COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) is forecasting its busiest summer travel season since 2019, with an average of 14,300 airplane seats departing daily from John Glenn International (CMH) and the Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal (LCK) between June and August.
Passenger travel has steadily risen since the start of the pandemic. After a record-breaking year in 2019 with 8.9 million passengers traveling through CMH and LCK, 2020 saw 3.5 million passengers, and 2021 saw 6.1 million. The momentum continues in 2022 as leisure demand remains high and corporate travel rebounds.
“As we kick off the busy summer travel season, we’re pleased to see our air service development efforts paying off with so many options for passengers,” said Joseph R. Nardone, CRAA President & CEO. “Columbus travelers have unprecedented access to destinations with beaches, mountains and other attractions as nonstop service continues to grow for both leisure and business travel.”
Travelers have nearly 50 nonstop routes to choose from out of CMH or LCK, including this new and returning service:
- New Breeze Airways twice weekly service to Jacksonville, FL and Providence, RI beginning May 27 from CMH
- New Breeze Airways twice weekly service to Savannah, GA beginning June 4 from CMH
- New Southwest Airlines daily service to Austin, TX now flying from CMH
- Returning United Airlines daily service to San Francisco, CA beginning June 4 from CMH
As travelers plan their summer trips, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Masks are optional in US airports and aircraft, but be sure to check with your airline and destination for other rules that may be in place.
Get your Real ID to make sure you are federally compliant for domestic travel by May 2, 2023.
Start with empty bags to ensure you don’t accidentally bring any prohibited items through security.
Treat yourself to first-class parking in the CMH garage which recently gained 1,700 additional parking spaces.
Arrive early, at least 90 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and two hours prior for international flights.
