Peaceful paradise awaits in Florida.Spring break has been on school calendars for months, and many parents and college students have been planning their trips for just as long. So, if you’re traveling this spring, you might find that available hotel rooms are in short supply or that the flight you’ve had your eye on has filled up.Don’t worry, that Florida escape is still possible!Time by the pool is always time well spent!Be flexible in your destinationIf you have your heart set on a specific spot and don’t have reservations already, you might have to shell out some serious cash to make that vacation dream come true. However, if you’re open to trying out a new city, you can put the power of [Google Flights](https://www.google.com/travel/flights) to work to save you time, money, and stress.Here’s how:1. Visit [google.com/flights](http://www.google.com/flights)2. Choose CVG as your starting “where from” airport3. Type “Florida” as your “where to” airport4. Enter your desired travel dates5. Press the Search buttonIt’s easy to find new places to fly!Google Flights will display every destination in Florida you can travel to from CVG using nearly every airline. It will also show you the lowest cost flight for each city and nearby airport options (i.e. flying into Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood airport to get to Miami). If you want to check flights on [Southwest](https://www.southwest.com/), visit their site directly, as their routes are included but do not display the price.Using this method, you might find a new Florida destination you hadn’t previously considered!To learn more about attractions, restaurants, and hotels available, hop onto [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) and type in the name of the city.Orlando offers more than theme parks (although those are pretty great). Check out Rock Springs Run just north of the city.Adjust your departure and return datesSometimes changing your itinerary by as little as 12 hours can significantly change the price of your flight. Using the same method mentioned above, try leaving a day earlier or a day later. Do the same for your return flight as well.A few minutes of having multiple browser windows open on your computer can work wonders!Now that’s a room with a view!Consider using Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rentals instead of a hotelWe’ve stayed in a half-dozen Airbnbs and VRBOs across the country. From a secluded retreat with a waterfall to a stream view condo in the mountains, each has been a uniquely fabulous experience. Plus, you get to meet some cool people along the way who serve as hosts!Here are a few tips to help book the right place for your family trip:- Use the “show total price” option One of the things that used to frustrate many people about Airbnb is that it would display a cheap nightly rate and then, upon checkout, tack on multiple fees and significantly increase the cost-per-night. However, Airbnb recently updated its app and website to show the total price (before required taxes) to make it easy to compare listings.- Find the right amenities for your family We really appreciate having the comforts of home while traveling, especially with a small child. Being able to prepare a few meals in a full kitchen, having a washer and dryer in the unit, and having multiple bedrooms so everyone has a little privacy are just a few advantages over a hotel. Use the filter option on VRBO or Airbnb to find amenities like free wifi, pool, beachfront, crib, or even electric vehicle charging.We love being able to prepare meals, especially breakfast, while on vacation.Check The ReviewsDon’t just look at the rating itself; examine how many reviews the listing has. If a place has a 4.8, 4.9, or even a 5.0 with 50+ reviews, it’s likely to be a pretty good choice. Airbnb and VRBO reviews can only be left by people who actually stayed at a property, so they tend to be pretty accurate. We aim to book properties that are as close to a 5.0 as possible.No one wants to run errands on vacation, right?Save time by using grocery delivery or pick-up at your destinationYou know the supermarket at home like the back of your hand and can get in and out in 10 minutes. But when you’re on vacation, it can sometimes take hours zig-zagging the grocery store to find everything your family wants.To spend more time at the beach and less time searching for the yogurt aisle, consider using a grocery delivery or curbside pickup service. Services like [Instacart](https://www.instacart.com/) and [Shipt](https://www.shipt.com/) will, for a fee plus tip, deliver to your Airbnb or hotel. (Check with the front desk to see how they handle deliveries; some will allow drivers to come to your room, while others will ask you to meet the driver at the front desk.)Florida grocery stores like [Winn-Dixie](https://www.winndixie.com/shoponline), [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/cp/fulfillment-options/1987240), and [Publix](https://www.publix.com/) offer both delivery (verify with your hotel if they accept grocery deliveries) and curbside pickup options.Europe? Nope. St. Augustine, Florida!Jay’s Top Five Florida Destinations1. Orlando It’s one of the nation’s top family destinations for a reason. There’s literally something for everyone, and with multiple nonstop flight options from CVG, you can get there for less!2. Florida Keys There’s nothing quite like the Florida Keys, and each one offers a different vibe. Rent a car and drive the incredible bridges all the way to the southernmost point of the continental U.S.3. St. Augustine St. Augustine is one of the oldest settlements in the U.S. and maintains that charm with cobblestone streets and a lot of history. Plus, it also offers stunning beaches!Enjoy cycling along Hobie Island Beach Park in Key Biscayne, Miami Beach4. Miami There’s a reason Will Smith wrote an entire song about this place. There’s delicious food, shopping, sporting events, and of course beautiful beaches.5. Fort Myers Beach / Sanibel Island This would normally be my #1 spot. However, the entire area is still recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane Ian destroyed many homes and businesses. Give it time, and I know things will be even better than before!Turquoise waters welcome you to Marathon, FL in the Florida KeysHave 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’ll see you in flip-flops in Ft. Lauderdale!-Jay

