One of my only options for a return flight from BZE to Denver next month involves a US Airways flight from BZE to Charlotte NC with only a 50-minute layover.

Has anyone been through the Charlotte airport, and if so, do you think I can clear customs and make my connecting flight at that airport? If my bags don't make it, that's cool, I just want to be on that next plane to Denver.

The connection occurs between 5 and 6pm.

There's no way this works in Miami. But maybe Charlotte is smaller, better organized?

Thanks in advance!

It wouldn't work for Houston either. I would call that very very close.

I'm thinking of leaving some stuff here and just doing a carry on back so I don't have to collect my luggage and recheck it. Might shave a few minutes off. But some knowledge of the Charlotte airport/customs/security setup is really needed.

Sweetjane went through Charlotte coming back from AC in March. She said it was much less hectic than Miami but she still couldn't recommend trying to do it in less than an hour. You might want to PM her for more info.

sorry, my browser flipped out. KC, as my attorney, has approval to speak for me in my absence. ok:

yes, i said that. CLT is a breeze - we flew through immigration, customs & TSA quickly. it is easy to get around in and has long been our fave hub.

BUT 50 minutes isn't much time - esp when they start boarding like 25 minutes b4 flight time. we flew a weekday at odd times, so i can't guarantee it is like that 100% of the time.

so while it may be doable, i cant recommend you try it - it sure is cutting it close. if your inbound flight is even 10 minutes delayed, you miss the connection.

as always, JMO. good luck!!!

ok, now reading about with carry-on only - i would SURELY wait for a second opinion besides mine, but barring flight/weather delays, yes, i think you could make it.

we had 1.5 hours, and had time for a cigarette outside, a beer inside, and rechecking our bags.

Thank you, sweetjane. Lots of good info, and advice. Think I'll give it a shot. Sounds like if it's doable at any airport, it might be here. Used to go to the Bahamas a lot, and West Palm Beach was the same way, quick, easy, smaller.

We fly into Charlotte as it is our home base airport, and we are usually in the car within an hour of landing. Very easy to get around, but it's the distance between the gates..It would be hard pressed to make it in 50 minutes, from landing to take-off. Cutting it too close, I'd say.

Thanks for the heads up. I just don't know if I should chance it or not now.

Seems odd that US Airways would offer this without realizing the time frame is so short since it involves clearing customs.

The connecting flight is theirs also. You would think they would know someone was coming and wait. Yeah, right.

We used CLT end of Feb. It took them 30 minutes to get our luggage to the pick up area. Immigration wasn't too bad about 15 minutes then customs then drop off bags then TSA. If you can use the TSA closer to the 'A' concourse you may get through faster. At 'C' and 'B' they were very busy and slow. Not as bad as Houston though....

As a frequent flyer, I think you're more likely to make it than not, except for a possible delay. But then, if there's a delay, you might not make it even with two hours in between.

Charlotte is small enough and fast enough to make it. You can always be moved (either by telling someone in customs or asking the other folks in line) to the front of the line (I have to do this on a regular basis in Calgary with no problem).

If you're doing carry-on only and are willing to tell people in line at customs that your plane is boarding and could you please move to the front, you'll make your flight.

Also, the airline computer systems actually won't book you for a flight that you can't make. I've tried on every airline (I fly 45 weeks a year for my job) and it just doesn't work. It's programmed into the system to not allow it.

I still think 50 mins is asking for trouble. I just flew in from IAD to CLT, and the plane was delayed 25 mins due to storms. Several ppl on the flight missed their connections, because they had booked too close. If you like to live dangerously, go for it...I don't like to spend extra time in airports, so I like to allow plenty of time to get to the gate, rather than have to lay over any more time.
In any event, good luck. And, welcome to Charlotte!!