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.
![CVG image](http://images.ctfassets.net/38z8fjm5i4nh/6cuVG5nffjWgGITdmk98EJ/2c073b70de0ec301a4d3dc3a8d9e5503/2022-09-29_-_CVG_Airport_0035.jpg?w=1200&h=900&fit=thumb)
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.
![A photo of Jay Kruz jumping on the Ticketing Bridge.](http://images.ctfassets.net/38z8fjm5i4nh/7FqOIC8oFCj9AhHGfM3pi5/5b34c7276f81f36bb6cd9c470de2b661/jay0057.jpg?w=1200&h=900&fit=thumb)
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!
- Mar 4, 2024
Women in aviation: meet the women of CVG’s police force
If you were one of the 8.7 million passengers who made your way through CVG Airport in 2023, you likely walked or drove (let’s hope you didn’t speed) by one of the airport’s police officers. You could have passed Officer Jeannine Nocero, who is often patrolling the concourses, or perhaps you saw a K-9 officer team supervised by Lieutenant (Lt.) Christy Strucke, or spotted a member of the ramp security escort service supervised by Lt. Emily Ritter. All three women took a break from their busy days protecting the public to discuss their roles at the airport.What inspired you to become an officer at CVG?Officer Nocero: I was interested in getting into law enforcement when I was younger, but I never had the opportunity to bring that interest to fruition. Then in 2019, I was working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and I met a former female Airport Police Department (APD) officer. I told her how I was thinking of getting into law enforcement, and she took me under her wing. I also have a daughter for whom I want to make sure I am a role model. I want to instill in her that it is never too late to pursue your passion in life and that she can do anything she desires if she has the heart and is willing to put in the work.Photo of Officer Nocero from a 2023 training exercise.What do your typical days look like? What are your main responsibilities? Lt. Ritter: As the Special Operations Section Commander, I’m typically in the office. My more exciting days include department training days on the range, or on the mat (fun fact, I was a certified women’s self-defense instructor), or in the cruiser.Photo of Lt. Ritter conducting a self-defense course.In addition, I recently became certified as an airport security coordinator for CVG, and I was elected president of the Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Association in January. I am a committee member of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center, a Kentucky Law Enforcement Council certified police training academy, and I am undergoing an airport management certification program.Lt. Strucke: I’ve worked at APD for 14 years. My current rank is Lieutenant, and my role is Patrol Commander. As Patrol Commander, I am responsible for all the patrol officers, as well as the explosive detection K-9 teams. If staffing minimums are not met, I step in and help the patrol officers. In addition, I am an airport security coordinator for CVG.Photo of airport police officers. Lt. Strucke is second from the right.Officer Nocero: I could be on the ramp, in the concourses, or in various places around campus. My main responsibilities are to ensure public safety, enforce laws and regulations, conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, collaborate with airport security personnel, and provide assistance to travelers.What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming an officer at CVG?Lt. Strucke: I’d highly encourage them to apply. It’s a tough path, but so satisfying. Many women think you can’t achieve work/life balance in law enforcement, but that isn’t the case. While challenging, I still feel a lot of support from CVG as a female officer and a mother.Lt. Ritter: Women have something special to offer this career field, but for all those wanting to do this job, you must earn the badge. Be someone worth trusting and control what you can: your effort and your attitude. Put in the effort to physically prepare for the stresses of the job, and exceed the established fitness standards.Any stories you’d like to tell? Lt. Ritter: The first time I applied to become a police officer, I failed my fitness test and was removed from the hiring process. I failed the first event: the bench press. I knew law enforcement was my calling and had no plans of giving up. Being at Eastern Kentucky University, I was able to seek out and train with someone familiar with the police academy test protocols. I improved on the bench press and push-ups, so when the test was offered again a few weeks later, I was ready. This experience is why I encourage any woman who expresses interest in law enforcement to begin training early and maintain that drive for fitness throughout their career.Photo of Lt. Strucke talking with another airport police officer.Anything else you’d like to share? Officer Nocero: Successful female role models within the CVG Airport Police Department give us opportunities to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in law enforcement and can help attract more women to pursue careers in this field.If you're interested in learning more about job openings within the Airport Police Department, email hrinfo@cvgairport.com.Learn more - Feb 13, 2024
This Guy Visited Every Country on Earth...Then Started His Own
