Lois Larson
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, offers a variety of amenities and attractions for travellers. With five concourses and 124 gates, the airport boasts an array of dining and drinking options, including local craft breweries and restaurants. For shorter layovers, passengers can relax in the iconic rocking chairs, admire art installations, visit the on-site aviation museum, or explore nearby historical sites. With ongoing enhancements and expansions, Charlotte Airport provides a unique travel experience, combining Southern hospitality with modern conveniences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Relaxation | Rocking chairs in the Main Atrium, a massage at XpresSpa, a nap at Minute Suites, or reflection time at the Interfaith Chapel |
| Food and drink | Carolina Beer Company, Beaudevin, Brookwood Farms BBQ, Whisky River, Uptown Minibar, Captain Jack's Tavern, Starbucks, Bojangles, Wicked Weed Brewing, Sycamore Brewing, PDQ, NoDa Brewing Company, Hissho Sushi, First in Flight bar, The Taproom, The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour |
| Art | "First in Flight" mobile art installation, "Walk Together Children" by Nellie Ashford, "Honoring All Teachers" by Nellie Ashford, "Interconnected" by Refik Anadol, "Vulcan's Gate" by Herb Jackson |
| Shopping | Queen City News & Gifts, Heritage Booksellers, Charlotte News & Gifts, 704 Shop, Johnston & Murphy, Tumi |
| Other | Carolinas Aviation Museum, Currency Exchange International, Gameway video game lounge, USO Lounge for military personnel, International Currency Exchange desk |
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What You'll Learn
Relax in the iconic rocking chairs
If you're looking for a moment of calm during a hectic travel day, seek out Charlotte Airport's iconic rocking chairs. These chairs have been a fixture at the airport since 1997, when they were first introduced as part of a photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album". The rocking chairs were initially intended as props, but they quickly became a hit with travellers, who enjoyed having a spot to sit, eat, work, read, and people-watch. Due to their popularity, the airport decided to keep them, and they've since become a beloved part of the airport's atmosphere, offering travellers a sense of Southern hospitality.
The white rocking chairs, crafted by the Troutman Chair Co., are renowned for their comfort. They can be found in the Airport Atrium, where they create a relaxing, porch-like ambiance. Finding an empty rocker can be a challenge, but if you have time, head to Concourse A towards Gate A21, where you'll discover a large seating area overlooking the ramp.
The rocking chairs are a great spot to unwind and pass the time, whether you're waiting for a flight or simply enjoying a layover in Charlotte. They're conveniently located near various airport amenities, including the "First in Flight" mobile art installation, the USO Lounge, the International Currency Exchange desk, and dining options like Hissho Sushi and the First in Flight bar.
So, if you're passing through Charlotte Airport, be sure to take a load off in one of their famous rocking chairs. It's the perfect place to relax, watch the bustling airport activity, and maybe even strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller. These chairs truly capture the airport's unique sense of place and hospitality, making them a must-experience part of any visit to Charlotte.
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Visit the on-site aviation museum
If you're an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking to kill time during a layover at Charlotte Airport, head to the on-site Carolinas Aviation Museum. The museum, which has been open for over 25 years, celebrates the history of aviation, from the Wright Brothers—who are believed to have taken the first flight on the shores of North Carolina—to the present day.
The museum houses around 50 static aircraft, including military fighter jets, helicopters, commercial airliners, and a private plane. One of the most popular exhibits is "The Miracle of the Hudson", which features US Airways Flight 1549, the plane that landed in the Hudson River in 2009. This exhibit includes the uniforms of Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles, Sully's headset, and various items from the plane, such as Coke cans from the food cart.
Other notable aircraft on display include the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Long/Schweizer 1948 Midget Mustang, the Boeing 1941 PT-17/ N2S Kaydet (aka The Yellow Peril), the Ercoupe 1946 415-C, the Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat, the McDonnell Douglas 1985 F-4S Phantom II, and the Cessna 150 L 1973.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum offers reasonably priced admission fees, free parking, and terrific community outreach. However, it's worth noting that the museum lacks air conditioning, so it can get quite warm inside, especially on hotter days.
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Explore the local art installations
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is home to several art installations that celebrate the city's culture and history. One of the most notable installations is the "First in Flight" mobile, which hangs above the concourse and celebrates the history of aviation in the city, dating back to the Wright Brothers, who are believed to have made the first flight in North Carolina. The airport also features an aviation museum, where you can learn more about the history of flight and see a replica of the Wright Flyer, as well as various aircraft.
For art lovers, the airport offers a diverse range of installations and paintings. At Gate A6, you'll find "Walk Together Children" by Charlotte native Nellie Ashford, a folk artist. This piece depicts children of all ethnicities united on the journey of life. Nearby, at Gate A7, Ashford's "Honoring All Teachers" tells a story of the city's forgotten places and people. Another notable installation is "Interconnected" by artist Refik Anadol, located at the Connector. This 2,147-square-foot LED media wall presents airport data, such as takeoffs, landings, and baggage movement, through captivating visuals. Anadol also has two live visual art pieces at Gates A21 and A22, offering a unique perspective on airport data.
