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!
- May 15, 2023
Let’s go farther… for less! It’s time for Fare Hunters: International
Sunset in beautiful Gdansk, Poland.Does it feel like everyone you know wants to plan a dream vacation to Europe? You’re not dreaming. According to KAYAK, people really want to grab a croissant in Paris or hear Big Ben ring out now more than ever. Searches for European flights by Americans are up 77% from this time last year. My wife and I have stayed in over 20 cities in Europe and have loved each and every trip.We feel blessed to have visited so many places in Europe and can’t wait to see more.I thought it might be helpful to answer some of the questions that we’re asked about most often when it comes to visiting Europe.I could spend all summer in the Gothenburg, Sweden archipelago.What keeps us coming back?1. The unique culture of each city and country. Although it’s roughly the size of the United States, there are about 50 countries and 24 official languages spread across the EU. You can hop on a train, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a completely new landscape, language, and culture. The [Schengen Area](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/) makes it easy to move between 27 different countries without border crossings or checkpoints.2. The people. We have met so many incredible people in our travels. From tour guides to taxi drivers to t-shirt vendors, we love meeting new friends on our travels and discovering more about their daily lives.This sign in the Copenhagen airport sent you to either catacombs… or cotton candy.3. The history. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.4. The food. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.How about a pierogi sampler with microgreens in Poland?What’s the best way to get there?There are so many ways to get from CVG to your favorite European destination.- CVG offers two nonstop flight options: - [Delta](https://www.delta.com/) currently offers nonstop service to Paris. - [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) nonstop service to London begins June 5.However, with just one stop, there are hundreds of cities you can visit from CVG:- [Air Canada](https://aircanada.com/) stops in Toronto on your way to a dozen European destinations.- [United](https://www.united.com/), [Delta](https://www.delta.com/), and [American](https://www.aa.com/homePage.do) offer one-stop service to hundreds of cities via connections at airports like New York-JFK, Newark, Charlotte, Atlanta, or Chicago.- [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) can be your one-stop connection to London and beyond. Every major European city (and many smaller destinations) are just a short connection through Heathrow.History everywhere!Where should I go for my first trip to Europe?That’s a pretty big map with a lot of choices, right? Here are four ways to book a trip based on your personal preference:1. You have specific dates and want to see a specific country or countries.2. You want to see a specific country but can go whenever it costs the least.3. You have specific dates but are open to going wherever the fares are lowest.4. You are open to wherever the lowest fare takes you.I’d recommend hopping on [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) and clicking on “Things to Do” in each destination you might be interested in. It’ll help you get an idea of not only what to do but the best time of the year for that activity.A sunny day at a castle in Lithuania.How long should I go, and how many countries should I see on a trip?There’s no right or wrong answer. For a first trip, I generally recommend one or two destinations and about seven to 10 days. That’ll give you time to adjust to the time difference and recover from any jet lag. You may also consider utilizing one of the many train services that stretch across Europe, especially the high-speed rail lines. It can be a great way to add more cities to your trip.What a view! Riga, LatviaSo, I need a passport, right? How do I get one?Absolutely. Everyone, including your kids, needs a passport to visit Europe. There are three ways to obtain a passport:1. Routine processing: You apply, get your photo taken, send in the application, and wait.2. Expedited processing: All of the above, except you’ll get faster service.3. In-person at an agency office: If you want to travel within the next nine weeks, you’ll need to visit a passport agency office.More details can be found [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html).Didn’t think that all the way through. (Got very wet.) Barcelona, SpainThe State Department updates the estimated processing time for passports on [this website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html).The current wait time as of May 1, 2023 is 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for the expedited option. For an expedited passport at an agency office, you must have international travel within 14 days.If you already have a passport, make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your trip. Check the expiration date carefully for each member of your family. Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years. However, children’s passports (under the age of 16) are only good for five years.We stumbled across a traditional dance competition and loved every minute.What’s your favorite country?It’s impossible to pick just one. We’ve loved something about every single place we’ve visited!So go on, book that next adventure! Keep an eye on my [Jay’s Deals] page for great international deals I’ve hand-picked for you.Always try the pink soup!Have a favorite Florida destination you’d like to share? Tell me all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I can’t wait to see you on a flight to London very soon!-JayLearn more - May 1, 2023
CVG Airport opens first sensory room for children
Soft furniture and squeezy chairs\Furniture in the sensory room invite children to plop down and relax.Therapy rocker\The therapy rocker providers gentle movement for children.Interactive walls\One wall plays animal sounds or music as a child places their hand on the wall. The other wall lights up with interesting and calming colors.Bubble tube\The green bubble tube provides children with the opportunity to focus on visual movement.Small house\This small, soft house is for kids who need their own hide-out before or after a busy flight.Where is the sensory room located?\The room is located next to the Over the Rhine Market in Concourse A and diagonal from Starbucks.CVG strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible journey to all travelers. For questions about accessibility, [email info@cvgairport.com](mailto:info@cvgairport.com).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 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 - Feb 28, 2024
Books are flying off the shelves at CVG Airport
You can read for free at CVG. The Airport Library in Concourse B is getting stocked with more than 1,000 donated books ahead of the spring break travel season. This is the biggest haul since the library opened to travelers in the summer of 2023, with nearly 330 adult books and 720 children/teen books.To keep it simple and convenient for passengers, a library card is not required to check a book out of the library. When a reader is finished with a book, they can pass it on to another passenger, bring it back to the Airport Library as they make their way through CVG, or drop it off at a partnering library: Kenton County Public Library, Boone County Public Library, Campbell County Public Library, or the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.The Airport Library is always accepting book donations of all genres, particularly fiction, adult and children, and nonfiction, such as biographies. If you have literature you’d like to give to the library, you can drop it off at the location in Concourse B or at one of the libraries mentioned above. Dictionaries, yearbooks, and encyclopedias are not accepted but can be donated to the [Friends of the Library](https://www.kentonlibrary.org/about-us/friends/).Planning a trip? [Check out one of these books from the library.](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2010838009_kcpljanice/2475742299_your_first_stop_to_getaway)CVG recommends:- ["National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C1013951)- ["The Time Traveler's Wife"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C746250)- ["Oliver Twist"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C985574)Want the "CliffNotes" of the Airport Library? [Watch a short video walkthrough](https://youtube.com/shorts/9ryQ6hATO1U?si=OuNOojXTLuTrjthk).Learn more