Randy Williams in Mauritania (Photo: Randy Williams)One of the questions I’m often asked is, “Where do you want to go next?” Usually, my answer is: “wherever the latest flight deal takes me!” Much like you, I have a travel bucket list—the often far-flung places we want to visit but for whatever reason, just haven’t made it there yet. But what if your travel bucket list became something different? Meet Randy “R-Dub!” Williams. He’s the host of the nationally syndicated [Sunday Night Slow Jams](https://slowjams.com/) program heard on radio stations around the world. If that sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve seen him on Shark Tank. But it’s not just a cool job that makes Randy unique: he has set foot in every single country in the world.Yep.All 193 of them.So, I caught up with Randy to find out how on Earth he pulled this off.Indonesia (Photo: Randy Williams)Jay: What part of the world are you in right now?Randy: At the moment, I'm actually home - which surprises many! I'm lucky enough to live and work in one of the world's most beautiful and temperate cities: San Diego! How lucky am I? As much as I love to travel and explore new places, I'm sincere when I say I enjoy coming home from a trip just as much as leaving for one. Vanuatu (Photo: Randy Williams)When were you first bitten by the travel bug?It didn't happen all at once but was instead a culmination of a few different things that led to me developing a completely unhealthy and ridiculous obsession with travel.I took my first solo trip when I was just 26 years old. My best friend and I planned a trip to Brazil, and after he canceled on me two years in a row, I decided just to go myself. I wasn't getting any younger and decided to just go for it. Boy, was I scared! Would this be like going to Disneyland by yourself? Well, those ten days in Brazil would go down as some of the very best days of my entire life. I found myself in literal tears when I was at the airport in Rio about to board my plane home. How could a country have so much impact on me? How could I have fallen in love with a geographical "place" and have feelings for a country the way I would for a woman? How is that even possible? I'd never felt such emotions about a "location." That first trip was life changing.Randy in Brazil (Photo: Randy Williams)But the very first bite from the travel bug probably started, in a way, when I was a young boy. I grew up in a pretty sheltered, middle-class suburb of Los Angeles. I remember, in fifth grade, "stowing" away with some of my friends who were "bussed-in" from the inner cities. Leaving my quiet and smallish town to spend the night at my friends' house in East L.A. or Highland Park…well, that was just an entirely different world for me. It might have only been 20 miles away from home, but it was a completely different country for all intents and purposes. I was out of my comfort zone, and yes, it was even a little scary for an 11-year-old, but I loved it. It excited me. I loved the thrill of being immersed in something so different. I guess from a young age, I've always felt the need to explore and even go to places I maybe "shouldn't" - I was 12 when I figured out the city's public transportation system, and I was on the move! Today, my most pleasurable trips are to places "regular people" don't go to. I enjoy being the only American, and sometimes, the only tourist, in general, walking around a random neighborhood in a country most of my friends have never heard of.Malawi (Photo: Randy Williams)When did you first set your sights on visiting every country on Earth? What made you set that goal?It wasn't until about ten years ago that I took on the crazy challenge of seeing every country on the planet. I had less than two weeks in Europe and decided to try hitting as many countries as possible during this one trip. I sailed through seven new countries and loved it! The thrill of seeing so many different places and experiencing so many varying cultures in a short amount of time was addicting. I remember thinking, "Wait a minute - I just saw seven countries in less than two weeks...if I just keep repeating this process each time I take a vacation, surely I can see every country in the world!"Of course, it doesn't work that way; those European countries are so easy to see all at once due to their size, proximity to each other, and transportation options. I had no idea how hard it would be to traverse the spread-out and tough-to-travel-to regions like Africa and the Pacific!But it was too late - I'd already made up my mind.A visit to Algeria (Photo: Randy Williams)How long did it take you to visit all of them?I am 46 years old, and I finished earlier this year, so you can say it took 46 years to see every country in the world! But if you want to get specific, my first challenge was to see all of Central and South America by the time I turned 40, and I did, right before the buzzer. It was really the last six years that I stepped on the gas and challenged myself to complete all 193.Across how many trips?There are too many to count, and I really have no clue! But over the last few years, my average trip would last around two weeks, where I'd see anywhere from three to ten-plus countries each trip.Lebanon (Photo: Randy Williams)Now, traveling the world isn’t your full-time job. You’re also in the radio industry. How do you manage to get so much time off to travel?Full disclosure: I'm not married and have no kids, so that opens a ton more time and options out of the gate.As far as the job, I've worked at my company for more than ten years, opening up the sought-after "four weeks" of vacation benefit. Add to that, I've negotiated extra vacation. If you add the 12 company holidays and two personal days, you're looking at about two full months of paid time off. And you better believe I use every single day each year! If it's a day off, chances are I am out of the country.Mongolia (Photo: Randy Williams)How do you plan one of your trips?While I was on a mission to finish all 193 countries, I planned each trip extremely methodically. I get across the ocean using [credit card] points, so my planning usually starts by finding