Charlotte Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, is experiencing significant challenges due to high passenger volumes and limited infrastructure. The airport, which offers some of the highest airfares in the nation, benefits from its strategic location and low operational costs. However, these advantages come at the expense of passenger comfort.
American Airlines operates a dominant connecting hub at Charlotte, with 68% of passengers using it for connections. This dominance results in numerous non-stop flight options but also minimal competition. Despite its geographic advantages and cost-effectiveness for airlines, the airport's facilities are often described as inadequate and overcrowded.
"The airport is a pit," one frequent traveler remarked. "And for me it’s also where connections go to die." Passengers face long walks between concourses, especially when people movers are out of service. The physical infrastructure struggles to support the volume of traffic, leading to packed corridors and subpar amenities.