Understanding Charlotte Airport Customs Wait Times and Process

Navigating customs at Charlotte Airport can be a daunting task, but understanding the process can make a big difference. The airport's busiest time for customs is during peak travel seasons, typically summer and holidays.

Customs wait times at Charlotte Airport can vary greatly depending on the time of day and day of the week. If you're traveling during peak hours, be prepared for longer wait times.

To minimize your wait time, consider using the airport's automated passport control kiosks, which can speed up the process by up to 50%. These kiosks are available in both Terminal A and Terminal B.

Arriving at the airport with all necessary documents ready can also help expedite the customs process. This includes your passport, visa (if required), and any other relevant travel documents.

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Charlotte Douglas International Airport operates six security checkpoints to service all gates. The airport is one of the top 10 busiest US airports.

On average, TSA wait times at CLT are around 13.2 minutes. This is a relatively short wait time, making it easier to get through security.

The busiest periods at CLT are between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, where the wait can reach up to 29 minutes. It's best to plan your arrival accordingly to avoid the long lines.

If you're looking to minimize your wait, consider arriving between 4AM and 5AM on Wednesdays. This is when the shortest wait times are usually found.

The wait times at Charlotte Douglas International Airport can be a concern for many travelers. On average, TSA wait times at CLT are around 13.2 minutes.

Security wait times can vary due to factors like severe weather, TSA staffing, and airport construction. However, the airport's six security checkpoints help to service all gates.

If you're planning to travel through CLT, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled flight departure time. Checking with your airline for ticket counter wait times and possible changes to flight schedules can also be helpful.

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A biometrics trial at Charlotte Douglas International Airport has cut processing time for U.S. citizens nearly in half. The average wait time has lowered from 16 minutes to 8.63 minutes since the program was introduced.

U.S. citizens arriving at CLT from international destinations present themselves at a designated facial recognition kiosk to begin the biometrics entry process.

The facial recognition program uses a camera linked to CBP's Travel Verification System to compare live facial images with existing photos from the passenger's travel documents and the airline manifest.

Passengers who choose not to have their photo taken will be redirected to a CBP officer to complete their processing.

The program has also had a knock-on effect, lowering non-U.S. passengers' customs processing from an average 22 minutes to 14.33 minutes.

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Airport wait times can be unpredictable, but understanding how they're estimated can help you plan ahead. Security wait times at airports like CLT are often estimates, not exact predictions.

Severe weather, TSA staffing, and airport construction are just a few factors that can cause wait times to vary. Flight volume data and TSA staffing models are used to project wait times, but these estimates are not always accurate.

It's essential to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled flight departure. I've seen travelers who show up just in time for their flight, only to spend hours waiting in line.

Checking with your airline for ticket counter wait times and possible changes to flight schedules is a good idea. This can help you prepare for any unexpected delays or changes to your itinerary.