an international flight that works for me: a flight using the least amount of points possible.That first destination is my jump-off point; then I simply look at the map and start hunting for the best and cheapest direct flights into other countries nearby, and finally, my flight home. Trying to see so many countries during a single two-week trip can be a real challenge.Most people go to one place: that means one, round-trip plane ticket.Not me: I pack in as many new nations as possible in a short amount of time. This is fairly easy to do in most of Europe, Latin America and many parts of Asia, but once you hit challenging regions like Africa and the Pacific, all bets are off! The lack of direct flights and lack of flights in and out of some of those places, in general, make traveling to multiple countries quickly next to impossible.I've spent months on end trying to figure out how to navigate through regions using [Google Flights](https://www.google.com/travel/flights) and an Excel sheet. It can be very nerve-wracking yet extremely rewarding when you make it work; then you just have to hope the flights actually happen! I counted one trip that had me on 21 planes in two weeks.Whoa! With so many flights in a short period of time, have you ever had a moment where one leg of the trip just didn’t go as planned?I got stuck in the Central African Republic once because the flight to Nairobi just simply never showed up. My friends wondered why I just didn't "hop a flight to another city" and re-route to my next destination. They didn't realize not all airports are like LAX, O'Hare, and CVG. In Bangui (Central African Republic) there were simply no other flights that day...to anywhere!Making a new friend in Kazakhstan (Photo: Randy Williams)So, I realize it’s probably difficult to just pick one, but can you share one of your favorite experiences while traveling?I mentioned Brazil earlier - probably my favorite. So, let's touch on Bangladesh. This was a little early on in my challenge to see every country in the world. As I met more and more people who were on this same mission (yes, there are others!), I would ask these seasoned travelers what their favorite and least favorite countries were. I remember a handful of these experts telling me Bangladesh was the absolute worst: crowded, dirty, chaotic. Bangladesh kept popping up as these expert globe-trotters' least favorite. For this reason, I was not looking forward to visiting Dhaka whatsoever, booking just one night there."Get me in and outta here, quick," I reasoned. However, to my surprise and shock, after just about 90 minutes on the ground, Bangladesh earned a "Top 10" spot on my "favorite countries list." I was enamored with the nation for so many reasons. I felt such a great vibe and had such a wonderful experience there - in a country I was expecting to really dislike.It just goes to show you that your preconceived ideas about a place can be totally wrong. I've always said the best part about travel is the sweet surprises along the way. You can plan all you want, but a vibe is a vibe, and you can never predict it - good or bad. You will only know once you go.Bhutan (Photo: Randy Williams)How do you save money on flights, hotels, and experiences when you travel?I play the "credit card miles game" like a sport. In fact, the recent restrictions from banks on just how many credit cards they'll give you and how many times you can earn a bonus were probably directly caused by me! Sorry. I'm a definite card "churner." "Churning" is the process of going through many credit cards quickly, to grab each big sign-on bonus before moving to the next. It's saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in airfare over the last ten years. The key is to make sure you're never carrying a balance and paying interest. Otherwise, you're not winning!I don't save a ton on hotels because I am loyal to one brand - for the points and perks. This limits my choices and doesn't allow me to always pick the best deal. But for me, the benefits, like extra miles/points and perks like late checkouts and upgrades, are really worth it.Randy in Kenya (Photo: Randy Williams)Randy in Argentina (Photo: Randy Williams)What did traveling the world teach you about people?I have grown a lot by traveling. I'm not above admitting that some of the very people and cultures I'd feared in my twenties…I am attached to and adore now. I truly feel that traveling has made me a better person, and I'm happy to say I now have a friend in every country, and that's such a gift.My travels have also allowed me to connect in a special way with people I meet abroad or at home. Telling my Uzbek taxi driver or the Eritrean concierge that I’ve been to their country and telling them the things I loved about their home – it makes their day! Sometimes, they'll gush: "Wow! No one's ever even HEARD of my country, and you traveled there?" It makes them smile.Recently, a Moldovan cashier here in San Diego told me I was the first person she's ever met in America who'd actually been to her country. My travels have allowed me to make such special connections with people I might have normally just made a transaction with and gone about my day.Singapore (Photo: Randy Williams)This is a difficult question, but if you had to pick your three favorite countries, which would you choose and why?This is actually an easy one for me. Brazil gets the award for number one: it's the only country I've actually left everything in the USA for and moved to. I lived there in my early 30s and still have a condo in the northeastern beach town of Recife. The Philippines gets number two because they have the absolute friendliest people. And how lucky was I that my very last country would be one of my favorites?Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world, but it is an absolute treasure for so many reasons. I don’t think there is enough room to go on about Turkmenistan, but let’s just say it’s one of the most mysterious, intriguing, unknown, and beautiful countries in the world. I was so happy my final country was so memorable, and it's at the top of my list to return to. I actually have some of the same feelings for Turkmenistan that I had for Brazil - a nagging itch that is telling me that I belong there for more than just a vacation Who knows? Maybe Turkmenistan will be my next home!Brazil (Photo: Randy Williams)What item(s) do you pack on every single trip?I am a staunch believer in never checking bags! [Editor’s note: CVG CEO Candace McGraw fully agrees!]There is something so liberating about jumping off a plane and immediately exiting the airport, leaving behind the mobs waiting for their bags. There’s no worries about lost or damaged bags either.I've got it down to a science: one backpack and a few changes of clothes. Of course, I take my phone and some travel-sized toiletries. But the final thing I can't travel without is sleep medication. Any prescription drug comes with responsibility, and I am aware of the risks, but there is nothing worse than getting your sleep completely turned around overseas and not being able to get back to normal. I once spent an entire week in Italy, sleeping from 8AM until 5PM and unable to sleep at all during "sleeping" hours. It was awful! Never again! What’s the thing that everyone thinks they need when they travel but probably don’t?A checked bag! You know what they say: "Take half the clothes and twice the money!" And whenever I see someone traveling with a pillow from home, I just want to tell them, "You know the hotel has complimentary pillows for you?!"Brunei (Photo: Randy Williams)Ha! So, what’s next? Are there countries you want to go back and spend more time checking out?That's the sweet part - the reward after all the "work." I can take a big breath now and slow down and return to the places I love, to unpack, stay longer, travel deeper. It's what I've been waiting for all this time.The list of places I've really fallen in love with is long, and I'm pretty sure my dance card will be full forever. I'll This past December I headed back to the Philippines for a couple weeks, which was amazing.In March, I will travel to Czechia (‘The Artist Formerly Known as The Czech Republic’) where I will visit long lost relatives for the first time and see the house where my great-grandfather was born. The list goes on and on.Randy in Azerbaijan (Photo: Randy Williams)And I also understand you created your own country?!Well, what do you do when you've seen all 193 countries? You create the 194th!The Republic of Slowjamastan is an 11-acre "micronation" located about 90 minutes south of Palm Springs, California. We have our own border fence and checkpoint, monument, flagpole and flag, passports, currency, police, fire and border vehicles, and the most glorious national anthem you've ever heard.Really, you should treat yourself and go down the rabbit hole that is Slowjamastan. It will not disappoint! Oh, and I'm "The Sultan" of Slowjamastan, let it be known! I know what you're thinking, and yes, my family does think I'm really weird for this one!A postcard from Slowjamistan (Photo: Randy Williams)Can we visit?Absolutely! And if you can't make it out in person, sign up to be a citizen online - it's free, and you'll be in good company. To date, Slowjamastan boasts over 16,000 registered citizens. You can apply at [www.slowjamastan.org](http://www.slowjamastan.org/).Randy as “The Sultan” of Slowjamistan (Photo: Randy Williams)What would you say to people who want to travel internationally but haven’t done it yet?Don't wait 'til tomorrow. Many years ago, I stopped collecting "things" and started amassing "experiences." You only live once, but by traveling the world, I truly feel like I have been blessed with a complete second life! I wish this for everyone. Randy making more friends in Bonaire (Photo: Randy Williams)You can follow Randy on his travel blog, [www.ramblinrandy.com](http://www.ramblinrandy.com/), and on [Instagram](http://instagram.com/rdub). Know someone with a cool travel story? I want to hear all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)). Find your own travel adventure for less on my [Jay’s Deals](https://www.cvgairport.com/jet-with-jay/) page.I’ll see you soon on an international flight to somewhere fun! -JayLearn more - Aug 1, 2023
Local businesses at CVG offer a taste of Cincy for travelers
Beer, bourbon, and black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream. These Cincy region staples are becoming standouts at CVG through the airport’s partnerships with locally owned Braxton Brewing Company, Cork ‘n Bottle, and Graeter’s Ice Cream. These establishments bring local flavor to passengers from around the world.Braxton Brewing CompanyA large greenery wall and window for up-close plane viewing greet travelers as they walk into Braxton’s taproom in Concourse A, along with a bar, televisions, and rows of tables that allow customers, including families, to enjoy meals before or after flights. This taproom, which opened in spring 2023, is Braxton’s first full-service restaurant.“Food is very important to the overall experience, and our location at CVG is helping us lead the way on what having food at all our locations looks like,” says Braxton co-founder and chief executive officer Jake Rouse.Rouse and his team worked with CVG to establish a food menu that caters to a crowd who is looking for a quick bite to eat, especially during the airport’s busiest time: the mornings.The brewery adapted its existing Taco Fuerte menu to feature breakfast tacos and burritos, breakfast nachos, eggs and tots, and more signature items. “People are really loving the menu, the flexibility, and the quickness. We are getting good feedback on the beer as well,” says Rouse.Braxton has not yet used CVG to test new products, although that is something the company may tap into. For now, Braxton’s business is taking advantage of the airport’s captive audience.