12/15/2025

The holiday season is in full swing, and whether you're heading home to family, jetting off for a winter getaway or welcoming loved ones to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, CVG is ready to help you navigate the busiest travel season of the year.

CVG's tips for stress-free holiday travel

Arrive early
We recommend arriving at the TSA checkpoint at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

Pack smart
Check TSA's website for current guidelines on what you can bring through security. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-ons: No more than 3.5 ounces per container, all fitting inside a one-quart bag, one bag per passenger.

Put wrapped gifts in checked bags
Your wrapped gift may need to be unwrapped for inspection by TSA at the security checkpoint. It’s safest to put those gifts in a checked bag, or wrap them at your destination.

Plan parking in advance Check parking availability in advance at cvgairport.com/parking. Valet, ValuPark or Economy are a great plan B if the Terminal Garage looks tight.

Wait in the cell phone lot If you're picking someone up, please wait in our free cell phone lot until they've collected their bags and are ready for pickup. Curbside is reserved for active loading and unloading only.

Wisdom from seasoned travelers

We asked the frequent flyers in our Facebook community to share their best holiday travel advice. Here’s what they had to say:

Get Your REAL ID sorted now
Don't wait until you're at the airport to discover your ID won't work. Make sure your driver's license is REAL ID compliant – or your passport is current - before the holiday rush hits.

Prep before security
Before you reach the TSA checkpoint, empty your pockets into your carry-on bag. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, put it in a bin or your bag rather than holding up the line.

Stand right, pass left
Moving walkways are designed to help you get where you're going faster – but only if stationary people stand on the right so others can pass on the left.

Stay on top of flight delays
Use your airline app to stay informed, and if your flight is delayed, take care not to stray too far from your gate. If the delay isn’t as long as expected, you need to be ready to board.

Early-bird warning
Some airlines don’t start checking bags until two hours before a flight, so if you arrive earlier, you may need to wait.

Be cool during de-boarding
The plane de-boards by row, not by how quickly you stand up.

Pack your patience
Travel gets stressful during the holidays, especially for airport and airline employees who are working long hours to help everyone get home. A little kindness and understanding go a long way.

Enjoy holiday cheer at CVG

Live music
Through our partnership with ArtsWave, we're bringing the sounds of the season to CVG this December. You'll find live performances at the Welcome Point greeting area on select weekdays throughout the month.

Gift-wrapping
Volunteers will be providing complimentary gift-wrapping from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 23 in Concourses A and B. Shop at our retail stores for gifts with a local twist, and then have them gift-wrapped before you fly!

Shopping local at CVG
Want to reflect the region in your gift-giving this year? Here are some of the homegrown items you can find at our stores:

• Kentucky bourbon balls: Available at Over the Rhine Market, Gaslight Market, Trip Advisor, Gaslight Gifts, Bluegrass Bazaar and travel @ ease
• Cans of Skyline chili: Available at Queen City, Today Store,  Over the Rhine Market, Gaslight Market, Trip Advisor, Gaslight Gifts, Bluegrass Bazaar, travel @ ease
• Kentucky bourbon by the bottle: Available at Over the Rhine Market and Trip Advisor
• Spirit wear representing Cincinnati universities and sports teams: Available at Queen City, Over the Rhine Market, Gaslight Market, Trip Advisor, Scoreboard, Gaslight Gifts

Tools for travel ease

GoodMaps indoor navigation app
New to CVG? The free GoodMaps app for Android or iOS provides turn-by-turn indoor navigation throughout our terminal and concourses in more than 25 languages. It's especially helpful for travelers who have visual or hearing impairments or need step-free routing to their destinations.

Kiosks for Q&A
Got questions about parking, security wait times, or food options before your flight? Scan the QR code at kiosks throughout the airport, text your questions and get real-time answers to help you navigate CVG with confidence.

Luggage carts
New, complimentary luggage carts are available in the parking garage and on the ticketing and baggage claim levels. Grab a cart and avoid the stress of juggling bags.