Lounge #2: American Airlines Admirals Club – Comfort for AA Flyers

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Charlotte’s Admirals Clubs are excellent for travelers looking for a comfortable, quiet space especially if flying American Airlines. CLT actually has two Admirals Club locations (more than any other airline lounge at CLT). These clubs may not have as extravagant a menu as Centurion, but they offer reliable comfort: plenty of seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a full-service bar. For business needs, you’ll find workstations, Wi-Fi, and even conference rooms available (the larger club has conference facilities).

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The first Admirals Club is in Concourse B (near gate B3), and the second is at the Concourse C/D connector (upper level). Both lounges open daily at 5:15am, but note closing times: the B concourse location stays open until 10:45pm, while the C/D club closes a bit earlier at 10:15pm. Even if you’re coming from another concourse, you can access them – all of CLT’s concourses are connected airside without needing to re-clear security.

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Admirals Clubs provide a solid selection of complimentary light bites (think veggies, cheese, hummus, snack mixes) and drinks (house wine, beer, soft drinks, and Starbucks coffee). There’s also a menu of premium food and cocktails available for purchase. The lounges feature a business center with computers/printers and plenty of seating areas from tables to armchairs.

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Travelers appreciate the quieter atmosphere – it’s a great place to answer emails or just relax away from gate crowds. The Wi-Fi is free and fast. verall, for those flying American, an Admirals Club stop can make your journey much more pleasant – especially if you arrive early or have a delay. And if you’re considering a credit card for lounge access, the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card is worth a look.

Lounge #3: The Club CLT (Priority Pass) – Relaxed Oasis for All Travelers

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The Club CLT is a independent lounge open to any traveler (no specific airline ticket required), making it a fantastic option if you have Priority Pass or just want to pay for entry. It offers a calm, friendly environment with a mix of amenities: complimentary snacks, an open bar, a shower, and even private work pods for getting work done. This lounge is often a lifesaver for passengers who don’t have access to airline-specific lounges. It’s also the designated lounge for certain international airlines at CLT.

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The Club is located in Concourse A, just past the connector from the main atrium and before gates A21-A22. Hours are 5:00am to 9:30pm daily. Because Concourse A also houses airlines like Delta, United, JetBlue, etc., this lounge serves many different travelers. Keep in mind The Club CLT can get crowded during afternoon peaks – historically, they may restrict entry between ~2:30–6:30pm when at capacity. Visiting in morning or late evening is typically more relaxed.

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Despite being accessible to all, The Club doesn’t skimp on features. Travelers will find a self-serve buffet with salads, soups, and. A full-service bar offers complimentary beer, wine, and well liquors, as well as specialty cocktails (try the Carolina-inspired mixes on their menu!). Importantly, The Club has one private shower room – a rarity in pay-per-use lounges – which is great if you need to freshen up‍. There are also reclining chairs for relaxation and a few private work pods with a desk and power if you need a quiet work spot.

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The atmosphere is generally calm and the staff are known to be welcoming. Because it serves a broad group, you might find it more crowded than airline lounges at times. But with the Priority Pass from a credit card, this lounge essentially becomes a free perk of your card – definitely worth a visit to escape the terminal chaos.

Lounge #4: Delta Sky Club – Newest Lounge with Business Perks

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Delta’s Sky Club at CLT is a brand-new lounge (opened in late 2024) and shines as a modern, business-friendly space. Though Delta has a smaller presence in Charlotte, this lounge is impressively spacious – 14,000+ square feet with 246 seats – making it the second-largest lounge at CLT. For Delta flyers, it’s hands-down the best (and only) lounge choice.

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Even if you’re not a Delta regular, we rank it high for its amenities: there’s a hearty buffet with Southern-inspired cuisine, two beverage stations for quick coffee/tea refills, and a staffed bar. Unique to this Sky Club are six soundproof phone booths where you can take calls or virtual meetings in private. The decor is sleek and polished, with some open-air balcony views that give it a “patio” vibe overlooking the concourse. It’s a fantastic place to relax or get work done if you’re eligible to enter.

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The Delta Sky Club is also in Concourse A, situated in the new extension near gates A38-A39. (This is at the far end of Concourse A, past the other airlines’ gates.) It’s open daily from 5:00am to 8:00pm. If you’re flying Delta out of CLT, your gates will likely also be in A, making this lounge extremely convenient – no long walks. If you’re in another concourse but have a long layover and the right access, you could walk over to A to use the Sky Club, but remember it closes earlier in the evening than other lounges.

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Delta’s new CLT club has been praised for its design and amenities. The buffet includes hot entrees, soups, salads, and regional specialties (for example, you might find pimento cheese sandwiches or other Southern comfort foods reflecting Charlotte’s locale). Two self-service beverage stations offer coffee, espresso, tea, and water so you don’t have to flag down a bartender for a quick drink.

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The main bar has 14 seats and serves complimentary wine, beer, and cocktails; premium liquors or signature cocktails can be bought with cash or even SkyMiles. For productivity, those six soundproof booths are a standout feature – perfect for making a private phone call or joining a conference call without noise. There are also plenty of power outlets at nearly every seat. While it doesn’t offer extras like showers or spa, the Sky Club excels as a comfortable, less crowded space. If you value a modern workspace or just a peaceful retreat and you’re flying Delta, this lounge is a gem.

