Airport Blogs & Travel Insight
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been serving passengers since 1947. The airport welcomed more than 8.7 million passengers in 2023 representing a 15.4% increase over 2022. CVG offers the lowest airfares in the region and 50+ nonstop destinations with 14 airlines. As the 6th largest cargo airport in North America and home to the Amazon Air Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub, CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations. With an annual impact of $9.3 billion (2022) on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in innovation.
Capitalizing on over 77 years of commercial airport expertise and a wide range of resources and thought leadership within the organization, CVG offers two blog channels.
On the Horizon
On the Horizon blog serves up the latest stories and news from CVG Airport. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, have a vested interest in the airport or just love to travel, you’re invited to follow along to learn and engage with CVG.
Jet with Jay
Join Jay Kruz, DJ at Mix 94.9 in Cincinnati, for his non-stop flight adventures from CVG Airport to destinations all around the world. Jet with Jay will tour you around great destinations while providing inspiration on seamless travel and getting to cool places on a budget!
- Apr 30, 2024
From medical care instructions to maintenance needs, CVG’s telecommunicators respond to it all
One of the critical functions at CVG is the Airport Operations Center (AOC), where a team full of telecommunicators serve as the watchful eyes and ears of the airport. How do they do this? This specialized team is constantly monitoring all aspects related to safety and operations at the airport while fielding emergency and non-emergency phone calls. At times, the team answers as many as 120 calls daily; more than 5,000 calls are fielded per month during peak times. All of this happens while they juggle a multi-channel radio system, monitor alarms, provide security access to perimeter gates, and page over the intercom systems.The team stays busy. CVG welcomed 8.7 million passengers in 2023, a 15% increase over 2022, and there are more than 16,000 badged employees working across the airport campus.“Earlier in the year, I took a 9-1-1 call from an employee who works with an aviation business at CVG. He had just ended his shift and was walking with a coworker. Once they reached their cars and were saying their goodbyes, the coworker started to have a seizure and was bleeding from biting his tongue. The caller stated that he had never had to call 9-1-1 before and he was scared. With the extensive training I had, I was able to calm the caller so that he was able to answer questions and listen to pre-arrival instructions before airport firefighters arrived on scene,” said Madison Rechtin, telecommunicator.Madison, along with her coworkers, are experts in providing over the phone medical directions before help arrives. They are friendly and remain calm with each caller throughout their shifts and know what action to take when a person needs them the most.“I received a call from a worried mom, who was concerned about her daughter, who is visually impaired. The daughter was trying to fly back home, but she missed her first flight, and her phone battery was dying. I looked at the camera and found the daughter. I then asked a public safety assistant (PSA) to check in on her. The PSA helped the daughter make her way to the ticketing counter so she could get her flight rebooked. I called the mom to tell her the good news, and I connected her with the airline for further assistance. Helping the family was rewarding, and we are always happy to lend a helping hand,” said Kaitlyn Howard, telecommunicator.While calls like the one Kaitlyn described are some of the most heartwarming, other calls may surprise you.“I have talked a caller through AED (automated external defibrillator) instructions then my next call was to enter a work order for a loose toilet seat,” said Jennifer Van Fleet, lead telecommunicator.The telecommunicators dispatch maintenance crews for routine services. If an employee or passenger sees a safety hazard at CVG, they are encouraged to call dispatchers at 859-767-7777 to report the issue. The team of dispatchers also verify IDs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other agencies, help passengers locate lost items, and even coordinate mutual aid calls for when a surrounding jurisdiction needs help from airport firefighters or airport police.“We do camera and investigative work for police officers and handle multiple radios and numerous phone calls. We also monitor the weather, help travelers with customer service issues, and ensure first responder safety,” responded Sara McLaughlin, telecommunicator.Although their jobs are high-stress and high-stakes, the team remains a very tightknit group, working together in 12-hour shifts and providing 24/7 dispatch coverage for CVG.