Complete travel information for your October journey
October is part of the shoulder season, but early-morning and late-afternoon departures (6–9 AM and 4–7 PM) remain the busiest at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Expect longer TSA and airline check-in lines during those windows, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before an international flight and consider TSA PreCheck or Priority Check-in to save time.
Airlines typically operate stable schedules in October, but some summer routes may have ended and winter schedules may start in late October. Check your airline for schedule updates 72 hours before departure from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). If you have a tight international connection, monitor your flight status and sign up for airline alerts to receive real-time changes.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is served by ride-hailing, taxis, rental cars, and Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) connections via the Sprinter shuttle and bus links. Rental car counters are located in the hourly/daily parking areas and off-airport providers operate shuttles. For cheaper transfers into uptown Charlotte or nearby cities like Concord and Rock Hill, book shared shuttles or use ride-share apps.
From Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) you can quickly access Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Rock Hill (SC), Greenville (SC), Columbia (SC), and Asheville (NC) by car or connecting flights. CLT is also well-connected to major hubs like Atlanta and New York via frequent domestic flights, which makes onward international connections to Athens easier and more flexible.
Verify your carrier's international baggage allowance in advance—many transatlantic partners include at least one checked bag, but budget connections may charge extra. Check in online 24 hours before departure and have passport, any required visas, and proof of onward travel ready. Pack layers for October weather changes, and label bags with full contact info for international routing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
October is a shoulder-season month that often brings lower fares on transatlantic routes, so you can find competitive pricing on CLT to ATH flights. Use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and mid-week departures to identify discounts; booking 1–3 months in advance usually yields the best October deals. Consider flying midweek and connecting via major European hubs to maximize savings.
October in Athens is mild and comfortable, with daytime highs around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and cooler evenings. Pack lightweight layers, a light rain jacket for occasional showers, and comfortable shoes for walking on historic sites. Arriving at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), you’ll find easy access to central Athens and nearby islands which may still have warm weather.
From Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) you can take the metro Line 3 directly to Syntagma and Monastiraki, the X95 express bus to Syntagma Square, taxis, or pre-booked transfers. For ferry connections to islands like Santorini or Mykonos, take the metro or taxi to Piraeus port (about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic). In October, ferry frequency decreases slightly but major routes remain operational.
October is part of the shoulder season in Athens, with fewer tourists and many cultural events like Ohi Day (October 28) that can increase local travel and public transport usage. During national holidays, expect busier local transit and occasional road closures; plan additional time to reach your accommodation. If traveling around Ohi Day, book transfers and ferries ahead of time to avoid crowds.
Arriving at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) gives you access to central Athens, Piraeus (for ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes), Nafplio, Delphi, Corinth, and Thessaloniki (via short domestic flights or trains). ATH is a gateway to the Greek islands—October remains a great time to combine Athens city sightseeing with quieter island visits.
Passengers from outside the EU should have a valid passport (and any necessary visas) ready for inspection on arrival at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). Schengen entry rules apply—ensure passport validity and check visa requirements well before travel. Customs inspections are routine for certain goods; declare items as required and consult the Greek customs website for specifics.
Use licensed taxis or pre-booked airport transfers for safe travel from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH); taxi stands are outside arrivals. The metro and buses are reliable, but watch for peak-hour crowds on October weekdays and on holiday observances like Ohi Day. Keep copies of important documents and consider mobile boarding passes; if you need medical or consular assistance, follow airport signage to help desks.