Lounge #5: Minute Suites – Private Suites for Rest or Work

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Rounding out our top five are the Minute Suites at CLT. While not a traditional open lounge with food and drink, Minute Suites provide something incredibly valuable at a busy airport: privacy and quiet. Essentially, these are small private rooms (“suites”) that travelers can rent by the hour. Each suite comes with a daybed (with pillows/blankets), a desk, TV, and high-speed internet. It’s like having your own mini-office or bedroom at the airport. This option is ideal if you need a nap, want to lie down flat, or have a confidential phone call/video meeting.

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Charlotte has two Minute Suites locations: one in the Main Atrium (Central Terminal) and one at the Concourse D/E connector near gate D1. Both are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – making them the only 24/7 lounge facilities at CLT (helpful for red-eye or overnight layovers when other lounges are closed). The Atrium location is great if you’re in or around concourses A and B, while the D1 location serves those in C, D, E concourses. Since all concourses are connected, you can reach either location easily from any gate. Just note that only a limited number of suites exist (each location has a handful), so reservations are recommended if you know you’ll want one.

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Each Minute Suite is a 8ft x 8ft private room, with a daybed sofa that can sleep up to two, plus a trundle bed for up to two more (max four people per suite). There’s a desk and office chair if you need to set up a laptop, and the room includes a TV with Netflix and DirecTV for entertainment. Wi-Fi is included, and you can close the door to block out airport noise. Many travelers use these suites to catch a quick nap – Minute Suites even offers a special “nap package” of 30 minutes if available.

Consider Using Kudos to Maximize Your Card Rewards

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Maximizing lounge access often comes down to using the right credit card, and that’s where Kudos can help. Kudos is a smart tool that optimizes your credit card usage. Add the Kudos extension to your browser, and whenever you’re booking flights or making travel purchases, Kudos will recommend the best card to use – whether it’s for earning extra points or unlocking perks like lounge access.

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For example, if you’re planning a trip through CLT, Kudos can remind you that your card gets you into the Centurion Lounge, or that your another card gives you Priority Pass for The Club CLT and Minute Suites. It’s like having a personal credit card concierge. Many users find it invaluable for ensuring they don’t miss out on travel perks they already have, and for saving money through optimized rewards.

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If you have multiple credit cards (or are considering a new one for lounge benefits), give Kudos a try – it simplifies your financial journey and makes it easy to get the most from your cards. Experience smarter travel spending with Kudos and unlock more value every time you fly. New users can even earn a sign-up bonus – for instance, $20 when you sign up with code GET20 and make an eligible purchase – a nice travel treat on us!

Airport Lounge FAQs – Charlotte (CLT) Edition

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How many lounges does Charlotte Airport have?

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CLT has a total of five main lounges for the public and one for the military. These include 2 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, the Amex Centurion Lounge, The Club CLT (Priority Pass lounge), and the Delta Sky Club, plus a USO Lounge for active/retired military. In addition, there are unique amenities like Minute Suites (2 locations) and a Gameway gaming lounge which are part of the airport’s lounge network.

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What is the best overall lounge at CLT?

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Many travelers consider the American Express Centurion Lounge to be the best at CLT for its upscale food, drinks, and amenities. It offers a premium experience (gourmet buffet, bar, showers, stylish seating). The Admirals Clubs are excellent for frequent AA flyers seeking comfort and quiet, and the Delta Sky Club is a close contender if you’re flying Delta (it’s new and well-equipped). But for overall experience regardless of airline, the Centurion Lounge likely edges out the others with its luxury touches and chef-driven menu.

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Can I access CLT lounges with a credit card?

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Yes – in fact credit cards are one of the easiest ways to get lounge access at CLT. Many travel cards offer Priority Pass, which covers The Club CLT, Minute Suites, and Gameway.

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Is there a Priority Pass lounge in Charlotte Airport?

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Yes. The primary Priority Pass lounge at CLT is The Club CLT in Concourse A. Priority Pass membership (through a card or bought separately) also gives you access to Minute Suites (1 hour free suite rental) and Gameway (1 hour free gaming station) at CLT‍. Note that the Centurion and Admirals lounges are not part of Priority Pass. So if you’re a Priority Pass holder, head to The Club, a Minute Suite, or Gameway for lounge services.

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Can I pay to enter an airport lounge at CLT?

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Yes. If you don’t have memberships or cards, you can pay for access at two lounges: American’s Admirals Club (day pass $79, only valid if flying AA that day) and The Club CLT (day pass $50, open to any passenger). These passes give you use of all the lounge amenities for the day. Other lounges like the Centurion and Delta Sky Club do not sell day passes – they require status or certain cards. Minute Suites is pay-per-use by the hour for a private room (around $42/hr) if you choose to use that service.

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Are all the CLT concourses connected for lounge hopping?

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Yes. Once you clear security at Charlotte Douglas, you can walk between all concourses (A, B, C, D, E) without exiting the secure area. The airport layout is like a central atrium with spokes – there are no trains needed, and the farthest two gates are about a 15-minute walk apart. This means you can “lounge hop” if you have time.

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Does CLT have any lounges with showers?

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Yes, two lounge facilities at CLT offer showers. The Amex Centurion Lounge has upscale shower suites with toiletries. And The Club CLT has a single private shower room for guests. Additionally, the Minute Suites offer shower facilities for a fee at their Concourse D/E location. If a shower is a priority (say after an overnight flight), plan to visit one of those. Admirals Clubs and the Delta Sky Club at CLT do not have showers, since most domestic-focused lounges don’t include that.