“Each and every person in the AOC will jump in and help and back up their partners and each other without hesitation. I can say from personal experience that the comradery we have here is not always present at every other dispatch center. What we have here is unique and could be used as an example for other centers to follow,” said Jason Chambers, telecommunicator.If working on CVG’s telecommunicator team might be a career for you, you are encouraged to apply online at [jobs.cvgairport.com](https://www.cvgairport.com/careers/jobs/), or reach out to hrinfo@cvgairport.com for questions. If you are not looking for a job now but are interested in how you can keep others safe, this is how you can contribute.How you can help1. For emergency calls (medical, fire, life safety, accidents, etc.) call 911. Clearly identify your location as CVG Airport and give the specific operational area of the emergency.2. For non-emergency and administrative calls to Airport Operations, call 859-767-7777 and select the appropriate response in the call tree.3. Please be patient and stay on the line. Due to call volume and the task of juggling multiple calls and radio traffic, you may be placed on a brief hold due to emergency priorities.4. Please be prepared for questions during your emergency call. The protocol of questioning is to get you the best resource and care for your emergency needs. As emergency medical dispatches, we are also providing pre-arrival instructions to help until an emergency responder arrives on scene.5. Be patient on the phone or radio with us; the AOC can get busy, and we are often handling multiple calls at one time.Learn more Cancun Awaits: Your Journey Begins at CVG
All-inclusive resorts and sunny beaches are just a short, nonstop flight away.When was the last time you turned off your phone, closed your laptop, and spent some quality time lounging on the beach? If it’s been a minute, let’s chat about why you should consider Cancun and Riviera Maya as your next vacation destination.Soak up the sun in Cancun.The hotel and resort options are endless.Cancun and Riviera Maya (including areas like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel) are among the most visited tourist regions in Mexico and boast over 120,000 hotel rooms. Whether you’re interested in simple overnight accommodations or want to splurge on a massive, luxury all-inclusive resort on the beach, you’ll find it. Pork tacos, anyone?It can be overwhelming to decide where to go and where to stay. One thing I’d recommend as you begin your trip planning is to hop on TripAdvisor and check out the things you’d like to see and do. Save them as you go, and then view them all on a map. If the majority of things you’d like to see are near Tulum, stay there.These boats are ready to head out from the beach in Cancun.If you don’t want to spend much time exploring and plan to be at a resort for most of your stay, skip right to the hotels page on TripAdvisor and explore the amenities of each property. You can also enter your desired travel dates and compare prices.Punta Sur Eco Beach in Cozumel is picture perfect.Remember you’ll need to factor in travel time from the Cancun airport to your resort. Tulum and areas to the south will take about an hour to reach from the Cancun airport. Cozumel requires a ferry, which will add another 45+ minutes to your journey.Cancun is in sight…ready for landing!It has never been easier to get to Cancun!CVG has several nonstop airline choices to get to and from Cancun easily. Four carriers at CVG offer year-round or seasonal service to the sunny shores of Mexico.- Frontier (departs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays year-round)- Viva Aerobus (departs Sundays year-round)- American (seasonal winter service)- Delta (seasonal winter service)Service days and routes are subject to change at any time.Keep in mind you will need a valid passport to travel to Cancun. Be sure to apply or renew your passport well before you travel and stay up to date on the current processing times [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html).Playa Delfines is gorgeous.The beach looks great; what else is there to do?Cancun is home to famous beaches like [Playa Delfines](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/cancun/zona-hotelera/attractions/playa-delfines/a/poi-sig/411558/1342478), and many of my friends can lie out by a pool or in a beach chair for seven days and love every minute of it. And that’s totally cool! I love visiting beautiful beaches and spending some time relaxing, but I usually get a little antsy and want to see what else is happening in a new destination.There are many shopping and dining options in Playa del Carmen.Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer.Xoximilco CancunThere’s music…with food…and drinks…on a boat with friends! What could be better? Check out [Xoximilco](https://www.xoximilco.com/en/), and enjoy a ride on a trajinera through canals with live entertainment and games paying homage to the famous Xoximilco lagoon. Consider booking your ticket in advance during peak season. Taking control of a monster truck? Yes!XavageAt this thrill park, you can drive your own monster truck and get muddy, take on a ropes course, or hop aboard a jet boat. [Xavage](https://www.xavage.com/en/?langRedirect=1) offers a variety of adrenaline filled activities and includes meals throughout the day. The coolest part is that all activities are unlimited, as is the food. Book in advance for cheaper tickets.Cenotes Dos OjosCenotes’ naturally occurring sinkholes filled with water are beautiful to see in person. Many of them, including [Cenotes Dos Ojos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Dos_Ojos), located about one hour south of Cancun, offer relaxing swimming, snorkeling, or diving opportunities. The area surrounding the Tulum Ruins adds to the experience.Tulum Archaeological SiteThe ruins of this Mayan city sit along a beautiful coastline, which makes for a perfect day trip from Cancun. Situated about 90 minutes south of the Cancun tourist area, the [Tulum Archaeological Site](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150813-d153186-Reviews-Tulum_Archaeological_Site-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html) or Tulum Ruins offers the chance to see temples, palaces, and watch towers.Historic Chichen Itza