It was Thanksgiving Eve 2017, and while our friends were out at the bars, we hopped on a flight from CVG to Paris and onward to London. We flew home that Monday and can honestly say we packed so much into that trip!But fast forward five years, and the four days we spent exploring… can now easily turn into five!That’s because starting June 5, 2023, [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) is offering non-stop flights to London from CVG. So that extra time waiting in terminals for connections can now be spent enjoying the food, culture, and sights of England.This new service is the only direct flight to the UK in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana!How cool is that?London Bridge is definitely worth a visit at night!So, get ready to add another stamp to your passport! (And if you need to get or renew yours, here’s the link with all the details.) Here’s why you should start planning that trip right now:It’s really not that far away\1. The departure time is awesome for the new British Airways flight. It leaves CVG at 9:30 pm, which means you can work a full day (and conserve that precious vacation time), head to the airport, grab an early dinner and hop on board. Once you hit cruising altitude, surprise, more food! Then pop your eye mask on or watch a movie, and about 7 hours later, you’re waking up in England and stepping foot inside London Heathrow at 10:15 am local time. (That’s less time than it takes to get to Hawaii. And it’s only one flight!)I really like the departure time for the flight home as well. No early wakeup calls for a 6 am departure. Enjoy a full English breakfast, take a late morning stroll, and then make your way to the airport for a 4:05 pm departure. With the time change, you’ll arrive back at 7:45 pm Cincinnati time.Hear me out… beans with breakfast are amazing!2. There’s way more than just fancy tea and cakes\Yes, you should, at least once in your life, do the fancy tea thing at a spot like [Harrods Tea Rooms](https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/restaurants/the-harrods-tea-rooms). Or, if you’re a fan of Bridgerton, check out afternoon tea at [Theatre Royal Drury Lane](https://thelane.co.uk/eat-and-drink-venues/grand-saloon-afternoon-tea).There are so many [attractions](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/blog/major-london-sites/10-reasons-to-visit-london/) in London alone. A few of my faves:The Tower of London tour is very interactive.The Tower of London\The architecture is incredible and the history amazing (some of it almost unbelievable!) [Take a tour](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.kid5tw) with one of the world-famous Beefeaters and visit the remarkable Crown Jewels along the way. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of the River Thames.Free is for me!The British Museum\There are so many outstanding pieces to see in this museum. Some people will tell you to allow two or more days to truly see everything. The best part? It’s entirely free. [Book a reserved spot](https://www.britishmuseum.org/) ahead of time though, especially during busy seasons.The Abbey at dusk is gorgeous.Westminster Abbey\So many historic things have happened in [this building](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/), and we found the guided tour a great way to learn a lot in just a short period of time. Be prepared to be amazed!The Houses of Parliament\You’ve probably seen news clips of a lot of people crammed into a small room, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, engaged in a fiery debate. You can actually [visit that room](https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/) and a bunch of other really interesting spots, including Westminster Hall, which is nearly 950 years old.Left: A corridor inside the Houses of Parliament, Right: A view from inside the Tower of London.The London Eye\Who doesn’t love a Ferris wheel? Especially when it’s the world’s tallest cantilevered Ferris wheel that provides one of the most spectacular views of London and the surrounding areas! [Book early](https://www.londoneye.com/) to reserve your preferred day and time.Fun facts along the way. (Believe it or not, this is true!)Covent Garden\If shopping’s your thing, [this is the spot!](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d189047-Reviews-Covent_Garden-London_England.html) Plus, there are awesome pubs and restaurants. We really enjoyed the talented street performers. If you’re visiting around Christmas, be sure to make this a stop, as the whole area is decorated beautifully.Left: Big (Lego) Ben, Right: A dessert crepe at a cafe in Covent Garden.3. There are accommodations for every taste and budget\London is a major city, and like most major cities… it can be a little pricey at times. However, there are ways to save on your hotel.Consider visiting during off-peak times – generally September through November and January through March. There are fewer people, hotels are cheaper, and it’s easier to get a table at a restaurant without a wait.For example: the four-star hotel we stayed at can cost as much as $495 per night during the peak June 2023 travel season. (I have