I’ve been tracking flight prices from CVG for about a decade, and in that time, I’ve discovered some consistently great places to visit that won’t break the bank.As I put together this list, here’s what I took into consideration.1. How much does it cost to get there?2. Is there cool stuff to do when I get there?3. Can I get there with one stop, or ideally, non-stop?So welcome to Jay’s 2022 Best of the Best Low-Cost Flight Options from CVG!#4 Denver, COAverage Round Trip Sale Price (2020 – 2022 on the Jay’s Deals page)$114, non-stop including one carry-on bagWho flies there:Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, UnitedWhy I love it:There’s a reason Denver has shown up more than any other city on the Jay’s Deals page…an astonishing 29 times! Prices stay low thanks to competition from six different airlines. It’s a fun trip any time of the year whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or just sipping beverages on a mountain. Ski season tends to see slightly higher prices, but good deals are still available. One of the best times to visit if you aren’t into skiing is in May. The temperature is comfortable, there are fewer crowds, and you can score insanely cheap hotel rooms.One Cool Thing to Do:Horseback Riding in the MountainsI’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite Colorado experiences isn’t skiing or brewery related…it’s riding a horse up the side of a mountain! You won’t gallop; instead, you’ll be treated to abundant wildlife, an abandoned mill, and old cemeteries. I’ve had the chance to ride horses on beaches, farms, and fields, and this experience is unlike any other.#3 PeruAverage Round Trip Sale Price (2020 – 2022 on the Jay’s Deals page)$426, one-stop including one carry-on bagWho flies there:American, Delta, UnitedWhy I love it:Exotic food, breathtaking views, and friendly people—what more could you ask for? Anyone who has visited Peru can tell you it’s worth the trip. CVG offers some convenient flight options that help break up the journey into two shorter flights: about 2.5 hours to Miami and then another 5.5 hours to Peru. Spend a few days in Lima and experience the charming neighborhoods and sweeping cliffside views of the ocean. From there, hop on a flight to Cusco and visit the Sacred Valley. You can visit popular bucket-list destination Machu Picchu by hiking a few days or doing what we did and enjoy a scenic train ride.One Cool Thing to Do:[Hike up Huayna Picchu (next to Machu Picchu)](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294318-d548890-Reviews-Huayna_Picchu-Machu_Picchu_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html)It’s hard to get a five-star TripAdvisor review on anything, let alone when over 4,200 people have reviewed it. (So you know this is worth it!) Huayna Picchu is the larger mountain that sits in the background of the famous photos you see of Machu Picchu. It’s a moderately difficult climb, so you’ll want a good pair of shoes, but the history and views are something I’ll cherish forever. You’ll need to book your ticket early, as daily entry is capped at 400 visitors.#2 New York City, NYAverage Round Trip Sale Price (2020 – 2022 on the Jay’s Deals page)$132, non-stop including one carry-on bagWho flies there:Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, UnitedWhy I love it:There’s nothing like The Big Apple, and you can take a bite out of it with your choice of airlines and departure times from CVG. Some days this summer, CVG offers 20 non-stop flights! You can also plan a spring or fall trip and avoid the summer and holiday crowds. There is so much to see, do, and eat. With hotel options ranging from budget accommodations outside of Manhattan, four- and five-star Times Square splurges, and unique Airbnb stays, you can find the right place to spend the evening.One Cool Thing to Do:[Rice to Riches](https://www.ricetoriches.com/collections/todays-flavors)When I lived in Manhattan, there was a place I used to take everyone to because a shop like this is so unique, it could only happen in NYC. For the last two decades, Rice to Riches has served up an amazing dessert experience. Think ice cream parlor, but instead of ice cream, they serve up dozens of different kinds of rice pudding! Each serving comes in a futuristic bowl, and the flavors are incredible. (My favorite is the Rocky Road!)#1 OrlandoAverage Round Trip Sale Price (2020 – 2022 on the Jay’s Deals page)$116, non-stop including one carry-on bagWho flies there:Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, UnitedWhy I love it:Making over 16 appearances in the past two years on the Jay’s Deals page, Orlando continues to offer consistently low, non-stop airfare from CVG. With six airlines, many offering non-stop flight options, competition for your business is fierce. Orlando is one of America’s most family-friendly destinations, and this flight is also great for first-time flyers at just around two hours. Hotel options are plentiful as well; check out how to save big when booking an Orlando stay.One Cool Thing to Do:[Disney Springs](https://www.disneysprings.com/)This is a must-visit; it’s a terrific way to experience the Disney vibe with $0 admission fee. Eat at one of 65 restaurants, enjoy free live music, and check out over 100 different shops. Parking is easy in the large garage, and there’s plenty of sights to see. Have a beverage at The Boathouse, and enjoy gorgeous views while you watch amphibious cars take a plunge in the lake. Be sure to make reservations for some of the more popular eateries.Do you have a favorite, low-cost destination you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it. Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.-Jay

