News

Winter holiday travel begins Thursday, Dec. 14 at CLT and will continue through Wednesday, Jan. 3.  with higher-than-normal passenger volumes.

Approximately 1.6 million local and connecting passengers are expected to depart from the Airport during those 21 days, an increase of 9% above 2019 and 13% above last year.

CLT has identified short-term changes for the upcoming holiday travel. These include re-routing portions of the Airport shuttle bus operation to reduce roadway traffic congestion and reallocating staffing along the Terminal Curb Front.

Passengers are encouraged to:

• Reserve a parking spot at parkCLT.com or on the CLT Airport app to guarantee availability. Parking had available spaces during Thanksgiving and the same is anticipated during the winter holidays.
• 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 security wait times on CLT’s website or app and remember any checkpoint can get you to any gate. Wait times can change frequently, therefore, check often.
• Use CLT’s free Cell Phone Lot and wait 20 to 30 minutes after the plane lands before driving to the terminal to pick up passengers. This helps alleviate traffic congestions and reduces the need to circle the pick-up areas multiple times.