March 25, 2024 – Spring fever is in full bloom and people are in the mood to travel!
Between March and August, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expecting 23% more passengers than last year’s record-breaking crowds. CLT is preparing for the influx in several ways:
- Coordinating with law enforcement and the N.C. Department of Transportation to manage traffic flow
- Providing alternate routes for CLT shuttle buses to steer around roadway congestion
- Adding additional staff at the terminal curb front to help keep traffic moving
- Positioning staff wearing yellow vests in the terminal to direct passengers to the security checkpoint with the shortest wait time. All checkpoints lead to all gates.
Don’t Wing It: Prepare to Fly
Don’t wing it on your next journey. Preparing in advance will reduce travel-day turbulence and help you nimbly navigate the Airport.
Here are some tips to help you have a smooth trip.
Park Like a Pro
Get in the habit of booking your parking as soon as you book your flight, that way you’ll lock in the best available rate and guarantee a spot.
Half of CLT parking must be booked in advance and some lots require more lead time than others. To get the best spot at the lowest rate, go to parkCLT.com or the CLT Airport app. Enter your travel dates and click on “Check Parking Availability.” Select the option that works best for you and complete your booking. You can make changes or cancel up until the start of the reservation.
Give Yourself Time
CLT recommends getting to the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. You may need to get here even earlier depending on how busy it is.
Aim for arriving at the parking lot a half hour before you want to be in the terminal. Leave early if you need to travel during rush hour. Consider alternate routes in case there is traffic congestion. Use a navigation app to steer clear of any trouble spots.
Stay Informed
Connect with your airline or monitor the CLT Airport app for flight updates. Check in for your flight before leaving home and save your boarding pass on your mobile phone.
Review the TSA website for what you are allowed to bring through security. You can also text “travel” to AskTSA (275-872) or send a message through Facebook Messenger, X (formerly Twitter) or Apple Messenger.
Check the CLT Airport website and app for shuttle bus wait times and security checkpoint wait times.
Pack Your Patience
The busiest local travel days this spring will be Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays with the peak crowds anticipated March 28 through April 1. Expect the terminal to be busy and longer than usual lines at the security checkpoints and concessions.
We encourage you to be courteous to fellow travelers and Airport staff. CLT is working hard to make your travel experience safe and enjoyable.
Explore CLT Amenities
Whatever you’re craving, Charlotte Douglas has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shops and places to relax.
On the CLT Airport app, you can browse the options. Click on “change area” to sort them by location. Some restaurants offer mobile ordering so you can skip the line.
Bottom line - Don’t Wing It: Prepare to fly.