awaits.Chichen ItzaTake a daytrip to one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Mexico, [Chichen Itza](https://www.chichenitza.com/). Over two million people come through this 1,500-year-old site every year. To visit one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” you can book a reputable guide service or check with your hotel to help arrange a tour.Mayan Museum of CancunThis highly rated modern museum features many artifacts and displays the history of the Mayan people and archaeology of Quintana Roo. With an entry fee around $5, the [Mayan Museum of Cancun](https://www.inah.gob.mx/museos/museo-maya-de-cancun) is a great way to spend an afternoon.Tulum RuinsBook a vacation package and leave the planning to the pros.Don’t feel like sifting through hotel reviews or figuring out how to get to and from the airport in Cancun? [Vacation Express](https://www.vacationexpress.com/) and [Apple Vacations](https://www.applevacations.com/) offer complete packages, many of which feature all-inclusive resorts.Check out the lighthouse overlooking the beach in Cozumel.What to know about sargassum?Like many Caribbean, Mexican, and Central American destinations, Cancun beaches have to deal with a build- up of grass called sargassum. It’s not harmful, but it stinks if it sits on shore for a while. Large-scale efforts are in place to reduce the amount of sargassum that washes ashore, and many hours are spent by workers removing the grass if it does reach the shoreline.The “sargassum season” runs from around late January to September. It won’t ruin a trip (we dealt with heavy sargassum on a trip to Belize), but it’s something to be aware of.Taakk Bi Ha Cenote near Playa del CarmenI’m always on the lookout for low fares and post them on the [Jay’s Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page. I’d love to hear about your Cancun trip! You can reach me on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)) at @JayKruzOfficial.I’ll see you in a lounge chair by the pool!-JayLearn more- Apr 22, 2024
New aircraft mechanic school is open and accepting students at CVG
A helicopter, an assortment of engines, and various small aircraft are some resources available to students at [Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/). The school held its grand opening ceremony on Monday, April 22 at its new location on CVG’s campus.Students can complete Epic Flight Academy’s program in about 19 months. They will have the opportunity to become FAA-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) aviation mechanics, which are in high demand, and the students can seek employment at CVG. As one of the fast-growing cargo airports in the world, as well as having robust passenger airline activity, CVG has thousands of jobs across the campus and only looks to increase employment in the years to come, as evidenced by the recent [opening of FEAM Aero’s second aircraft maintenance hangar](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/news/item/business-courier-feam-aero-opens-second-usd45-million-aircraft-repair-hangar/). Many future mechanics are eager for their careers to takeoff.“I’ve been working for an airline for three years. I’ve become friends with other mechanics, and they informed me about this school. It was the right place and right time. I’m excited about electronics and avionics, and I am ready to learn how different computer systems work in each different type of aircraft,” said Elias Unasa, student, Epic Flight Academy. Another student, Dalton Messer, was previously employed in cargo operations, and he is ready for a new opportunity within the aviation industry.“I’m looking forward to being back out on the ramp and being with the planes. I want to learn everything I can, I am really looking forward to it,” said Messer.If you or someone you know is interested in joining Epic Flight Academy’s school, the program is offering year-round open enrollment and has rolling start dates for classes. Eligible students must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, amongst other requirements. You can learn about the school’s curriculum by visiting [Epic Flight Academy’s website](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/), or by calling 1-866-359-3742. The opening of Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school at CVG represents another way that the airport has become a self-sufficient ecosystem at the epicenter of e-commerce in the United States and a leading job hub for the Cincinnati region.Learn more - Mar 28, 2024
Top 5 CVG spring break destinations and tips you need before you leave
After what many are calling the ‘gloomiest winter ever,’ passengers are flocking to CVG Airport to fly south for spring break and summer vacations. In fact, more than 1.6 million people are expected to fly in and out of CVG throughout March and April; that number grew by 10% year over year. The airport’s most popular spring break destinations are: - Tampa (TPA)- Orlando (MCO)- Fort Myers (RSW)- Miami (MIA)- Destin (VPS)If you are one of the many travelers who has their flight booked, CVG has important travel tips for you.1. Reserve a parking spaceNew to the airport, you can pre-pay and reserve a parking space in the CVG Terminal Garage or CVG Economy Lot. Spaces are limited, [book your spot today](https://www.cvgairport.com/parking-options/).2. Free wheelchair assistanceIf you have mobility needs, contact your airline in advance to arrange free [wheelchair assistance](https://www.cvgairport.com/accessibility/) at both your departure and arrival airports. Often, a wheelchair assistant will meet you at ticketing in the Terminal and assist you through the airport to your