How long does it take to get through immigration at CLT?

Among major airports that process over 3 million international passengers annually, Phoenix Sky Harbor was the fastest, processing arriving travelers in just 7.4 minutes, on average. Charlotte Douglas International Airport was second, with an average airport wait time of 8.95 minutes, followed by Minneapolis-St.



As of 2026, the average time to get through immigration at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is approximately 45 to 60 minutes during peak hours. This can be significantly shorter, often less than 20 minutes, during off-peak times or for those who are members of Global Entry. The airport's primary international arrival gate, Concourse A, has recently undergone a major expansion to include more automated passport control kiosks and faster screening lanes to handle the influx of international flights. However, during the busy summer and holiday periods, waits can extend to over 90 minutes for those without pre-clearance or for those arriving on multiple wide-body aircraft simultaneously. To expedite your journey, it is recommended to use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which allows you to submit your customs declaration and photo via your smartphone before reaching the primary officer.

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Current Average TSA Wait Time at CLT This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (19 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at CLT.

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How long does customs usually take? On average, it takes travelers 17 minutes and 53 seconds to get through Immigration and Customs. This number will vary based on the airport you're traveling through, the time of year you're traveling, and the time of day you're arriving at the airport.

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The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.

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There are even regional jet connections allowable at 25 minutes, though 30 and 35 minute connections are common. While many of these connections are doable, inbound aircraft can get slowed down in alleyways or while waiting for gates. So the last few minutes can be the difference between making a connection or not.

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It's easy to navigate between concourses — no need for a shuttle. Parking is more affordable than most airports its size. And, most importantly, we have some of the shortest TSA wait times in the U.S.

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It's possible to walk between the 2 furthest gates within 15 minutes, and for passengers with any mobility issues, wheelchair assistance can be provided by contacting your airline.

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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is ranked among the world's busiest airports, with an average of 1,400 arrivals and departures and 118,000 people traveling to, from and through CLT each day, according to Airports Council International. In its 2022 rankings, ACI placed CLT No.

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8 Ways to Breeze Through Customs Quickly
  1. Fill out customs and immigration forms in advance. ...
  2. Get in line faster. ...
  3. Ditch the food. ...
  4. Know the questions they'll ask. ...
  5. Retain your receipts. ...
  6. Put your phone away. ...
  7. Become a trusted traveler. ...
  8. Keep your cool.


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I'd want an hour or (better) two, at a minimum. Charlotte is not a bad airport to have a layover. Plenty of shops, restaurants and several nice areas to relax with rocking chairs. If you have checked bags they won't make it to the next plane.

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If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

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Some Charlotte growth plans call for a train to help transport passengers to a future terminal. Currently, Charlotte has 106 gates and five concourses over 50 acres, according to the airport. By comparison, Atlanta has 192 gates and seven concourses on about 150 acres, according to that airport.

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Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs and get to your connecting flight. As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers.

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it is usually a long wait for luggage in Charlotte so you can clear customs and then you have to go back through security to board your connecting flight.

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) had the shortest average wait time at Immigration and Customs, with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport having the longest.

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Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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