Spring Break is expected to be the busiest one yet at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as local school districts dismiss for an eight-day recess beginning Thursday, March 28. Forecasts show passenger volumes 15% higher from last year with the busiest travel days on Thursday, March 28, Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1.
The Airport is preparing for the crowds by coordinating with law enforcement and the North Carolina and Charlotte Departments of Transportation to manage traffic flow, adding additional staff at the terminal curb front to keep traffic moving and providing alternate routes for Airport shuttle busses. Inside the terminal, CLT will have additional staff in the lobby wearing easy-to-spot yellow vests to assist passengers. Updates with any significant traffic and passenger impacts will be posted in real-time to the Airport’s social media accounts (@cltairport).
CLT recommends passengers Don’t Wing It: Prepare to Fly! Top travel tips include:
- Book your parking when you book your flight. To get the best spot at the lowest rate, reserve parking at parkCLT.com or on the CLT Airport app. All parking products except Long Term 2 and Daily North are available for pre-booking. Hourly, Valet and Express Deck Preferred require a minimum three-hour lead time. The Daily Decks, Long Term 1 and Express Deck Self-Park do not require any lead time.
- Factor in extra time – arrive at the Airport and be inside the terminal at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Pick up and drop off is available curbside at both departures (Ticketing) and arrivals (Baggage Claim). During peak periods, drivers should familiarize themselves with current traffic conditions and seek alternate routes to the Airport.
- Monitor estimated shuttle bus wait times and security wait times on CLT’s website or app. Any security checkpoint can get you to any gate. Wait times can change frequently, therefore, check often. Review the TSA website for what you are allowed to bring through security.