Three reasons Canada should be your summer vacation destination (and how to pay less to get there!)Depending on which study you read, it’s estimated that around half of Americans have never traveled outside of the U.S. It could be for a number of reasons – fear of not knowing another language, a lack of vacation days, or simply not enough funds (although, keep an eye on my Jay’s Deals page and I’ll show you how to start a European vacation that could be cheaper than a trip to Disney!).Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or still need to get a passport, I want to share a few of my favorite reasons to visit America’s neighbor to the north that, after one visit, will have you coming back again year after year.#1) Toronto is amazing anytime of the year, but summer is perfect!On May 15, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, Air Canada, will resume nonstop flights between CVG and Toronto. Flights will operate daily with two flights a day Monday through Saturday and one flight on Sundays. I’ve flown with Air Canada multiple times on this route and always think it’s so cool that you’re in another country in just 90 minutes!Once you land in Toronto, you can use Lyft or Uber just like in the U.S. to get around.Be sure to visit the famous CN Tower which was the tallest structure in the world until 2007 (it’s still the ninth tallest!). Check out some amazing views of the city and Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling brave, you can even hop into a harness and walk around the edge of the Tower in the appropriately-named “Edge Walk.”Spend some time at the St. Lawrence Market, a 150-year-old market with over 200 vendors selling everything from caviar and Portuguese style chicken to exotic honey and natural clothing. I like just wandering around and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells!If the Toronto Blue Jays are in town, take in a baseball game. On my last trip to Toronto, I got to see a game and enjoyed the unique design of the stadium just as much as the game itself. It’s a great rainy-day activity too since the stadium has a giant dome. For a unique hotel stay, book a room at the Marriott City Centre Hotel that has one-of-a-kind rooms inside the stadium that overlook the field!The Hockey Hall of Fame is also a must-visit. I’ve been a couple of times and even if you’re not a massive hockey fan, you’ll appreciate the well-curated exhibits highlighting the history of the sport.Pro Tip: Canada uses the Canadian dollar, and you’ll need to exchange your American currency. Check to see if your credit card company offers a good exchange rate and if they zero out foreign transaction fees. Using a card for purchases can often be the best way to get the best rate and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.#2) Halifax will steal your heart!A few years ago, my wife and I had an opportunity to spend a week visiting friends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have to be honest; I didn’t know what to expect and after visiting, the Google search results and tourist website images don’t do it justice! With Air Canada and American Airlines both offering one-stop service, you can be in Halifax in a little over five hours of travel time.For 20 years, Theodore the Tugboat has welcomed visitors to the HarbourBe sure to visit the Halifax Boardwalk. It’s a beautiful stroll along this historic stretch of water. Take in the parks and Halifax Citadel National Historic site on the hill and stop into some of the quaint shops throughout the city. If you’re like me and enjoy a little gaming, there’s a waterfront casino waiting for you.In addition to thousands of acres of wilderness to explore, the Halifax area also has some wonderful day trips, including picturesque Lunenburg and wonderful wineries in Wolfville.Pro Tip: Take one of the whale watching cruises from Lunenburg. You won’t regret it. We saw massive whales surfacing and enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise. #3) Vancouver is more than just Lululemon and Ryan ReynoldsImagine a city where you can visit the beach and surf in the morning and then hit the slopes on your skis in the afternoon.Really. (Check out this [L.A. Times article](https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-02-14/british-columbia-ski-surf-same-day))Vancouver features