Short layover in Charlotte? How short is too short?

Short layover in Charlotte? How short is too short?

When it comes to air travel (and all the potential problems that come with it), having a short layover in Charlotte is not something to get stressed about.

  • Connecting from one domestic flight to another in Charlotte can be done in as little as 35 minutes (I’ve done it).
  • Connecting to an international flight from a domestic flight can be done in as little as 45 minutes.
  • Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight can easily be done with a layover time of just a one hour. That’s pushing it, but it’s definitely possible.

Of all the major hub airports in the United States, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the most compact and efficient. As a matter of fact, it’s the airport I often fantasize about what I’m sprinting through ATL at top speed jumping over families with small children (O.J. Simpson style) in a desperate attempt to catch my next flight.

The reason why short layovers are ok in Charlotte

The reason why Charlotte is one of the most efficient airports for making short connections in is because of its size. It wasn’t designed to be a major hub airport, therefore, there’s a limit to how many flights it can handle on a daily basis.

This greatly reduces congestion, which makes transiting through the airport much calmer process compared to others.

Also, Compared to other major hub airports (such as Atlanta and Chicago), the terminals at CLT are relatively small. Walking from one end of the terminal to the next can be done in as little as 15 minutes. If you run, it’ll only take 5.

CLT moving walkway
CLT is so efficient that you can get from one end of the airport to the other in minutes (even if the moving walkways are clogged like this). Fun fact: voicing your political or religious opinions out loud, for everyone to hear, is an easy way to get people to move out of your way.

What is the minimum layover for domestic flights in Charlotte?

The minimum layover that I would recommend in Charlotte from one domestic flight to another is 35 minutes. Honestly, you could probably do it in as little as 25, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Only those with nerves of steel should voluntarily attempt something like this.

Just know that if your inbound flight is late, and time is running short, the chances of making your connection are far greater in Charlotte than they are at other hub airports.

What is the minimum layover for international flights in Charlotte?

If I lived in the southeast, I would fly in and out of the Charlotte airport as much as I could for international flights. It’s just so darn easy (and fast) to move through when it comes to international departures and arrivals.

One of the primary reasons for this is that there is no dedicated international terminal at CLT. International flights can (and do) depart from any terminal.

Connecting TO an international flight

Connecting to an international flight from a domestic flight in Charlotte will require a minimum layover of 45 minutes. The only reason why it requires more time than a domestic to domestic connection is due to the fact that (per FAA regulations), you need to be onboard an international flight a little earlier.

Note that you will not have to go through any additional security checks when connecting to an international flight in Charlotte. Just walk to your gate and board the plane.

Connecting FROM an international flight

Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight in Charlotte will require minimum layover of one hour. The reason why it can be done so quickly is because of the fact that the Charlotte Airport doesn’t process many international flights on any given day. It’s a relatively quick and efficient process to get through passport control and customs.

That being said, I would highly recommend a longer layover if you have the option. I’d want at least two hours to make a no-stress international to domestic connection in Charlotte, but I’ll talk more about that in a moment…

Charlotte airport main terminal
There are some airports that are difficult to run at top speed through, and then there’s the Charlotte Airport. Wide corridors (with room to run) FTW!

A brief overview of the terminal layout at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport

I really like the Charlotte Airport. It’s large enough to feel like a big international hub, but small enough to walk through relatively quickly.

There are five main terminals at CLT (A, B, C, D, and E). Terminal A is the only one that is broken up into two separate concourses.

CLT terminal map

All terminals and concourses are connected airside past the security checkpoints. This means that you can walk between all terminals at CLT without having to go through any additional security checks.

Pro tip: since all terminals are accessible from any security checkpoint, you can save a lot of time by choosing the security checkpoint with the shortest line and still access any gate in the airport.

Travel time between all terminals at CLT

The nice thing about the Charlotte Airport is that it’s one of the most walkable in the entire US.

I’ve walked from one end of Terminal A all the way to the tippy-top end of Terminal E in about 10 minutes. Of course, I walk at a very brisk pace, so add a few minutes if your stride (or swagger) is a bit more casual.