never, and would never in my life, pay that much for a hotel room!)However, that exact same room is just $204 per night in February 2023. If you’re looking to save even more, make sure to look for promo codes for sites like [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com/), [Priceline](https://www.priceline.com/), [Hotels.com](https://www.hotels.com/), [Hotwire](https://www.hotwire.com/), [Travelocity](https://www.travelocity.com/), [Orbitz](https://www.orbitz.com/), etc. Sign up for free accounts with each and log into their apps when you search for hotels. Sometimes the price can be even lower than their website. Plus, sites like Orbitz offer “Orbucks,” which give you a percentage of your booking back to use toward future stays.Value-priced accommodations are available but often with reduced amenities or are located farther from the city center. For shorter trips, consider staying in a more central location close to the subway.Speaking of…Trying not to look like tourists (the neck pillow kind of gives it away… as does taking a photo!)4. It’s easy to get around\The London Underground system, or Tube, is clean, efficient, and can get you everywhere. We also used it to get from the airport to our hotel with ease!For many people not used to utilizing mass transit, it can be a bit daunting at first to try to figure out how to get where you need to go and [not look too out of place](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/how-to-use-the-london-underground/).Buy a prepaid subway card ([OysterCard](https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do)) when you arrive or opt for the “[Visitor](https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card)” version, which can be ordered and mailed to you prior to your trip. If you’re staying for at least a week or so, consider the seven-day [TravelCard](https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/travelcards-and-group-tickets).Use Google Maps and click on the train icon. We found it very useful to help walk us to the correct train station, get on the right train, and know exactly where to get off at. You’ll also find Google Maps very helpful as you’re walking around the city. To save on cellular data, you can highlight a box around the city and select “download maps” while you’re on Wi-Fi.And if you really get lost, just ask someone! My cell phone ran out of battery while we were in an unfamiliar part of the city, and we had no idea how to get to the correct train station. So, we just politely stopped a group of folks who not only pointed us to where we needed to go but walked with us to the station. We had a wonderful chat along the way!You can also use cabs and services like [Uber](https://www.uber.com/) as well, but they’ll likely cost you more.Fish and Chips are a must… but we also enjoyed other dishes as well!So go on! Book that trip and visit one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the world!Want to save time AND money on your next adventure? Visit the [Jay’s Deals] page for the latest flight deals from CVG!Have a favorite spot in the UK everyone should visit on their next trip? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial), and I’ll share them!I’ll see you on an afternoon stroll through Hyde Park (the other one).-Jay

At the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), we’re using innovation to advance our capabilities, our brand, and our industry in alignment with our strategic plan, New Heights. Our approach to innovation is to blend emerging talent and advancing technology to elevate and redefine the role of an airport. We believe it’s time to rethink the airport experience.CVG.ai goes beyond theory. We execute methodical proof-of-concept testing. We find the right partners and pilot test with the ultimate goal to generate unique intellectual property (IP). Our 7,500-acre campus serves as a massive living laboratory, allowing the creation of venture-built products that are practical, affordable, and scalable. Our production models include research and development of CVG’s IP, partners’ IP, or shared IP. CVG.ai serves as a co-developer rather than a traditional customer sourcing a readily available product. This collaborative approach is our commitment to real product development, invaluable research in a complex environment, and growth. CVG and its partners are strategists, leaning into the future within aviation and other industry verticals. Our lab is our partners’ showroom floor for millions of potential customers.Why do we focus on innovation?Our focus is to stay ahead of the curve by predicting what forces and demands will change the aviation industry, as well as related businesses. This ensures the airport remains agile, as we lead the community and industry in terms of supporting new companies and new technologies that will bring the jobs of the future, furthering CVG’s $6.8 billion annual economic impact on the Cincinnati region and beyond.Over the last four years, we’ve grown a well-respected and highly regarded innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem consists of working with a variety of constituents, including startups, universities, established companies (BigCos), and regulatory agencies.What are our focus areas for innovation?You can see some of our work and how we categorize it in [this video](https://youtu.be/v5hyUFUay-o).In the video we outline our innovation focus areas including transport, connect, clean and secure. Each area includes specific strategies and tactics.In future posts, we’ll share more details on some of our partnerships and what the impact has been. You can visit [this page] to view a few case studies of our recent work. To share your insights and feedback, please contact us at [innovation@cvgairport.com](mailto:innovation@cvgairport.com).