“We are opening our brand up to so many more customers and potential customers who could go buy our beer at the thousands of locations that sell it across Cincinnati." Down the way from Braxton is long-established Cincinnati sweet shop, Graeter’s. The family-owned, handcrafted ice cream business has been dishing out delicious treats to locals in the Cincy region since 1870 and has been serving travelers from around the world at CVG since 2013. The company started with a smaller scoop of the airport experience when it opened two kiosks: one in Concourse A and one in B.Passengers proved they were craving Graeter’s flavors while on the go, and the sweet shop worked with CVG to replace both kiosks with an inline store in Concourse A. Graeter’s chief of retail operations, Chip Graeter, says this decision was icing on the cake.“What really cemented us in the airport was when we opened our inline store in 2016. I was very proud and excited to be a part of that store,” says Graeter.The fourth-generation owner and operator of the business says starting the store at CVG was an easy process thanks to their relationship with the airport, contractors, and his highly reliable team. The airport store showcases its most popular items across three product lines: ice cream, candy, and baked goods. The busy mornings at CVG allow Graeter’s to serve delicious donuts and comforting coffees to thousands of travelers who fly out of the airport daily."We have the ability to reach people who would never see our store otherwise. They might have heard about Graeter’s in a publication or book, and they can experience it themselves without leaving the airport,” says Graeter.The chief of retail operations is proud to operate a business that brings joy to all. His family’s treats are a great way to sweeten a flight out of CVG and provide a taste of home to those returning.Another taste of home at CVG, especially for Kentucky travelers, can be found at Cork ‘n Bottle. Hundreds of bourbons, including rare varieties, wines, and spirits can be tasted and/or purchased at two locations: an inline store in Concourse B and a kiosk in Concourse A. Later in 2023, the kiosk in Concourse A will be replaced with a second inline store.“We are constantly looking for different business formats. We have found the CVG relationship to be very strong, and we think it’s because of the breadth of customer exposure that the airport provides,” says Tom Neyer, owner of Cork ‘n Bottle. “Being able to introduce Kentucky’s finest spirits to the global audience is good for Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region.”![cork-n-bottle-store-front](//images.ctfassets.net/38z8fjm5i4nh/3meZykmvH8fAz9wvIP6P3M/d8608c10c41220f46299bdb8d39de4ea/cork-n-bottle-store-front.png)Cork ‘n Bottle took a similar flight path to Graeter’s and launched its business at CVG as a kiosk in 2018. After two years of successful business, the beverage shop opened its first inline location at the start of the pandemic. Cork ‘n Bottle persevered through its partnership with the airport.“CVG has been \[a\] transparent and constructive business partner,” says Neyer. “The people involved \[from\] top to bottom have been even-handed, fair minded, and are looking for a win-win.” Neyer says his stores at the airport are perfect for travelers looking to grab a bottle to enjoy once they arrive at their destination, or for travelers who want to relax before their flight and try some of the best locally made beverages. Either way, Cork ‘n Bottle’s locations are sure to lift spirits.CVG is always looking to bring more local businesses and flavors to the airport to provide a unique Cincy experience to the more than 7.8 million passengers it serves annually; this includes food, beverage, and retail store concepts. In mid-August 2023, the airport will be open for new business solicitations in these areas. If you’d like more information on how to start doing business at CVG, please [email procurement@cvgairport.com](mailto:procurement@cvgairport.com).Learn more - Aug 1, 2023
Meet Brick, one of CVG's canine officers
Brick is a hard-working canine officer and a lovable family dog. He and his human partner, officer Nick Ruffing, do a ‘pawsome’ job at keeping the airport safe and secure.What job does Brick do at CVG?Brick is one of the dogs at the airport that detects narcotics; the other type of dogs at CVG detect explosives. Being a German Shorthaired Pointer, he has a very strong nose and a lot of drive.How long has Brick been at the airport?He and his partner completed their training in November 2019.Tell us about Brick’s background.Brick was born in 2018 in Hungary. Many of the working dogs at CVG are from Europe; they are well traveled!Does he like coming to work?Brick, along with his canine officer friends, get very excited to come to work. They enjoy having jobs to do and keeping their minds active. While Brick and his canine friends are very cute, please remember to keep your paws off; the dogs are hard at work.How did Brick get his name?All CVG’s canine officers were named and received extensive training before they joined the police force.What does he do in his off time?When he’s off duty, Brick enjoys relaxing in his massive and luxurious doghouse and spending time with his family.Learn more - Jul 26, 2023
Five Things First Time Flyers Need to Know!