gate and onto your flight. When you get to your destination, the assistant will then help transport you off the plane and through the airport to your ground transportation.3. Personalized assistance through TSA CaresAnother free option available to all passengers is a program that offers personalized assistance through the TSA security checkpoint called the [TSA Cares program](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support). This is especially helpful to a person who has a medical device, disability, or medical condition. In addition, this program is helpful to those who do not speak English as a first language or those wearing or traveling with important religious or cultural items. To request this service, contact TSA at least three days before your flight. You can fill out the [TSA Cares form](https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares) or call (855) 787-2227.4. Free sunflower lanyard signals non-visible disability to aviation employeesCVG participates in the worldwide [Sunflower Lanyard Program for Hidden Disability Awareness](https://hdsunflower.com/us/). Free sunflower lanyards are available at the information desk on the Baggage Claim level or can be ordered ahead of time via info@cvgairport.com or 859-767-3230. This program is helpful for those who want to signal to employes at the airport that they have a non-visible disability or travel anxiety and may need extra support.5. Come home to a clean carYou have a lot to think about before you leave on a trip. Now, at CVG, you can take car-care off the list. When you utilize CVG’s Valet parking service, you can have your car taken care of by the airport’s partner, Vohnt. Your car can get detailed, including pet hair removed, oil changed, tires rotated, and gas topped off while you’re away. [Explore pricing options now.](https://www.vohnt.com/valet-car-care-airport/cvg)6. Reserve a taxi at CVGA cutting-edge taxicab service, zTrip, is now at CVG Airport. The convenient option allows you to walk up to reserve a taxi or book by calling 513-962-1122. You can rest assured that your drivers have met high-quality safety standards. [View the reliable taxi options](http://www.zTrip.com).Learn more - Mar 26, 2024
CVG named one of the top airports worldwide for customer experience
Thanks to our travelers who participated in the [Airport Service Quality (ASQ)](https://aci.aero/programs-and-services/asq/) surveys, [CVG has now been named a top airport](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/news/item/nky-tribune-cvg-named-to-aci-worlds-roll-of-excellence-one-of-best-airports/) in North America that serves five to 15 million passengers a year. We are also one of eight airports in the world to be inducted into Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General’s Roll of Excellence – a recognition given to airports that have won multiple ASQ awards over a five-year period.“Delivering an excellent customer experience continues to be a shared priority for all of us at CVG,” said Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG. “We are proud to be included in this year’s Roll of Excellence for the Airport Service Quality Awards, a distinction based on direct, positive passenger feedback over the last five years.”Overall, the ASQ survey results showed that CVG passengers were most pleased with the courtesy and helpfulness of our staff and were most satisfied with the ease of accessing the terminal and traveling through the airport. Every survey response matters to CVG and will be used to continue the airport’s mission of redefining and elevating the role of an airport. If you would like to share your feedback next time you fly through CVG, look for an airport team member being followed by a droid-like robot. That robot is used to carry iPads for the surveys. We guess you could say it’s responsible for human-airport relations (for Star Wars fans). Thank you for traveling through CVG and naming the airport a top one in the world.Learn more - Mar 26, 2024
More than a bank: Fifth Third opens modern financial center with lounge
Fifth Third ATMA lounge full of comfortable couches and chairs, an interactive play space for children, desk space, a hydration station, and private booths for phone calls are some of the features at Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B at CVG Airport. You don’t have to be a bank customer to utilize the space that is conveniently located outside of the food court, but if you are interested in banking on the go, Fifth Third offers all the services you need including an ATM and currency exchange. Fifth Third lounge“This modern and versatile space is a great amenity for leisure and business travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B is yet another improvement to elevate the travel experience at CVG, and we’re grateful for their partnership.”Private phoneboothInteractive play area for childrenIt is important to Fifth Third and CVG to highlight the community. Two Cincinnati area artists, Scott Filipiak and Jeffrey Samuel Jr., have pieces on display. One illustrates currency exchange from the U.S. dollar to the British pound. The other depicts Black female leaders from the Cincinnati area: Marian Spencer, the first African American female mayor of Cincinnati, and Miriam Nagel, the first female officer of Fifth Third Bank, who had her student pilot’s license during World War II.Scott Filipiak’s “Dollars to Euros”Jeffery Samuel’s “The ‘Tail’ of the M’s: A Tribute to Pioneering Women"Whenever you next fly in or out of Concourse B, be sure to stop by Fifth Third’s new financial center to check out these amenities and the future of banking on the go.Learn more