2022 has been the year of “revenge travel” (aka: going on all those trips to make up for lost time!) and what better way to get back out there than with another new airline at CVG!Say hello to [Breeze Airways](https://www.flybreeze.com/home).Breeze Airways was started in 2018 by the guy who previously co-founded JetBlue. Much like that airline, Breeze is all about the customer experience and making flying, as they put it, “seriously nice.”Hi there, Huntington Beach!They started flying around the country in May 2021, and beginning in February 2023, they will start up two of the four new routes that you can book right now from CVG.Here’s why you should hop onboard and check out one of these cool cities:Broad St. in Charleston is a perfect place for a quiet stroll.Charleston, SCBegins February 8, 2023Cheapest Round Trip Fare I’ve Seen (So Far): $82The weather’s always pretty nice , and so are the beaches! We visited a few years ago and even in December, expect an average high of around 61 degrees. The summertime warms up with highs in the 80s and perfect evening weather in the low 70s that makes nighttime strolls even better.Historic homes line the waterfront in Charleston.We loved strolling along the water at [Joe Riley Waterfront Park](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54171-d144260-Reviews-Joe_Riley_Waterfront_Park-Charleston_South_Carolina.html). Just across the [Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Ravenel_Jr._Bridge) (which is incredible in itself), we enjoyed [Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum](https://www.patriotspoint.org/), where you can tour multiple ships and even a submarine.Climb aboard an aircraft carrier or head inside a submarine at Patriots Point.Our favorite part of visiting Charleston was just wandering the streets. On many blocks, it feels like you’re transported to a different century as you’re surrounded by impressive homes, parks, and architecture.A comfortable afternoon in Sausalito, CA.San Francisco, CABegins February 8, 2023Cheapest Round-Trip Fare I’ve Seen (So Far): $276First, let’s talk about convenience. Right now, San Francisco requires a connecting flight somewhere along the way. Having twice-weekly non-stop service is a game-changer, and you can be in California in under five hours.Our friends got married in San Francisco a few years ago, and we decided to spend a couple of extra days exploring the city and surrounding areas.Watching the world-famous cable cars zip around the streets is so cool. We stayed near [Fisherman’s Wharf](https://www.fishermanswharf.org/) and had a blast at the [Musee Mecanique](https://museemecanique.com/), featuring one of the largest collections of antique arcade games!Lots of fun at Musee Mecanique including a vintage fun house mirror and arcade Pong!Taking the boat to [Alcatraz Island](https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm) offers a beautiful view of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. Touring Alcatraz prison is quite an experience as well. Returning back to the mainland, the restaurant choices are endless.The view of the city from Alcatraz Island is impressive.Driving the famous [Lombard Street](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_Street_(San_Francisco)), with its switchback roads and steep hill is a must. (We did it twice!) Continue driving over the [Golden Gate Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge) and explore the [Marin Headlands](https://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm) and Black Sands Beach. Visit the [Nike Missile Site SF-88L](https://www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm) and see Cold War-era missiles on display. Head over to Sausalito for a breathtaking view and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the bay.Even cloudy days are beautiful in the Marin Headlands.And no trip to SF is complete without going to [Alamo Square](https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Alamo-Square-323) and picnicking on the lawn while singing [the theme song to Full House](https://youtu.be/2EL65KLdEHE?feature=shared).Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CA, is located in the southern part of Orange County.Orange County, CABegins March 30, 2023Cheapest Round Trip Fare I’ve Seen (So Far): $218Speaking of TV show theme songs: Californiaaaaa… [Here we comeeeeeeeee!