Who’s excited to fly? This guy!Five Things First-Time Flyers Need to Know!According to [Forbes Magazine](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2019/05/02/percentage-of-americans-who-never-traveled-beyond-the-state-where-they-were-born-a-surprise/?sh=d658af528984), 13% of Americans have never been on an airplane. Whether it’s fear, finances, or finding the right vacation spot, if you (or a friend) are part of the one-in-ten people who haven’t been airborne, I want to help!If you want to see the country, other countries, and enjoy new experiences, here are five things every first-time passenger should know.This Boeing 767 is ready to take you on a non-stop flight from CVG to Paris!#1 It’s statistically the safest mode of transportation.I’ve been on hundreds of flights and am still in awe at how we, as humans, figured out how to keep a 200,000 lb. object 30,000 feet in the air at a speed of 500 mph.While it’s truly mind-boggling, here’s a great article from [Travel + Leisure](https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/how-airplanes-fly) that breaks down the scientific stuff behind how a plane works.With [32,200,000 flights](https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2023-releases/2023-03-07-01/) worldwide in 2022, one thing remains very clear: commercial air travel is still the absolute safest form of transportation.Put another way, you are statistically safer riding in a plane than driving down I-75.Traveling at CVG is easy.“Accidents are rare in aviation,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association. “Flying is one of the safest activities in which a person can engage.”Download your airline’s app and keep tabs on your flight status, gate changes, and more.#2 Turbulence can be scary, but it’s perfectly normal.Nobody likes turbulence on their flight, and it’s certainly understandable that it can cause anxiety for some people, especially first-time passengers.But what is it? And is it dangerous?One of the simplest definitions of turbulence is described by the Canadian Mental Health Association as “just some sort of change in the air around your plane.”There are a few main causes of bumpy air, including mountains, storms, and jet streams. Pilots communicate with each other and ground control to alert each other to steer clear of potential turbulence. Even when you do hit a few pockets of rough air, your crew is in control of the plane.Think of it as hitting a pothole in the sky.Where will you head next?#3 Know before you go!Some people have no problem booking a trip the night before and leaving in the morning, but even for seasoned travelers, last-minute travel can be stressful. To alleviate pre-trip headaches, here are a few things I do to make things a little less hectic.Create a spreadsheet outlining each day of your trip. I like to make a grid that’s 24 boxes tall with one for each hour of the day. I then put each day of the trip in a new column. I like to include: When we should leave home for the airport What time the plane departs Arrival time Hotel check-in time Activities we might want to do each day Check-out time When we need to head back to the airport Arrival time at homeI sent a friend a copy of the spreadsheet I used, and she modified it for her trip to Italy and Germany from CVG. If you want to go a step further, I also include approximate costs at the bottom of each day and then automatically add them up for a total trip cost. It helps when booking future trips. You can also use a free Google Doc and make the spreadsheet shareable with everyone on your trip. When packing, it’s helpful to make a list of items in your phone or in a notebook as you pack. This will make packing for future trips much easier. Don’t forget critical items like medication and eyeglasses (always place them in your carry-on), passports for international travel, and something to entertain yourself with on the plane.Left: a packing list from my phone for a work trip.\ Right: the family checks out the view while heading to Grand Cayman. I’ve mentioned before how much I use Google Maps while traveling. It’s great for airports, too. Many airports have detailed maps showing where gates, restaurants, shopping, restrooms, water refill stations and other amenities are located. [CVG’s interactive map on the website is really useful].When connecting at a busy airport like Atlanta, the Google Map of the concourse is very helpful. Make sure to arrive early for your flight, especially during busy travel times (holiday weekends, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Even though CVG has some of the shortest security lines of any airport I’ve traveled through, it’s still a great idea to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip. Wear comfortable, layered clothing with shoes that are easy to remove when you go through security. Leave belts, large earrings, and other metal objects in your suitcase if you can. As the temperature in the plane can fluctuate, I always like to have a hoodie or zip-up to stay cozy during the flight.Quick tip: Whether using the CVG ValuPark or CVG Terminal Garage, always snap a photo of your parking section or row. It makes it easy to find your car when you return.#4 There are great resources for those who might need additional help when flying.I was chatting with a friend who uses a wheelchair, and he shared that travel for those who require accommodations can sometimes be extra stressful.There are comfortable restrooms for individuals with disabilities located throughout CVG, along with family restrooms near Gates A11, B11, and B13. There is also an adult changing table in the family restroom at gate B13.If you need to gate-check a wheelchair or other mobility device, speak with the airline at check-in or before your trip. