allthingsplanes

^ While I can understand the logic of using all lanes until they end would help with traffic flow, to me it doesn't work that way. The way I see it is that if you have a clear opportunity to merge, at speed, earlier on, then there should never be a back up. But it's when people wait until the last minute and "force" their way in between cars, then a car has to hit their brakes and everything slows down. I'm probably wrong, but I still try to merge earlier while traveling at speed. What really annoys me is when traffic in the through lanes is at a standstill and people merging in bypass everyone and go to the front of the line. Just because they're merging in shouldn't mean they should pass everyone else by. I know that logic is flawed, but it is still annoying. Even more so when they go around others who are merging in, or when they continue on down the shoulder.

Yeah, but this is also one instance where I think the fact that he was the mayor here helps. He's got perspective on what is most important and needed for the city.

And McCrory seems to be against it so maybe it won't happen...

Huh? I'm lost. What does Doug Parker have to do with Delta? And what does any of that have to do with anything?

While the connection opportunities in Charlotte do help us get flights that we otherwise never would, I don't think you should use that metric in regards to comparing our chances of a flight to Orlando's. While our populations are about the same, Orlando has nearly 3x as much O&D traffic as we do. Simply put - people are flying to Orlando to visit Orlando (theme parks). Unfortunately, right now I'm not going to hold my breath in hopes of Qatar flying here. But maybe some day.

I especially liked the very last sentence. Definitely shows the bias of the author. And it was a horrible way to end an article...

Awesome! How much better that will be!!!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but most/all of those are legacy US planes that have been repainted. They all likely say "operated by US Airways" up near the doors. I don't believe American is flying any of their planes out of anything but A gates still.

I understand that most planes in most circumstances don't need over 10,000 feet of runway. However, there must be a good reason airports build longer runways. Obviously in places like Denver it takes a longer runway. But why does JFK have a 14,500 foot runway if it's not needed?? The main reason to have a 4th runway is to conduct simultaneous dual takeoffs and landings. However, given the fact that it's rare that CLT is busy for both takeoffs and landings at the same time, I don't know how much the 4th runway is needed. But I'm definitely not an expert and am not privy to the info that the airport management has.

Does anyone know anything about the Courtyard by Marriott hotel that is under construction at the corner of WT Harris and Statesville Rd? It's only partway complete and there's clearly been no work on it for months. Did the developer go under?

^ You mean departures. That can work, as long as the roadway is clear enough to even go up the ramp...

I always felt like something wasn't right. Those posts have always just been so negative for CLT - it didn't seem like someone who's here and truly wants the airport to succeed. I will admit, I'm trying to remain positive about the airport's future, but right now I'm holding my breath hoping that the next piece of news isn't bad...

It still amazes me how big the effort is against these. Signs are all over the place, including big banners. So is this a done deal at this point? When will construction really get going?

The new inline baggage system is under construction and I believe will be in operation by next year. Hopefully that will improve the situation.

CLT does have its issues - most of which stem from having grown so very quickly and not being able to keep up. But the work is underway to rectify most of those issues. I think after all of this work is done, the airport will be in pretty good shape. But most of the airports you listed have some good parts and some bad. Haven't you ever had to spend more than 30 minutes in the old B concourse at Houston (IAH)? There aren't many experiences as bad as that... As for regional jets - Denver is not a good comparison. It's geographically isolated so it doesn't fly to as many smaller airports close by. Also, many of the destinations are not as high for business travel so they're not built around frequencies. But even with those things in mind take a look at DEN on Wikipedia - the number of destinations on United Express far outnumber those on mainline.

I actually didn't read it that this money would be used for the new domestic terminal. They cited not just the terminal upgrades but additional parking and the extension of Little Rock Rd. The only part about the new terminal was regarding the long-term plans and the fact that rental cars would soon move to the garage. I think that the renovations inside the terminal will do a lot to help how travelers view the airport. Because if your only experience is in A, B, or C you would think our airport is not very nice...

I for one would love to hear more about where things stand with the airport work. After an almost continuous stream of updates and news articles it's really hard to find anything. I'll be going to the airport next month and will get to see some of the work. But I'd love if there is any more information about where things stand (either current work or upcoming work) to hear about it. As for the post above - if route cuts (or increases) are known to be happening, then maybe we could actually discuss how those will affect the airport and the master plan. And I think many of us are tired of seeing the WAY that those messages are posted - always very negative.

Seriously... On topic, I've been looking for any other info about the new entrance road (the portion of Little Rock Rd. being put through). Anyone know where I can find that?

Okay, that makes more sense. Thanks for the clarification.

Why in the world are they that far behind? In looking at each segment it seems like they're so close to being finished. What do they have left to do that will take that long?

I'm not too surprised given their joint venture. They fly from a lot of US cities to Amsterdam and Paris.

Great! I'm glad to see some movement. I'm frankly not surprised about those restaurants and another gas station - seems a prime place for those and I'm sure they'll do really well. I would really enjoy more local restaurants but know that this is kind of an empty area for the chains. Thanks for the info!

I'm wondering if anyone has any inside information about the Bryton Huntersville development? It's been about a year since Walmart was opened, and there hasn't been any further movement in that community - either commercial or residential. Frankly, I'm really surprised that none of the outparcels have been built in front of Walmart since it clearly gets a lot of traffic. And I'm disappointed that the residential area hasn't changed in many, many months. My big question is, with the failure of the Red Line to happen, has this practically killed this development? It was really advertising that aspect and built around the railroad tracks. Will it just not happen at all now, or will it just take longer? Thanks for anyone who has more info. This is the first time I've started a topic, so if this needs to be put in the Coffeehouse section, I'm sorry.

^ I must admit that the MD80's are some of my favorite to watch at the overlook. They look kinda graceful coming in (and appear big when looking at them coming straight on), and make quite the roar on takeoff.

He was asking Miesian Corners.