A minimum 1 hour scheduled connection time should be sufficient for domestic connections. MCT for anything involving international flights is 90 minutes; that will work for domestic to international, but: I'm a non-US passport holder connecting in CLT from an international to a domestic flight.

While 1 hour is technically above the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for domestic flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), it is considered a "tight" and potentially stressful window. Charlotte is a major hub for American Airlines, and while the terminal is laid out in a single large building with five concourses (A-E), walking from the end of Concourse A to the end of Concourse E can take 15 to 20 minutes. If your inbound flight is delayed by even 15 minutes, you may find the boarding doors for your next flight already closed. In 2026, travel experts recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for a comfortable connection at CLT, especially during peak afternoon hours or if you are connecting between a small regional jet and a large mainline aircraft. If you have only 60 minutes, avoid checking bags if possible and sit toward the front of your first flight to ensure a quick exit.

Whether 1 hour is enough for a connection in Charlotte (CLT) depends on several factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

The short answer:

It’s possible, but tight and somewhat risky. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major hub for American Airlines, and while it’s a single terminal with connected concourses, the layout can require significant walking.

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Key Factors to Consider:

1. Airline & Ticket: Is your entire journey on one ticket with a single airline (especially American Airlines)? If yes, the airline is responsible for rebooking you if you miss the connection due to a delay. If you booked separate tickets, you assume all the risk.
2. Arrival and Departure Concourses: CLT has one main terminal and five concourses (A, B, C, D, E). All are connected post-security via a long hallway and moving walkways.
   • Best Case: Landing in Concourse B and departing from Concourse C (a 5-10 minute walk).
   • Worst Case: Landing in Concourse E (the farthest out) and departing from Concourse A, or vice versa. This can be a 15-25+ minute brisk walk without delays.
3. Time of Day & Delays: CLT is very busy. An early arrival delay of 20-30 minutes can turn a 1-hour layover into a stressful 30-minute sprint.
4. Security: You will not have to re-clear TSA security if you’re connecting domestically and stay inside the secure area. This is a huge advantage. 5.