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about the process.For those with hidden disabilities, CVG has worked with the [Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://hdsunflower.com/) organization to utilize the [Sunflower Lanyard] program. If you or someone you’re traveling with has a hidden disability, just stop by the information booth at baggage claim while you’re at the airport and grab a Sunflower Lanyard. This will let airport staff and security know that you may need some extra help or a little more time. You can also request a lanyard ahead of your trip by calling 859-767-3230 or emailing [info@cvgairport.com](mailto:info@cvgairport.com).Going through the security checkpoint at an airport for the first time can be intimidating. If you have a question about TSA or the security screening process, you can reach out to the TSA Cares line at 855-787-2227 about 72 hours ahead of your trip. They can help answer questions about any special circumstances you might have and let you know what items you can and can’t bring on a plane. You can also check out [this handy guide](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all), which details all kinds of items you might be bringing and breaks down if they belong in your carry-on or checked bag.My wife and son appreciate the Mamava pumping rooms at CVG.#5 Headphones are your friend!Among my must-pack items for every trip are my earbuds. Not only do they let me listen to music and enjoy shows and movies on longer flights with seatback TVs, but they also help me relax and stay calm.Yep. The guy who writes a travel blog sometimes has anxiety while traveling.Whether it’s a lack of sleep, a tight connection, or when I’m running late, I’ve experienced anxiety attacks while traveling. One tool I’ve found to help is to have a calming music playlist or simply some ambient sounds that I can use to drown out the noise around me, close my eyes, and get back to a better state.Everyone in our family has their own set of headphones.Pack your favorite pair on your next trip, and keep in mind that most seatback TVs do not have Bluetooth, so make sure to bring a pair of wired headphones. I also like to use a lighting-to-⅛” adapter so I can use the same wired headphones with my iPhone.As a bonus: while on the plane, putting headphones on with an eye mask can work as a polite signal to an overly chatty seatmate that you’ve enjoyed the conversation but you’d like to get some rest.I’m always on the lookout for a good flight deal.I’d love to share your favorite travel tips! You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I’ll see you at the gate (early, of course)!-JayLearn more - Jun 26, 2023
Britain’s Best Bets (from actual British people who live in Cincinnati!)
Hello London!Thanks to [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us), CVG now has the region’s only nonstop flights to London! And who better to share some of the best things to see, do, and eat than some of our British friends who have decided to make the Cincinnati area their home!British Airways, now welcoming you at CVG!Say hello to our panel of experts from the UK:Sally Barker is an instructional aide at Lakota High School. Sally grew up in a small village called Cherington in Cotswolds, England.\Claudia Glen is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry before arriving in the US. Claudia grew up in a small, picturesque village named Stock, in the county of Essex, located about 40 miles north of London.(Left) Sally Barker, (Right) Claudia GlenAlister Bates is a research scientist in respiratory aerodynamics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Alister grew up in Ascot, Berkshire (pronounced Barkshire), in England.\"Ascot’s claim to fame is the Ascot Racecourse horse track. Every year in June, there’s a week of horse races that the late Queen would always come to watch, and it would be worth visiting if someone wants to see British people in top hats and tailcoats."Alister and his wife, Nara, in front of Tower Bridge.What brought you to the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area?Sally: I came to the US after meeting my husband in England while he was flying in the U.S. Air Force. He was only there for six weeks then had to go back to the US. We carried on a very long-distance relationship then got married in my beautiful church in England in 1987. I then moved to the US, and we were based at Barksdale AFB. After leaving the Air Force, my husband went into the business world and that’s what brought us to West Chester, Ohio. We have lived here for 27 years and love it!\Claudia: My husband Stephen’s job brought us to Mason 10 years ago.\Alister: I originally came for a one-year research fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s, but one year has now stretched into seven, in part because of the great opportunities I had to continue my research at the hospital.The Palace of Westminster contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords. I highly recommend going on a tour. -JayIf someone were planning a trip to visit the UK, what are some must-see things?Sally: You have to visit London! Nothing in the world compares to this city! Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Tower of London, The Eye–the list goes on and on!London is incredible any time of the year, but summer is a fan favorite!The Cotswolds, where I grew up, is stunning! The stone cottages, gardens, scenery, small villages, and the area is also home to Highgrove House...