Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Charlotte Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Charlotte’s only saving grace is the garden area by the fountain outside of security -a traveller
CLT Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Charlotte Airport.
What to Expect
Charlotte Douglas Airport (Code: CLT) consists of five concourses (A, B, C, D and E) and perhaps unsurprisingly, there can be some very long walks between gates if you have a connecting flight. Some reviewers describe the airport as worn out and inefficient, with some particularly congested areas around the gates. Regarding amenities, CLT has a decent range of shopping and dining options on the airside. All concessions – except the landside Starbucks – close overnight. Free WiFi and charging stations are available throughout the terminal. For added comfort, economy-class passengers can access first-class lounges with a day pass or an Admirals Club membership. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.
Sleeping in Charlotte Airport
If you’ve arrived late with a connection in the morning, you are now permitted to stay airside (according to a February 2020 review). Be prepared to be asked for ID and proof of an outbound flight.
The chairs throughout the terminal are by no means sleeper-friendly. Most have armrests, and few other options exist beyond sleeping on the cold, hard floor.
Landside, the sleeping conditions are considered uncomfortable, with many travellers opting for the floor. Those who have spent the night cite hard, cold, dirty floors, bright lights, and loud announcements as major sleep inhibitors. Some couches and padded chairs are in the Terminal E pre-security area, and a few quiet nooks are under the escalators in Zones B and C in baggage claim. A sleeping pad is recommended.
If you’re on the airside, there are more modern chairs at Gates C12-14. These chairs are padded and have wireless charging, but all have armrests, so they will not be too comfortable for lying down. Most sleepers should be prepared to sleep on the floor. It may not be the most appropriate option, but some travellers have reported sleeping in the Chapel, with long benches and better choices. Although still not the most comfortable, they said it was the best option they could find airside.
Fortunately, there are a couple of designated rest zones.
If none of this sounds like an experience you wish to have and you prefer privacy and a bed, there are sleep cabins inside the airport and nearby hotels with airport shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below. Read some traveller reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Charlotte Douglas Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Remember that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you cannot get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location:
Checkpoint A: 3:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Checkpoint B: 4:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Checkpoint C: 3:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Checkpoint D: 4:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Checkpoint E: 4:30 AM – 10:15 PM
Passengers can check the CLT website or app for live wait times at each checkpoint.
Times are subject to change without notice.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Charlotte Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep cabins inside the airport and nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:
Hotels inside the Terminal
For short naps or overnight sleepovers, you don’t have to leave the terminal to use the Minute Suites:
- Minute Suites -Locations: Airside, in the Atrium (24 hours) • Airside, Concourse D (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM). Here are the rates as of April 2024: US$ 55 per hour, minimum two-hour stay • US$ 195 (Overnight – 8 hours, after 9:00 AM). Showers are also available. Rates: $20.00 for a 30-minute shower with a suite rental or $30.00 without. Location: Airside, Atrium, which is accessible from all Terminals. » Check Rates
Off-site, there are many nearby options and some have airport shuttles:
- Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport North » Check Rates
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlotte Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Charlotte-Airport Conference Center » Check Rates
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Charlotte Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations: Concourse B • Intersection of Concourses C/D. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- American Express Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level, Intersection of Concourses D/E. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- The Club CLT – Locations: Airside, Concourse A, near Gates A21 and A22. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid Lounge Passes • Lounge membership programs.
Military Lounge
USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Main Atrium, 2nd Floor. Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Related Pages: Charlotte Airport Lounges
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Rocking chairs are in the Atrium (landside) and Concourses D and E (airside).
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Drinking Water
Water bottle refill stations are available throughout the airport, both landside and airside.
Food & Drinks
The airport offers over 54 restaurants and cafes, both Landside and Airside. The Farmers Market (Concourse B or E Rotunda) and the Fresh Attractions may be good options for healthy snacks and beverages. At the time of this update, we cannot confirm the availability of any 24-hour dining options.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging stations are located on the landside and airside throughout the terminal. Seating with integrated power and USB is located at Gates A21-A29 and all of Concourse B. Power outlets can also be found throughout the Atrium and all concourses. If you prefer to pay for quicker service, portable power can be purchased from some of the airport’s retailers and Fuel Rod vending locations.