For reference, here’s how long it should take the average person to walk between all terminals at the Charlotte airport:

Terminal A (gates A21-29) to:

  • Terminal A (gates A1-13): 3 minutes
  • Terminal B: 5 minutes
  • Terminal C: 7 minutes
  • Terminal D: 9 minutes
  • Terminal E: 11 minutes

Terminal A (gates A1-13) to:

  • Terminal A (gates A21-29): 3 minutes
  • Terminal B: 2 minutes
  • Terminal C: 4 minutes
  • Terminal D: 6 minutes
  • Terminal E: 8 minutes

Terminal B to:

  • Terminal A (gates A1-13): 2 minutes
  • Terminal A (gates A21-29): 5 minutes
  • Terminal C: 2 minutes
  • Terminal D: 4 minutes
  • Terminal E: 6 minutes

Terminal C to:

  • Terminal A (gates A1-13): 4 minutes
  • Terminal A (gates A21-29): 7 minutes
  • Terminal B: 2 minutes
  • Terminal D: 2 minutes
  • Terminal E: 4 minutes

Terminal D to:

  • Terminal A (gates A1-13): 6 minutes
  • Terminal A (gates A21-29): 9 minutes
  • Terminal B: 4 minutes
  • Terminal C: 2 minutes
  • Terminal E: 2 minutes

Terminal E to:

  • Terminal A (gates A1-13): 8 minutes
  • Terminal A (gates A21-29): 11 minutes
  • Terminal B: 6 minutes
  • Terminal C: 4 minutes
  • Terminal D: 2 minutes
Charlotte airport passengers
As always, be sure to add more time to these estimates if you are a slow walker, or if you’ve got ornery kids in tow. Ornery grandparents will slow you down as well.

How long of a layover do you need in Charlotte for a no-stress connection?

Note: all the connection times that I’ve mentioned so far are a bit on the aggressive side. They are the absolute minimum layover times that I would recommend. That being said, you’re likely to feel a bit stressed trying to achieve those kinds of connection times, so here’s what I recommend for a no-stress layover at CLT:

Domestic to domestic connections

For a completely no-stress domestic to domestic layover, an hour and a half is sufficient at the Charlotte Airport. That’ll easily give you enough time to hit the food court in the central terminal, or to hang out in a lounge if you have access to one.

FYI, an hour and a half is a lot shorter than what I’ve recommended for other airports. For example:

Domestic to international connections

For me, two hours would be an ideal layover when connecting to an international flight from a domestic flight. There aren’t any additional steps required to make a domestic to international connection in Charlotte, but you will need a little extra time to board the plane a bit early (per FAA regulations).

International to domestic connections

Call me paranoid, but to make a no-stress international to domestic connection at Charlotte, I would want three hours. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t need all of it, but then again, that’s what makes it no-stress. A three hour layover would easily be able to absorb any delays going through customs.

taking off from CLT
That moment when you can breath a sigh of relief for having survived your short layover. You may now begin to stress about your next one…

Tips for making really short layovers at Charlotte

The most important thing you didn’t need to know about having a short layover at CLT is that it’s going to be OK. I promise you that.

Honestly, of all the hub airports in the US to have a short connection at, Charlotte just might be at the top of my list for being the easiest and fastest to navigate through. If you’re still feeling a little stressed, here are a few tips based on my own experiences:

  • Take advantage of the moving walkways! Walking at a brisk pace on the moving walkways (which are located throughout the entire airport) will easily cut down on the time estimates I’ve given above.
  • Don’t waste your time trying to find something to eat in the individual terminals. Your best bet for getting quick and decent food will be in the central terminal.
  • It’s always a good idea to study the terminal map of the airport before you arrive. This way, you’ll have a very good sense of where you need to go once you arrive (so you can hit the ground running).

And finally, if you’re flying American Airlines, you have even less to worry about. Since the Charlotte Airport is an American Airlines hub, missing your connecting flight is hardly ever a big deal.

They’ll automatically put you on the next one, and given the high frequency of flights in and out of CLT on a daily basis, chances are pretty good you won’t have to wait long.

