Feeling as free as a bird on top of this mountain in Eze, France!

In my travels through dozens of airports across four continents, there’s one thing most have in common: You’re not going to find very many things for free!

I have to say, this is one of the areas where CVG really shows up for its passengers. There are multiple opportunities to use free amenities before you board your next flight. Here are a few of my favorites:

Easy to find and free-to-use at every stage of a trip... loving the new CVG luggage carts!

1. Complimentary luggage carts

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen luggage carts offered for $0 in my travels. At many airports, you’re out a few bucks just to get your bags from the curb to the check- in counter. CVG did away with that system and rolled out its new luggage cart program about six months ago with 250 brand new carts that are free for any passenger to use.

You can find them located:

• On each level of the main parking garage
• Near the main terminal entrances
• In baggage claim

(I've used them... they're really nice!)

Kids' Landing play area in Concourse B

2. Children's play area

When we traveled before having kids, we used to see little play areas and think “Oh, how cute” and breeze on by. Now if we see anything on our trip that will distract our little ball of energy without breaking any snow globes in a gift shop, we are making a stop!

CVG encourages you to arrive early for a flight, and that’s a good idea. But what do you do with the kids while you wait to board?

Pick up your meal or coffee from a CVG restaurant and enjoy it while watching your kids burn off energy before your flight.

Located in Concourse B behind the food court, you’ll find the Kids’ Landing with a fun Cincinnati Zoo theme. It features small climb-on features, nearby seating for grownups and activities on the wall encouraging kids to jump as high as a serval or dance like a honeybee.

Say hello at the information desk as you come off of the escalator to Concourse B and grab a free coloring pad and crayons (while supplies are available and the desk is staffed.)

Wonder if this boat has free Wi-Fi? Antibes, France

3. Fast, free Wi-Fi

The last few years have seen a trend to make Wi-Fi available during every part of your journey. Some airlines, like Delta, have announced a move toward free in-flight Wi-Fi on many planes. Fewer hotels require you to pay for internet access during your stay. One place that has always had free, reliable Wi-Fi is CVG.

It’s easy to connect anywhere in the airport to get some work wrapped up, download a few good movies on your tablet, or put a few more games on your phone before you board your flight.

Absolutely love the murals throughout the tram area.

4. Airport art, artifacts, authors and answers

When heading for the tram after coming through security, take a stroll around the tram area and check out “Art on Board”, miniature versions of murals from throughout our area. A little info about each is available here. My favorite thing in Concourse B is absolutely the massive mastodon fossil greeting you at the food court.

The CVG Airport Library welcomes you!

If you’re looking to grab a good book for your flight, be sure to visit the Airport Library near B12 in Concourse B. (Turn right at the Fifth Third Bank.) The books are provided free of charge by the Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Kenton County, Campbell County, and Boone County Libraries. You don’t even need a library card, and you can return the book to any of those libraries when you return from your trip or keep it for your collection at home if you’re a visitor to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Look for the QR Code on the "Lamp Post" for quick and easy help at CVG.

If you ever have a question about an airport amenity, location of a restaurant or store, or need assistance, just look for the helpful kiosks with big QR codes around the airport inviting you to “Ask me a question!” You can also use the new CVG Chatbot on the main page of cvgairport.com from your phone or computer.

Lots of space to roam at the free CVG Viewing Area

5. Airplane viewing area

One of the coolest places to bring your family, even when you’re not flying, is the CVG Airplane Viewing Area. We love bringing our family here to enjoy watching the planes take off and land. Bring your own picnic lunch or grab something to go from a nearby restaurant to eat at the picnic tables.

Another cool activity is listening to the pilots, tower, and ground crews talking on the radio frequencies around the airport using the free LiveATC.net website on your phone.

Marveling at the beauty of Monaco on a recent trip from CVG.

Have you seen something cool at CVG or another airport on one of your trips? I'd love to see it! Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

-Jay