Ready for takeoff: John Glenn Columbus & Rickenbacker’s essential Spring Break travel tips

Person sits cross-legged on an airport bench, holding a laptop, with a pink suitcase and snorkeling gear beside them.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Around 900,000 seats are expected to depart John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport between March 3 – April 25, peak Spring Break time. Check out these essential travel tips to make navigating Columbus airports a breeze this season.

App-y travels! Download your airline’s mobile app to check-in and stay updated on gate changes, delays, and in-flight entertainment.

Create a parking plan. Parking changes have you puzzled? We’ve expanded the Red Shuttle and Green Shuttle Lots and are still providing options for every budget and level of service. Make sure to check the website for real-time availability at each location.

Early bird gets the… smooth takeoff! Arrive early. Seriously. Remember, there’s construction along International Gateway, so give yourself extra time to get to the airport. No turbulence if you arrive inside the terminal 90 minutes early for a domestic flight, and two hours for an international flight. Then sit back, grab a drink or snack, and let your vacation begin! You’ll thank yourself when you’re not sprinting to your gate.

Rule breaker? Not this time! Know the TSA rules. Nobody wants their sunscreen confiscated – yes, it’s a liquid. Keep it simple, keep it compliant, and keep your cool. Also, check online for estimated wait times at the security checkpoints.

Stress-free pickup. A new temporary cell phone lot opened in January; check out the new location just past the iconic John Glenn Columbus sign on International Gateway. We’ve also added another waiting option! Head straight to the Green Lot and don’t worry, there’s a grace period if you’re in-and-out in under an hour!

Need some last-minute getaway ideas? Check out some of the new and returning nonstop flights just in time for spring break:

  •  Los Angeles: American Airlines’ daily service begins March 6
  • Cancun: weekend service from Southwest Airlines returning March 8, and Viva’s new service on March 16
  • San Francisco: United Airlines’ daily service returns March 30
  • Atlanta: Spirit Airlines’ service begins April 9
  • Tampa: Spirit Airlines’ service returns April 9
  • Myrtle Beach: Allegiant Air’s service returns April 3
  • Nashville: Spirit Airlines’ service begins April 10
  • Fort Myers: Spirit Airlines’ service returns April 10

About CRAA

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority connects Ohio with the world by managing and operating passenger-focused John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), cargo-focused Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), and general aviation airport Bolton Field (TZR). Columbus travelers have access to 53 nonstop destinations via CMH and LCK, more than ever before in airport history. Visit our destinations page to see where we’re flying and stay connected with CRAA online.

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