Comments (138)

  1. AVLspotter

    March 13, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      March 13, 2022
  2. Kelly

    March 13, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      March 14, 2022
  3. CJ Apple

    June 26, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 26, 2022
  4. Rem

    August 16, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      August 16, 2022
  5. Rebecca

    December 8, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      December 8, 2022
      • Tracy

        August 29, 2023
        • Scott (SANspotter)

          August 30, 2023
    • Dee

      February 12, 2023
  6. Matt

    December 21, 2022
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      December 22, 2022
  7. Dee

    January 8, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 8, 2023
      • Dee

        January 8, 2023
      • Dee

        May 12, 2023
        • Scott (SANspotter)

          May 14, 2023
  8. Rejean Turcotte

    January 15, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 15, 2023
      • Rejean

        January 16, 2023
    • Bernard

      June 12, 2023
      • Scott (SANspotter)

        June 13, 2023
  9. Camila

    January 24, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 24, 2023
  10. Alli

    January 25, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 25, 2023
  11. Kenzie

    January 25, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 25, 2023
  12. Yanice

    January 29, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 29, 2023
      • Yanice

        January 30, 2023
        • Scott (SANspotter)

          January 30, 2023
          • Yanice

            January 31, 2023
  13. Kim

    January 31, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 31, 2023
      • Kim

        January 31, 2023
  14. Majedeh

    February 20, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      February 20, 2023
  15. Bobbi

    March 9, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      March 10, 2023
  16. Heather

    March 27, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      March 27, 2023
  17. Crystal

    April 14, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      April 14, 2023
  18. Julie

    April 20, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      April 20, 2023
  19. Belle

    April 26, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      April 27, 2023
  20. Julie

    April 27, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      April 27, 2023
  21. S

    May 2, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 3, 2023
  22. Fray

    May 11, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 11, 2023
  23. Nick watts

    May 14, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 14, 2023
  24. nicholas watts

    May 15, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 15, 2023
  25. Sara King

    May 15, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 15, 2023
  26. Sally

    May 27, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      May 27, 2023
  27. Beth G

    June 2, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 3, 2023
  28. Angela James

    June 4, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 4, 2023
  29. Stephanie

    June 4, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 5, 2023
  30. Sharon

    June 9, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 10, 2023
  31. Matthew

    June 10, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 10, 2023
  32. Nik

    June 26, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      June 26, 2023
  33. Richard Carter

    July 1, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      July 1, 2023
  34. Jolie

    July 3, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      July 3, 2023
  35. Daniela

    July 5, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      July 5, 2023
  36. Sam

    July 16, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      July 20, 2023
  37. Andrea

    August 8, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      August 8, 2023
  38. Cheryl Patrick

    August 30, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      August 30, 2023
  39. Antarah

    August 31, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 1, 2023
  40. carol

    September 4, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 5, 2023
  41. Gabriella Waller

    September 5, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 5, 2023
  42. JT

    September 8, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 8, 2023
  43. Courtney

    September 9, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 9, 2023
  44. Marc

    September 11, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 11, 2023
  45. Jennifer Templeton

    September 22, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 22, 2023
  46. Marcia

    September 24, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 24, 2023
  47. Eric

    September 28, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      September 30, 2023
  48. Mingu Cho

    October 5, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      October 5, 2023
  49. Rocco

    October 22, 2023
  50. Chaz

    October 31, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      November 1, 2023
  51. Macey

    November 4, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      November 4, 2023
  52. Vanessa

    December 7, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      December 8, 2023
  53. Molly

    December 21, 2023
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      December 22, 2023
  54. Linda

    January 3, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 4, 2024
  55. Lucy

    January 13, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 13, 2024
  56. Brenda

    January 26, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 27, 2024
  57. Tonya

    January 27, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 27, 2024
  58. Alanna

    January 28, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      January 29, 2024
  59. Kory

    February 5, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      February 6, 2024
  60. Nicole

    February 22, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      February 22, 2024
  61. Maria

    February 27, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      February 27, 2024
  62. Mike

    February 28, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      February 28, 2024
  63. David

    March 3, 2024
    • Scott (SANspotter)

      March 3, 2024

Reply Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.