People still talk about CVG like it’s 2008. They remember the "Delta fortress" days when a ticket to basically anywhere cost more than your first car. But honestly? That version of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is long gone.
If you haven't flown out of here lately, you're probably operating on outdated info. The airport has shifted from a massive, singular hub for one carrier into this weird, hybrid beast that’s half-passenger terminal and half-global logistics powerhouse.
It’s busy. Like, really busy. But the way the airlines in Cincinnati CVG operate now is fundamentally different than the old hub-and-spoke model we grew up with.
The Budget Flip: Frontier, Allegiant, and the New Guard
For a long time, Cincinnati was one of the only major U.S. cities without low-cost carriers. Now, they're basically running the show for leisure travelers. Frontier and Allegiant didn't just show up; they set up shop and forced the legacy carriers to actually compete.
Frontier currently flies to over 20 destinations from CVG. You've got the usual suspects like Orlando and Denver, but they've also leaned hard into places like Cancun and Phoenix. It's great for the wallet, but you've gotta watch those "hidden" fees. If you don't measure your bag, they will. And it'll cost you.
Then there's Allegiant. They’ve carved out a niche by flying to places no one else bothers with, like Punta Gorda or Destin. It’s a very specific vibe. You aren't getting a snack, and you’re definitely not getting a reclining seat, but you’re getting to the Florida panhandle for the price of a decent steak dinner.
Why Southwest Changed Everything
When Southwest finally jumped from Dayton to CVG a few years back, it was a massive "I told you so" moment for the airport authority. They currently offer nonstop service to Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Nashville, and Chicago Midway, among others.
Southwest doesn’t just bring low fares; they bring the two-free-bags policy that makes people loyal to a fault. Their presence essentially put the final nail in the coffin of the "expensive Cincinnati" reputation.
The Delta Legacy (and Why It Still Matters)
Delta isn't the king anymore, but they’re definitely still the duke. They still account for a huge chunk of the passenger volume. Even though they slashed their hub status years ago, CVG remains a critical spoke in their network.
You’ve still got the crown jewel: the nonstop to Paris (CDG).
That flight is a lifeline for GE Aerospace and the local business community. It’s also one of the few ways to get to Europe from the Midwest without having to connect in a nightmare like O'Hare or JFK. Delta also keeps a massive maintenance facility here (Delta TechOps), so even if there are fewer "passenger" flights than in the 90s, the airline's footprint is still physically huge.
Sun Country’s Big 2026 Move
Here is something most people are missing. As of January 31, 2026, Sun Country Airlines officially opened a new operational base at CVG.
This is kind of a big deal.
Usually, when an airline opens a base, it's all about passengers. For Sun Country, it's actually about Amazon. They are basing pilots and aircraft here to support the massive Amazon Air hub, but the ripple effect for us is better reliability for their passenger flights to Minneapolis and beyond.
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When an airline bases crews at your airport, they are less likely to cancel your flight due to "crew scheduling issues" because the pilots actually live in the 513 or 859 area codes.
The Cargo Giant Hiding in Plain Sight
You can't talk about airlines in Cincinnati CVG without talking about the planes that don't have windows. CVG is now the 6th largest cargo airport in North America.
- Amazon Air: Their primary U.S. hub is right here.
- DHL Express: This is their Global Super Hub for the Americas.
- FedEx: A massive, growing presence.
If you’re driving down I-275 at 3:00 AM and see a line of lights in the sky, those aren't late-night vacationers. Those are the engines of the local economy. The sheer volume of cargo landing weight is what keeps the airport's landing fees low for passenger airlines. In a weird way, your cheap flight to Vegas is being subsidized by the Prime package your neighbor ordered yesterday.
International Ambitions and "Elevate CVG"
The airport is currently in the middle of a massive modernization program called Elevate CVG. If you’ve been through the terminal recently, you’ve probably seen the construction walls. They are expanding security, redoing the baggage systems, and trying to make the "Welcome Point" look like it belongs in this century.
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They are also throwing money at international carriers. The airport authority has been increasing incentives to lure more trans-Atlantic flights. We already have British Airways flying nonstop to London-Heathrow (LHR), which has been a massive success since it launched. Don't be surprised if you see another European or even a South American route announced by the end of 2026.
Real Talk: Navigating CVG Today
Look, the airport is "organized," but it's not small. If you're flying out on a Friday morning, the TSA line can and will back up to the ticketing counters.
- The TSA Trap: Everyone says CVG is "easy." That makes people complacent. If you have a 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM flight, get there two hours early. I’ve seen the PreCheck line hit 20 minutes, which is an eternity in Cincinnati time.
- The Train Factor: Remember that you have to take a train (or walk a very long tunnel) to get to Concourses A and B. If your gate is at the far end of Concourse B (where Delta usually lives), give yourself an extra 10 minutes.
- Parking Pro-Tip: The "ValuPark" lot is great, but the Terminal Garage is often worth the extra ten bucks if you’re only gone for a weekend. Walking straight from your car to the check-in desk is a luxury you'll appreciate when it's 20 degrees outside.
What’s Actually Next?
The "expensive airport" myth is dead. With the 2026 Sun Country base opening and American Airlines actually increasing their flight counts this year, the competition is at an all-time high.
If you're looking to book, your best bet is to compare the "Big Three" (Delta, American, United) against the budget guys. Sometimes, once you add the bag fees to Frontier, a Delta ticket is actually cheaper. But you won't know unless you actually check.
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Actionable Insights for your next trip:
- Check the British Airways/Delta rivalry: If you're going to Europe, London and Paris are the "anchor" flights. Use them as your gateway and then grab a cheap hop on Ryanair or EasyJet once you’re across the pond.
- Watch the 2026 schedules: With Sun Country's new base, expect more seasonal "leisure" routes to pop up that weren't there last year.
- Use the CVG website's "Deals" page: They actually keep a live list of the cheapest round-trip fares currently available. It’s surprisingly accurate.
Stop driving to Dayton or Columbus to save fifty bucks. By the time you factor in gas and the value of your time, flying out of CVG is almost always the smarter move now.