Canine Crew Back from 18-Month Paws
Nov. 22, 2021 - The CLT Canine Crew is back after being on pandemic hiatus since mid-March 2020. They join Airport Volunteers, who returned to the terminal in September.
The Canine Crew is comprised of 30 dogs and their handlers, who provide stress relief for passengers during their visits.
Since 2005, Airport Volunteers have assisted millions of travelers flying through the Queen City. Affectionately known as "The Yellow Shirts" because of their bright yellow uniform shirts, Airport Volunteers welcome passengers, answer questions and provide directional assistance.
The Canine Crew is by far the most popular customer-service program.
“Dogs are social creatures. They are used to interacting with people, especially therapy dogs,” said CLT’s Volunteer Program Manager Diana May. "The isolation of the pandemic has been hard for them too. They’ve missed those belly rubs. We are thrilled for them to be back and give back by helping passengers relax before their flights.”
The canine program began in March 2015. The dogs and their handlers usually greet between 100 to 200 passengers per shift. Canine Crew members are registered professional therapy dogs. The fury volunteers represent a variety of breeds to include an 11-pound Pomeranian and a 180-pound Mastiff.
New Amenities Opening in 2022
The Club CLT, an Airport Dimensions lounge, will welcome passengers in early 2022 on Concourse A Expansion.
The 4,700-square-foot lounge will include a full-service menu with locally inspired dishes and a bar stocked with Charlotte-sourced beverages.
Passengers will be able to pay a fee to use the lounge, which includes access to free Wi-Fi service, space to work or relax and access to food and beverages.
Airport Dimensions has a network of 28 lounges at 19 airports worldwide. Also coming to CLT next year are Dunkin’, Charlotte-based Sycamore Brewing, Gameway (provides gaming stations while waiting for your flight), Uptown Exchange (news and gifts), PDQ (serves chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and fresh salads) and Common Space (offering Counter Culture Coffee).
Follow @CLTairport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates about the opening date and locations.
New Reindeer Spreads Holiday Cheer
The Airport has added another reindeer to its holiday décor.
Orville joins CLT’s original reindeer, Wilbur, in the Atrium this holiday season to help spread festive cheer.
Both 1,500-pound structures are 25-feet tall and 12-feet wide. Their fully engineered inner frame with a hand-formed exoskeleton is made entirely of aluminum components. Approximately 3,000 low-voltage LED lights and 125 decorative metallic stars on each reindeer add sparkles to Orville and Wilbur.
Have your camera ready. Both make the perfect backdrop for a holiday selfie.
