Charlotte airport lounge guide
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Delta Sky Club, which opened at CLT in December 2024, is the first lounge to open at the airport since 2022. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Charlotte Douglas International Airport currently has five lounges accessible to the general public and one dedicated to military members and their families only.
Why it matters: Lounges offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport — whether you have a long layover or you want to relax before hopping on a flight.
The latest: American Express will bring its second-ever Sidecar by The Centurion lounge to CLT in 2027. It will be in Concourse A.
Go deeper: New Amex lounge coming to Charlotte's airport in 2027
Catch up quick: Capital One plans to open a 14,000-square-foot lounge at CLT. It will be in Concourse A near gates 21–29.
- Last August, American Airlines announced plans to add a high-end Flagship lounge, where customers are greeted with Champagne.
The big picture: The airport is in the midst of several major projects both inside the terminal and on the tarmac. There's also a vision for a new "front door" along Wilkinson Boulevard.
Here's everything you need to know about CLT's lounges before your next trip to the airport.
Delta Sky Club
What to expect: The airport's latest and second-largest lounge spans 14,165 square feet and has 246 seats. It's in the new section of Concourse A near gates A 38 and A 39. Hours are 5am until 8pm.
- There's a buffet with Southern-inspired food, two beverage stations serving coffee, tea and water, plus six soundproof booths.
- The 14-seat bar serves complimentary drinks, plus signature cocktails, which you can purchase using miles or dollars (a blood orange margarita, for instance, costs $10.50 or 700 miles).
- Part of the space overlooks the first level, giving it a patio feel.
How it works: You can access the lounge through a membership or a qualifying credit card.
- An individual membership costs $695 or 69,500 miles for one year. An executive membership costs $1,495 or 149,500 miles and includes up to two guests per visit.
- Find more access options here.
Go deeper: See inside Delta's new lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The Club CLT
What to expect: The Club CLT is located in Concourse A. It's open from 5am until 9:30pm.
- It includes one shower, two private restrooms, private work pods, reclining chairs and a full-service bar.
- It also has a Southern-inspired menu, with dishes like a Carolina pulled pork slider.
How it works: You have automatic access through the Priority Pass network, or you can buy a $50 day pass at the door or up to six hours ahead of your scheduled departure. Children under age 2 enter for free.
Go deeper: New airport lounge called The Club CLT opens
American Airlines Provisions by Admirals Club
What to expect: The roughly 2,000-square-foot lounge in Concourse A is near gate A1. It has minimal furniture beyond high-top standing tables to help travelers get in and out quickly.
- Food options include sandwiches, snacks and fresh fruit, vegetarian sandwiches and salads.
- American Airlines representatives are on-site to assist travelers.
How it works: You can access the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge the same way you would an Admirals Club location, including buying a one-day pass for 24 hours for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.
- Domestic passengers can access the lounge through an Admirals Club membership, a qualifying frequent flyer program Oneworld status, or the Citi/AAdvantage executive credit card.
- Eligible AAdvantage status members may access the lounge on qualifying international flights.
Go deeper: New American Airlines lounge to open at Charlotte airport
American Airlines' Admirals Club
What to expect: American Airlines operates two lounges at CLT. The first Admirals Club is located in Concourse B and the second is located in between Concourses D and E. The former is open from 5:15am until 10:45pm and the later is open from 5:15am until 10:15pm.
- Expect food and a full-service bar, workstations and Wi-Fi.
How it works: You can buy a day pass for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. You can also buy an annual membership, which grants you up to two guests at the lounge. Prices vary. Both can be purchased in-person and online.
- U.S. military members traveling in uniform on a same-day flight operated by American and carrying a military ID have access. They're allowed to bring up to two guests.
- Valid credit cards, including the Citi/AAdvantage executive world elite Mastercard, presented with a government-issued photo ID also grant you lounge access with up to two guests.
- Frequent flyer program Oneworld's Emerald and Sapphire members also have access.
- Passengers flying first or business class on a qualifying flight operated by American also have access.
American Express Centurion Lounge
What to expect: The lounge is located between Concourses D and E. It is open from 5:30am until 10:30pm. There are workspaces, Wi-Fi, a family room and shower access.
- James Beard Award-nominated chef Greg Collier, owner of 3rd & Fernwood, created the lounge's menu. You'll even see some favorites from Collier's restaurant, like Leah's Cabbage.
- Bloody Marys, mimosas, screwdrivers, Bailey's Irish Cream, beer and wine are available from 7am until 10:30am. The full bar is open from 10:30am until 10pm.
How it works: For lounge access, you need a government-issued ID, same-day boarding pass and an eligible Amex card.
- American Express Platinum Card and American Express Centurion Card grant you access to the lounge.
- The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card also gets you in the door, but only when you're flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or operated flight, per an Amex spokesperson.
USO Lounge
What to expect: The USO Lounge is located in the Atrium. It's open from 6am until 8pm. There are games, light snacks and beverages.
How it works: Military members and their families may access the lounge free of charge, but someone in your party must present a military ID for entry.
- They can be an active service member, retired, a member of the reserves or a member of the National Guard, a USO Lounge spokesperson tells Axios.
Editor's note: This guide was last updated on April 2, 2026.