CLT Airport Ready for Spring Break Travel Surge

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is preparing for Spring Break travelers as local school districts release students beginning Thursday, April 2, with vacations continuing through Sunday, April 12.

Airport forecasts estimate over 1.68 million passengers will arrive and depart during Spring Break, about 3% fewer than 2025. Of the 838,000 departing passengers, approximately 325,000 (39%) will originate in Charlotte. That is about 25,000 more local departing passengers than last year, an 8 percent increase.

CLT is experiencing a shift toward local travel, with about 35% of passengers starting their journeys in Charlotte and 65% connecting through the airport, representing an approximate 9% rise over the past decade.

Peak travel days are anticipated to be Thursday, April 2; Friday, April 3; and Sunday, April 12. More than 7,900 flights are expected to depart during the 11-day period.

“CLT is committed to helping travelers have a smooth and efficient airport experience,” said Jeff Perry, Chief Operating Officer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “With an uptick in local traffic and the potential for longer TSA wait times, we encourage passengers to plan ahead, arrive early and use all of the available tools for ease of travel.”

Due to the partial government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) levels may affect security wait times. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and allow additional time to pass through security screening. Real-time security wait times can be found on cltairport.com and the CLT Airport App.

With Spring Break bringing increased parking demand, passengers are strongly advised to reserve parking in advance at parkCLT.com or on the CLT Airport app. Through the Royalty Program, travelers can earn rewards points when they book airport parking online via parkCLT.com or the CLT Airport app.

Travelers are advised to consider alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion and aim to arrive at their parking space at least thirty minutes before the planned terminal arrival. Passengers can be picked up on both the upper and lower levels, helping to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving smoothly.

Updates with any significant traffic and passenger impacts will be posted in real-time to the Airport’s social media accounts (@cltairport).

New and Noteworthy

• Airport Parking rates increased on March 1. All lots and decks are free for the first 15 minutes.
• Etihad Airways began nonstop service to Abu Dhabi March 20.
• In February, Sugar Creek Brewing opened a location on Concourse A, debuting an exclusive brew created exclusively for CLT passengers.

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