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Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Steele Creek
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 359-4000
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 359-4000
77 reviews for Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
I evaluate airports according to entertainment value, ease of mobility, cleanliness and staff attitude. Lets face it, you could be stuck anytime with our struggling airline systems, mechanical problems or weather conditions.
Charlotte DIA is easy to get in and out of. Rental car pickup is very reasonable and fast. 4 stars.
Parking cost is low compared to my city. 4 stars
Security, police and TSA personnel in this airport are awesome. Very nice people (Oakland, CA Airport needs to train with them). 4 stars
The security lines are congested and slow. 2 stars.
Bathrooms are very clean with attendants. 5 stars.
Shops are just enough to keep you entertained. 3 stars.
Food service is good, there are a reasonable number of choices and they have a Carolina BBQ stop that is very good by airport standards. They offer fast food to casual dining. This rates 4 stars.
Flight delays are not to bad but they could use improvement. I give them 3 stars.
If you check luggage the wait averages 20 minutes. Not bad. 5 stars
They provide rocking chairs and a massage spa. They also have a Grand Piano in the main atrium and some really talented people stop to play for you. 5 stars
The SHOE SHINE!!! Best in America. My opinion. Amazing deal for 5 bucks plus tip. I bring extra shoes just to show up for this. Sorry to you guys in St. Louis that have held the title so long. "6******" stars.
Free WIFI. 5 stars
Overall a great airport to keep you entertained if on time or stranded. Nice friendly employees in all areas of the airport. 4 stars****
What a charming airport. I'm not kidding. You can plug in your laptop and work ... in a rocking chair! The cashiers say "God bless." And I watched a friendly volunteer chaplain greet a woman with a camo backpack, to tell her all about the airport USO.
And don't miss the NASCAR shop!
Stopped here on a layover from Boston to Miami. Though I didn't spend too too much time here (less than an hour, if that), I still got a pretty good impression of Charlotte-Douglas Airport.
My sister and I had to go from one terminal to another, and it was pretty easy and nicely marked out. The airport has those moving walkways, which I think are totally awesome, and plenty of little shops to get magazines and food between flights.
I've not used Charlotte International Airport as my beginning or final destination so I can't comment on things like parking, TSA screening and ticketing/check-in lines, but I've had more than a few layovers in this airport and have always had good experiences here. There are lots of shops and amenities to pass the time, free WiFi that's fairly quick and available almost everywhere in the airport, some really great food options which are more creative than the usual Micky D's, Starbucks and Sbarro (though they have those, too) and some nice open spaces with big, white rocking chairs to sit and relax. One other cool offering is the restroom attendants which are stationed in every public restroom here. To be honest, many other airports in the US and abroad could take some lessons from CLT!
A conference was flying me from California to Indiana, by way of North Carolina, on US Airways.
I pretty much wandered around the terminal waiting for my connecting flight in some way astonished that I was in the same state the first successful airplane flight occurred. And in my flying in and out of the state I felt in a very small way connected to that extraordinary shred of human achievement.
Then I snapped out of it, took a nap, and woke up somewhere over West Virginia.
CLT is an awesome airport! Clean bathrooms with actual bathroom attendants. "Here miss, a clean towel for you." SWEET! Free wi-fi! Stupid SJC doesn't!
It was my connecting flight back home from JAX. I love how both JAX and CLT have rocking chairs!!! YES, rocking mofo chairs!!! I had 3 hours to kill before my departure back home. What did I do in those 3 hours... Oh, I killed it!
1. Great shops and eats. There's Bojangles' restaurant, never seen one, cute name. Holy cow! GELATO, fudge, and froyo joints in the airport! You know I had to have them all.
2. You know I had to take a 2 hour nap rocking, rocking, rocking, in a mofo rocking chair! Comfortable! ALL airports should have them.
3. The friendliest people I have ever met in this airport, more so than JAX. Nice southern gentlemen, very friendly or flirty? I can't tell :).
I had to minus one star because I got over zealous. I have no self-control when it comes to "vacations" my tummy was hurting on the 5 hour plane ride home =..(...
Since I travel almost exclusively with US Airways, CLT (their main hub) is a frequent stop and I've been flying in/out of there for roughly 4 years now.
Planes usually run smoothly here no matter what section of the airport I'm flying out of. I've gone both domestic and international without a hassle. If you have status with US Airways the fast track on the security line is a god send.
The restaurants are good with some lively bars. The airport itself has a very open feel to it, littered with comfortable rocking chairs should you ever want to sit a spell. Shopping's decent if you're into that sort of thing. It could do with more electrical outlets for the business travelers, but otherwise it's a solid place.
