Arriving Early At Charlotte Airport: How Early Is Too Early?

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, so it's important to allow plenty of time to get through security and check-in. Sources suggest arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, one source recommends arriving 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight. If you have bags to check, you should add 30 minutes to that time. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can get through security faster.

Domestic and international flight arrival times differ

It is always better to arrive early than to miss your flight. If you are unsure about how long it will take to get through security and board your flight, it is better to err on the side of caution and arrive earlier rather than later. Some people prefer to arrive at the airport 7 hours before their flight to be safe.

The airport can get very busy, especially during the summer months and spring break. During these times, it is recommended that you arrive even earlier than usual to allow for longer security lines and check-in times.

To save time, you can download your airline's app and check in up to 24 hours before your flight. This will allow you to skip the check-in line and go straight to security. You can also apply for Pre Check to speed up the security screening process.

TSA PreCheck can speed up your security wait time

It is recommended that you arrive at Charlotte Airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, you can speed up your security wait time and arrive at the airport no more than an hour before boarding if you're only flying with a carry-on. TSA PreCheck can get you through security in less than 10 minutes, whereas the general security screening process can take up to 30 minutes.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveller programme that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to go through an expedited security screening process at participating US airports. The programme is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. It costs $85 to apply, and once approved, membership is valid for five years.

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must complete an online application and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrolment centre. During the appointment, you will need to provide documentation to verify your identity and citizenship or immigration status. You will also be fingerprinted and undergo a background check.

Once you are approved for TSA PreCheck, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) that you can use when booking flights with participating airlines. When checking in for your flight, you will be able to use the TSA PreCheck lane at airport security, which typically has shorter lines and a faster screening process.

Download the airline's app to check in ahead of time

It is recommended that you arrive at Charlotte Airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. However, you can save time by downloading your airline's app and checking in up to 24 hours ahead of your scheduled flight. This means you can avoid standing at a kiosk or waiting in line for an agent. If you're checking bags, you can still check in online, then simply print a bag tag at the kiosk and do the bag drop.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can get through security in less than 10 minutes. If you don't have PreCheck, it's worth applying for it as it will cut down on your security wait time for future flights.

It's also a good idea to book your parking ahead of time and double-check the contents of your carry-on bags before you leave for the airport.

If you're a nervous traveller, you might want to follow the advice of one person's dad, who says to get to the airport 7 hours before your flight. He's never missed a flight!

Book your parking ahead of time

It is recommended that you book your parking ahead of time when flying out of Charlotte Airport. This is because the airport can get very busy, especially during the summer.

If you are travelling on a domestic flight, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight. For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive 3 hours before your flight. If you have bags to check, you should add an extra 30 minutes to that time.

To save time, you can download your airline's app and check in up to 24 hours before your flight. This will save you from having to stand at a kiosk or wait in line for an agent. If you are checking bags, you can still do this, but you will need to print a bag tag at the kiosk and do the bag drop.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can get through security in less than 10 minutes. This will save you a lot of time, so it is worth applying for if you don't already have it.

Walk to the airport from the Daily Decks

It is recommended that you arrive at Charlotte Airport 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight. However, some sources suggest that 1 hour is enough for a domestic flight and 2-2.5 hours for an international flight. If you are walking to the airport from the Daily Decks, the walk will take around 5-7 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. If you are checking bags, you should allow extra time. You can save time by downloading your airline's app and checking in up to 24 hours before your flight. This means you won't have to wait in line for an agent or at a kiosk. If you are checking bags, you can still do this, but you will need to print a bag tag at the kiosk and do the bag drop.

Frequently asked questions