Cincinnati Enquirer / Brooks Sutherland / November 19, 2021Holiday travel through Greater Cincinnati is expected to return close to 2019 levels during Thanksgiving, one year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised American travelers to stay home amid COVID-19 spikes. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport estimates around 180,000 to 190,000 inbound and outbound travelers will pass through the airport from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2 this year. CVG said Thanksgiving travel volume will be at 90% to 95% of 2019 levels. The busiest days will likely be Wednesday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 28. The busiest times for departures are between 5 and 7 a.m.This year, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If vaccinated, masks are still required during travel. If not vaccinated, the agency recommends getting tested before and after travel in addition to mask-wearing while flying. Here's what you should expect if traveling through CVG this holiday season. Federal airport mask mandate Masks are required regardless of vaccination status when traveling at an airport in the U.S. The federal regulation, which was set to expire in September, was extended until January 2022, a few days before the deadline. The mandate is enforced through the federal Transportation Security Administration, and non-compliance can prevent the boarding of a plane or cause a passenger's removal from a plane if deemed necessary. International travel Most individuals traveling internationally to the United States must be vaccinated per a White House order signed in October. Children under 18 are exempt from the order, and non-tourist travelers from nearly 50 countries with nationwide vaccination rates of less than 10% are also eligible for exemption, but are asked to become vaccinated within 60 days of arrival to the U.S. Traveling after recovering from COVID-19Individuals who recovered from the virus may travel if they have tested positive in the last 90 days and have met criteria to end isolation. Concessions and contactless ordering Participating restaurants at CVG offer contactless ordering that can be accessed by scanning a QR code on site. Concession offerings and hours of operation vary each day depending on flight activity and staffing at CVG. To access daily concession schedules and offerings, visit [https://www.cvgairport.com/flight/tips/flyhealthy/concessions](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvgairport.com%2Fflight%2Ftips%2Fflyhealthy%2Fconcessions&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C6db321d2ba624dfdba1c08d9ab858a4f%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637729412330528206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=r8CSUjIoEkEiaBMc2ChNkPXQXz86eaqjadDCTf4JWTo%3D&reserved=0).REAL ID requirementThe deadline to obtain a government-issued "REAL ID" card was pushed back once again due to the pandemic. The new deadline to secure a compliant identification card is May 3, 2023. The previous deadline was slated for Oct. 1, 2021. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID card can still travel over the holidays, but beginning on the new deadline, every American air traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification in order to travel domestically.COVID-19 testing For those needing testing to be compliant with certain travel regulations, such as travel to the United States from an international location, CVG has partnered with Skyology Lab to offer on-site testing at the airport. The lab is open to both travelers and the general public. Fees for testing at the airport are molecular (PCR) tests with results available on-site within 35 minutes ($200 per test), RAPID antigen tests with results available within 20 minutes ($150 per test), and serology test with results available within 20 minutes ($75 per test). The Skyology Lan does not accept health insurance as a way of payment. Payment can be made online for pre-registered appointments. A driver's license, passport, or other official photo ID is required at the time of testing. New rental car facility is openA consolidated rental car facility at CVG opened last month, connecting the rental center to a terminal for easier access. At the center's Ground Transport West, travelers can access valet services, CVG's ValuPark and Economy Lot Parking Shuttles, off-airport parking shuttles and hotel shuttles. At Ground Transport East, travelers will have access to rideshare services, limousines, taxi services, employee shuttles, shared-ride vans, charter buses and public transit. [FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/travel/2021/11/18/2021-cincinnati-northern-kentucky-international-airport-thanksgiving-travel-guide/8638471002/)

