Roberta Aguirre
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the primary airport for commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions since its establishment in 1935, including the addition of new concourses and the recent $600 million terminal lobby renovation and expansion project. CLT has a range of facilities and services, including nursing rooms and a Centurion Lounge. However, reviews of the airport note issues with baggage claim, signage, and long wait times for customs clearance and security.
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What You'll Learn
History of Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is among the world's busiest airports. In 2023, Airports Council International ranked it the seventh busiest airport worldwide for arrivals and departures, ninth in North America for passengers, and 22nd globally for passenger traffic.
The airport was established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport. In 1936, the airport opened, operated by the City of Charlotte, and Eastern Air Lines began scheduled passenger service in 1937. The United States Army Air Forces took control of the airport and established Charlotte Air Base in early 1941, which was soon renamed Morris Field. The US military invested more than $5 million in airfield improvements before the facility was returned to the City of Charlotte in 1946. In 1954, a new 70,000-square-foot passenger terminal opened, and the airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in honour of former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr.
In 1979, Piedmont Airlines chose Charlotte as the hub for its expanding network, and a new 325,000-square-foot passenger terminal designed by Odell Associates opened in 1982, along with the airport's renaming to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. In the mid-1980s, the old terminal site was converted into a cargo centre, and Concourse A was built in 1986 to handle future growth. In 1989, Piedmont merged with USAir, retaining the USAir name. In 1990, a new international and commuter concourse (Concourse D) opened, and further expansion of the central terminal building continued into 1991.
In 2013, with the merger of US Airways and American Airlines, Charlotte became the second-largest hub for the merged airline. In 2015, airport officials announced the completion of the "CLT 2015" plan and began construction of the new Destination CLT airport development plan, representing a $2.5 billion investment in the airport's future growth. In 2019, the airport served over 50 million passengers, ranking 11th busiest in the US and sixth globally in terms of aircraft operations. In 2021, it grew to become the sixth busiest airport in the US.
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Ongoing construction and renovation projects
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is currently undergoing extensive construction and renovation as part of the Destination CLT airport development plan. Announced in 2015, this plan represents a $2.5 billion investment in the airport's future growth. One of the key components of this project is the $90 million terminal renovation of Concourses A, B, C, D, and the Atrium. This includes replacing carpets with terrazzo, upgrading lighting, remodelling bathrooms, and installing new seats with charging capabilities. The renovations to Concourse B were completed in 2019, and work on the terminal lobby renovation and expansion is currently underway, with a projected completion date of 2025.
In addition to the terminal renovations, the Destination CLT plan also includes the expansion of Concourse A with a nine-gate extension, which was completed in 2018. This new concourse features a digital artwork installation, "Interconnected," by Refik Anadol, which transforms airport data into an ever-changing visual artwork displayed on three massive screens.
The ongoing construction and renovation projects at Charlotte Douglas International Airport aim to expand and enhance the airport's facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. With the airport processing over 50 million passengers in 2019, these projects are vital to ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for the growing number of travellers passing through Charlotte.
However, the current construction has resulted in some disruptions for passengers, with reviews noting that the airport is struggling to handle its current capacity. Passengers have experienced challenges with the changing pick-up points for rideshare programmes, limited elevators, and the hassle of transferring baggage from the baggage claim to the rideshare pick-up location.
Despite these challenges, the airport is taking proactive steps to improve its facilities and services. With the completion of the Destination CLT plan, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is poised to offer an even more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its growing number of passengers.
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Passenger experience and reviews
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, located 6 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district, has received mixed reviews from passengers. While some passengers have praised the airport for its clean bathrooms and ample dining and shopping options, others have criticised it for its disorganisation, frequent delays, and rude staff.
One common issue reported by passengers is the lengthy wait times for baggage claim and customs clearance, with one passenger reporting a wait time of over an hour for their luggage to arrive on the carousel. The layout of the airport has also been criticised, with passengers complaining about poor signage, particularly when trying to locate the car rental check-in. In addition, passengers have reported challenges with transferring baggage from baggage claim to rideshare pickup locations, which are on different levels, and a lack of elevators and escalators to facilitate the transfer.
