The one-star review nearly wrote itself as I stepped into an older portion of the concourse from the tarmac. Outdated fluorescent lighting, worn carpet and a limited number of obvious power outlets made a pending two-hour layover seem like it was going to be a short eternity.
...then the airport all-call announced that Sunday church services were being offered in the Main Terminal, above the Cinnabon ("Yes": the phrase 'above the Cinnabon' was part of the announcement...). Without an excuse to leave the gate, my opinion of CLT would have remained justifiably low.
Heading towards the terminal building, a few things became apparent:
1) Some parts of the airport haven't been touched in years. Others are just fine.
2) US Airways is the dominant carrier.
3) Rocking chairs make for happier passengers.
4) Security checkpoints are at the front so passengers don't have to go through multiple checkpoints to connect between concourses.
The terminal itself is reasonably modern with adequate signage, moving sidewalks, a variety of shops and restaurants, dozens upon dozens of the aforementioned rocking chairs and scattered power outlets. If you're inbound, I'd suggest checking out the old-school map on CLT's website if you want to grab some food or a book between flights.