Roberta Aguirre
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is located at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina. The overlook opened on June 7, 2024, and offers a free, public view of the airfield, skyline, terminal, and runways. The main attraction is watching planes take off and land, but there are also aviation history exhibits, a retired military fighter jet, a playground, and food trucks. With its informative displays, aviation-themed playground, and convenient amenities, the Charlotte Airport Overlook is a popular destination for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook |
| Location | 7300 Old Dowd Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214, US |
| Address Alias | 5130 Airport Overlook Drive |
| Timings | 8 am to 10 pm |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Main Attraction | Takeoffs and landings on Runway 18C/36C and the future Fourth Parallel Runway |
| Exhibits | Aviation history in the Carolinas |
| Amenities | Restrooms, parking lot, playground, food trucks |
| Nearby Attractions | A retired U.S. military fighter jet, an F-4 Phantom II |
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What You'll Learn
Charlotte Douglas International Airport's location and amenities
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte, North Carolina's central business district in the United States. Established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport, it was later renamed Douglas Municipal Airport for Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., who was mayor when the airport was built. In 1982, the airport was renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It is one of the few airports in the United States with a public viewing area, the Overlook, which is a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters. Visitors can watch planes take off and land, with the Charlotte skyline in the background. The Overlook also features informative exhibits on aviation history in the Carolinas, a restored F-4 Phantom II on display, a children's playground, and food trucks. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a smoke-free facility, with a designated smoking area accessible from inside and outside the terminal.
The airport covers 5,558 acres (2,249 ha) of land and is the primary airport for commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area. It is operated by Charlotte's aviation department. In 2019, the airport was the 11th busiest in the United States in terms of passenger traffic, processing over 50 million passengers, and the fifth-busiest in terms of aircraft operations, ranking sixth globally.
The airport has a range of amenities and facilities, including multiple concourses with shops and restaurants, security checkpoints, and an international and commuter concourse. The Rental Car Facility is located in front of the airport terminal and offers vehicles from eight rental car companies. The airport is also one of the few major "hub" airports in the world with an aviation museum on-site. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, established in 1992, features a collection of over 50 aircraft, an aviation library with over 9,000 volumes, and an extensive photography collection.
The area surrounding Charlotte Douglas International Airport also offers a variety of accommodation options, with hotels ranging from 2 to 4 stars. Many hotels provide a courtesy shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as to nearby attractions such as the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Discovery Place Science.
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The overlook's history and refurbishment
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook has been a popular destination for many years. Its predecessor, which opened in 1989, closed on October 3, 2022, for the construction of the North End-Around Taxiway and the future fourth parallel runway. The new overlook, located at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive, opened to the public on June 7, 2024, and is the fifth dedicated overlook at CLT since 1937.
The new overlook offers spectacular airfield, skyline, and terminal views, with a particular focus on the carefully choreographed takeoffs and landings on Runway 18C/36C and the future fourth parallel runway. It is a huge upgrade over the old overlook, now featuring a 600,000-square-foot area with informative exhibits showcasing aviation history in the Carolinas. These exhibits include a retired U.S. military fighter jet, an F4 Phantom II that served during the Vietnam War and the Cold War, a memorial to US Air Flight 1016, aviation-themed playgrounds, dedicated spaces for food trucks, a covered picnic area, and engaging informational displays.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is designed to inspire and propel the next generation of aviators. It offers unobstructed views of planes taking off and landing, with the Charlotte skyline in the background. The overlooks age-specific playgrounds include nods to the airport, featuring a mini air traffic control tower and runway. The overlook also has two runways where kids can race on foot, bike, scooter, or wheelchair.
The new overlook has something for everyone, from aviation enthusiasts to families looking for a fun and educational outing. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to visit, making it a popular destination for the community and visitors alike.
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Exhibits and attractions at the overlook
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is a popular destination that offers a peaceful and picturesque experience. The main attraction is the unobstructed view of planes taking off and landing, with the Charlotte skyline in the background. The overlook offers a vantage point of Runway 18C/36C and the future fourth parallel runway.
The new overlook, opened on June 7, 2024, is a significant upgrade, spanning 600,000 square feet. It features an aviation-themed playground with two areas for toddlers and older kids, a retired military fighter jet, and engaging informational exhibits on aviation history in the Carolinas. There is also a memorial dedicated to US Air Flight 1016.
The overlook has ample parking space and a large area dedicated to food trucks and a covered picnic area. Visitors can enjoy snacks and treats from the various food trucks scheduled to visit the overlook.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is designed to inspire the next generation of aviators, offering a combination of spectacular views, informative exhibits, and family-friendly attractions. It is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm and is free to visit.
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The overlook's accessibility and opening times
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is located at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive, Charlotte, NC 28214, US.. It is open to the public daily from 8 am to 10 pm. The overlook offers a free, close-up, unobstructed view of the airfield, with planes taking off and landing, and the Charlotte skyline in the background. It is a popular destination for families, with plenty of space for people to hang out, even on crowded days.
The new overlook, which opened on June 7, 2024, is the fifth dedicated overlook at CLT since 1937 and cost $8 million to build. It offers a fantastic vantage point of Runway 18C/36C and the future fourth parallel runway. The site includes informative exhibits featuring aviation history in the Carolinas, a retired U.S. military fighter jet (an F4 Phantom II), an aviation-themed playground, dedicated spaces for food trucks, a covered picnic area, and clean restrooms.
The overlook is easily accessible by car, with paved parking available for 145 vehicles. To reach the overlook, stay on Old Dowd Road until you see the big blue sign. There is also a new access bridge at the intersection of Wilkinson Boulevard, Tuckaseegee Road, and Old Dowd Road. While GPS is usually helpful, in this case, it may direct you to turn off Old Dowd Road too soon.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is a great option for anyone looking to witness the action at one of the world's busiest airports. It is a peaceful and picturesque destination, perfect for families and aviation enthusiasts alike. With its range of amenities and attractions, it offers a fun and educational experience for all visitors.
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Reviews of the overlook
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook has been a popular destination for many years. The new overlook, which opened on June 7, 2024, is a huge upgrade over the old one. It offers spectacular airfield, skyline, and terminal views, as well as informative exhibits featuring aviation history. It's a peaceful and picturesque destination, offering an unobstructed view of planes taking off and landing, with the Charlotte skyline in the background.
However, reviews on TripAdvisor for Charlotte Douglas Airport are mixed. Several reviews complain about rude and unhelpful staff, with one review stating that "many TSA agents at this airport are incredibly rude, condescending, and outright mean." There are also complaints about the airport being disorganized, overcrowded, and filthy. One review mentions that the "layout is insane," with incorrect signage making it difficult to navigate.
On the other hand, reviews of the CLT Airport Overlook specifically mention the great vantage point for plane spotting and the informative displays, including a retired fighter jet. The food truck program has also been well-received, with trucks offering snacks and treats on the weekends. The overlook also features aviation-themed playgrounds, a memorial, and dedicated spaces for picnics.
Overall, while there are some negative reviews of the airport itself, the overlook area seems to be a popular and enjoyable destination for visitors, especially families.
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Frequently asked questions
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 7300 Old Dowd Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214, US.
The Charlotte Airport Overlook offers a close-up, unobstructed view of planes taking off and landing, with the Charlotte skyline in the background. There are also informative exhibits featuring aviation history in the Carolinas, a retired U.S. military fighter jet (F-4 Phantom II), and playgrounds with nods to the airport, including a mini air traffic control tower and runway.
The Charlotte Airport Overlook is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
