One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
CAE8.5+0.7
CLT7.8
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
CAE7.4+0.2
CLT7.2
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
CAE7.0+0.1
CLT6.9
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
CAE7.2+0.7
CLT6.5
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
CAE7.0
CLT7.8+0.8
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
CAE2.0
CLT7.1+5.1
Best for
CAE
Columbia and Midlands travelers who would otherwise drive to CLT or CHSAmerican, Delta, or United hub connections from one concourseDrivers who will use the $12 Surface Lot or pre-book the garage
CLT
American Airlines connectionsEfficient PreCheck screeningValue long-term parking
Watch out for
CAE
Official TSA clock is 2 hours / checkpoint closes 8:00 p.m. — not a 24-hour laneNo passenger lounge — the Business Center and Nov 2025 rooms are free public space, not Priority PassOfficial CAE pages do not print The COMET Route 91 number or $2 fare
CLT
No direct rail to cityPeak morning security variabilityLimited airside dining variety
Amenities and tips
CAE
Runway Food Court after TSANo passenger loungeFlyWithEase Wi-FiThe COMET city busAirline wheelchair + Sky Caps
Arrive 2 hours — TSA 3:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Official TSA page: checkpoint 3:45 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily. Official clock is 2 hours domestic / 3 hours international leftover; the same page also prints 90 minutes to two hours.
One concourse, one TSA, no second building
Official terminal page: easy single-concourse civil building. Ticketing up; bags and rentals down. Official pages do not print a live gate-to-airline map.
Eat after TSA — Runway Food Court is the named kitchen
Official amenities: Runway Food Court past TSA (Jimmy John’s, Samuel Adams Columbia Brewhouse, Dunkin’). Red Eye Express is just past TSA. Landside is Friendly Caterer To-Go in the Grand Hall.
CLT
CLT AppThe Club CLTLong-term ParkingCATS BusAdmirals ClubWiFi
Check the CLT app before you leave
Official real-time checkpoint waits beat a fixed 2-hour rule on quiet days.
Stay airside between A–E
All five concourses connect after security. No tram.
The Club is the paid independent lounge
The Club CLT in Concourse A is the live Priority Pass / LoungeKey room. Club Pass is $60.
CAE · A small single-concourse Midlands field that is easy once you respect the 3:45 a.m.–8:00 p.m. TSA clock — three hub airlines, no lounge, and $12 surface parking after Allegiant left in May 2026.
CLT · Solid AA hub with efficient security app and decent lounges but limited public transport options and standard food variety.
