Summer Travel Season Coming to a Close
Passenger Numbers Expected to Rise Labor Day Weekend

Sept. 2, 2021 - Labor Day weekend wraps up CLT’s busy summer travel season. More than 200,000 customers are expected to travel from, to and through Charlotte Douglas International Airport from Friday. Sept 3 through Monday, Sept. 6.

The biggest crowds of local customers traveling from CLT and going through the security checkpoints are expected on Friday, Sept. 3 (around 27,800 people) and Monday, Sept. 6 (more than 24,000 customers). *Please note these numbers are projections and may change. Labor Day 2019 numbers were slightly higher with between 28,000 and 31,000 daily local customers traveling from CLT.

CLT has entered the recovery phase of the pandemic quicker than anticipated. July 2021’s passenger traffic was 99% of the July 2019 pre-pandemic passenger numbers. Business travel, however, has yet to rebound. Business travel makes up just 19% of CLT’s total passenger counts right now, while leisure travel comprises 81%. In 2019, those numbers were almost evenly divided at 45% business travel and 55% leisure travel. 

The Airport did average 728 daily flight departures in July 2021 compared to 760 in July 2019. According to OAG flight data, Charlotte Douglas was the third busiest airport in North America from February to July 2021.

CLT’s August activity report will be released at the end of September.

Due to the high volume of passengers over Labor Day weekend, those flying from CLT in the upcoming days are encouraged to follow these helpful travel tips:

Arrive Early

To prepare for a smoother travel experience, passengers should be in line at a CLT security checkpoint three hours before their departure time. Peak activity for Departures/Ticketing and the security checkpoints is from 5:30–10 a.m. and 3–6 p.m. 

Passengers may experience longer than normal lines at security checkpoints and concessions because of the nationwide labor shortage. Some restaurants and retail stores also have reduced their operating hours, particularly before 6 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Adjusted times are available on CLT’s website and app. 

Rock Your Mask

Safety measures remain in place at Charlotte Douglas. Per a TSA mandate, all passengers, employees and CLT visitors are required to wear a face mask while at the Airport, regardless of vaccination status.

Face masks are available upon request at the Airport Visitor Info Center in Baggage Claim and at all TSA checkpoint podiums. All airlines serving CLT require passengers to wear a face mask to board a flight as well.

Book Parking Online

Passengers are encouraged to reserve parking online for the best parking rates, which will always be cheaper than the drive-up rate. Use the CLT Airport app or visit parkCLT.com to book parking online. Same-day booking is limited for all products and must be made a minimum of six hours in advance.

Check parking availability on the  CLT real-time parking map or call 704.359.5555 to hear the latest parking conditions.

Check Security Wait Times

See real-time security wait times at each checkpoint, including Standard and TSA PreCheck® lines on cltairport.com or on the Airport app, which is available at the App Store or on Google Play. Please note wait times change frequently, so check often.

CLT Safety Measures

Providing a safe and healthy travel experience remains a top priority at CLT. Visit the Airport’s COVID-19 Travel Update webpage for additional information regarding CLT’s safety measures.