The airport is large, but operates only one terminal witha central check-in building shared by all airlines.

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After security, the airport is divided into five sections, known as ‘ "Concourses": ’ A, B, C, D and E. There are four security checkpoints leading into the transit area (A/B, C, D, E). However, once you have passed through these, you can proceed to any part of the airport.

You can only move around the terminal on foot, though moving walkways make covering long distances easier. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from the security checkpoint to the furthest departure gate.

Airport map

You can find an interactive map and a downloadable PDF map of the entire airport on the airport’s official website:cltairport.com/website-maps.

Connecting flights

How does transferring between connecting flights work? Charlotte Airport has the highest proportion of transfer passengers of any airport in the US, partly because transferring here is really simple and straightforward.

You do not need to change terminals when transferring; you remain in the same building throughout.

What security checks do I go through when transferring?

What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?

• International →international: immigration and security checks
  • 90 minutes
• International →domestic: immigration and security checks
  • 90 minutes
• Domestic->international: no checks
  • 35 minutes
• Domestic->domestic: no checks
  • 35 minutes

Do I have to leave the transit area when changing flights?

If you arrive in Charlotte on an international flight, you must leave the transit area, go through immigration and collect your luggage. You will then check in again and go through security back into the transit area.

If you are arriving from another destination within the US, you can proceed directly to your connecting departure gate without any checks, whether you are connecting to a domestic or international flight.

Do I need to collect my luggage?

If you are arriving at Charlotte Airport from abroad, you mustalwayscollect your luggage and re-check it at the check-in counter.

If you’re flying from a destination within the US and your connection is no longer than 8 hours, your luggage will be automatically transferred. It doesn’t matter whether you’re continuing on an international or domestic flight.

Do I need to apply for an ESTA?

Whenever you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your luggage and leave the transit area.

You must therefore have an electronic ESTA authorisation to enter the United States (you can apply online at21 usdvia the official website:esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

How long does immigration control take?

Immigration checks in Charlotte are not usually lengthy, and waiting times range from 20 to 90 minutes.

If you have less than 1.5 hours for your connection, we recommend informing the staff before joining the queue that you have a tight connection. In such cases, you may be directed to the priority queue.

If, due to the length of immigration checks, you miss your guaranteed connecting flight, the airline will arrange the next available flight for you free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline’s expense is not provided in such cases.

Is there a passport control on departure?

No. You do not go through immigration on departure from the US.

Charlotte Airport is a major hub with round-the-clock operations and overnight connections between flights from Europe to the US or the Caribbean. Where is the best place to stay?

Hotels near the terminal

There are no hotels within walking distance of the terminals.

However, about a 10-minute drive north of the terminal, you’ll find several hotels that are ideal for an overnight stay between flights.

Below, we recommend the top-rated hotels offering free private transfers to and from the airport. Prices for all hotels are around 120 usd per night.

• Courtyard Charlotte Airport ***
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport ***
• Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte - Airport ***
• Holiday Inn Charlotte-Airport ***

Hotels in Charlotte

If you don’t mind travelling straight into the city centre at night, you can choose from a much wider range of accommodation in the city centre.

• Search for accommodation in Charlotte