Showers
Showers are available at Minute Suites. Rates are $20.00 for a 30-minute shower with a suite rental or $30.00 without. Location: Airside, Atrium, which is accessible from all Terminals.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Charlotte Airport. Connect to the “CLT Free WiFi” network.
More Airport Information
Accessibility – CLT is partnered with the Sunflower Organization, which helps to make airports more accessible for passengers with hidden disabilities (autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, etc.). Sunflower item pick-up locations: Information Desk, Info Center at Baggage Claim, USO Lounge, The Club CLT.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside (near gates A1, B7, C9 and D6; D/E connector; Concourse E and Main Atrium).
CLT Canine Crew – If you’re feeling stressed before your flight, look out for one of the CLT Canine Crew dogs. Easily recognizable by their blue vests, which say “Pet Me,” these therapy dogs can be found being walked throughout the airport.
Chapel – The interfaith chapel is available 24/7. Location: Atrium, upper level, landside.
Currency Exchange – Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers currency exchange, Western Union, business services, and more. Two locations: Atrium, Airside • Concourse D, Airside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with various retail shops and at least 15 convenience/news shops for any last-minute drink or snack needs. CNBC Smartshop and Heritage Booksellers operate 24/7.
Entertainment – Head to Gameway for a premium video gaming experience. Location: Airside, Concourse E. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Family Services
- Nursing Areas – The airport provides peaceful rooms for breastfeeding mothers. Three stalls are available with privacy curtains, cushioned rocking chairs and power outlets. Locations: Upper level of the Atrium, across from the airport chapel (directly above Cinnabon) • Concourse A Connector between Gates A1-A13 and A21-A29 • near the corner of Concourses D and E, across from Checkpoint E.
- Diaper Changing Facilities – Available in all restrooms.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance! Location: Ticketing area, landside. Look for “The Yellow Shirts” volunteers who can assist you.
Pet Relief Areas – Landside, Baggage Claim (West and East) • Airside, A/B Connector, near Checkpoint A • Airside, Concourse A Connector, Gates A1-A13 and A21-A29) • Airside, Concourse D near Original Rum Bar and Grill.
Shoe Shine – Executive Shoe Shine offers service in 3 Airside Locations (Atrium • D/E Connector • Concourse E).
SIM Cards – It is possible to purchase a SIM card at InMotion Entertainment. Multiple locations: Concourse C, D/E Connector, A Connector.
Smoking Areas – Smoking is prohibited inside the airport. There are no designated smoking areas.
Spa & Salon Services – Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and more are available at XpresSpa. Locations: Airside, D/E Connector (Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) • Airside, A/B Connector (Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sat/Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Bus
Three bus routes serve the airport:
- Route 5 Airport Sprinter – Runs between Center City and the airport in less than 30 minutes.
- Route 590 Airport Connector – Runs express between the Northlake Mall Park & Ride and the airport.
- Route 591 Airport Connector – Runs between the airport and three LYNX Blue Line light rail stations (Archdale, Tyvola and Woodlawn).
All buses depart every 20 – 30 minutes; most operate from roughly 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM, and fares range from $2-$3 per ride (exact change or CATS transit pass). For more information, visit the CATS website.
Car Rentals
The airport has recently opened its Rental Car Facility in the Level 2 Lobby of the Hourly Parking Deck in front of the terminal. The following car rental agencies can be found at the Rental Car Facility: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Sterling Hotel & Suites • Clarion Hotel Airport & Conference Center • Comfort Suites Airport • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson I-85 • Courtyard Charlotte Airport North • Days Inn by Wyndham • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • Hampton Inn & Suites • Hilton Hotel • Hilton Garden Inn • Holiday Inn Hotel • Holiday Inn Express & Suites • Home2 Suites by Hilton • Homewood Suites by Hilton • Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Tyvola Road • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Sheraton Hotel • Sleep Inn Billy Graham Parkway • SpringHill Suites • Tru By Hilton Lake Pointe • Wingate by Wyndham I-85/I-485.
These hotels can be contacted from the airport at one of the Traveler Information Centers located on the Baggage Claim Level.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxi
Taxis that operate from the airport taxi rank adhere to airport guidelines and are guaranteed to accept credit cards and have GPS. Most taxis charge according to a metered rate, but some are authorized to charge a flat rate to destinations in the immediate area and city center.
Security & Safety
While there have been reports of rude staff, no safety issues have been reported.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Last updated: 2024-10-10
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.