When you think about Delta Sky Clubs, airports like Atlanta, Detroit and Minneapolis probably come to mind first. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), however, isn’t a Delta hub—it is DOMINATED by American Airlines.
That’s what makes the Delta Sky Club at CLT so interesting.
Opened in December 2024, it’s Delta’s first-ever Sky Club at Charlotte. Located in the newer part of Concourse A, the club is more than 14,000 square feet and has seating for 246 guests. For an airport where Delta is a much smaller player, that’s a surprisingly large lounge.
As my home airport, it is welcome addition to the lounge collection. Only other option for Delta flyers prior is the AMEX Centurion Lounge but that is far walk from there to the Delta gates. I personally love this for the home airport.
How Can You Get Into the CLT Sky Club?
There are several ways to access the Delta Sky Club, but two of the most common for travelers are the American Express Platinum Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
If you have the U.S. Amex Platinum Card or business version, you currently receive 10 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year when traveling on an eligible same-day Delta flight. You must present your Platinum Card, government-issued ID and boarding pass. Access for departing passengers is generally limited to within three hours of departure, while connecting passengers can access the club during their layover.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card or business version, provides 15 Sky Club visits per Medallion Year when you’re traveling on an eligible same-day Delta flight. Reserve cardholders can unlock unlimited Sky Club access after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases during a calendar year. Which I am not sure I would recommend spending that much just for that benefit.
One important thing to remember: BASIC ECONOMY is NOT eligible for Sky Club access through these card benefits. Your Delta ticket needs to be a qualifying fare rather than Delta Main Basic. So if you’re buying the cheapest Delta ticket specifically because you plan to use the Sky Club, make sure you check the fare type first.
A Surprisingly Huge Sky Club for CLT
My first reaction was simply: this place is HUGE.
For a non-hub airport, I wasn’t expecting the Sky Club to have this much space. There is plenty of seating throughout the lounge, including individual seats, tables, work areas and quieter spaces.
Delta says the lounge was designed for both business and leisure travelers, and it shows. There are also six soundproof booths for travelers who need to make a private call or get some work done.
Compared with some of the Sky Clubs I’ve experienced at major Delta hubs, CLT can feel much more relaxed.
Much Less Crowded Than ATL or DTW
This is probably one of my favorite things about the CLT Sky Club.
If you’ve been to some of the busier Delta Sky Clubs in Atlanta or Detroit, you know how crowded they can become. Finding a seat can sometimes feel like a competition.
CLT is a different experience.
Because Charlotte isn’t a Delta hub, the Sky Club generally doesn’t have the same constant flow of connecting Delta passengers that you see at Atlanta or Detroit. One recent review found the CLT club only about a quarter full during a Sunday afternoon visit.
Of course, crowds can vary depending on the day and time, but the smaller Delta operation at CLT definitely has an advantage here.
The Food Is Pretty Good
The food is another strong point.
The lounge has a large buffet with both hot and cold selections, along with two beverage stations. Delta specifically designed the club with a substantial buffet area, and reviews have generally been positive about the selection and quality.
It’s not a restaurant, obviously, but for an airport lounge, there’s enough variety to make grabbing a meal before your flight worthwhile.
The Gates Are Right There
This is one of the biggest advantages of the CLT Sky Club.
The lounge is located on the mezzanine level near Gate A32, right next to the cluster of Delta gates. Delta’s flights at CLT primarily operate from this area, so you don’t have to worry about enjoying the lounge and then discovering that your gate is on the other side of the airport.
That makes the lounge especially convenient.
You can eat, relax, watch the planes and then head downstairs to your gate when it’s time to board.
The One Big Annoyance: Getting There
Here’s a big complaint—and it’s not really the Sky Club’s fault.
The walk from TSA to the Sky Club can feel like you’re going on a mini hike.
If you’re coming through the main security checkpoint, you’re going to have a decent walk before reaching the A30s and the Sky Club.
Basically, CLT makes you work for your lounge privileges.
“Congratulations, you’re entering the Sky Club. Please complete your 10-minute airport walking workout first.”
The good news is that once you’re actually in Concourse A, the Sky Club is easy to find, and once you’re there, the nearby Delta gates make the location very convenient.
Limited Hours Are the Main Downside
My other complaint is the operating hours.
Delta’s published hours for the CLT Sky Club are currently 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and Friday, and 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday (as of this posting), according to Delta’s lounge directory. Hours can change, so it’s worth checking Delta’s current listing before your trip.
For someone taking a later Delta flight, that can be a problem.
The lounge is excellent if your flight lines up with its operating hours, but it isn’t a place you can necessarily count on for a late-evening departure.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really like the Delta Sky Club at CLT.
For a non-hub airport, it’s surprisingly large, has plenty of seating, good food and is generally much less crowded than some of Delta’s major hub Sky Clubs.
The location is also excellent once you’re in Concourse A because the Delta gates are right nearby.
The biggest negatives are the walk from security and the limited operating hours. Neither is enough to ruin the experience for me, especially because once you get there, the lounge provides a comfortable escape from the much busier terminal.
And honestly, having a 14,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club in an American Airlines hub is pretty impressive.
If you’re flying Delta out of Charlotte and have access to the Sky Club, it’s definitely worth stopping by.