Columbus Airport: Managing High Traffic, Efficiently

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is not a large airport, but it is busy enough that travellers recommend arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before your flight to account for potential delays. The airport provides 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports daily, and it has seen an increase in air traffic volume since the construction of a new car rental facility in 2021. To bypass potential delays, travellers can sign up for expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus.

Security wait times

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is not a large airport, but it can be busy, especially during the holidays. The airport provides 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports daily.

To ensure a smooth journey through the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. Security wait times can vary depending on various factors, including flight data, TSA staffing schedules, and unforeseen circumstances.

To make the security screening process faster, passengers can sign up for expedited security programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus is a premium service that allows travellers to use dedicated lanes at Checkpoints A, B, and C in the Main Terminal. With CLEAR Plus, members can use their biometrics for touchless identification, speeding up the security process.

The TSA also offers a mobile application called My TSA, which provides real-time updates on security line wait times, allowing travellers to plan their arrival at the airport accordingly. Additionally, each airline has its own suggested and obligatory arrival times, so it is essential to maintain communication with your airline and stay updated on any changes to your flight schedule.

For those who prefer to have support during the screening process, TSA Cares is available upon request. Adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the security checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus

John Glenn Columbus Airport (CMH) is not a large airport, and travellers rarely have to wait more than 20 minutes to get through TSA. However, wait times can vary, and it is always recommended to arrive at the airport well ahead of your scheduled departure time. For domestic travel, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, and two hours before departure for international travel.

To speed up the security screening process, travellers can register for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at over 200 U.S. airports without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that allows travellers to move faster through dedicated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can verify their identity at a CLEAR pod using their eyes or fingerprint, and kids under 18 can join their parents in the CLEAR lane for free. Military service members and government employees are eligible for CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate.

Travellers can enrol in either or both programs at the airport or online. When bundled, the first year of CLEAR Plus is discounted, and TSA PreCheck is valid for five years.

Transport to the airport

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is not a large airport, and travellers rarely wait more than 20 minutes to get through TSA security. However, it is always a good idea to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is especially true during the holidays, when the airport is busier than usual.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport offers a range of ground transportation options, including taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services.

If you are travelling in a group or have a lot of luggage, you can book a private car, SUV, or van in advance through a service like SuperShuttle or Prime Time Shuttle. These services offer upfront pricing, and you can choose from a range of vehicle options to suit your needs. SuperShuttle, for example, offers black cars, SUVs, and private vans, while Prime Time Shuttle offers shared rides, private cars, and luxury vehicles.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can use a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft to get to the airport. These services are widely available in Columbus and can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to the airport.

For added convenience, you can also use the CLEAR Plus service at John Glenn Columbus Airport. CLEAR Plus is a premium service that allows travellers to move through security checkpoints more quickly. With a CLEAR Plus membership, you can use dedicated lanes at Checkpoints A, B, and C in the Main Terminal. This can be especially useful if you are travelling during busy times or need to get through security quickly.

To make your travel experience as smooth as possible, it is recommended to download the TSA app, which provides security line waiting estimates, and to allow plenty of time to get to the airport, regardless of your chosen mode of transportation.

Parking options

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) offers a variety of parking options for travellers. The airport has parking lots, a parking garage, and valet parking services.

If you are simply waiting for someone's flight to land, you can use the free cell phone waiting lot or take advantage of the one-hour grace period in the Green Lot. For those picking up or dropping off passengers, this option ensures convenience and ease without incurring parking charges.

For travellers looking for short-term or long-term parking, CMH offers designated parking spaces in their parking garage through the Executive Parking program. This allows for quick and convenient access to reserved parking spaces, just steps away from the terminal and ticket counters. Additionally, CMH provides accessible parking 24 hours a day, with ADA-designated spaces available in all parking areas for those with valid handicap permits.

To enhance your parking experience, CMH offers ezPark, a service that provides quick entry and exit from any of the airport's parking lots or garages. Upon signing up, you will receive an access card, and your debit or credit card will be charged after each visit.

For those seeking additional convenience and vehicle services, Vohnt offers designated parking on the 4th floor of the parking garage. During your travels, Vohnt can service your car with interior and exterior detailing, oil changes, free filter replacements, gas top-offs, tire rotations, and wiper blade replacements. Standard parking rates apply, and you can enjoy contactless 24/7 pickup upon your return.

Due to high travel volumes, parking availability at CMH may be limited at times. In such cases, the airport recommends considering alternative transportation options, such as ridesharing services. It is always advisable to arrive at the airport early, allowing sufficient time for parking and clearing security checks.

Airlines and destinations

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is served by several airlines, including major US and international carriers. The airport has three concourses (A, B, and C) and a range of destinations across the United States and beyond.

Concourse A is home to Southwest Airlines, offering flights to various destinations within the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver. Concourse B is served by a number of airlines, including American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. From this concourse, passengers can travel to hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City. Concourse C is the base for Delta Air Lines, as well as other carriers like Breeze, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines, and Allegiant Air. This concourse offers flights to destinations like Seattle, Detroit, and Paris, France.

In addition to these, the airport also accommodates other airlines, such as JetBlue Airways, offering flights to Boston and Fort Lauderdale, and British Airways, providing a direct link to London, UK. The airport's website provides a full list of airlines and their respective destinations, which is worth referring to for specific travel plans.

Columbus Airport is described as "not a big airport" by one of its users, who notes that they have "never waited more than 20 minutes for TSA." However, during busy periods, such as holidays, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a flight to account for potential delays.

Frequently asked questions