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU1PsRsIWJQ) Non-stop service to Orange County can get you from the airport to the beach in about 15 minutes. It also adds another non-stop way to get to Los Angeles and the rest of Southern California.Downtown Huntington Beach is perfect for an early morning jog or evening walk.We’ve spent a few days over Christmas in Huntington Beach. Walking along the miles of sandy shoreline is an instant stress reliever. We really enjoyed the cool surf shops and unique stores in Downtown Huntington Beach and ventured out onto the pier for a view of the coastline. Visit the [International Surfing Museum](https://www.huntingtonbeachsurfingmuseum.org/) and the [Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Bolsa-Chica-ER). We also loved a hip sushi spot (for Christmas dinner!) and some of the best tacos we’ve ever had.One of the most pet-friendly towns around!But the top-rated attraction on TripAdvisor? [Huntington Dog Beach](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32513-d578943-Reviews-Huntington_Dog_Beach-Huntington_Beach_California.html). Yepa beach just for dogs (and their people)!Laguna Beach is incredible!Farther south along the coast lies Laguna Beach, while just a little farther north along the coastline, you’ll find Sunset Beach. Continue along the Pacific Coast Highway, hang a left, and you’ll hit Long Beach. Check out the Queen Mary (currently undergoing renovations, but you can view from afar) and the highly-rated [Aquarium of the Pacific](https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/).Providence is one of America’s oldest cities.Providence, RI / Boston, MABegins March 30, 2023Cheapest Round Trip Fare I’ve Seen (So Far): $118Rhode Island has been on my bucket list for a while. It’s the tiniest state with only 39 cities covering just 1,212 square miles. How small is that? You could fit nearly four, yes four, Rhode Islands into the Cincy region (the Southwest Ohio / Northern Kentucky / Southeast Indiana metro area is 4,808 square miles).Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island offers plenty of space to explore.Despite its small size, there are some big views to be had along [Mohegan Bluffs](https://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-events/mohegan-bluffs), one of the most famous cliffs in the state. Roll down the windows and take in the salt air along Ocean Drive. If you’re a fan of architecture, check out The Breakers, The Marble House, The Elms, and eight other historic homes in the [Newport Mansions](https://www.newportmansions.org/).That's a big house!Set sail on [Rhode Island Bay Cruises](https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/rhode-island-bay-cruises/8714/), or take the [Rhode Island Fast Ferry](https://www.rhodeislandfastferry.com/) to Martha’s Vineyard. There’s also [Fort Adams State Park](https://fortadams.org/) that is full of history and also offers tremendous views. If you like to shop, check out the quaint [Thames Street](https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas-getaways/village-experiences-shops/thames-street-newport/) and grab a bite to eat as well. Rhode Island is also home to the [International Tennis Hall of Fame](https://www.tennisfame.com/).Newport, RI, is a charming waterfront community.You can also visit Boston, just one hour up the road, or pop over to Connecticut. There’s also a ferry from New London, CT, to Long Island, NY.Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, RI.Sign up with the free Breeze Airways email [newsletter](https://www.flybreeze.com/newsletter-signup) for the latest deals direct from the airline.Get where you want to go for less, find new destinations, and travel inspiration on the [Jay’s Deals] page!Want to share your favorite stuff to do at these destinations? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial), and I’ll share them!I love that new airplane smell!-Jay

Here’s what to pack for your holiday trip… and three things to leave at home!The world continues to open back up, and a new survey from PWC says that 47% of Americans are planning to travel this holiday season. (That’s more people than pre-Covid times in 2019!)As you get ready to pack for your trip, there are some things you should bring along, a few things to leave at home, and a couple of things the TSA would REALLY like you to know!What you should definitely pack:A carry-on… and only a carry-on if you can!If you haven’t tried packing light for your trip, give it a shot! I’ve mentioned before that I used to be the guy who used 49.5 lb. of my 50 lb. limit on a checked bag. Since my wife convinced me to pack fewer clothes and “stuff,” I’ve found trips to be more enjoyable and have saved so much time waiting at baggage claim. You’ll also greatly reduce the possibility that during a busy travel surge, your checked luggage gets delayed or lost. Make sure your carry-on fits the dimensions [allowed by your airline](https://travel.usnews.com/features/carry-on-luggage-sizes-size-restrictions-by-airline), and know that international carry-on sizes are generally smaller than domestic flights.Your medicationMake sure to bring any medication, including prescriptions, along for your trip. I take a few prescriptions daily and always try to bring at least seven days more than the actual trip itself in case I need to stay longer or there’s a flight delay on the way home. I do the same with my daily contacts as well. The TSA has a complete guide [here](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered).Earbuds (wired and/or wireless)They don’t have to be expensive, but a decent pair of earphones are your best friend on a plane ride. Not only can you enjoy your favorite tunes and connect to your phone, it’s