Tips for Air Travelers to Pass the Time in CLT
Contents
Spa services, wine tasting, and other activities help travelers pass the time during layovers in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is more than a major hub for US Airways, CLT is a destination with activities to keep air travelers entertained during layovers. While there is a unique shopping, dining, and other services, the following are tips on things to do to pass the time during a layover in Charlotte airport.
White rocking chairs have become synonymous with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Typically found on porches throughout the Southeastern United States, the rocking chairs were introduced to the Charlotte airport in 1997 as part of a photography exhibit. Today, the white rocking chairs crafted from North Carolina oak are sprinkled throughout the Charlotte airport and invite weary air travelers to rock the time away and enjoy a bit of the Southern lifestyle.
Beer and Wine Tasting in CLT
Travelers connecting through Charlotte usually don’t have the travel time to visit North Carolina’s wineries. Luckily, the vineyards are brought to travelers at the Yadkin Valley Wine Bar in the Terminal D/E Connector. Wines from nine of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wineries are available for tasting and savoring. Air travelers can taste a flight of North Carolina wines or enjoy a full glass. North Carolina wine is sold by the bottle and the Yadkin Valley Wine Bar makes it easy to ship wine home for air travelers.
Air travelers with a palate for beer will enjoy Taste of Carolina Bar serving North Carolina’s best microbrews. Not sure what to have? Ask to taste a sample, it’s free. Taste of Carolina Bar is found in Terminal B.
North Carolina Barbecue in CLT
North Carolina is the Barbecue Capital of the World and visitors can taste their way along the Barbecue Trail highlighting the state’s best barbecue pits. Air travelers connecting through Charlotte and who don’t have time to follow the Barbecue Trail can pick up a bottle of zesty barbecue sauce from the airport gift shops and enjoy the flavor of North Carolina ‘cue at home. Better yet is enjoying a barbecue pork sandwich at Brookwood Farms BBQ in the Charlotte Airport’s Atrium. The smoky, vinegar-based sauce has a slight tangy bite.
Spa Services in CLT
Stressful travelers needing a little pampering will find respite at Terminal Getaway Spa. Ideal for extended layovers in the Charlotte airport, chair massages, manicures, and pedicures melt away the stress of air travel. Terminal Getaway Spa is in the Terminal D/E Connector.
Get Down to Business in CLT
Wired air travelers easily make connections in the Charlotte airport with free wireless Internet access. Wi-Fi hot spots are indicated throughout the airport. Business travelers who need more than a wireless connection will find the Airport Business Center in the Atrium the answer to their needs. The business center offers conference rooms, Internet access, computing, and faxing.
Passing the Time in CLT
Whether it’s sitting in a rocking chair people watching or melting away air travel stress at Terminal Getaway Spa, air travelers will find plenty to do during their layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Maybe there’s too much to do.
What to Do if a Flight is Canceled
Airline flight delays and cancellations are inevitable. Business travelers should book direct flights and schedule longer layovers to help to prevent missed flights.
Flight delays and cancellations can occur for a host of reasons, including the weather, delayed incoming flights, and mechanical trouble. While they cannot be prevented, there are some things that business travelers can do to help decrease the chances of delays or missed flights and to mitigate the problems associated with disrupted itineraries.
Book Direct Flights for On-Time Arrivals
Delays and cancellations are more likely for business travelers who have one or more connecting flights. Therefore, by booking direct flights, passengers can decrease the chances of a delay or cancellation. In addition, less time will be spent waiting at various airports and sitting on the tarmac, thus allowing travelers to arrive at their destination sooner- and more relaxed.
Choose Longer Layovers to Allow Transit Time Between Gates
If a direct flight is not available for a destination, be careful when choosing connecting flights. While a longer layover might mean more time waiting and less time flying, it can also mean arriving at the gate on time to make a connecting flight. Allow plenty of time between flights in order to arrive at the gate in time for the next flight on the itinerary. In addition, a little extra time between flights can make the difference in case of incoming flight delays- if the arriving flight comes in late, there still may be just enough time to catch the connecting flight.
Sign up for Airline Updates Via E-Mail, Text, or Voice Mail
Sign up to receive alerts via e-mail, text, or voice message when flights are delayed or canceled. Available through most airlines and travel booking Web sites, these alerts can let travelers know ahead of time if a flight is going to be late or if a new itinerary is needed.
Call the Airline Directly for Flight Status Updates or to Rebook
Passengers not traveling with mobile devices can use a payphone to call the airlines directly to learn of flight delays or cancellations. In addition, if a new flight or itinerary change is required due to a delay or cancellation, don’t line up at the airline’s desk; other travelers will be doing the same thing and the long lines can take up precious minutes that can be used to catch another flight. Instead, get on the phone and call the airline’s customer service department to rebook your flight. The new boarding pass can be obtained at the airline’s check-in kiosks at the airport or from the ticketing desk.
Ask the Airline for Club Passes or Other Compensation
For flight delays caused by factors other than weather, most airlines are required to offer vouchers to travelers that can be used for food, drinks, or even lodging, depending on the length of a delay. Passengers should talk to the gate agent or another airline representative to make sure to receive any compensation that the airline is required to provide.