Airport Improvement / October 28, 2021_Two nonstop flights to Seattle will be available summer 2022_Erlanger, Ky. (October 28, 2021) – Today, Alaska Airlines announced an added frequency to its existing daily nonstop service between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The carrier began service on May 20th of this year and is already adding a second daily roundtrip flight between the Cincinnati region and the Puget Sound region beginning June 16, 2022.“The greater Cincinnati community showed up in support of our new nonstop flight to Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We’re thrilled to strengthen our commitment with an additional frequency next summer to give our guests more options.” _Flight schedule (flight times based on local times, new flights highlighted in yellow):_“We can’t thank Alaska Airlines enough for strengthening our region’s connectivity to the West Coast and beyond,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This is a direct response to our community’s utilization of this new service, which began in May of this year.”Tickets for all flights are available for purchase now on [alaskaair.com](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaair.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cmkershner%40cvgairport.com%7Cc9de47413e0049001ff008d99a329b40%7Ce88b51b645364ffaa129350653cdad28%7C0%7C0%7C637710364725857206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=vI873pnhTcox4zJHHyupixcxMU4Jjt2pktgA05I%2FhxQ%3D&reserved=0). [FULL STORY HERE](https://airportimprovement.com/news/alaska-airlines-adds-another-flight-option-seattle-cvg)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Forum/Opinion Section / November 8, 2021Letter from Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG Airport, to Cincinnati RegionSome of you have been traveling throughout this pandemic while others are considering flying for the first time in a year and a half. For those who have traveled, everyone has had a different experience.At Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), we work hard so that you have a safe and seamless travel experience every time. Getting you to where you need to go this holiday season and into 2022 is our top priority.Over the past decade, we’ve come a long way. Thanks to your support and alongside our business partners, we experienced record-breaking local passenger growth for the past several years. While this growth has been celebrated, it resulted in some growing pains felt within our facilities, which we were working through. New construction and improvement projects were prioritized and have moved forward.Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, presenting more challenges. We’re working with our partners to find solutions to these challenges and improve every day. Here are just a few examples of how we’re transforming your travel experience: Construction/new rental car center and Terminal expansion: For several years now, we have been working on projects leading up to the recent opening of our new rental car center. More than $175 million has been invested in this project. That facility is now open, offering a more efficient rental car experience and an updated ground transportation center. Travelers no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental car lots since the counters and pick-up area are now connected to the Terminal. Parking: Earlier this year, parking availability was limited due to the pandemic. We now have several parking options open for travelers at various price points. We are also offering online, pre-paid reserved parking, as well as a frequent parking program. Accessibility: We committed not just to fixing escalators and walkways, but, in some cases, even replacing them for increased reliability and efficiency. Across our Terminal Garage footprint and in the Terminal, these projects have taken several years, and we are now near completion. Concessions: We are continuing to partner with a unique blend of local offerings in both retail and food and beverage. We’ve added high-quality vending machines for 24/7 food and beverage options. And we’re working with concession operators on new concepts and reopening your favorites as passenger travel returns. Baggage Claim and other Terminal improvements: Earlier this year, we replaced four baggage carousels and continue to improve the baggage system. Other mechanical upgrades in our Terminal facilities are in process; the airport is investing tens of millions of dollars in these critical systems. Cell phone lot: For those picking up friends or loved ones from the Terminal, we opened a new entrance to the cell phone lot in July. We have repaved and restriped the lot, which is just minutes from passenger pick-up.I can’t stress enough our commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for you, while also fulfilling our role as a regional leader and economic driver. We’ve made a lot of progress, and still have more work to do. I want to thank everyone who has come through CVG’s doors. As you get ready to travel again, we invite you to visit [CVGairport.com/LetsGo](https://cvgairport.com/LetsGo) to learn more about what we’ve done.We can’t wait to see you soon._Candace McGraw is chief executive officer of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)._[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/2021/11/08/opinion-cvg-upgrades-create-safe-seemless-experience/8581175002/)

WLWT-TV 5 / November 2, 2021HEBRON, Ky. — American Airlines has launched a new nonstop flight from Cincinnati to Boston at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Tuesday. The new flight will operate out of CVG three times daily ⁠— departing at 10:08 a.m., 3:48 p.m. and 8:07 p.m.The flight will be the 11th direct service from the airline from CVG.“Boston is a top 10 market from CVG, so this new service is very exciting for our community in terms of both leisure and business travel,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “American Airlines has been a strong partner since they began service here 74 years ago, and we welcome the start of this new service.”On Tuesday, there were balloons and signage at the ticket counter and gate areas to celebrate the first flight.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.wlwt.com/article/american-airlines-launches-new-nonstop-flight-from-cincinnati-to-boston/38138291)