Not a bad airport. You feel the humidity as soon as you walk off the plane. The airport was pretty easy to get around (though it was quite busy during the day). Also, there was free WiFi. The other thing that I liked was that the food court had tables next to power outlets (so you could charge your laptop or iPhone while you eat).
In terms of the eateries, you have your standard airport stuff (Chili's Too!, Burger King, Cinnabon, etc.). Why is that Cinnabon only seem to be at airports? If you are looking for something a little more local, you can try out Bojangles' here, which is a Southeastern fast food fried chicken chain--similar to a Popeyes.
The airport does not have much character. I also had a long delay on the runway (though I'm not sure if that was just an unusual circumstance). I connected here from L.A. to Fort Lauderdale.
This is a review for the Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit Barbeque. Between the Manchu Wok and the Cinabonn (but I was thinking, isn't everything in an American airport between these?) It's good and always makes me happy to be flying into the airport. I've never strayed from the pulled pork, beans, slaw, mac and cheese. They also have inexpensive salads with Ken's Steak House Dressings.
On the airport itself: the rocking chairs are nice, the beeping old-and-fat-people carts are annoying but not as bad as in Houston; the bathroom attendants are annoying... Is this a southern thing? I'm from California and don't really care for "bathroom buddies".
airport looked clean and nice, and free wifi. anywhere that has free wifi is cool with me.
eric b
I get excited when I fly through CLT. Nothing like hanging out in the white rocking chairs with your laptop on the free Wi-Fi. :) So many food choices. Nice ladies in the restroom keeping it clean. Plenty of people mover walkways when you are tired. And I love to watch the little bar with the planes flying around it. It's like heaven as an airport.
The only downfall I've found over the last year is it seems that flight delays are becoming more common. Or perhaps I've just gotten unlucky. Oh well, I've yet to spend the night here, so I can't complain.
If I had to have a layover, this was a nice place for it. Perhaps true to stereotypes of the south, the employees were all very friendly and kind in a way that seemed genuine. The concourses were clean, large and open, and they have ROCKING CHAIRS along the sides to relax in. !! SFO, you should hang your head in shame.
I really like this airport..its clean as a whistle, small, staffed by super friendly people (like everywhere in NC) and its easy in and out. They have lots of flights because Charlotte is (was) the Global HQ for the US retail bank sector. I cant think of anything bad about this place. Five Stars
This was my first time at this airport. It was actually very nice and there are a ton of shops and restaurants to choose from. Like.....a lot! The nice hting is you can go to your gate and probably find a good restaurant right next to the gate so that you don't feel like youre going to miss the flight.
I read another review about the baggage being late. I agree! I came from Jamaica and they let maybe 3 bags on the carousel, then 2 more and that was it for what seemed like forever. Maybe 20 minutes. Then nothing came out for another few minutes. This was maybe the worst part, but everything else was good.
yeah. that's right. I'm yelping a layover with 4 stars.
CLT knows how to do a layover right! I found myself sitting on a rocking chair in the main terminal atrium, (note: go upstairs on the landing for a little more space and quite) listening to someone play on the grand piano below me, eating frozen yogurt from TCBY's new store called Yovana, and relaaaaaaaxing. And looking around, I was not the only person who seemed a little less stressed in this tree lined terminal. Everyone seemed to soak in the great amenities and take advantage of the opportunity of able leg room and overhead space! This airport also offers some great food selections and shops so you can stock up on supplies for the next leg of your trip. If I need another layover, I'm booking it through CLT! hell yeah.
Now you may wonder why I am reviewing the CLT airport as you are probably saying "EF, you live in CLT". You see, I travel a lot and the CLT Airport is one of the best around. Why you ask? Well...
Atmosphere - New feeling, clean, friendly, relaxed.
Amenities - Cheap covered parking (as compared to other cities), covered parking in walking distance to airport, lots of food options (Bojangles, Tequileria, Chilli's), bathroom attendants, free Wifi (a big plus for which I only found in CLT and PIT) ,easy access to power, rocking chairs (near power access), and two US Airways lounges.
Airlines - Mostly US Airways, as it is a hub. Presences by Delta, United, American Airlines is also noted. The plus for CLT-ians w/ US Airways dominance is that most flights are direct.
Overall - As I sit here and wait for my international flight, I am reminded that while other airports are nice, like the new Detroit airport (they sell I-Pods from vending machines!), the CLT airport still rocks!
Layover?
No problem. Enjoy the oversized rocking chairs while partaking in a southern style breakfast of bacon, grits, eggs, biscuits, homefries for under $7.