As you explore Concourse D, keep an eye out for "Vulcan's Gate," a vibrant abstract acrylic painting by artist Herb Jackson. This colourful piece adds a modern twist to the airport's art collection. Additionally, the recent expansion of Concourse E introduced new amenities and dining options, including popular local craft breweries and restaurants.
One of the most iconic art installations at the airport is the statue of Queen Charlotte, located in the Queen's Court within the terminal lobby. This 15-foot-high bronze sculpture, created by artist Raymond Kaskey, was dedicated to the airport in 1990. The statue's backward lean, according to Kaskey, is meant to evoke the idea of leaning "backward in the wind," resembling a "stationary weather vane." The sculpture's crown counterbalances this motion, creating a welcoming gesture. The restoration of the statue's bronze and exterior façade in 2020 further enhanced its beauty.
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Eat and drink at local eateries
Charlotte Airport offers a wide range of dining options, from grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants. If you're after a quick bite, try Rhino Market in Concourse A, which offers a variety of local foods, cheese, chocolate, and baked goods. You can also grab a coffee or a beer or wine to go with your snack. Alternatively, for something more substantial, sit down for a meal at one of the airport's restaurants. For local craft beer and flatbreads or tacos, try Charlotte's NoDa Brewing Company. If you're after something a little more upscale, the American Express Centurion Lounge offers a more relaxed experience.
If you're a beer lover, Wicked Weed, an Asheville-based brewing company, serves a selection of craft beers. While the plaza location doesn't serve food, you can bring your own from elsewhere in the airport. For something a little more unusual, head to Concourse A for a cocktail at Broken Spoke, a cocktail bar on wheels. For Cajun fried chicken, biscuits, and fixings, try Bojangles, a Charlotte original and a fast-food favourite in the Carolinas and beyond.
If you're after something more exotic, Hissho Sushi in Concourse D serves sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. For a more classic option, Ciao Bakery & Cafe offers pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soup. For a taste of local legend, NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Whisky River in Concourse E offers tequila BBQ wings, pork nachos, Whisky River Chili, and other indulgences, all accompanied by live music. For beer lovers, Captain Jack's Tavern, also in Concourse E, features a full bar, including beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, which is made according to old German purity standards.
If you're looking for something to eat before your flight, there are plenty of options in Charlotte Airport. Whether you're after a quick bite or a more substantial meal, the airport has something to offer everyone.
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Shop at the various retailers
Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a wide range of retail options for travellers looking to indulge in some shopping therapy during their layover. With five concourses and 115 gates, the airport is a major gateway to the Caribbean and a hub for American Airlines, providing ample opportunities for travellers to explore and find souvenirs.
One notable retailer in the airport is InMotion, the largest airport electronics store in CLT. InMotion offers a diverse selection of cutting-edge electronics and accessories from trusted brands. You can find everything from noise-cancelling headphones to portable chargers, travel SIM cards, and phone adapters to meet your technological needs.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Rocky Mountain shop, located near Concourses D and E, offers a tempting display of caramel apples in various flavour combinations. These treats have been known to entice travellers passing through the airport.
If you're looking for last-minute snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or personal items, Charlotte News & Gifts in Concourse D and Queen City News & Gifts in Concourse A are convenient options. Heritage Booksellers is another great choice for bookworms looking to stock up on reading material before their flight.
For fashion enthusiasts, there's a shoe store within the airport that has received praise from travellers for its helpful staff and selection, as mentioned in a Tripadvisor review. Although the name of the store isn't explicitly mentioned, it is referenced in the context of Charlotte Airport's shops.
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Frequently asked questions
Charlotte Airport offers plenty to do during a layover. You can relax in the iconic rocking chairs, grab a bite to eat or drink, or visit the Carolinas Aviation Museum.
There are several food and drink options at Charlotte Airport, including local craft breweries such as Sycamore Brewing, NoDa Brewing Company, and Wicked Weed Brewing. For food, you can try Carolina barbecue at Brookwood Farms BBQ or elevated bar food at Whisky River. Other options include Captain Jack's Tavern, Uptown Minibar, and Bojangles for Cajun fried chicken.
Yes, Charlotte Airport has a variety of shops, including Queen City News & Gifts, Heritage Booksellers, and Charlotte News & Gifts for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and personal items. There are also retailers such as 704 Shop, Johnston & Murphy, and Tumi.
Charlotte Airport features several public art installations that you can explore on a self-guided walking tour. Notable artworks include "Walk Together Children" and "Honoring All Teachers" by folk artist Nellie Ashford, and "Interconnected" by artist Refik Anadol, a large LED media wall that visualises airport data.
Opinions vary, but many people suggest that it may not be worth leaving the airport during a short layover due to potential transportation delays and limited attractions in the immediate area. However, if you have a longer layover, you may be able to explore nearby attractions such as the U.S. National Whitewater Center or the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour.