(Left) Sally pictured in a garden. (Right) A garden in the Cotswolds village of Bibury is stunning.Cherington is beautiful and has [an annual show](https://www.cheringtonshow.com/post/come-one-come-all-the-unforgettable-cherington-village-show) in July, which I grew up looking forward to and would highly recommend.\I also love [Bourton-on-the-Water](https://bourtoninfo.com/), a stunning town with beautiful scenery and gift shops.Bourton-on-the-Water offers scenic waterway views and leisurely strolls.Other places are Cirencester, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and if you can make it to the coastline in the southwest, Cornwall is a beautiful area...\Claudia: A day hitting up all the main tourist attractions in London: Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We did this route walking last summer and loved it. There are lots of places along the river to eat as well.Claudia in front of Buckingham Palace.Check out a British seaside town. We typically visit Southend, as it’s closest to where my family lives and is known for having the longest pier in the world! There are plenty of wonderful beaches all over the UK with many in Devon. I’ve been to Woolacombe, Cornwall, and St. Austell. Brighton is supposed to be very nice with lots of good independent shops and restaurants. Also, Aldeburgh in Suffolk is great.Woolacombe in North Devon is breathtaking.The Harry Potter Studio Tour is amazing for Harry Potter fans. It’s where they filmed the movies and has loads of sets, props, and green screen special effects, plus a huge gift store! The tickets have timed slots, and it gets booked up in advance.Harry Potter Studio TourA few other honorable mentions would be Oxford or Cambridge to experience the history and grandeur of these ancient University towns. Also, Canterbury in Kent (my college town) has Canterbury Cathedral (the most important church in the Church of England) and a beautiful river.Canterbury in Kent welcomes many tourists every year with picture-perfect views around every corner.Alister: For someone interested in the outdoors, the Brecon Beacons in Wales is a beautiful mountain range to hike on. If staying in London, the Royal Albert Hall is an amazingly beautiful building and puts on a classical concert series every day in the late summer. You can get tickets ahead of time, or you can show up the day of a show to get cheap standing tickets.For getting a great view of the city from up high, visit the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which you can go to the top of for only a few pounds.Royal Albert Hall features a massive pipe organ.Whenever I visit a new destination, I love trying new dishes. What would you recommend?Sally: My favorite was always a Ploughman’s Lunch! It’s delicious local cheeses, crackers, and pickles.A Ploughman’s Lunch looks amazing!Claudia: You can’t beat most Indian restaurants. I love two restaurant chains: Wagamama, a Japanese canteen chain that features mostly curry and ramen, and Nando’s, which serves Portuguese Chicken. Also, fish and chips are a great comfort food.Claudia shares a classic English meal.I love going for afternoon tea. This one is the Alice in Wonderland-themed tea at the Sanderson Hotel in London. I can also recommend the afternoon tea at the Cafe Royal and The Berkeley Hotel.A sampling of Claudia’s Afternoon Tea Experiences.Alister: If in London, absolutely visit one of the Indian restaurants near Brick Lane. Also, everyone knows about fish and chips, but make sure you order curry sauce for the chips.Got any travel tips you’d offer someone who is visiting the UK for the first time?Sally: Driving can be tough due to being on the other side of the road. Also, once you get into the country, the roads are very narrow. There is a lot of public transportation to the larger cities, but a car is needed if you want to explore the beauty of the countryside.Driving on the left in a right-hand drive car can prove challenging at first.Claudia: Check with your cell phone and credit card providers to ensure that they will work in the UK. Take an international travel plug and use public transport. It’s generally cheap and efficient.Don’t forget to pack your travel power adapter plug!Alister: Most of the things someone would want to see, particularly in a city, can be visited using public transport; you’re unlikely to need a rental car for nearly everything. Also, for someone visiting London who wants to experience the passion of English football (soccer), English Premier League tickets can be hard to get, so I’d recommend going to see one of the teams in lower leagues (leagues like Championship, League 1, League 2), several of which have stadiums relatively close to the center of London.Emirates Stadium in London is the home of the Arsenal.Have you flown with British Airways? What’s the experience like?Sally: I don’t think I’ve ever flown British Airways, but I will now!\Claudia: Yes, I have flown with British Airways many times. I love it. The staff are always so welcoming and hearing their British accents makes me feel at home. The amenities and food are good. I especially like their chicken curry.\Alister: I haven’t had the opportunity yet but will definitely be using it in the future to visit family in England.British Airways’ friendly crew are ready to meet you!Thank you to our entire panel for the insight. I can’t wait to get back to London and am even more excited to skip the connecting flight on this trip and fly direct!Have a great spot in the UK I should visit? I’d love to hear all about it. You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).Let’s hop on a nonstop flight and have tea in London soon!- JayLearn more