CVG Communications / CVG Airport / January 23, 20261. CVG has a prepared winter operations teamThe award-winning team that is comprised of around 100 crew members use a fleet of snow and ice removal equipment to clear a runway in under 20 minutes. That is equivalent to clearing 12 interstate lanes for approximately two miles! In addition to the runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas, the team that is on-call 24/7 clears the airport’s walkways and nearby roads of potentially hazardous winter contaminants. [CVG’s winter operation team keeps the airport open and operational during winter weather events](https://www.cvgairport.com/on-the-horizon/cvg-ops-team-is-ready-for-winter/).2. Check the status of your flight before you leave for the airportWinter weather can cause flight delays and cancellations, and that is why CVG recommends that you check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. To receive the most up-to-date flight status information, download your airline's app. While CVG is responsible for keeping the airport open and operational, airlines determine their flight schedules. Additional ways to stay informed include viewing flight status information boards around the Terminal and Concourses and by viewing [CVG’s flight status information webpage.](https://www.cvgairport.com/flights/)3. Arrive earlyThe golden rule of air travel is to arrive at least two hours in advance for a domestic flight and at least three hours in advance for an international flight. These guidelines especially apply for winter weather. Arriving early gives you more time to navigate any potential traffic slowdowns and allows you to complete the security screening in advance. Keep an eye on any traffic delays to and from the airport through sources like WAZE and TriMarc and plan drive time accordingly.Tip: to help alleviate anxieties, CVG [displays estimated TSA wait times on its website](https://www.cvgairport.com/).4. Aircraft are deiced as neededDeicing is critical for aircraft safety and performance. Airlines utilize CVG’s deicing areas to remove snow, ice, frost, and other debris from an aircraft’s surface prior to takeoff. This process is completed as timely as possible and is required before aircraft depart. Aircraft are also equipped with technology that can defrost and deice in the air.5. Pack smart for winter weatherHeavy winter clothes are a must-have if you’re traveling to a location that has cold weather. However, keep in mind that sweaters, coats, and boots can add more weight to your checked bag. Check with your airline in advance on weight requirements and weigh your bag before you leave for the airport if you can. It is a good idea to dress in layers, and place gloves, a winter hat, and other essentials in a carry-on bag. Soft-sided luggage tends to be more flexible and can typically fit more easily into overhead compartments.

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 lotIf 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.