Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Wait Times & TSA Details
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, that have 3 standard security checkpoints. On average, travellers can expect security wait times to range from 10 to 30 minutes during normal operations.
However, the Charlotte Douglas wait times can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and season. To speed up the security screening process, the airport offers expedited security screening programs like TSA Precheck and the Global Entry Program.
Overview of Security Screening at CLT
The CLT Airport Terminal features 3 standard and one PreCheck security checkpoints.
| Checkpoint | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Checkpoint 1 | 3:30 am to 9:15 pm (Standard) |
| Checkpoint 2 | 9:00 am to 10:45 pm (Standard) 3:30 am to 10:45 pm (PreCheck) |
| Checkpoint 3 | 4:30 am to 9:15 pm (Standard) |
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wait Time (Average)
On average, travellers at CLT Airport can expect security wait times to be between 10 and 30 minutes. However, during busy hours, like early mornings (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and late afternoons (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM), the wait can be 40 minutes or longer.
General CLT Wait Time
| 1 am to 2 am | 3 mins |
| 2 am to 3 am | 8 mins |
| 3 am to 4 am | 11 mins |
| 4 am to 5 am | 15 mins |
| 5 am to 6 am | 9 mins |
| 6 am to 7 am | 13 mins |
| 7 am to 8 am | 29 mins |
| 8 am to 9 am | 26 mins |
| 9 am to 10 am | 8 mins |
| 10 am to 11 am | 23 mins |
| 11 am to 12 pm | 12 mins |
| 12 pm to 1 pm | 11 mins |
| 1 pm to 2 pm | 11 mins |
| 2 pm to 3 pm | 5 mins |
| 3 pm to 4 pm | 15 mins |
| 4 pm to 5 pm | 18 mins |
| 5 pm to 6 pm | 15 mins |
| 6 pm to 7 pm | 19 mins |
| 7 pm to 8 pm | 19 mins |
| 8 pm to 9 pm | 35 mins |
| 9 pm to 10 pm | 32 mins |
| 10 pm to 11 pm | 32 mins |
| 11 pm to 12 am | 34 mins |
TSA Wait Times at CLT Airport
The current average CLT Airport TSA wait time is about 13 minutes. Travellers should be prepared to wait around 10-20 minutes to get through security.
CLT Airport Expedited Security Screening Program
The airport offers expedited security screening programs for frequent flyers with participating airlines, TSA PreCheck members, and those in CBP’s Trusted Traveller programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These programs offer faster security screening for eligible travellers.
TSA PreCheck: It is available at Checkpoint A. It helps to reduce wait times, streamline the screening process, and provide a more convenient airport experience for frequent flyers and eligible passengers.
Global Entry: Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that gives faster entry into the United States for travellers who are pre-approved and considered low-risk. It helps save time by allowing quick clearance at customs when arriving from international destinations.
| Location | Pre-secuirty |
| Operating Hour | Monday-Friday: 1:00 am to 8:00 pm |
Mobile Passport Control (MPC): The Mobile Passport Control (MPC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, lets eligible travellers submit their passport and customs information through a free, secure mobile app. It helps speed up entry into the United States by reducing wait times and removing the need for paper forms or kiosks.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
The security wait times at the CLT airport usually range from 10 to 30 minutes. However, during peak hours, they may exceed 40 minutes.
The primary TSA security checkpoint is located in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Terminal.
Yes, TSA PreCheck is available and helps travellers pass through security faster with shorter lines and less screening.
No, CLT airport does not feature CLEAR.
Flyers should arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Yes, security wait times are generally shorter during late-night and mid-day hours when fewer flights are scheduled.
Yes, CLT assists through TSA Cares and may offer priority screening for those who need additional support.