incredible natural beauty and remote destinations while also being Canada’s third-largest city with amazing nightlife, shopping, and dining.Even though Vancouver is across the country, getting there is easy with daily one-stop flights from CVG thanks to five different carriers all flying there. Choose from dozens of one-stop flight options on Alaska Airlines, American, Air Canada, Delta, or United. All of that competition is great for me and you because it keeps flight prices low!One of my favorite spots to visit is Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Named after a guy called “Gassy Jack,” this trendy neighborhood has some really unique bars, hip shops, and cool souvenir spots.Take a stroll around the Vancouver Seawall where natural beauty and city views collide. We enjoyed it even when we visited in December! Also check out Stanley Park, which features 1,000 acres of beautiful open space.If you’re feeling adventurous, cross the Lions Gate Bridge and head up to Cypress Provincial Park, home to Cypress Mountain and that year-round skiing I mentioned. How high up is it? Let’s just say if you head there outside of summer, it’s impossible to reach without a four-wheel drive vehicle and snow chains (mandatory October 1 – April 30). Here’s what it looked like when we attempted it in a two-door sedan during a visit in December:We can’t wrap up on a photo that cold now, can we?Ah, that’s better. A few other important things to know as we hit the busy summer travel season (June is projected to be especially busy!):1. Make sure to arrive to the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.A lot of people ask why airports tell people to get there so early. And it’s a valid question. I’ll admit, I have pushed my luck in the past and barely made it to my gate before they close the door. But the truth is, you’ll need to allow time for checking in bags, getting your boarding pass, allowing time to get through security, and travel time from security to your gate. And most airlines close the boarding door 15 minutes before the departure time. So, add all of that up (plus time to park if someone isn’t dropping you off), and it’s way less stressful to show up a little early! Two hours prior for domestic flights. Three hours for international.2. Save time and carry-on your bag.I’ve stressed this in previous Jet with Jay articles, but it can really save you time and stress if you can reduce the amount of stuff you take with you on your trip and use a carry-on size piece of luggage. By bringing a bag with you through security and getting your boarding pass on your phone or printing it at home, you can avoid some of the lines, especially during peak travel times. You also get to save time at your destination by skipping the wait at baggage claim.3. For trips to Canada and anywhere else outside the U.S., including most cruises, you’ll need a valid passport.For more information on how to get yours, visit this State Department page to get started. It may seem like a complicated process, but it’s not too bad. Be sure to allow plenty of time before you travel abroad to receive your passport. Expediting processing is available for an additional fee. For last-minute and emergency travel abroad, you’ll need to visit a passport office in person.Enjoy your summer travel! I’d love to see your travel pictures and videos! Tag me @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter-Jay

Mindy Kershner / CVG Airport / March 16, 2022Cargo development at CVG has increased exponentially over the last several years as DHL and Amazon have grown their hub presence. At the end of 2021, cargo tonnage was up 18% over 2020 and eclipsed 100% growth over the last five years. While most cargo planes and activity including unloading, sorting and reloading takes place on the south end of the airport campus, there’s another side to the cargo business – general cargo activity on the north end with FedEx.The newest entrant is Silk Way West Airlines, operated in conjunction with Crane Worldwide Logistics, who as of today will operate 80 inbound and 80 outbound flights at CVG in 2022, contributing to around 14,400 tons of cargo. Planes arriving from Asia and Europe will land once a week until the summer months, at which time activity will ramp up to two flights a week.CVG’s strong airfield infrastructure, including four runways and apron area to park cargo planes, as well as its proximity to warehouse distribution facilities, made it appealing for the companies to do business. The airport staff worked closely to make connections to secure ground handling arrangements including personnel and equipment. Trego-Dugan Aviation will be providing ground handling support for Silk Way West at CVG.“This has been a great collaboration, and we’ve been happy to assist with coordination, including connecting these companies to local partners,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG Airport. “As we build out this service for additional cargo carriers, we look forward to what’s to come.”