DEPARTING:
I usually walk to the end by concourse E to go through security. Most of the flights out of here are USAir, yet the security gate by the USAir counters don't seem to staff accordingly. The wait times can differ by 30 minutes.
ARRIVING:
Baggage will always be late here. If you're being picked up at night, have your ride pick you up on the top level where the departures are. There are very few flights departing at night and this area is usually empty.
CONNECTING/WAITING:
There's enough to keep you occupied during a connection here. Most of the stores are lame and I don't know how you can have multiple outlets of Lids under one roof but they manage.
The livelier bar is the Bacardi bar on Concourse D towards the international gates. It looks to be the airport singles scene. There's also a locking 'family' bathroom right by it. This is sometimes used by boozy travelers who are looking for an easier alternative to the mile high club. I am certainly not promoting it but just letting you know it happens. I prefer the atrium bar for the people watching.
Some of the public restrooms are staffed by attendants who solicit tips and maintain order, so bring your 1's and don't expect to run into your senator here.
If you want to nap, the rotunda around the D gates again are usually the most vacant and should give you some space to spread out. You also don't get the annoying beeping carts down here as much. They do sweep the airport at night and make you leave the secured area so don't expect an overnight stay. The airport is not in a nice area of town so all decent hotels are about a 15 minute drive.
EATING:
The restaurant lineup is constantly changing for better or worse. The barbecue in the main atrium is an abomination. My recommendation is the Bojangles which is on Concourse B. They are even worse at math than most other Bojangles locations, so check your receipt or pay cash.
My home airport, I have originated and terminated quite a few trips and it's given me the opportunity to compare CLT with others. Easy access for picking up and dropping off passengers, we also have relatively cheap covered and uncovered parking.
CLT is a great airport if you have a layover. We naturally have the usual complement of Starbucks, but if you're here in the afternoon, make it a point to enjoy one our local Carolina beers. I really like the Carolina Blonde. If you can find one free, take a seat in one of the white rocking chairs where you will find plentiful power and free (and as near as I can tell, unfiltered) Wi-Fi.
You can use any of the security lines because unlike many other airports, once you're through the security, you have access to all concourses - A through E. There are a few slidewalks here and there, but if you have to get from one to another, if you're walking keep an eye out for the electric carts. The higher number E gates are a LONG way from the atrium area. Having had the occasional E32 departure, I wonder why I'm even flying since it seems like I've walked to my destination already!
Tips:
- Rental car franchises are not located in the terminal - you do have to catch your company's shuttle bus.
- There's not a smoking lounge inside the secure area. You have to go outside and follow the signs.
- The statue outside is Queen Charlotte Mecklenburg, arm extended holding her crown.
- There is an "elite" security line at the C security entrance. They are not specific to just US Airways. Any elite passenger is allowed to use it.
- CLT doesn't yet have CLEAR or PDA boarding passes.
- The ATM fees are steep if it's not your bank!
This is my home airport and everytime I do have to fly somewhere, I can always expect to look forward to a quick check-in. I kinda cut it close last weekend though. I had a 7:55am flight to Kansas City and didn't get off to work until 6:30am, traveling from South Carolina, south of the Ballantyne area. I made it to the airport at 7:05am, parked in Long Term Parking (which has always been pleasant, except for the few times that I had to go find my car....but that's completely on me, haha), missed a shuttle bus, but another one pulled in not even two minutes later...got to the terminal, printed my pass in the self check in kiosk, and got in the line to get through security. It appeared to be kinda long, but I got through in less than 5 minutes. I was sitting in front of my gate for Kansas City at 7:25am. Now if that aint quick, I don't know what is. The beauty of Charlotte-Douglas Airport is it's US Airways main hub, so you can get several nonstop flights to the big cities in the country (LA, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, and the list goes on). I also just found out that Charlotte has nonstop service to Paris and will begin nonstop service to Honolulu and Rio de Janeiro (all on US Airways). The free Wi-Fi is always sweet if you need something to do to kill some time. There are plenty of places to eat from your standard fast food chains to some nice bars and restaurants.
As a New York City native, I couldn't stand the hassles of JFK, LaGuardia and Newark. I can get to wherever I need to in the country from Charlotte and it has never been a hassle.
This place gets bigger every time I visit NC. I like it.
+ Free WiFi. So I can work (I mean Yelp) while waiting for my flight.
+ There are bathroom attendants in the lady's room armed with Listerine, feminine products and mints. All I need is a pair of CFMs and some ambient music and I feel like I'm in the city again.
+ Food selection is not bad if you have to wait.
