What To Know
- Based on the aforementioned factors, it is evident that Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is larger than Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in terms of land area, terminal building space, and passenger traffic volume.
- While PHL has a higher number of runways, CLT’s larger size and higher passenger capacity make it the overall bigger airport.
- Is there a significant difference in flight delays between the two airports.
When planning your next trip, comparing the sizes of different airports can be crucial for optimizing your travel experience. Two popular airports in the United States, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), often raise the question: “Is Philadelphia airport bigger than Charlotte?” This blog post delves into a comprehensive analysis of these two airports to provide you with an informed answer.
Airport Size Comparison
To determine which airport is larger, we need to consider several factors:
- Land Area: PHL spans approximately 2,300 acres, while CLT covers around 5,500 acres. **CLT is significantly larger than PHL in terms of land area.**
- Terminal Buildings: PHL has nine terminal buildings, while CLT has six. However, the total square footage of PHL’s terminal buildings is estimated to be around 2.5 million, while CLT’s terminal buildings total approximately 3.5 million square feet. **CLT has a larger combined terminal building area.**
- Runways: PHL has six runways, while CLT has four. **PHL has a higher number of runways.**
- Gates: PHL has 127 gates, while CLT has 148 gates. **CLT has a slightly higher number of gates.**
- Passenger Traffic: In 2022, PHL handled approximately 34 million passengers, while CLT handled around 50 million passengers. **CLT has a higher passenger traffic volume.**
Recommendations: Which Airport is Larger?
Based on the aforementioned factors, it is evident that Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is larger than Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in terms of land area, terminal building space, and passenger traffic volume. While PHL has a higher number of runways, CLT’s larger size and higher passenger capacity make it the overall bigger airport.
Additional Considerations
Beyond size, there are other factors to consider when comparing these airports:
- Location: PHL is located within the city limits of Philadelphia, while CLT is situated about 8 miles from downtown Charlotte. **PHL offers a more convenient location for travelers within the city.**
- Amenities: Both airports offer a wide range of amenities, including dining options, retail stores, and passenger lounges. However, **CLT has a slightly wider selection of amenities.**
- Accessibility: PHL is accessible via several public transportation options, including train, bus, and subway. CLT is also accessible via public transportation, but the options are more limited. **PHL has better public transportation accessibility.**
- Cost: The cost of parking and other services may vary between the two airports. **CLT generally has higher parking rates than PHL.**
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which airport is more convenient for international travel?
A: CLT has a dedicated international terminal, while PHL handles international flights from various terminals. Both airports offer direct flights to several international destinations.
Q: Is there a significant difference in flight delays between the two airports?
A: Both PHL and CLT experience occasional flight delays due to weather or other factors. However, there is no significant difference in the overall delay rates between the two airports.
Q: Which airport has a better reputation for customer service?
A: Both PHL and CLT have received positive feedback for their customer service. However, CLT consistently ranks slightly higher in customer satisfaction surveys.
