairs and power outlets. Locations: Upper level of the Atrium, across from the airport chapel (directly above Cinnabon) • Concourse A Connector between Gates A1-A13 and A21-A29 • near the corner of Concourses D and E, across from Checkpoint E.
- Diaper Changing Facilities – Available in all restrooms.
- Children’s Play Areas – Head to Gameway for a premium video gaming experience. Location: Airside, Concourse E.
Food & Drinks – The airport offers over 54 restaurants and cafes, both Landside and Airside. The Farmers Market (Concourse B or E Rotunda) and the Fresh Attractions may be a good option for healthy snacks and beverages. At the time of this update, we are unable to confirm the availability of any 24-hour dining options.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance! Location: Ticketing area, landside. Additionally, look for “The Yellow Shirts” volunteers which are available to assist you.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.
Mobile Charging – Mobile charging stations are located landside and airside, throughout the terminal. Seating with integrated power and USB is located at Gates A21-A29 and all of Concourse B. Power outlets can also be found throughout the Atrium and all concourses. And if you prefer to pay for quicker service, portable power can be purchased from some of the airport’s retailers and Fuel Rod vending locations.
Pet Relief Areas – Landside, Baggage Claim (West and East) • Airside, A/B Connector, near Checkpoint A • Airside, Concourse A Connector, Gates A1-A13 and A21-A29) • Airside, Concourse D near Original Rum Bar and Grill.
Rest Zone – Rocking chairs are located in the Atrium (landside) and Concourses D and E (airside).
Take precaution even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Shoe Shine – Executive Shoe Shine offers service in 3 Airside Locations (Atrium • D/E Connector • Concourse E).
Showers – Available in the Minute Suites. Rates: Start at $20.00 for a 30 minute shower with a suite rental or $30.00 without. Location: Airside, Atrium which is accessible from all Terminals.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Areas – Smoking is prohibited inside the airport. There are no designated smoking areas.
Spa & Salon Services – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and more are available at XpresSpa. Location: Airside, D/E Connector • Airside, A/B Connector. Hours: unknown. Terminal Getaway Spa offers a wide range of beauty treatments and massage for the weary traveler. Location: Atrium, airside, across from American Airlines Admiral Club. Hours: unknown.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Keep in mind that TSA, airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area of the terminal (landside) you will not be able to get through to the secure area of the terminal (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location:
Checkpoint A: 3:30AM – 8:00PM
Checkpoint B: 4:00AM – 12:30PM
Checkpoint C: 4:00AM – 8:00PM
Checkpoint D: 5:00AM – 10:45PM
Checkpoint E: 4:15AM – 9:45PM
Times are subject to change without notice.
Airlines
Charlotte airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • American Airlines • Contour Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue Airways • Lufthansa • Southwest Airlines • Spirit • Sun Country Airlines • Swift Air • United Airlines • Vacation Express • VivaAerobus • Volaris.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport
Bus
The airport is served by three bus routes:
- Route 5 Airport Sprinter – Runs between Center City and the airport in less than 30 minutes.
- Route 590 Airport Connector – Runs express between the Northlake Mall Park and Ride and the airport.
- Route 591 Airport Connector – Runs between the airport and three LYNX Blue Line light rail stations (Archdale, Tyvola and Woodlawn).
All buses depart every 20 – 30 minutes depending on the time and the day of the week, most operate from roughly 5:00AM – 12:00AM and fares range from $2-$3 per ride (exact change or CATS transit pass). For more information, visit the CATS web site.
Car Rentals
The airport has recently opened its Rental Car Facility, located in the Level 2 Lobby of the Hourly Parking Deck in front of the airport terminal. The following car rental agencies can be found at the Rental Car Facility: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Sterling Hotel & Suites • Clarion Hotel Airport & Conference Center • Comfort Suites Airport • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson I-85 • Courtyard Charlotte Airport North • Days Inn by Wyndham • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • Hampton Inn & Suites • Hilton Hotel • Hilton Garden Inn • Holiday Inn Hotel • Holiday Inn Express & Suites • Home2 Suites by Hilton • Homewood Suites by Hilton • Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Tyvola Road • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Sheraton Hotel • Sleep Inn Billy Graham Parkway • SpringHill Suites • Tru By Hilton Lake Pointe • Wingate by Wyndham I-85/I-485.
These hotels can be contacted from the airport at one of the Traveler Information Centers located on the Baggage Claim Level.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxi
Taxis that operate from the airport taxi rank adhere to airport guidelines, and are guaranteed to accept credit cards and have GPS. Most taxis charge according to a metered rate, but some taxi are authorized to charge a flat rate to destinations in the immediate area and city center.
Last updated: 2023-01-18
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, are subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers and their web sites. We are not representatives of any of the above mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.
