Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is preparing for the start of the summer travel season, with Memorial Day weekend marking the official kickoff. While this year’s travel volume is expected to be slightly lower than in 2024, officials are encouraging travelers to plan ahead for a smooth airport experience.
Passenger traffic during the Memorial Day travel window—Thursday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 27—is projected to exceed 970,000 arrivals and departures, a 9% decrease from the same period last year. Summer travel overall is forecasted to be 7% lower than in 2024.
Even with the drop in numbers, Charlotte Douglas will still see significant traffic. The busiest travel days are expected to be Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, when many travelers begin their long weekend getaways.
Travelers are encouraged to arrive early, check flight status in advance, and take advantage of airport services to minimize stress during peak hours.