Who doesn’t love warm weather and sunny days spent in the Caribbean? (I love it so much that I lived there for two years!)I love spending time online researching hotels, finding the best airline routes, and browsing TripAdvisor for the best stuff to do on a trip. But what if you’re not into that sort of thing?What if you’re the kind of person who just wants someone to tell you where to visit, what to do, when to show up, and bundle it all into one package? I’ve got you covered.Say hello to [Vacation Express](https://www.vacationexpress.com/), one of the outstanding companies providing all-inclusive vacations from CVG Airport.For one price, booked in one place, you can build a trip and bundle airfare, hotel, airport transfers, meals, drinks, activities, and excursions.I’ve had about a dozen friends utilize Vacation Express and everyone raves about how amazing their trips were. So, to figure out what makes them so great, I went straight to the source and spoke to Rene Jongmans, CEO/President of Vacation Express.“We sell a wonderful product! You go to a wonderful destination, you go to a great resort, all-inclusive. That makes people happy. A vacation is a happy product.”JAY: When it comes to an all-inclusive, it’s all about convenience, right?RENE: “We’re one of the only ones who have all the non-stop flights from Cincinnati. And I think that’s why Cincinnati is one of our biggest markets. We have a fantastic client base, travel agents, and fantastic support. We make it easy for people to get to our destinations, it’s non-stop, you’re at the destination quickly at a beautiful beach and a great hotel, so of course you’re happy!”What sets Vacation Express apart?“The flights that we operate from Cincinnati are with great airlines. And I think that’s important. The on-time performance is great. Our flights have not been canceled. They go to the destination in the morning and come back late-afternoon, so you have a great amount of ‘beach time’ as we call it.”“And I think overall, just ensuring that we negotiate great deals with hotels. Most of our packages are with five-star hotels and sometimes when you look at the pricing and you’re like ‘Oh my gosh, I can fly, stay all-inclusive at a wonderful five-star hotel, and it’s maybe less than $1,500 a person. The value is really fantastic. Sometimes my friends say ‘hey, you know, I’m going to a weekend to New York or Miami’ and I’m like you’re probably going to spend more for that weekend than you do going for a week all-inclusive to a beautiful destination.”And for people like me who usually like to plan out every detail of a trip, Jongmans has a simple answer:“We always tell someone who wants to travel: don’t waste your own time on review sites because at the end of the day you can spend so much time and you still don’t really know that a resort is best for you. In 15 minutes’ time, we can probably tell you the right resort for you and that adds a lot of value to the service we provide.”What are the hot destinations for 2022?“Cancun is what we sell the most. It’s, for so many years, been the number one destination because we have the non-stop flights, the value is great. People say ‘oh, I want to go somewhere more exotic’ but they may forget there are a lot of great exotic resorts and new resorts that are built in beautiful settings (in Cancun). Punta Cana and Jamaica are a good #2 and #3. People tend to think more of other destinations like St. Lucia, Antigua, Turks and Caicos or Grenada as more “exotic” destinations… but your budget just needs to come up a bit more.”With more people traveling, should we book vacations further in advance?“I definitely think that this year you need to start looking further out. More people are going to travel and we’re seeing more destinations are easing up their entry requirements a bit. Some may still require a PCR or antigen test to get into the destination or they may have required a vaccination, but we are seeing destinations ease up on those requirements as well. As that happens, and hopefully at one point, the US will allow people to come back without testing as we’re already seeing it in other countries, then even more people will be comfortable traveling. I definitely still feel there is a pent-up demand.”Often times, people think of all-inclusive resorts as a honeymoon destination or girls’ trips, but they can be terrific for families as well, right?“A lot of families go on vacation with their kids and there are so many different experiences such as Nickelodeon Resorts that are very unique. We also have so many other hotels in different price ranges that offer free stays for kids. The kids don’t pay for their meals and drinks which is a fantastic added value.Is there an amenity that you personally really enjoy when you stay at a resort?“I love the turn-down service. I love when you spend your day at the pool or the beach and you come back to the hotel in the evening and they’ve put fresh towels for you, made your bed nicely and add some extra amenities sometimes. I won’t say no to a nice spa either.”What’s the one thing you always pack on a trip?“Suntan lotion. It’s always in my bag”Thanks Rene! And my dermatologist agrees… solid advice.Another person who agrees that all-inclusive resorts are an excellent value is Debbie Boyd, a Travel Consultant and owner of [Travel Happy](http://travelhappyagency.com/) in Cincinnati.JAY: Which destinations are hot with your clients right now?DEBBIE: “Punta Cana, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Lucia, Costa Rica. And all of these areas have really loosened up their COVID protocols. What’s awesome is that everything is opening up. Each week we’re getting more and more good news and it makes my job a lot easier.What has been very popular is Mexico, and every part of Mexico. I just returned from Central Mexico which was kind of off my radar because I’m more of a beach destination kind of girl. But I just got back from San Miguel de Allende which is awesome and that has opened up a lot of opportunities for people who want more cultural, cool, European-feeling experience without traveling those European miles.”You mentioned COVID protocols. How do you keep tabs on what travelers need to do?