also a polite way to tell that chatty seatmate, “Hey, I’m going to get some rest now.” Higher-end, noise canceling headphones will allow you to drown out nearby conversations and general aircraft sounds. Cheaper headphones will do fine but may become uncomfortable after wearing them for long flights. The Shure earphones I use are [somewhere in the middle](https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/earphones/se215?variant=SE215-CL). I’ve had them for about five years, and they’re small, sound great, and come with a nice little zippered case with a belt clip. Heads up, if you normally have AirPods or other wireless headphones and your plane is equipped with a seatback entertainment system for movies, be sure to bring along wired headphones, as many systems won’t have a Bluetooth connection.Your airline’s app and a flight tracker appI like to know what’s up with my flight, so make sure you download your airline’s app and are signed in with your itinerary. Most airline apps will give you real-time alerts for gate changes, delays, and cancellations. I also think it’s kind of geeky-cool to watch what’s happening in the skies around you. I use free apps like [FlightAware](https://flightaware.com/), [FlightRadar24](https://www.flightradar24.com/), [FlightView](https://www.flightview.com/), and [FlightStats](https://www.flightstats.com/v2/) to keep tabs on departures, arrivals, delays, and on-time histories for flights I’m looking at booking or am traveling on.Your (100% valid) IDIt seems like a no-brainer, right? I was leaving on an important work trip and nearly had an out-of-body experience at the security checkpoint as the TSA agent reviewed my driver’s license and said, “you know this is expired, right?” Thankfully, the TSA’s current policy accepts “expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration.” However, beginning May 3, 2023, if you’re going to use your driver’s license or another form of ID for any flight in the US, it will need to be REAL ID compliant. Find out more about REAL ID here. Your passport is a safe bet for any trip, but your roadside assistance, credit card, or discount club card won’t fly. Literally. If flying internationally, be sure to check your destination’s passport and visa requirements as some countries won’t allow passports that expire within three or six months of travel.PatienceI know, it’s easier said than done, right? But the holidays are one of the busiest times for a lot of businesses, including airports. Leave earlier than you normally would for your trip to allow time for additional crowds, parking, and check-in. And leave even earlier than that if you’re traveling with little ones!1. Don’t pack huge bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and soapDo you use really good conditioner on your hair? I totally get it. But, that $70 bottle you got from your salon won’t be able to make the trip in your carry-on, and you’ll be super sad to have it confiscated at security. Instead, follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule:Liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in carry-on must be:- 3.4 ounces or less per container- All fit in a 1-quart size clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)- Each passenger gets 1 bag max2. Leave the jewelry, valuables, and irreplaceable stuff at your placeIt’s fun to have nice things but consider leaving them at home. If you are lucky enough to own an expensive wedding ring, consider traveling with a backup ring instead. My wife has done this on a few trips, and it’s a stress saver. Same goes for family heirlooms, rare items, expensive watches, designer garments, etc.3. You don’t need (or want) every key on your keychainI have a daily checklist when I leave the house: wallet, keys, phone. If one of those isn’t there, it feels odd. But when traveling, take only the keys you’ll need on your trip, likely just a house and vehicle key. Put them in a zippered pocket inside a carry-on or in your zippered coat/pants. Nothing is worse than losing your keys.Not sure if you can bring something on board?I wanted to take a fishing rod with me as a carry-on and wasn’t sure if that was allowed. (Fun fact, it is!) If you’re not sure if your deer antlers, Christmas lights, or crochet hook is allowed on board, just use the TSA’s handy [“What Can I Bring?”](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all) site. It’s a very helpful guide to let you know what’s allowed in your carry-on, what you can put in checked luggage, and what should never be brought to an airport.