A Smooth Guide To Checking In At Charlotte Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major hub for American Airlines, serving over 53 million passengers in 2023. The airport has one terminal building with five concourses (A-E) and a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. The check-in process at CLT is straightforward, with self-service and mobile options available. Passengers can save time by printing boarding passes at home or using mobile boarding passes. However, it is important to arrive early as current security measures have increased the time needed for check-in. This is especially true for those travelling with young children, infants, elderly or disabled passengers. To ensure a smooth check-in process, passengers should also be aware of the prohibited items and security measures in place at the airport.

Security checkpoints

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has five concourses (A-E) and one terminal building. There are five security checkpoints in total, providing easy access to each concourse. The security checkpoints are located on Level 2 of the terminal, which is the check-in and ticketing level.

Checkpoint A is designated for Main Pre-Check. Checkpoint A and Checkpoint B are the closest security checkpoints to Concourse B. To reach Concourse A from Concourse B, take a left. To reach the other concourses, take a right.

Checkpoint C is the closest security checkpoint to Concourse C. To reach Concourse D and E from here, take a right. To reach Concourse A and B, take a left.

Checkpoint D is one of the two checkpoints on the east side of the terminal. It is the closest security checkpoint to Concourse D, which is the main concourse for international flights. To reach Concourse E, take a right.

Checkpoint 1 is a standard checkpoint with special assistance available.

The security checkpoint hours are subject to change but typically operate from early morning to late evening. All checkpoints are operated by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the checkpoints.

Passengers are advised to arrive early, as current security measures have increased the time needed to check in. When travelling with young children, infants, elderly passengers, or those with disabilities, allow for even more time.

To save time, passengers can view security checkpoint wait times via the airport's website and app before arriving at the terminal. Passengers can also save time by printing boarding passes at home or using mobile boarding passes.

Firearms and dangerous weapons

If you are travelling with a firearm, it must be unloaded, stored in a special box, and declared at check-in. Firearms must be removed from carry-on bags before travelling to the airport. They should be stored in checked luggage. Other firearm parts, including magazines, clips, and firing pins, must also be transported in checked luggage.

If you are found in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon at the airport, you may be arrested and charged with a crime. This can result in serious consequences, including the loss of your gun, the loss of your permit to carry a gun, and a permanent criminal record. You may also face steep TSA-imposed fines, which can be thousands of dollars.

There are exceptions to the rule prohibiting firearms and dangerous weapons at the airport. These include:

• Police officers, sheriffs, law enforcement agents, conservation police officers, conservators of the peace employed by the airport, and certain retired police officers.
• Passengers transporting a lawful firearm, weapon, or ammunition to a U.S. customs official in advance of an international flight, carrying the items in checked luggage, or retrieving them at the baggage claim area.
• Law enforcement officers, officers or soldiers in the armed forces, or people authorised by federal or state law to carry the weapon as part of their job.
• People authorised, in writing, by the city manager to carry or possess a dangerous weapon while on or in specific public property.

Boarding passes

To obtain your boarding pass at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you have several options. Firstly, you can save time by printing your boarding pass at home or using a mobile boarding pass. Alternatively, you can obtain your boarding pass at the airport. Charlotte Douglas International Airport has a single terminal with five concourses (A-E), and five security checkpoints leading to departure concourses. Level 2 of the main terminal is dedicated to check-in and ticketing. You can use self-service check-in kiosks or go to the dedicated check-in desks for your airline. After checking in, you will receive your boarding pass.

It is important to remember that a valid government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass are required for gate access. If you are travelling with children, allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoints. You can also contact your airline in advance to request assistance for minors or if you are meeting a child requiring assistance at the gate.

Travelling with children

Checking In and Security

Always allow extra time when checking in and proceeding through security checkpoints when travelling with children. It is recommended that you allow two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international travel. There are four regular passenger security checkpoints at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, all leading to the Atrium and providing easy access to any concourse. Keep in mind that strollers and infant carriers must be folded and placed on the belt. Communicate with the TSA member directing passengers—they often put families in a special line.

Food and Drinks

Hunger can be a common issue when travelling with children, so it's important to keep them well-fed. 1897 Market offers gourmet options and an open pizza kitchen where kids can watch chefs in action. Hissho Sushi is perfect for adventurous eaters and has great views of the First in Flight mobile. The Stock Car Café is NASCAR-themed and sure to capture kids' attention with its racing-themed menu items and full-sized cars hanging from the ceiling. For a quick bite, there's a good burger place with a take-out window in Concourse C. There is also a Starbucks in the ticketing area, the Atrium, and all concourses except Concourse A.

Entertainment

It's important to keep children entertained while travelling. Charlotte Douglas International Airport has various art installations and exhibits to explore, such as a replica of the Wright Brothers' Flyer in Concourse E and a 1939 Bellanca Model 14-9L airplane in Concourse D. There is also a massive First in Flight kinetic sculpture floating above the Atrium, featuring moving replicas of flying machines. Between gates D12 and D13, there is a plane-spotting area with large glass windows and extra space for kids to run around. The airport also has 100 iconic white wooden rocking chairs for people-watching, reading, or relaxing. There is often an impromptu concert on the grand piano in the Atrium, and most volunteer pianists take requests.

Personal Care and Potty Breaks

For nursing mothers, there is a Mother's Room above Cinnabon in the Atrium. The room has two separate nursing stalls, each with cushioned rockers and power outlets. It also has a safari animal décor, a diaper-changing station, a sink, and a comfy bench. Airport newsstands and larger shops sell diapers and some children's medications. Private family restrooms are located near gates A6, B4, C7, D5, E5, and E15, as well as in the arrivals/baggage area zones B and E.

Mobile boarding passes

Before You Arrive at the Airport:

First, download the official CLT Airport app on your smartphone. This app is designed to make your travel experience smoother, providing instant access to important information and updates throughout your journey. With the app, you can book official CLT Airport parking, track your flight in real-time, explore shopping and dining options, and even access indoor navigation with turn-by-turn directions.

Checking In:

When checking in for your flight, you can use the app to check-in and access your mobile boarding pass. This eliminates the need to keep track of paper boarding passes. Additionally, if you have checked baggage, the app allows you to use the self-service bag check stations, further streamlining the process.

At Security Checkpoints:

As you proceed through security, keep your mobile device accessible. You will need to present your mobile boarding pass and a valid government-issued photo ID at the security checkpoint. Remember that all security checkpoints at CLT are operated by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond these checkpoints.

Boarding Your Flight:

Continue to have your mobile device handy as you make your way to the gate and board your flight. You may be asked to present your mobile boarding pass again before boarding. It is recommended to keep your device charged and ensure that your boarding pass is easily accessible to expedite the boarding process.

By utilising mobile boarding passes, you can enjoy a more efficient and organised travel experience at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Remember to arrive early, especially if you are travelling with children or need special assistance, as current security measures can increase the time required for check-in and security screening.

Frequently asked questions