Chris Wetterich / Cincinnati Business Courier / October 28, 2021Alaska Airlines is adding flights at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.Alaska, which began service in May to Seattle, will go from one to two nonstop flights per day on the CVG-Seattle route, the airport announced Thursday.The new flights will start on June 16.CVG officials have reported that the existing single daily flight has been a major success for Alaska. It also has added competition on the route to the Pacific Northwest. Previously, only Delta Air Lines offered service to Seattle."The Greater Cincinnati community showed up in support of our new nonstop flight to Seattle," said [Brett Catlin](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Brett%20Catlin), vice president of network and alliance at the airline. "We're thrilled to strengthen our commitment with an additional frequency next summer to give our guests more options.In August, CVG officials reported that roughly 90% on Alaska's flights were full and that the flight was "hitting it out of the park," according to [Bobby Spann](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Bobby%20Spann), CVG's vice president for external affairs.The flight is timed for business travelers, and there are many business links between Seattle and Cincinnati, not the least of which is Amazon.com's headquarters and its new air services hub at CVG.The current flight leaves CVG for Seattle at 6:40 p.m. Eastern time and arrives at 8:45 p.m. Pacific time. The return flight leaves at 10:16 a.m. PST and arrives at 5:41 p.m. ESTThe flight starting June 16 will leave at 7 a.m. EST and arrive at 9:05 a.m. PST. The return flight will leave at 10:20 p.m. PST and arrive at 5:45 a.m. EST.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/10/28/airline-expands-service-at-cvg.html) (subscription-based)

Erlanger, Ky. (October 28, 2021) – Today, Alaska Airlines announced an added frequency to its existing daily nonstop service between the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The carrier began service on May 20th of this year and is already adding a second daily roundtrip flight between the Cincinnati region and the Puget Sound region beginning June 16, 2022.“The greater Cincinnati community showed up in support of our new nonstop flight to Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We’re thrilled to strengthen our commitment with an additional frequency next summer to give our guests more options.”_Flight schedule (flight times based on local times, new flights highlighted in yellow):_“We can’t thank Alaska Airlines enough for strengthening our region’s connectivity to the West Coast and beyond,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This is a direct response to our community’s utilization of this new service, which began in May of this year.”Tickets for all flights are available for purchase now on [alaskaair.com](https://www.alaskaair.com/).About CVG AirportCVG Airport welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. As the airport recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it still offers the most nonstop destinations and the lowest average airfares in the region. CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations with an annual economic impact of $6.8 billion. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America – home to Amazon Air’s primary U.S. Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub. Learn more at [CVGairport.com](https://cvgairport.com/).

Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / October 20, 2021As recently as 2015, the average fares at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport were the highest in the nation, even as the airport had started to attract ultra low-cost carriers that would eventually solve a problem that had sent travelers to Dayton and other nearby airports.Now, with the new report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, CVG has reached its fourth year in a row as the lowest-fare airport in the region, besting Dayton, Indianapolis, Columbus and Louisville.CVG’s average airfare during the second quarter of 2021 was $280, below the $300 national average. It had the 76th-highest (or 25th-lowest fares, depending on how you want to look at it) in the United States out of the top 100 airports by passenger count.CVG’s average fare in the same quarter in 2020 was $220, not adjusted for inflation, a number impacted by the pandemic’s decimation of air travel.Dayton now has the sixth-highest average fare in the nation at $361.In the Midwest, only the two Chicago airports and Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport had lower fares than CVG.CVG’s passenger traffic is between 75% and 80% of what it was compared with 2019. Two new air carriers, Alaska and Sun Country, began service at CVG.In other airport news: CVG reopened its east-west runway, the most used one at the airport and officially known as Runway 9/27. The $69 million project, of which three-fourths was paid for by the Federal Aviation Administration, started in March and was scheduled to last six months. It included new asphalt, concrete and lighting updates. Aircraft operations will return to its normal patterns. CVG also opened its new rental car and ground transportation center to the general public on Wednesday. The airport held a ribbon cutting for the $175 million facility last week.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/10/20/cvg-s-low-fare-winning-streak-hits-a-new-milestone.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=ae_nonsub&utm_content=ci&ana=e_ci_ae_nonsub&j=25420392&senddate=2021-10-21)