+ I love the little chocolate shops.
Not a terrible airport....but not incredible either.
The security lines are slow and tedious. Keep in mind that there are multiple security checkpoints so don't think you need to use the one closest to your gate when the lines are long.
The rocking chairs are a nice touch as well if you want to grab some Southern culture during a layover.
I hate to fly. I really do. It is ironic b/c I am a travel agent but flying makes my belly upset, so I really don't love it. With all the travel I do and flying from Indy...I never have a nonstop ANYWHERE...unless I'm going to Chicago and often, I am suprised we don't "stop off' in South Bend....
Anyway...Charlotte's airport is BY FAR the best airport I have ever flown through. For one thing, they are great about keeping things on time unless a flight is delayed from somewhere else. I know this is more the airline, but I have never been delayed here.
They have great food and coffee places, shopping options and plenty of walking room through terminals. And, my favorite are the huge open windows and rocking chairs to relax in while you are waiting for your next flight. It is the "homiest" airport ever. :)
It's updated, nice, clean and wonderful if there is such a thing!! I highly recommend that if you have to have a layover, do your best to fly through Charlotte. :)
I like this airport not only I have to go thro' almost everyweek to fly out. I like their FREE internet. (Not every airport is so generous).
TSA security is very reasonable though my luggage were stolen outside the airport a month ago while waiting for my son to pick up at departure level.
- Valet parking if you are in great hurry.
- Affordable long term parking.
- A cell phone lot where you can park and wait free.
- Parking is free for the 1st 1/2 hour
- Good food place and bars in every terminal. Watch out many passengers miss their flights by hanging out in the bars.
- Many others such as shoes shine, massage, manicure, clothes and many others; of course the price is higher because it is inside the airport
I know this airport every well as I fly out from here everywhere and it has been seven years now.
I love this airport! It feels like home to me. Charlotte is like a safe haven since I use it as a hub to fly in and out of Roanoke, it means the last leg before I get to see my family, or the last bit of southern comfort I'll have before returning to Los Angeles. It's familiar, and has that good old Southern feel to it. (Please don't mistake this with trashy redneck). What I mean is that most all employee's will give you a nod and a comforting smile, and be more than willing to take time to help you find your way. These encounters most often times (for me at least) turn into a few minutes of friendly chit-chat while I'm on my way from one terminal to another. Also, spread throughout the airport are "rest" areas that have these comfortable, huge front porch sized, white rocking chairs that are very well maintained. (What other airport will you find that in??)
CLT also has a very specific smell throughout the entire building. It's like a fresh, clean scent almost. The carpet is consistently clean and the hard surface floors always polished and scratch-free. The windows at the gates are sans handprints and the trash cans are always recently changed. It's very rare that I have any issues arriving or departing from Charlotte. Also, it is easily one of the most simple International Airports to navigate. This place couldn't get anymore organized!
Free WiFi everywhere in the airport!
Cute rocking chairs in the main lobby.
A few small shops.
Mostly fast food restaurants. The non-fast food restaurants are spread pretty far and wide.
It's a pretty good hike between concourses but there are walking sidewalks in places.
Overall, it's an ok transfer point. Pack a lunch and sit a spell in the rocking chairs until your next flight.
Well I've only flown in and out of here twice while visiting family during the holidays and I always go during "off peak" days in order to avoid the holiday rush.. but generally, I do like this airport.
I find it easy to navigate with decent food and a helpful staff.
Works for me.
Had a very pleasant layover here. En route from CDG to SFO it was so nice to be able to sit in a rocking chair and watch the people go by! The employees at security and check-in were friendly and genuine. They also have the standards that most airports are supposed to have (Starbucks...hear that, SFO and PHL?) as well as a few expensive special specialty stores i.e. Brookstone that are nice to browse. They also have a few relatively not-bad-for-you options like Wolfgang Puck Express and a few sandwich and salad and smoothie stops, and they are kind of spread out but the airport isn't huge so it's an easy walk between them.
I FREAKING LOVE THIS AIRPORT!!! There are ladies to assist you in the bathroom, which is weird but fancy. And the rocking chairs! I know any airport with a substantial US Airways flight output has them, but at Charlotte-Douglas they're in this long atrium-style corridor with lots of sunlight. It's just lovely. The airport's layout is spectacular; it's incredibly easy to get from one concourse to another. And there's free wi-fi all over the place. Charlotte-Douglas is WIN!!!
Ooh, and they have a Body Shop! More win!!!
Wine bar with monitors displaying departures.
Check.
Rocking chairs scattered throughout the terminals.
Check.
