Spring break travel is about to ramp up in Columbus.
Airport officials say nearly one million passengers are expected to pass through John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport during the upcoming spring break season.
With thousands of Central Ohio travelers heading out for warm-weather getaways, airport leaders say planning ahead can make the experience much smoother.
Spring break is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with families, college students and vacationers taking advantage of time off to head to beaches, major cities and other destinations across the country.
To avoid unnecessary stress at the airport, officials recommend arriving early, checking flight information ahead of time and downloading your airline’s mobile app for real-time updates on delays or gate changes.
A few tips for smoother travel
Airport officials shared several tips to help travelers start their trips without unnecessary headaches.
Before leaving home, travelers should check parking availability online to decide which lot works best for their timeline and budget. Options range from curbside valet parking to long-term economy lots.
Passengers should also allow plenty of time to get through security, especially during peak travel days. Arriving early can give travelers time to grab food or shop inside the terminal before boarding their flight.
Travelers are also reminded to make sure they have the proper identification. The Transportation Security Administration requires passengers to present acceptable identification at security checkpoints, and officials recommend making sure you have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another valid form of ID, such as a passport.
And if you’re packing sunscreen for that beach trip, remember that liquids in carry-on bags must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller unless they’re packed in checked luggage.
New nonstop destinations coming in 2026
Travelers flying out of Columbus will also have several new flight options this year.
Airport officials say nine new nonstop routes are scheduled to launch throughout 2026, expanding travel options to popular vacation and business destinations.
New routes include:
- Panama City Beach via Southwest (starting March 7)
- Fort Lauderdale via Frontier (starting March 8)
- Los Angeles via United (starting March 29)
- Montreal via Air Canada (starting May 1)
- Greenville-Spartanburg via Breeze (starting May 8)
- Key West via Allegiant (starting May 21)
- Austin via Delta (starting June 7)
- Savannah via Breeze (starting July 1)
- Tampa via Breeze (starting July 3)
The additional routes will give Central Ohio travelers more direct options when planning trips throughout the year.
Airport leaders say that with passenger traffic expected to climb during the spring break season, a little preparation can go a long way toward making the start of vacation as smooth as possible.
For more info about nonstop flight destination, or to start planning your trip, head over to flycolumbus.com.
