Accidentally Entered a Restricted Area at Charlotte Douglas International Airport 

Will I Get Arrested?

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a high-traffic, high-security airport. It’s easy to get turned around, especially when rushing for a flight or navigating those never-ending construction zones. Maybe you followed a group that looked like they knew where they were going. Maybe you stepped through a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only" before realizing it wasn't just a shortcut. Now you’re facing security, and you’re wondering, “Am I about to get arrested?”

What does North Carolina law say about trespassing at CLT?

The legal answer depends on where you were and why you were there. North Carolina law takes airport security seriously, and unauthorized entry can lead to criminal charges.

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 63-26.1, trespassing on airport property is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This means that even if it was an accident, stepping into an unauthorized area at CLT could result in:

• A fine (amount varies by case)
• A criminal record (which could show up on background checks)
• Potential jail time (unlikely for first-time offenders, but possible)

If authorities believe you had intent, charges can escalate. If you enter a highly secure area like the tarmac, jet bridge, or air traffic control tower, you could even be looking at federal charges under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations and 49 U.S. Code § 46314, which prohibits unauthorized access to secured airport areas.

Will I be arrested for an honest mistake?

Most of the time, no. Security officials and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police who patrol CLT, understand that people sometimes make mistakes. But your response matters.

What should you do if you’re stopped by security?

1. Stay calm. Acting nervous or running will only make things worse.
2. Explain the mistake. “I took a wrong turn,” is better than trying to make excuses.
3. Follow instructions. If they ask for ID or escort you somewhere, comply.
4. Don’t joke about security. Telling TSA you were “just testing security” is not funny.
5. Call an attorney. If you’re detained or facing charges, legal representation is crucial.

Real-life examples from CLT 

CLT has had its share of security breaches, and not all of them were innocent mistakes.

• Frontier passenger arrested for refusing to leave plane (May 2024): A passenger on a Frontier Airlines flight was arrested after refusing to leave the aircraft once it had been deboarded. Police removed the individual, and they were charged with trespassing. Read more here.
• Former airline employee charged with trespassing (June 2021): A former Piedmont Airlines employee bypassed security and boarded an American Airlines flight to Cancun without authorization. The flight was diverted back to Charlotte, and the individual was arrested and charged with trespassing. Read more here.
• Passenger arrested for trespassing (December 2015): A drug-fueled man was arrested at CLT for trespassing after he jumped the perimeter fence and showed up in the concourse hallucinating about being chased by armed gunmen. Read more here.
• Protesters trespass at CLT (January 2017): In response to former President Trump’s travel ban, a large protest erupted at CLT. While much of the demonstration remained in public spaces, some protesters were arrested for trespassing after refusing to leave restricted areas inside the airport. Read more here.

So, am I going to jail?

If it was truly an accident, you likely won’t be arrested, but you might still get a citation. If you ignored warnings, entered a high-security area, or triggered an airport-wide security response, you could be facing real charges.

If a security breach requires airport lockdowns, TSA involvement, or police response, you can expect authorities to take the matter seriously.

If you’ve been charged with trespassing at Charlotte Douglas, contact a criminal law attorney at Jetton & Meredith today. We know North Carolina law, understand how CLT security handles these cases, and can help you fight the charges.