CLTea Blog

Mar. 18, 2020 - Like on any other Wednesday, Chaplain George Szalony walked around the CLT terminal on March 18 taking his time to speak to people he recognized and giving those he did not know a kind and friendly nod. The Airport has temporarily suspended its volunteer program, but Chaplain George and nine other chaplains can’t bring themselves to stay home. “It’s important for employees to see us, especially at this time. It is just being present and reassuring,” the chaplain said. “Our volunteers are unbelievably committed. We care about the people at the Airport, we are proud of what’s happening here, and of what we do.” Chaplain George and the others are part of the Airport Chaplaincy at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a non-profit organization. The group is committed to providing spiritual and emotional support at the Airport. In exchange, they use a small room converted to a nondenominational chapel. It’s a commitment they take very seriously. As a precaution, the chaplains are not holding services. But the chapel is open to anyone who wants to visit. A container of hand-sanitizing wipes sits on the small altar for anyone who needs them. The chaplains walk the concourses and chat with anyone who seems interested in talking. They share their contact information, just in case someone needs to talk when a chaplain isn’t close by. Chaplain George says it’s their way of promoting calm during this uneasy time. They are taking precautions to keep themselves and others healthy. They put more space than usual between themselves and those they talk with. They don’t shake hands or otherwise touch anyone. They take special care to not lean on railings or touch anything they don’t need to touch. And they are washing their hands repeatedly. Chaplain George believes people are taking COVID-19 seriously. The Airport cleaning staff is constantly sanitizing handrails, tables, and our infamous rocking chairs. Most travelers are practicing social distancing as they choose where to sit or stand. “We are in unchartered territory. But I’ve got to believe most people coming through here don’t feel sick and aren’t simply ignoring the concerns,” said George, who has volunteered at CLT for 11 years. “There’s an underlying tension. When you work ministry in a public environment, there is a sense when people are concerned. I can certainly sense it.” His advice, as always, is to stay calm.

Feb. 14, 2020 - Did you know that the Airport never closes? That’s right. Never closes. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is always open – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Yet, it’s not uncommon to often hear passengers say that their flight was cancelled because the Airport is closed. And whenever there is bad weather like the tornado that blew through the Queen City on Feb. 6, those complaints increase. “My flight was cancelled because the Airport is closed.” “It’s snowing. Is the Airport closing?” “When will the hurricane close the Airport?” Charlotte Douglas International Airport is owned by the City of Charlotte and operated by its Aviation Department. The Aviation Department, located just across the airfield on Wilkinson Boulevard, runs the terminal much like a property manager runs a mall. In fact, the Airport is just like a big mall. Inside the Airport version of a mall, are stores, restaurants, airline lounges and other places where passengers congregate and relax before a flight. Each business (think Starbucks, Brooks Brothers, Whisky River) is an Airport tenant renting the space its business occupies. Just like the stores in the mall. Airport businesses operate independently of the Aviation Department and the city. While there are requirements to ensure that food, beverage, amenities and retail are available whenever passengers are in the terminal, many businesses close when the number of flights drops off overnight. But the terminal, the Airport, is always open. Does the same go for the airlines? Yes and no. The airlines are tenants just like the stores and restaurants. They rent their spaces, from the ticket counters to the boarding gates to the ramp areas they work in. Unlike the Airport concessions, there are a plethora of reasons the airlines cannot fly and that leads people to say the Airport is closed. It’s not but the planes may not be flying. Aircraft need decent weather conditions to take off and land. That big tin can in the sky is carrying hundreds of people whose safety is a top priority. An airline would not want to send a plane into the air if dangerous conditions were present. Too much wind, planes may be grounded until things calm down. For example, hurricanes rumbling by can cause wind and rain that keep planes parked. Winter weather can also be challenging. Snow and ice on the airfield? Flights might be delayed while the runways are cleared, and the deicing machines make sure ice does not build up on aircraft wings. Plowing a runway is very different from plowing Wilkinson Boulevard. There are runway lights and sensitive navigation equipment on a runway. If covered by snow and plowed over, there would be significant damage to sensitive equipment essential to safe travels. Likewise, sand or melting agents work fine on the average roadway used by cars, but not runway pavement. Sand, debris and solid melting agents can leave uneven or pock marked pavement. Imagine an aircraft hitting a pothole at 200 to 300 mph on takeoff or landing. And despite the popular belief, the Aviation Department – commonly referred to as ‘the Airport’ – does not determine when planes take off and land. The FAA manages all air traffic, from the time a plane leaves its boarding gate until it takes off then lands at its destination. If air traffic controllers determine it is dangerous for planes to depart, then everyone is grounded. The Airport terminal stays open, though, because there are passengers here who need to eat, use the restroom, and find ways to pass the time. There are other times when aircraft don’t fly that cause people to say the Airport is closed. That’s right, we’re not. If lightning is detected near the Airport, planes are not allowed to take off or land. Flights headed to CLT are diverted to other Airports to wait out the storm. Lightning is more problematic for people than aircraft, which have lightning rods. When lightning is in the area, the ramp (where workers load your luggage and gas up your plane) will be put on a ground stop. No human being can be on the ramp, an open and unprotected outdoor area, when there is lightning nearby. Which brings us back to the Feb. 6 tornado. A tornado that first touched down in Gaston County was spotted moving toward the Airport. Flights were grounded, and passengers were moved away from terminal windows to shelter in place inside. The tornado was large enough that it could be seen from the upper floors of the Bank of America tower in Uptown a few miles away. For more than an hour no planes took off or landed. Everyone waited. Once the storm passed and the danger was gone, teams of people set out to inspect every taxiway and runway for flooding, debris, and damage to pavement, buildings and aircraft. We were lucky. CLT suffered no damage from the twister or stormy weather Feb. 6. From tornado warning to the final inspection to the runways opening, two or three hours passed. Dozens of flights were canceled or delayed. Our other operations slowed down significantly. But through it all we were here helping passengers. The Airport was open – just like always.

