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With Thanksgiving around the corner, Charlotte airport officials are expecting a busy holiday period with nearly 2 million passengers arriving and catching flights, starting Thursday.
And those passengers will being using an airport recovering from the lingering impact of the government shutdown. The airport held a news conference Wednesday about what travelers can expect from Nov. 20 through Dec. 2.
The 1.9 million passengers using the airport is about 10% less than last year’s record-setting total of more than 2.09 million people. Nearly 430,000 passengers are expected to go through security checkpoints, a 2.5% decrease from last year’s total of 440,750.
What will be the busiest days at CLT?
Some of CLT’s busiest days for Thanksgiving travel period are expected to be Saturday, Nov. 29 and Monday, Dec. 1. Each day is projected to have over 83,000 departing passengers.
Sunday, Nov. 30 is expected to be the busiest with 178,000 total travelers.
More than 9,000 flight departures are scheduled for the 13-day travel period.
American Airlines, which operate 90% of CLT flights, will operate 8,000 flights during the Thanksgiving travel period, according to Pascual Alvarez, managing director of customer care at Charlotte Douglas.
Government shutdown impacted Charlotte airport
Before the 43-day federal government shutdown ended Nov. 12, Charlotte’s airport had thousands of delays and hundreds of canceled flights due to a shortage of air traffic controllers working without pay.
“The recent federal shutdown certainly presented considerable challenges across the national aviation system and at this airport,” said Ted Kaplan Wednesday, CLT chief business and innovation officer.
But Kaplan is not anticipating significant impacts at Charlotte Douglas during the holiday week from the fallout of the shutdown.
“Our focus this season is on giving every traveler a safe and smooth trip,” Kaplan said. “We’re working closely with our federal and airline partners to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.”
He thanked TSA and FAA employees for their work during the shutdown. “They’re working hard behind the scenes every day so that travelers can depend on a safe and reliable journey,” Kaplan added.
The shutdown by the numbers for CLT
In October, Charlotte Douglas had more than 5,000 delays and over 80 cancellations. For November through Nov. 13 — the day after Trump signed the bill — CLT saw 3,065 delays and 547 cancellations, according to a Charlotte Observer review of FlightAware data, a website providing real-time flight information.
On Oct, 28, air traffic controllers received their first paychecks showing zero dollars due to the shutdown. At CLT, members of the local Air Traffic Controllers Association distributed flyers to highlight how the shutdown was hurting workers.
When shortages of growing air traffic controllers increased this month, the federal government responded by mandating flight cutbacks at 40 major airports across the country, including CLT.
Last week, federal workers and airlines such as American Airlines worked to get back on track after lawmakers came to an agreement to reopen the government.
“I’m very glad that it did not extend any further,” Kaplan said.
As for delays on Wednesday, there were 36 at Charlotte Douglas, and no cancellations, as of 5 p.m.
Something to be thankful for
CLT is looking forward to its first Thanksgiving since finishing a $608-million terminal lobby expansion project, which includes more space and more lanes at security checkpoints.
Some of the other highlights include a glass canopy for curbside protection, a 16-lane front to ease traffic, more food and shopping options, and modernized ticket counters.
Security is now faster with three consolidated checkpoints and 21 lanes, including 11 automated lanes. The expanded baggage claim, plus new escalators and elevators, all help provide a smoother, more convenient airport experience.
CLT began making plans back in 2008 for a project that took half a decade to complete. Airport officials said it was the “crown jewel” of its Destination CLT, a $4 billion capital investment to renovate and expand the facility.
The airport is also making renovations in Concourses D and E, scheduled to finish by 2027. A new Fourth Parallel Runway is planned for 2027, and Phase III of the Concourse A expansion is being designed.
Staying prepared
Charlotte Douglas is reminding travelers to plan ahead this travel season.
“We understand that some travelers may feel nervous after the shutdown,” Kaplan said. “And our message is simple, plan ahead and allow extra time. Check your flight status directly with the airline.”
Passengers are encouraged to check the airport’s “Don’t Wing It, Prepare to Fly!” guide for helpful tips on parking reservations, the Royalty Program, REAL ID requirements, and on-site dining and shopping options.
Booking parking in advance at parkCLT.com or via the CLT Airport app is highly recommended, and travelers should try to arrive at their reserved parking spot at least 30 minutes before entering the terminal.
CLT officials recommend arriving inside the terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international departures. For the latest on security wait times and shuttle services, passengers can check cltairport.com or use the CLT Airport app to stay updated in real time.
Stuck in the airport on Turkey Day ?
On Thanksgiving Day, classic holiday meal will be available at Brookwood Farms in the Atrium and PZA, Concourse E.
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Chase Jordan
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