Nov. 22, 2022 - Thanksgiving travel is underway. Passengers can expect a busy terminal with longer than usual lines at TSA checkpoints, ticket counters and restaurants. CLT roadways also will be congested.
More than 822,000 passengers will travel to, from and through the Airport between Nov. 17 and Monday, Nov. 28.
The busiest days leading up to Thanksgiving will be today (Tuesday, Nov. 22) and Wednesday, Nov. 23. After Thanksgiving, the busiest days for returning passengers will be Saturday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27 and Monday, Nov. 28. More than 72,000 passengers will travel through CLT on each of those days.
The Transportation Security Administration and airlines advise travelers to be inside the Airport at least two hours before their departure time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
Charlotte Douglas will have extra staff in Departures/Ticketing and on the curbside to assist customers.
CLT has over 20,000 parking spaces, which will be in high demand. Drive-up parking will be available however, drivers are highly encouraged to use the Airport app or visit parkCLT.com to book parking online for the best rates. Same-day booking is limited for all products and must be made a minimum of three hours in advance, six hours for valet services.
For drive-up parking, check parking availability on the CLT real-time parking map or call 704.359.5555 to hear the latest parking conditions.
Only credit cards are accepted for all Airport parking. Cashiers are not available at exit tolls. Cash is only accepted at CLT’s Pay&Go stations located in the Hourly Deck.
Drivers who are picking up passengers should take advantage of CLT’s free Cell Phone Lot located on Josh Birmingham Parkway.
To help ease traffic congestion, the upper-level roadway will remain open at night on the Airport’s busiest days.
Other helpful tips:
TSA Security Checkpoints
The busiest travel days at the TSA security checkpoints are expected to be today (Nov. 22), Wednesday, Nov. 23, Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27. Although wait times typically average less than 20 minutes, during the holiday period wait times on peak days may exceed 45 minutes.
New features on CLT’s app and website
Be sure to download CLT’s newest app version - 1.9.0 or higher. It includes the following new and recently released features to enhance the customer experience:
- New dashboard with CLT’s interactive Airport map that has a coffee location filter and easier navigation for all terminal levels
- Shuttle bus wait times from parking lots/decks to the terminal
- Push notifications that allow passengers to be notified when their bags are on their way to Baggage Claim
- Spanish translations
Shuttle bus wait times, Spanish translations and an improved interactive terminal map also are available on CLT’s website.
Check Out Security Wait Times
Visit cltairport.com or the app to see estimated wait times at each checkpoint, including Standard and TSA PreCheck® lines.
Face Masks Available
Face masks are no longer required at the Airport, but they are still available at the TSA checkpoint podiums, the Airport Information Desk in Ticketing and the Visitor Info Center in Baggage Claim for those who want to wear one while traveling.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Available
For passengers who have hidden disabilities, such as autism, chronic pain, anxiety, visual/hearing impairment, and dementia, they can discretely get additional support whether that be additional time, help or understanding by wearing a Hidden Disabilities sunflower accessory, like a ribbon, lanyard or bracelet.
Passengers are welcome to wear their own items or can pick them up before and after security. Hidden Disabilities sunflower accessories are located at the Airport Services Desk (Ticketing), Visitor Info Center (Baggage Claim), USO Lounge (Atrium-Mezzanine Level), the Airport Chapel (Atrium – Mezzanine Level) and The Club CLT on the Concourse A Connector.
Aira On-Demand Visual Interpreting
Also, passengers who are blind or have low vision can access Aira, the visual interpreting service for free while at CLT. The Aira app connects passengers with a live Aira agent who can visually interpret their surroundings via the user’s smartphone camera.
Concessions
If flying Thanksgiving Day, Brookwood Farms BBQ in the Atrium will offer a traditional holiday meal consisting of turkey, ham, gravy, cornbread dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and desserts. Barbecue also will be on the menu.
New to the terminal, Sycamore Brewing is now serving up its popular, local beers on Concourse E Expansion. The 1,828-square-foot restaurant also offers a variety of wines, appetizers, pizza, salads and entrée selections. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are available daily.
Pack Your Patience
As a reminder, please be patient and courteous. Airport employees are working hard to make your travel experience simple, safe and enjoyable.
Stay Connected with CLT
To stay connected with the Airport, follow @CLTairport on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Get the latest Airport news at cltairport.mediaroom.com or sign-up to receive CLT's electronic newsletters at cltairport.mediaroom.com/newsletters. Also Download the free, all-in-one CLT Airport app at the App Store or on Google Play.