Charlotte airport guide: What travelers need to know

Airport travel doesn't need to be stressful. Flying into or out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport in the near future? Use this handy Charlotte airport guide to make your travels a breeze.

Basics

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, dubbed last year as the fifth busiest airport in the world, has four concourses, A through E. Today, the airport is known as the second biggest hub for American Airlines after Dallas Fort Worth and a major gateway to Caribbean Island destinations. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also largest airport stateside without nonstop service to Asia.

How to get here

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is at 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway. Overall, it is recommended that travelers give themselves adequate time to get to and from the airport, especially during the holiday season rush. From Uptown Charlotte, travelers should take the Billy Graham Parkway exit when taking either I-85 or I-277 to I-77 South.

Airport map

Want a bird's eye view of the airport before heading there? Take a look here. 

Parking

Several parking options are available for travelers who want to park their cars and leave them at the airport while traveling. Aside from the Hourly Deck, there are two daily decks and three long- term decks for travelers who need an extended period of time. In the hourly deck, the first hour is free. Vehicles can be left in any of the parking facilities for up to 30 days.

>>Charlotte airport car rental guide

Usage of parking facilities is paid for upon exit. Accepted forms of payment include cash and credit cards. For faster exit in the lanes for payment, take parking tickets with you when you exit your car and use the kiosks upon return to the airport. There are no other prepaid options for any of the parking lots or decks at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. To see the interactive parking map before heading to the airport to get an idea of where parking is available, visit here.

Where to eat and shop

Come to Charlotte Douglas International Airport with an appetite, as there is a wide variety of eateries located throughout the airport. Choose from well-known chains such as Chick-Fil-A, Cinnabon, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba Juice, Panda Express, Wendy's and Burger King. Local favorites like A Taste of Carolina, Charlotte Bistro and Carolina Beer Co. are also options for dining.

Shopping while waiting for your departing flight or arriving back home is a breeze at CLT with retailers such as Pandora, MAC Cosmetics, Brookstone and Brooks Brothers. Of course, there are also standard stops for purchasing preflight snacks or other essentials: Carolinas NewsBest, CNBC Express, Heritage Booksellers.

Nearby hotels

Need a hotel close to the airport? Want to find somewhere to stay after traveling that's close to the airport and not to the hustle and bustle of the city? Look no further than nearby hotels Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport and Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport North, among several others.

Cox Media Group