Cvg's Current State: Busy Or Bust?

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is a busy airport that has recently seen growth and expansion. Several airlines have launched new services, and the airport has also seen the opening of new dining options. The airport recommends passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. Wait times at the airport can vary, and passengers are advised to check real-time wait times to ensure their travel plans remain on track.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus expedite security screening

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus: Expediting Security Screening at CVG

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus to qualifying passengers to expedite security screening. Here's how these programs work and the benefits they offer:

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to qualifying passengers who are considered low-risk. It provides expedited security screening at CVG and other participating airports. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can enjoy a faster and more convenient screening process without having to remove their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. The program is available at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, passengers can follow these steps:

• Select an enrolment provider, such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos, and submit an online application.
• Visit an enrolment location for fingerprinting, document verification, photo capture, and payment.
• Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can add to your airline reservations.

The cost of enrolling in TSA PreCheck varies by provider. For example, online renewal with IDEMIA costs $58.75, while in-person renewal is $66.75. Telos charges a flat rate of $70 for renewal, and CLEAR charges $68.95 for online renewal and $77.95 for in-person renewal.

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus is a private company that offers expedited identity verification at the airport. Instead of waiting in line, passengers approach a CLEAR kiosk, where their identity is verified through biometrics, including fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition. Once verified, a CLEAR agent escorts the passenger to the front of the security line.

CLEAR Plus is currently available at select airports and is open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID. The cost of CLEAR Plus is $199 annually, and members can add up to three family members for an additional $60 each.

Bundling TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus

Passengers can also choose to bundle their enrolment in TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, which offers special pricing for the first year. The bundle includes five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR Plus for as low as $121.05, resulting in a total cost of $199 for the first year.

By enrolling in TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, passengers at CVG can significantly expedite their security screening process, making their travel experience smoother and more efficient.

CVG security wait times

The security checkpoint at CVG Airport is open daily from 3:30 am to 9:20 pm. The recommended arrival time at the airport is at least two hours before your scheduled departure. It is also recommended that you allow at least 30 minutes for screening. However, the wait time for security checkpoints can vary.

According to some travellers, the lines at CVG can be long, especially for checking bags. It is advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight to ensure you make it through security on time. If you are checking bags, the standard recommendation is to arrive two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight.

For faster processing, enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can be beneficial. These programmes offer expedited screening for qualifying passengers who are considered low-risk. With TSA PreCheck, you can often get through security within 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, CLEAR connects your identity to your biometrics, allowing you to speed through airport security.

CVG's new dining options

CVG Airport is introducing seven new food and beverage concepts, partnering with SSP America and Tailwind Hospitality to bring a new dining experience to customers. Two of the seven new restaurants will be located in Concourse A, and the other five will be in Concourse B. Here is a detailed look at the new dining options:

Bengals Bar & Kitchen

Bengals Bar & Kitchen is a contemporary sports bar that pays tribute to the Cincinnati Bengals. It will replace the Outback Steakhouse in Concourse B, offering an extensive cocktail, beer, and food menu.

Taste of Belgium

A Cincinnati original, Taste of Belgium, will now have a storefront in Concourse A, replacing The Local. They offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch cuisine using locally sourced ingredients for their Belgian-American dishes.

Carmella's Modern Trattoria

Carmella's Modern Trattoria is an Italian-style, full-service bar and restaurant that offers made-from-scratch dishes. It will replace Hop & Cask in Concourse B.

Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts will be replacing Starbucks in both Concourse A and B. The airport made this decision based on menu offerings, staffing and management plans, design, and operator qualifications.

Tap & Pour Gastrobar

Tap & Pour Gastrobar will be located in Concourse B, replacing Covington Crossing. They offer handcrafted drinks, local craft brews, and freshly prepared dishes.

Sambazon

For those looking for a unique snack, Sambazon offers acai bowl options with toppings such as granola and fresh fruit. Sambazon will be located in Concourse B in a currently vacant spot.

CVG's new destinations

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been working on a five-year strategic plan called "New Heights" to transform the region and elevate the airport's role. The airport has expanded significantly in recent years, with new airlines, nonstop flights, and vacation destinations added regularly.

In 2024, CVG launched several new nonstop flights, including:

• San Diego, California
• Hartford, Connecticut
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Melbourne, Florida
• New York City (LGA)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Houston, Texas
• Portland, Maine
• Pensacola, Florida
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Sarasota, Florida
• Palm Beach, Florida

In 2025, the airport plans to introduce even more nonstop flights to new destinations, including:

• Austin, Texas (operated by Frontier Airlines)
• Gulf Shores, Alabama (operated by Allegiant Air)
• Portland, Oregon (operated by Allegiant Air)
• Montreal, Canada (operated by Air Canada)

In addition to these new destinations, CVG also welcomed Breeze Airlines in 2023, offering flights to Charleston, South Carolina, and San Francisco. This provided passengers with more affordable travel options, with prices starting at $39 for flights to Charleston.

The airport is not only expanding its flight offerings but also enhancing the overall experience for travellers. A $7.4 million investment will see the Escape Lounge move to a larger space near gate B12, offering more comfortable seating, local brews, and a menu featuring local and international flavours. Furthermore, the airport is continuously boosting its dining options, with new restaurants and coffee shops opening in 2025 and beyond.

CVG's recommended arrival time

CVG Airport, also known as the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. This is to ensure that travellers have enough time to go through security and check their bags. The security checkpoint is usually open daily from 3:30 am to 9:20 pm, and it is recommended that passengers allow at least 30 minutes for screening.

However, wait times can vary depending on several factors, including severe weather, TSA staffing, and airport construction. It is advised to check for any potential departure delays and monitor flight status in real time. Additionally, each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times, which should be considered when determining arrival time at CVG.

For passengers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, the recommended arrival time can be shorter. Those with TSA PreCheck can benefit from expedited security screening, and some passengers with this option have reported getting through security in 15 minutes or less. Similarly, CLEAR connects your identity to your biometrics, speeding you through airport security. However, it is important to note that CLEAR is only open from 4:00 am to 7:30 pm daily in the Main Terminal.

When planning your arrival time at CVG, it is essential to consider factors such as checking bags, the time of day, and the day of the week. Checking bags can take a significant amount of time, with some passengers reporting long lines and delays. The time of day and day of the week can also impact wait times, with higher volumes of travellers during peak hours and days, such as Monday mornings or Fridays.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to arrive at CVG at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This will allow adequate time for security screening, checking bags, and any potential delays or unexpected circumstances.

Frequently asked questions