The airport's ongoing construction projects have also impacted the passenger experience, with some travellers noting that the airport feels overcrowded and unable to handle its capacity. The expansion and enhancement projects aim to improve the airport's facilities and increase its capacity to accommodate more travellers. However, in the interim, passengers have experienced disruptions and inconveniences due to the construction.
On a positive note, the airport offers various services and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. It provides information desks in the ticketing area and baggage claim, as well as customer service volunteers in bright yellow shirts who can assist travellers with their queries. Additionally, for nursing mothers, there are three dedicated nursing rooms located on the upper level of the atrium near the chapel, in the Concourse A connector, and near the D/E connector. Charlotte Douglas International Airport also boasts an impressive art collection, featuring pieces such as "Loops" by Christian Moeller and "Interconnected" by Refik Anadol, which add to the aesthetic appeal of the airport.
For travellers seeking accommodation near the airport, options such as the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte and the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel offer convenient access to the airport and other area attractions. These hotels provide a range of amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centres, and complimentary shuttle services, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district. The airport covers 5,558 acres of land and has 3 operating runways and one passenger terminal with 124 gates across 5 concourses. The airport is currently undergoing a $2.5 billion development plan called Destination CLT, which includes a $90 million terminal renovation project of Concourses A, B, C, D, and the Atrium.
The airport has a range of facilities and amenities for passengers, including:
- Information desks in the centre of the ticketing area and baggage claim
- Customer service volunteers, easily identified by their bright yellow shirts
- 3 nursing rooms located on the upper level of the atrium near the chapel, in the Concourse A connector, and near the D/E connector
- A range of dining options, including chains
- Clean bathrooms
- An on-site hotel, the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel, which offers guests access to 2 pools, a fitness centre, laundry service, car rentals, and a complimentary shuttle to surrounding destinations and the airport
- An off-site hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte, which offers free self-parking and a free airport shuttle service
- Musical performances in the atrium and art and sculptures
However, the airport has received some negative reviews, with passengers complaining about disorganisation, constant delays, rude employees, and poor signage. The baggage claim area has also been described as "horrible", with long wait times and a lack of clear information about luggage carousels. The ongoing construction at the airport has also resulted in a disruptive and unfriendly experience for passengers, with changing pick-up points and a lack of consideration for passengers transferring baggage from baggage claim to rideshare pick-up.
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Nearby hotels and attractions
There are several hotels near Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) that offer a range of amenities, including free airport shuttle services, complimentary breakfasts, and pet-friendly policies.
The Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel is a popular choice, offering guests warm hospitality, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an indoor pool, and a restaurant with a refined atmosphere. Pets are welcome, with a maximum weight limit of 80 lbs for dogs and cats.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Airport Area is another option, located 2 miles from the airport and 5 miles from Uptown Charlotte, where you can find businesses and entertainment. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi and a shuttle service.
For those seeking accommodation near attractions, Comfort Suites Airport Charlotte is within 5 miles of the Billy Graham Library, Charlotte Convention Centre, and the Mint Museum. Wingate by Wyndham Charlotte Airport is also conveniently located, offering a free airport shuttle, continental breakfast, and friendly staff.
Other notable mentions include Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport Lake Pointe, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Steele Creek, and Courtyard Charlotte Steele Creek, which boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also within a convenient distance of several attractions, including the Bank of America Stadium, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues. Uptown Charlotte, known for its businesses and entertainment, is just 5 miles from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Charlotte Douglas International Airport is CLT.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a large airport, covering 5,558 acres (2,249 ha) of land. It has 3 operating runways, 1 central terminal, and 6 concourses (A, B, C, D, E, and the Atrium).
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, ranking 6th in 2021. In 2019, it processed over 50 million passengers.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a variety of amenities, including nursing rooms, a Centurion Lounge, musical performances, art installations, and sculptures. The airport is also undergoing a $2.5 billion expansion plan called "Destination CLT" to enhance its facilities.
Reviews of Charlotte Airport on SKYTRAX are mixed. Some passengers have complained about disorganization, delays, rude employees, and poor signage. However, others have praised the airport for its clean bathrooms and good food and shopping options.