“As travel agents we partner with tour operators and suppliers who make our job easier and one of my preferred suppliers is Vacation Express and they have a whole section on their website that is quick and easy and constantly updated. All you have to do is type in your destination, even specifically by resort, because some resorts are more restrictive than others. And a lot of resorts have on-site COVID testing, right?“Almost every resort has on-site COVID testing and most of them were offering it complimentary. Now some of them are backing off the comp, but it’s only around $30-$35.”That’s just about the only fee you’d expect to see outside of the whole booking then, right? “It’s hard to beat an all-inclusive. I was just helping a corporate group book a trip and they want to reward their staff. As I was giving them the price, and they’re like ‘what other hidden fees are there going to be? What other taxes?’ And I said, ‘that really is it!” If you do a spa treatment or an excursion, that’s going to be extra but all of your food, alcohol, taxes, fees and your gratuities are even included. (But I always tell folks to take some extra money to tip those hard-working folks.)”I’m a DIY traveler, but when I was booking a trip a few years back I was pointed to a travel agent who had a promo code that I didn’t have access to. Is that often the case? Are there special deals or packages that you have access to?“We sure do. That may be like a free upgrade from a shared airport transfer to a private transfer. It may be a certain percent off during a certain booking time. We have access to things, not all the time, but a lot of times. And also, just little extra perks that maybe folks don’t know about. One of my favorite things to talk about is Club Mobay in Jamaica. It’s a VIP service for arrival and departure and it helps you get through all of the customs and immigration lines. You have a representative that meets you as soon as you get off the plane and they whisk you away and you walk by the long lines.”What’s the one item you bring with you on every trip?“Dryer sheets. I put dryer sheets in my bag so my clothes smell good. And I also put them in the vents in the room.”That’s brilliant. I’d never thought of that!Thanks to Rene and Debbie for the tips and if you have a good all-inclusive travel tip you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @jaykruzofficial. Be sure to visit www.vacationexpress.com to plan your next all-inclusive trip.And don’t forget, CVG is celebrating 75 years of commercial flight in 2022. Enter their year-long sweepstakes with monthly travel prizes – check it out here!I’ll see you on a beach in Cancun,-Jay

Plus, how you can get to the Sunshine State for less than you think!If you follow my Jay’s Deals page, you know that over the last year, some of the most consistently low-priced airfare from CVG has been to one of America’s hottest destinations: Florida. CVG Airport offers 13 nonstop airport destinations throughout airport, more than any other airport in the region. More than 140 weekly nonstop flights to the sunshine state on five different carriers helps travelers from Cincinnati, as well as throughout Kentucky, Indiana and beyond. With dozens of daily non-stop flights from CVG to sunny destinations, flying to Florida instead of driving has never made more sense. We’ve highlighted Florida in the past on Jet with Jay, so to give you a little extra motivation, I’ve picked out four more things in Florida you’ve gotta see!CVG Airport is celebrating 75 years of commercial flight in 2022! We are celebrating all our airlines with a Travel Dream Sweepstakes. Keep reading, but check this out and enter to win!Welcome to Key West! The aerial view of Key West resort town beach in Fort Zachary Taylor Park.#1) History on a Beautiful Beach in Key WestI love going to the beach, but I’m not the kind of person who can just sit around all day. I get restless. If you’ve got someone like that in your family – I’ve got just the place! Welcome to Fort Zachary Taylor, a 54-acre place that’s beautiful and educational. Built in the 1840’s, the Fort now has educational displays and the largest collection of Civil War military equipment in the world.If you’re into catching a nap after brushing up on your history, snuggle into one of the beach hut rentals and enjoy world-class snorkeling in a place dubbed “Key West’s Best Beach.”Check out non-stop service to Key West from Cincinnati, Kentucky and Indiana via CVG on Allegiant. Talk about great deals and cheap flights to Florida!#2) Ride a horse on the beachI’ve been on a horse in the mountains of Colorado, backwoods of Indiana, and farms in Michigan but nothing compares to riding a horse… on a beach!Make this dream a reality at C Ponies in Bradenton in Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Tampa Bay and north of Sarasota. Adults and children ages 10 and up can saddle up and ride along trails and beaches. Along the way, you might see stingrays, manatees, or dolphins swim on by. (Amazing, right?) And as if this trip couldn’t get any better, your horse will even go for a swim! For an extra special experience, try one of their sunset rides.https://www.southwest.com/While you’re in the area, be sure to check out a breathtaking sunrise near the pier on Anna Maria Island near Sarasota.Book a non-stop flight from CVG to Tampa (TPA) on Frontier, Southwest, or Delta. Or fly non-stop into Sarasota (SRQ) on Allegiant or seasonally on Southwest, and be on the beach in just two and a half hours! And there are even more Allegiant options from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE).