Thanksgiving Journey Will get Its Gobble Again

The Thanksgiving journey season is underway with almost 1.9 million passengers arriving and departing Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) between Thursday, Nov. 20, and Tuesday, Dec. 2. This represents a ten.5% lower in comparison with 2024.

The terminal, nevertheless, will nonetheless be crowded. The busiest journey days are anticipated to be Saturday, Sunday, and Monday after Thanksgiving. Sunday, Nov. 30, will see the best visitors, with an estimated 178,000 passengers passing via the Airport that day.

“The recent federal shutdown created challenges across the aviation system, but we do not expect significant impacts at CLT this holiday week,” mentioned CLT Chief Business and Innovation Officer Ted Kaplan. “Our focus is on giving every traveler a safe and smooth trip.”

Arrive Early

Domestic passengers ought to be within the terminal at the least two hours earlier than departure, and worldwide passengers at the least three hours prior. Also, it’s really useful to test together with your airline earlier than arriving on the Airport for any doable schedule adjustments.

Terminal Lobby Transformation Complete

This would be the first main vacation post-construction because the CLT Terminal Lobby Expansion is now full.

The five-year mission expanded the foyer space by 175,000 sq. toes and renovated one other 191,000 sq. toes. Significant options embody the 149,000-square-foot glass cover, two pedestrian skybridges, state-of-the-art automated exit lanes, and a 16-lane curb entrance – all designed to enhance passenger move and security.

In addition, new pre-security concessions have been launched for procuring and eating, together with Dunkin’ (Ticketing), Charlotte News & Gifts and Queen Charlotte’s Kitchen (each in Baggage Claim).

Concourse Renovations

If flying out on Concourses D and E, you’ll discover renovations are underway for brand new flooring, seating, lighting and restrooms. Concourse D’s upfit can be full subsequent yr, and Concourse E’s makeover will wrap up in 2027.

Book Parking Early

Travelers are strongly inspired to e book parking when buying their ticket, as demand is excessive throughout peak occasions.

About 15,000 of the Airport’s 25,000 parking spots can be found for on-line reserving solely. Visit parkclt.com to ensure your most well-liked parking choice and safe one of the best charges. For comfort at your fingertips, obtain the CLT Airport app to e book parking and test shuttle and safety wait occasions. Guests also can join the Royalty Program to earn factors and rewards.

Traditional Turkey Dinner – Thanksgiving Day

If you might be craving a conventional Thanksgiving dinner, there are just a few locations within the terminal that can be serving up all of the turkey and trimmings. You can gobble on over to:

• Brookwood Farms (Atrium)
• PZA (Concourse E)

New Routes

Planning to squeeze in yet another journey earlier than 2025 ends or mapping out your 2026 adventures, the next flights are arriving over the subsequent few months.

Frontier Airlines

• Nov. 21, 2025 – Service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Nov. 23, 2025 – Service to Detroit (DTW)
• Feb. 12-22, 2026 – Service to New Orleans (MSY)

American Airlines

• Dec. 18, 2025 – Service to Vail (EGE)
• Dec. 19, 2025 – Service to Aspen (ASE)

Etihad Airways

• March 20, 2026 – Service to Abu Dhabi (AUH) rescheduled from May 6, 2026

Remain within the Know

For the most recent Airport information, comply with CLT on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.