Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina · ICAO KCLT
American Airlines' second-largest hub, CLT handles over 50 million passengers annually from a single terminal with five concourses (A, B, C, D, E) connected by a central atrium.
CLT Airport Overview
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (IATA: CLT / ICAO: KCLT) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. American Airlines' second-largest hub, CLT handles over 50 million passengers annually from a single terminal with five concourses (A, B, C, D, E) connected by a central atrium.
Hub for: American Airlines
cltairport.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 CLT Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from CLT.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: CLT is a hub for American Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
CLT TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at CLT average about 10 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at CLT
- Concourse A: Checkpoint A — TSA PreCheck
- Concourse B: Checkpoint B — TSA PreCheck
- Concourse C: Checkpoint C
- Concourse D: Checkpoint D — TSA PreCheck
- Concourse E: Checkpoint E — newest checkpoint, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
CLT Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Concourse A
Concourse B
Concourse C
Concourse D
Concourse E
Airlines at CLT — Terminal & Gate Directory
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is served by 7+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines (Regional) | Concourse A | A1–A22 |
| American AirlinesHub | Concourse B | B1–B25 |
| American Airlines (International) | Concourse C | C1–C16 |
| JetBlue | Concourse C | C1–C16 |
| Delta Air Lines | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| United Airlines | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| Southwest Airlines | Concourse E | E1–E39 |
| Spirit Airlines | Concourse E | E1–E39 |
| Frontier Airlines | Concourse E | E1–E39 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve CLT:
Where to Eat at CLT — Dining & Food Guide
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has 10+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From CLT — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Charlotte from Charlotte Douglas International Airport:
- CATS Sprinter bus — route 5 to Uptown Charlotte
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup on Lower Level Arrivals
- Rental cars — on-airport facility, walkable from baggage claim
CLT Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Hourly Deck
Attached to terminal
Daily Lots
Free shuttle service
Airport Lounges at CLT
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- American Admirals Club (Concourse B, C)
- Centurion Lounge (Concourse A)
CLT Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Bojangles', Starbucks, Brookwood Farms BBQ.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. CLT has 2 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Charlotte Douglas International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
CLT Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at CLT?
Typical TSA security wait times at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) average around 10 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our CLT TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from CLT. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at CLT are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of CLT?
CLT is served by carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and others. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a hub for American Airlines.
How many terminals does CLT have?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has 5 terminal areas: Concourse A; Concourse B; Concourse C; Concourse D; Concourse E. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from CLT to downtown Charlotte?
Popular ways to reach downtown Charlotte from Charlotte Douglas International Airport include CATS Sprinter bus; Ride-share & taxi; Rental cars. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does CLT have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like CLT also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at CLT?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Bojangles', Starbucks, Brookwood Farms BBQ, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Carolina Ale House, Local bar. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is CLT located?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC). Its IATA code is CLT and its ICAO code is KCLT. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.