Erlanger, Ky. (October 20, 2021) – Today, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) opened its new rental car and ground transportation center to travelers and the general public. This is one of the first fully connected and consolidated facilities offering a seamless experience for travelers and visitors to the region. The overall project represents a more than $175 million investment to elevate the travel experience. Other elements include the direct access roadway to the Terminal, which opened in 2019, and the new entrance and exit from the Terminal Garage in 2018.In this new facility, travelers and local residents will experience a new rental car pick-up and return area as well as a new ground transportation area for parking, valet and hotel shuttle customers. Roadway and facility signage will help direct passengers and visitors for easy wayfinding. Maps of the new facility and additional resources can be found at [CVGairport.com/updates](https://www.cvgairport.com/terminal/cvg-airport-terminal-updates). “The fact that this facility is an extension of our Terminal will save travelers time, elevating the overall CVG experience for years to come,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We can’t thank our project partners enough for their customer-centric focus. This is another important investment in our airport as an economic driver for our region.”“An intense amount of planning went into building this facility, and it shows CVG’s commitment to providing an outstanding customer experience,” said Greg Herrin, vice president, Messer Construction Co. “More than 1,600 skilled craft professionals from 123 different companies worked to build this project safely through the pandemic, and about 70% of the work was performed by local contractors based in the Cincinnati area.”“The project team did it right by creating a rental car facility that elevates the rental car customer experience at CVG,” said Joshua Blum, senior director, real estate, The Hertz Corporation. “Constructing a facility, which eliminates shuttle buses, where customers can now walk from the plane to their rental car quickly and completely sheltered from the elements, addresses the biggest concern by our customers when flying. This is a world class upgrade.” Fun facts: $175+ million investment 1,600 people on the job Nearly 70% of CVG’s contractors from Cincinnati region 1.57 million square-foot facility 9.2 acres 2,710 parking spaces 11 rental car companies (Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Zipcar)  About CVG AirportCVG Airport welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. As the airport recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it still offers the most nonstop destinations and the lowest average airfares in the region. CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations with an annual economic impact of $6.8 billion. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America – home to Amazon Air’s primary U.S. Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub. Learn more at [CVGairport.com](https://cvgairport.com/).

Erlanger, Ky. (October 19, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Transportation released its average airfare ranking report for the second quarter of 2021, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) once again has the lowest airfares in the region. CVG has held this title for four consecutive years since the second quarter of 2017. Among the top 100 U.S. domestic airports, CVG ranks #76 with an average fare of $280; seven percent below the national average of $300.   Regional comparisons: CVG ranked #76 – average fare $280 Indianapolis (IND) ranked #63 – average fare $299 Columbus (CMH) ranked #53 – average fare $308 Louisville (SDF) ranked #48 – average fare $312 Dayton (DAY) ranked #6 – average fare $361 The mix of low airfares and more travel options is fueling the return of air travel (passenger traffic is now 75-80% compared to 2019) as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and most recent surge of the Delta variant.  The airport is serving 75-80% of pre-pandemic passenger volumes.Two new air carriers (Alaska Air and Sun Country Airlines) began service at CVG earlier this year, along with nine new seasonal/year-round routes added and many returned routes. For a complete list of nonstop destinations served from CVG visit: [CVGairport.com/nonstopdestinations](https://www.cvgairport.com/nonstopdestinations).###About CVG Airport:CVG Airport welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. As the airport recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it still offers the most nonstop destinations and the lowest average airfares in the region. CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations with an annual economic impact of $6.8 billion. It is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America – home to Amazon Air’s primary U.S. Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub. Learn more at [CVGairport.com](https://cvgairport.com/).