#3) Stay in Orlando for less… with a view!Heading to Orlando means [Disney World](https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/), [Universal](https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us), [Sea World,](https://seaworld.com/) and maybe even a short drive to [Legoland](https://www.legoland.com/florida/).And it can also come with a steep price tag, especially if you’re trying to stay on property at a Disney resort.So how do you experience theme park magic for less? Find a nearby hotel with a view you and your kids will never forget.One of my favorites is the [Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando at Sea World](https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/orlando/mcosw/hoteldetail). Not only does it have a 4.5 rating on [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d12164687-Reviews-Holiday_Inn_Express_Suites_Orlando_At_Seaworld-Orlando_Florida.html), it boasts rooms with million dollar views of Sea World. I found myself visiting Orlando on a trip in 2019 and the hotel everyone else was staying at was $300 a night. I booked this place for around $150, and it included a rather nice breakfast.Another option is to visit in the low season (aka: summer). Trips in July can be hot, but can also offer a great deal as long as you’re OK dodging an afternoon rain shower. On-property hotels like [Universal’s Endless Summer Resort](https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/universals-endless-summer-resort-surfside-inn-and-suites) can offer some great deals.#4) Glow-in-the-Dark KayakingYou read that right.Welcome to bioluminescent kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay on the Indian River Lagoon in Titusville, FL!Hook up with a company like BK Adventure or A Day Away Kayak Tours for a guided experience in a clear kayak. You’ll get the chance to see little plankton or comb jellies that glow a bright blue-turquoise.How awesome is that?While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Kennedy Space Center and see an actual rocket!So go on… book that trip!You’ve heard me preach “let the low fares lead you” to your next vacation and there’s a good reason. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your family’s vacation by booking airfare that’s on sale. Check out my guide on how to locate cheap airfare, as well as the nonstop destination list from Cincinnati – Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Start planning your trip to The Sunshine State and don’t worry if you forget your sunscreen like I did last time I visited… it gives you an excuse to visit a Publix and buy a cheesy postcard too!And, just want to sign off with a nice thank you from CVG to everyone! Happy Anniversary to CVG – January 10, 2022, marked 75 years of commercial flight service at the airport. Pretty cool . . . and they are celebrating with a year-long sweepstakes – you ought to check it out! -Jay

Mindy Kershner/ CVG Airport / original publish December 2, 2020 / Updated January 19, 2021/ Updated January 20, 2022Travel sites like Kayak, Travelocity, Expedia and Airfare Watchdog can be helpful when searching for that low airfare that meets your travel schedule. Jay Kruz’s blog, Jet with Jay, is also updated with travel deals and ideas. In addition to travel sites, there are some well-known pro tips on how and when to book a cheaper flight—like buying your ticket on a Tuesday around seven to nine weeks out from your departure date (during non-COVID times). And, traveling early in the morning on cheaper days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays helps, too.But, understanding why and how airfares fluctuate is a bit more complicated. If you’ve lived in or visited the Cincinnati region in the last 10-15 years, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. You likely recall airfares being high at CVG Airport. CVG was ranked having the most expensive airfares for several years, which is not a first-place title you want your hometown airport to hold. The further down in the ranking, according to the [U.S. Department of Transportation’s average airfare report](https://www.bts.gov/statistical-releases?shs_term_node_tid_depth=326), the better.So, when CVG started touting #69, #78 and #83 airfare rankings, we received the question: “how is this good news?”. The U.S. Department of Transportation takes the top 100 airports in the country (based on passenger counts) and compares their average airfares over a period of three months or one quarter. They then rank those airports from most expensive (#1) to least expensive (#100).A ranking of #78 ([CVG’s ranking as of the third quarter of 2021](https://www.cvgairport.com/about/news/2022/01/19/cvg-holds-the-lowest-airfares-in-the-region-four-years-in-a-row)) is good news because it demonstrates that airfares, when averaged together, are lower than 78 other top U.S. airports. And for four years, CVG’s airfare ranking has been the lowest of all airports in the region.But, how do airfares drop in price? To be clear, airlines set their own airfares. Airports work with carriers to identify and communicate opportunities for establishing operations and/or growing current operations. During the time when CVG had higher airfares, it was one of two airports in the country without service from low-cost carriers so not much competition. Now, the focus on recruiting low-cost carriers (i.e. Southwest in some respects, Frontier, Allegiant) to complement a diverse, strong mix of legacy carriers (i.e. Delta, United, American) has paid off. This work has enabled competition, which has driven down fares.When you have a good business strategy and each of these elements work together, you typically see lower fares (unless you are in the middle of a pandemic and then much of this logic is out the window). However, the CVG team is committed to keeping airport costs low for years to come so our airline partners can continue doing business here with the most competitive airfares around.