Gelato stand
Check.
Spa services while you wait for your flight.
Check.
I may just move in.
Pros:
Rocking Chairs everywhere
A "spa" where you can get a quick massage,mani-pedi, or eyebrow wax
A wine bar so after you get your mani-pedi you can get a quick drank!
Free wireless access
All in all not a bad airport..it's decently sized and pretty easy to navigate!
I'm writing this review of CLT as I'm sitting here waiting for my delayed flight to take off... even still, this is one airport I don't mind being stuck at for a few extra minutes. Both flying in and getting luggage and checking in to depart today, security, etc was a BREEZE!
I must've missed the rockers that other yelpers wrote about, but I'm enjoying the WiFi, had my Starbucks, checked out Borders, and chilled out at my gate with no problems... Overall, I've enjoyed my arrival and departure from this smoothly operating airport.
Now, if only my flight leaves soon, I'll be great!
The rocking chairs are genius!
They're perfect for weary travelers that just want to relax especially those of us in between flights. Ahhh genius.
And did I mention the food, they have everything you might be craving and some new ideas that will get your mouth watering.
The staff was polite and helpful.
Some other airports need to come study this airport's success and learn a thing or 20.
Bathroom attendant, rocking chairs, spacious and modern facilities, numerous shopping and eating establishments (not outstanding, but better than the run of the mill choices at most other airports), a wine bar, and all the while being accessible to people coming in from other terminals without needing to go through another security checkpoint.
Thank you Charlotte, for making a layover bearable. You just need more airlines. But you're definitely a world-class airport.
CLT is definitely one of the friendliest airports for travelers. First, I found the workers at CLT really helpful and engaged. When I was transiting through, I was on crutches (sprained ankle). It was sore enough that I used my crutches but not enough that I needed a wheel chair. As I was limping from Concourse E to B, a number of workers asked me if I would like them to hail down a shuttle car. Gee, I didn't think I was limping that badly :) A couple of shuttle cars also pulled up beside me and asked if I wanted a lift. WOW. I was impressed. I have traveled through some airports where the workers would glare at you if you even "dare" interrupt them to ask a question.
I also like the fact that there are SO MANY rocking chairs throughout the airport and that they are close to electrical outlets. That plus the fact that CLT provides free WIFI makes this airport really friendly to people who need to plug in and work or browse. Hey BOS, ORD and other major airports, are you listening.
CLT is definitely on the top of my favorite airports.
I was actually quite impressed by this airport. Two things stood out for me: their free wi-fi, which was surprisingly fast for being free; and the fact that they have restrooms (with personal attendants, which is a little weird at first) like every twenty feet. Very nice place if you have to have a longish layover, or have a small bladder. One of these days, I want to sit in one of those white rocking chairs they have in the main concourse, right across from the NASCAR store.
A very nice airport to have a layover unlike some other places I know. Very clean loo's for 1's and 2's, there is even a bathroom attendant. How fancy!
And who doesn't love rocking chairs and free wireless! It rocks!
But I have to say, they really, REALLY love their Nascar here. If you're into that (then you probably aren't reading this) you got your Nascar shop and your Nascar restaurant and bar! Woo doggy!
Very sweet, quaint airport. Quite small but it does fly internationally.
Very bright, well laid out, lots of spots to hook up your computer, rocking chairs through out, decent food court. The place was immaculate - quite shocking for the number of people rolling through there. The security screening was quite efficient and went quickly - nice change of pace!
Once again - no checked baggage so I can report back on that experience.
Get a flight routed through Charlotte - you'll enjoy it!
Yes, CLT is clean and it's central area connecting the terminals is brightly lit from the wall-o-windows, and offers plenty of eating/shopping options. I'll give it that.
Now, CLT is USAIRWAYS' fortress hub, meaning they dominate this place. This is not a good thing being that USAIR tops the list for things like lost and/or mishandled baggage, customer complaints, percentage of flights late 70% of the time or more, and the lowest % of flights arriving on time. So now you're saying, well that's USAIR's fault, not CLT's. Well, tell me this, if USAIR has the majority of flights, passenger traffic, and gates in the airport, then who's at fault?
Sadly, I've connected several times in CLT and my flights have yet to be on-time. So, all this garbage about how CLT has rocking chairs for you sit on, blah, blah, blah..., after I've been delayed or missed my flight and having walked back and forth from terminal to terminal with no luck in getting some help, all I want to do is break the stupid rocking chair into a million pieces. How bout that?
One star for free WiFi.
Horrible spotty internet, but at least it's free!
The rocking chairs make this airport extremely unique!