Oct. 10, 2019 - From the roads to buildings located on our property there is significance in every name you see. That includes the name of the Airport itself. Ben Elbert Douglas Sr. was called “the builder of modern Charlotte.” Serving three terms as mayor from 1935 to 1941, he is credited with bringing commercial aviation to the Queen City. He also is credited with building the first low-cost public housing and spearheading the construction of Independence Boulevard. The Airport was named Douglas Municipal Airport in his honor in April 1941. Douglas called it “the proudest day of my life.” In 1982, the same year the current terminal opened, the Airport changed its name to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Around town, Douglas was known for his love of the city. In an interview, he once said, “I’d rather be mayor of Charlotte than vice-president of the United States.” In fact, he was the first mayor of Charlotte elected by voters. A new charter changed the process from appointment to election. A true politician, Douglas loved shaking hands, talking about Charlotte and causes close to his heart. Outside of political life, his business ventures included the Douglas and Sing mortuary, Douglas Realty Co. and Douglas Furs, which began as the result of a U.S. government contract to clean the military’s bomber jackets. Douglas died on July 27, 1981, at 86 years old. For those who knew him, he will always be remembered by his nickname - Sweet Old Ben. Douglas isn’t the only person whose name appears at the Airport. Here are a few others. Queen Charlotte - monarch for whom the City of Charlotte is named and for whom there is a statue at CLT. Harlee Avenue – named after Harlee Todd Douglas who was married to Ben Douglas. Morris Field – a short-lived former name of the Airport and airfield in honor of William Colb Morris. Josh Birmingham – a former Charlotte Douglas International Airport manager. Wilson Air Center – named after Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn. Old Dowd Road – W. Frank Dowd opened Charlotte Pipe & Foundry in 1907. The Dowd family played a big role in Charlotte manufacturing. Tuckaseegee Road – name comes from the Cherokee Indian Trail that used to run in the area. Wilkinson Boulevard – named for William Cook Wilkinson, a Charlotte banker and textile mill owner who was the head of the state highway commission when the road was built.

