Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is one terminal with three concourses — A, B, and C — all reachable on foot after security. Your airline determines your concourse, your concourse determines the best TSA checkpoint, and your gate determines how far you’ll walk. This guide is the navigation reference; for choosing between carriers, see our airlines at CLE guide.
Concourse A — Gates A1–A14 (Frontier, Seasonal)
The north concourse serves ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines, plus seasonal and charter operations (including Avelo and vacation charters). Frontier runs a sizable operation at CLE with nonstops to destinations like Denver, Orlando, Las Vegas, and seasonal international service (Cancun, Punta Cana, San Juan). This is typically the quietest concourse — fewer food options, shorter walks.
Concourse B — Gates B1–B11 (Delta, Southwest)
The middle concourse serves Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. Delta flies to its hubs — Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York (LGA/JFK), and Boston. Southwest’s CLE nonstops include Chicago Midway, Baltimore, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Dallas Love Field. Concourse B is also where you’ll find the Mother’s Room (across from gate B1) and the entrance to The Club CLE lounge.
Concourse C — Gates C2–C29 (United, American, JetBlue, Alaska, Air Canada, Aer Lingus)
The south concourse is CLE’s longest and busiest, home to United Airlines (CLE’s largest C tenant, flying to Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Newark, Washington Dulles, and San Francisco), American Airlines (which moved from Concourse A to C in May 2017), plus JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada (Toronto), and Aer Lingus — whose seasonal Dublin flight is CLE’s only nonstop transatlantic route. The high C gates (C20s) are a long walk from security; build in extra time. See our Terminal C map for gate-by-gate detail.
Pick the Right TSA Checkpoint for Your Concourse
CLE has three checkpoints, and the closest one to your concourse saves you walking:
- South checkpoint — closest to Concourse C; typically open 3:15 AM–7:45 PM.
- Central checkpoint — closest to Concourse B; typically open 4:15 AM–10:00 PM; the airport’s PreCheck and CLEAR checkpoint.
- North checkpoint — opens 4:15 AM, operates on an as-needed basis; nearest to Concourse A.
For evening departures after the South checkpoint closes, use Central regardless of concourse. Full details on our CLE TSA wait times page.
Understanding Gate Assignments at CLE
Gate numbers are assigned within each concourse and can change for weather, aircraft scheduling, or operational reasons — always confirm on the departure boards or your airline’s app before heading out. International and charter flights sometimes use gates outside their airline’s usual concourse. Arrive at your gate at least 30 minutes before boarding so a last-minute change doesn’t strand you at the wrong end of Concourse C. (clevelandairport.com)
Check-In and Baggage Claim
All airline ticket counters are on the main terminal’s departures level, organized by airline — check the overhead signs for your carrier. Baggage claim is on the lower arrivals level after you land; rideshare pickup and the taxi stand are on the same level. If you’re connecting, stay airside and follow the signs to your next concourse — no need to re-clear security.
Keep planning: Cleveland Airport Guides for every CLE guide in one place
Make Your CLE Journey Easier with AirportGo
AirportGo is built for the whole airport journey — before, during, and after your flight. Before you fly, use the packing checklist and trip tasks to get organized. During your trip, search the directory for gates, food, restrooms, and ATMs, get step-by-step walking navigation through the terminal, check TSA checkpoint times, and set a parking reminder so your spot is saved. After you land, the find-my-car feature uses your saved parking photo and location to walk you back to your vehicle. It even works offline, so a weak airport signal won’t slow you down. The app is available now on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Contact: airportgoofficial@gmail.com