The airport is large but operates only one terminal with a central check-in building shared by all airlines.
After security check, the airport is divided into 5 sections, called "Concourses": A, B, C, D, E. There are 4 security checkpoints (A/B, C, D, E) leading to the transit area, but you can head to any part of the airport after passing through them.
Movement across the terminal is on foot only, but long distances are made easier by moving walkways. It takes approximately 20 minutes to move from the security checkpoint to the furthest departure gate.
Airport map
An interactive map and a downloadable pdf map of the entire airport can be found on the airport's official website: cltairport.com/website-maps.
Transfer between flights
How do I transfer between connecting flights? Charlotte Airport has the highest proportion of transfer passengers of any airport in the US, partly because it's really easy and straightforward to transfer.
There's no need to change terminals when transferring, you always stay in one building.
What checks do I go through when I transfer?
What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?
- International -> International: immigration and security check
- 90 minutes
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- 90 minutes
- National -> International: no check
- 35 minutes
- Domestic -> domestic: no check
- 35 minutes
Do I have to leave the transit zone when I change trains?
If you arrive in Charlotte on an international flight, you must exit the transit area, go through immigration and collect your luggage. You will check in again and go through security into the transit area.
If you are arriving from another destination within the US, you can proceed directly to the connecting gate without any screening for both domestic and international flights.
Do I need to collect my luggage?
If you are arriving at Charlotte Airport from abroad, you must always pick up your baggage and resubmit it at the check-in counter.
If you are flying from a destination within the U.S. and you have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically transferred. It does not matter whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.
Do I need to apply for ESTA?
Every time you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your baggage and exit the transit area.
Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA to enter the United States (for 21 usd online processing at the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
How long does the immigration check take?
Immigration inspections in Charlotte are not usually long, with queue lengths ranging between 20 and 90 minutes.
If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, we recommend telling the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in line. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.
If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.
Do I go through passport control on departure?
No. There is no immigration check on departure from the USA.
Charlotte Airport is a major hub with all-night traffic and night transfers between flights from Europe to the USA 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 10 minutes drive north of the terminal you will find several hotels ideal for overnight stays between flights.
Below we recommend the top-rated hotels with free self-service airport transfers. The 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 traveling straight into the city at night, choose from a much wider variety of downtown accommodations.