Oct. 9, 2019 - Your flight is delayed. You have a long layover thanks to bad weather. You arrived early so you could relax before boarding your flight. No matter the reason you have time to burn, there’s plenty to do at Charlotte Douglas International Airport while you wait. Here are our top 10 things to make your wait fly by. 10. Put on your walking shoes We have nearly four miles of indoor concourse and terminal space so it’s easy to get your 10,000 steps and then some. Best of all, it is climate controlled, so you can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter while power walking your way around the airport. There’s no better way to see what else there is to do here. 9. Become an art lover Art is all around the terminal. Sometimes it is hanging above your head so look up from your mobile phone every now and then. One of the most fascinating and mesmerizing pieces is “Interconnected,” three massive LED screens with ever-changing digital art. Data from airport operations - flight arrivals and departures, baggage movements and airport parking – is translated into millions of pixels to create the larger-than-life, always moving art displays on Concourse A. Head toward Gates A21-29. You can’t miss them. We promise you won’t regret it. 8. Check out the view Aviation geeks can attest that CLT has some of the best views around. With 1,400 daily arrivals and departures there is plenty of activity on the ramp. Some of the best views are from the Atrium mezzanine overlooking the heart of the airport and airline operations. We’re fortunate to have one of the best views of Uptown too. Uptown is downtown for those of you not from here. The city skyline is best viewed from the end of Concourse D. If you are here at night, even better. The skyline lit up after dark is a spectacular sight. 7. Play me a song, piano man Hang out in the Atrium to be entertained by great local musicians who can regularly be found behind the keys of the black Baby Grand piano. From classical to pop and everything in between, the volunteer pianists take requests too. 6. Escape from the travel bubble Get a massage, manicure or pedicure, or all three at one of XpressSpa locations in the Airport. Haircuts, shave, shower facilities and much more are available. Is your idea of pampering a few minutes of peace and quiet? Minute Suites gives passengers a space away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal to relax, work or take a nap. Suites are oh, so Charlotte themed too - First in Flight, Carolina, Panther, Queen City, Uptown and Speedway suites all feature complimentary DirecTV, Netflix and Wi-Fi. 5. Eat, shop, and shop some more From high-end clothing and jewelry to gifts with a kitschy or regional flare, there are more than 51 places to either window shop or spend your cash inside CLT. When you get tired of shopping (is that even possible?), grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many grab-and-go places or get a table at a sit-down style restaurant to enjoy a taste of Charlotte cuisine or a locally made craft beer. There are loads of places to satisfy whatever you have a taste for – close to 70, in fact. 4. Say cheese! Let your friends and family know you were at CLT. Take a selfie. There isn’t a bad view from anywhere in the airport, but our fun backdrops are uniquely Charlotte. Look for the CLT letters outside Checkpoint E before you go through security. After you clear TSA screening, the colorful Charlotte postcard backdrop is located at the back of 1897 Market near the entry to Concourse B. Want a selfie fit for a queen? Then head over to the Queen Charlotte mural on Concourse A Extension and snap away. When you post it on your social media, tag us #CLTselfie. 3. You love dogs? We do too! Be on the lookout for the CLT Canine Crew. With their human handlers, this group of furry volunteers roams the Airport regularly just waiting for you to come say hello, scratch their ears or indulge them with a good belly rub. Hugs are welcome too. Each dog wears a “Pet Me” vest with their name. Follow @cltairport on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out when the dogs are here and where you can find them. 2. Rock around the clock Located across the airport, our signature white rocking chairs are the perfect way to relax and rock away the time. Rocking relieves stress and makes time go by faster. Rock while you work, take a cat nap or just gaze out the windows where you can watch the life of an airport up close and personal. Just don’t get so comfortable that you miss your flight! And our favorite thing to do to pass the time in the Airport is …. drum roll, please … No. 1 People watching. No matter where you are in the Airport, grab a seat and watch the people of CLT go by. More than 20,000 people work at CLT. In addition, 46.4 million people traveled in and out of CLT last year. That’s 3,870,365 people a month or 127,244 people a day. It’s the best people-watching show in town. Honorable mentions: The USO lounge on the second floor of the Atrium is a great respite for military service members and their families. Nearby, the CLT Interfaith Chapel is open 24 hours a day seven days a week to all people seeking a place to reflect.

Sept. 20, 2019 - It’s the most popular and most sought-after seat in the house. No, it’s not the one near a charging outlet. This seat has the rhythmic power to calm even the most harried traveler’s nerves. When you sit, you rock. When you rock, you can’t help but relax. Reading View File Reading Airport View File Airport Rocking chairs have been creating a sense of place at Charlotte Douglas International Airport since 1997. CLT is credited with starting a rocking chair craze that has been copied by hundreds of airports around the world. It all began here with a photography exhibit called “Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album.” In front of oversized images of front porches sat real rocking chairs. Intended as props, people sat in them instead - to eat, work, read and people watch. When the exhibit packed up, so did the rocking chairs. Haley Gentry, chief business and innovation officer, managed CLT passenger amenities at the time. “We didn’t realize how popular they were 'til we went to remove the exhibit,” she said in an interview with The Verge in 2014. “We went to remove the rocking chairs and we got such a public outcry that we said, ‘Wow, we need to keep these here,’ and we expanded them." Today more than 100 rocking chairs are located across the CLT terminal – from the Atrium where the hustle and bustle of the passenger flow is on full display to a quiet nook on the new Concourse A where the view showcases the ebb and flow of arriving and departing aircraft. People like the chairs so much, it’s not unusual to find the rockers have been moved to suit a passenger’s desired view through the expansive terminal windows. CLT’s rocking chairs come exclusively from Troutman Chair Co., just a hop, skip and a jump from Charlotte to Troutman, N.C. The story goes that owners Jean and Champ Land traveled through the Airport regularly. They sat in some of the early rockers and found them uncomfortable. Champ called CLT with the guarantee that his rockers were far more comfortable. The rest is history. In their featured location in the Airport Atrium, the rockers have transformed a fast-paced hub into a tree-lined avenue with a front porch. The now signature white rocking chair exudes a special sense of place for the millions of passengers we get to welcome to Charlotte each year. Insider's Tip. We know it can be tough to find an empty rocker, so here's our Insider Tip. If you have the time, stroll to Concourse A and head toward gate A21. Before you get to the people mover there is a large seating area on the left that overlooks the ramp. It’s a little off-the-beaten-path, but you are more likely to find a free chair there and a respite from the bustle of the Airport. Sources: CLT archives, Troutman Chair Co., The Verge, Our State