(Fun fact: all those things are allowed.)Get PreCheck and save time.In September 2022, 93% of [TSA PreCheck ](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck)members waited less than five minutes in line at security.Five. Whole. Minutes. That’s it!More than 200 airports across the country, including CVG, participate in PreCheck. It saves you the hassle of removing your shoes, belt, laptop, liquids, and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. The [cost is $85](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck) for five years (that’s just $17 per year or $1.42 a month), and enrollment is easy. But it might not cost you anything if you have a credit card that offers this benefit free of charge. The TSA maintains a list of participating cards [here](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/credit-cards-offer).As an added benefit, kids ages 12 and under traveling with a parent or legal guardian can join them in the PreCheck line.Got a specific question? Just ask the TSA. They’re actually pretty great about providing information for travelers. You can reach them from 8am – 6pm ET on:- @AskTSA on Twitter- Facebook Messenger- Apple MessagesBy the way, the TSA’s Instagram is totally worth a follow! You wouldn’t think a serious government agency has a sense of humor, but some of their posts are genuinely hilarious.In addition to a pretty strong meme game, the TSA also provides helpful travel advice and tips throughout the year. With more than a million followers, you might want to give them a follow as well. Find them @TSA on Instagram.Consider Canada!We’ve taken a few trips with Air Canada and love the flight options they offer. Spend more time experiencing the wonderful city of Toronto, or use it as a quick connection to destinations across Canada and even onto Europe.Want to go somewhere new and save money on your next flight? Check out the Jay’s Deals page to find great prices on flights across the country and around the world!Did I forget to pack something into this blog? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and let me know!Wishing you a very happy holiday season, wherever you might find yourself celebrating this year!-Jay

Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / December 2022Our Winter Ops team is ready for snow. The team has been practicing winter weather drills since October and will continue to run them until we get our first winter weather event. The drills are practiced every Wednesday morning and night.To start the practice run, the team gathers in a large room and gets briefed on the mock winter weather conditions of the day. The Winter Ops Lead gives the crew ample time to answer any questions before they all head outside and climb into their snow-fighting vehicles. The drills usually run about an hour and a half but the actual shift for a winter weather event can run about 13 hours or more. The operation is very organized, and the Winter Ops team knows the specific roles they have.The Winter Ops Lead drives a pickup truck and goes out of the gate and onto the runway first. That person stays in constant communication with the FAA tower. The Lead is evaluating the conditions of the pavement and gives reports to the team on what to expect.The next in line are the Vammas - CVG’s main snow-fighting piece of equipment. We have nine of these mega-sized machines. The Vammas perform three actions in one: plow, sweep, and blow precipitation. The Vammas crew works like a professional game of follow the leader; whatever the person in the front does, the eight people following will do the same. The group’s goal is to stick together and move like a snake to clear all snow and ice from the runway.Other vitally important pieces of equipment we have on the runway are typically two highspeed blowers, two sanders, one deicer, and one CFME (friction tester). Together, all the people driving the machines push all the snow, slush, and ice off the runway. Without their hard work planes would not be able to land after winter storms. They can typically clear an entire runway in under 20 minutes. That is equivalent to clearing 12 interstate lanes for approximately two miles.The Winter Ops team is fueling performance via operational excellence. The team won an Honorable Mention for the 2021-22 Balchen/Post Awards for their work last winter. The award was announced at the 54th Annual International Aviation Snow Symposium in May 2022. “We had a large ice storm that really impacted our region. At the end of the event the temps dropped well below freezing for several days that made it very difficult to keep surfaces open at CVG. Our team maintained and we never had to close the airfield during that entire weeklong event,” said Matthew Gabbert, Senior Manager, Airfield Maintenance. Gabbert says we have a very good fleet of equipment to make sure CVG stays open during harsh winter weather. He says preparation is key.“We are always training or working on something so that we are not blindsided if a winter event comes our way… (We are) always making sure that we are watching the forecasts, keeping an eye on what is going on around our airport, and making sure that staffing is not forgot about either. Employees are the most important part of Winter Ops. They need to be healthy and prepared before a winter operation is upon us.”We have around 100 crew members on our Winter Ops team. Working on the Winter Ops team is a good way to get started in the aviation industry. If you’d like to join the CVG snow team, job openings are expected to open in fall of 2023.