Columbus Airport Terminal

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

John Glenn Columbus International Airport, located just six miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a vital transportation hub for the region. Formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport, it was renamed in 2016 to honor John Glenn, an Ohio native, astronaut, and U.S. senator. The airport serves as a gateway to central Ohio, offering 148 daily nonstop flights to 31 destinations across the United States and beyond. Known for its convenience and efficiency, CMH plays a critical role in the economic and social connectivity of the area.

A Brief History and Future Vision

The airport opened on July 8, 1929, as Columbus Municipal Hangar (CMH), marking its place in the early days of commercial aviation. Over the decades, CMH expanded its facilities and services to meet growing passenger demand. In 2016, it was renamed to celebrate John Glenn’s contributions to aviation and space exploration.

Looking ahead, CMH is undergoing a major transformation under the "CMH Next" project. A new terminal is set to open in 2029, coinciding with the airport’s 100th anniversary. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the aging terminal built in 1958 and will accommodate over 13 million passengers annually. The new design will consolidate concourses into a centralized terminal with streamlined security checkpoints and enhanced amenities, creating a modern and efficient travel experience.

Terminal Overview

The existing terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport consists of three concourses (A, B, and C) with separate security checkpoints for each. While compact and easy to navigate, the terminal offers a range of services to enhance passenger comfort.

Levels of the Terminal

Baggage Claim Level

• This level handles international arrivals and baggage claim.
• Services: ATMs, meditation room, nursing rooms, restrooms, pet relief area (outside).

Ticketing Level

• Houses check-in counters and access to security checkpoints for all concourses.
• Services: Information desks, ATMs, nursing rooms, restrooms.
• Security checkpoints are divided as follows:

• • Checkpoint A: Southeast side for Concourse A.
  • Checkpoint B: Center for Concourse B.
  • Checkpoint C: Southwest side for Concourse C.

Concourses

Concourse A

• Gates: A1–A6
• Airlines: Primarily Southwest Airlines.
• Services: Restrooms, ATMs, nursing rooms.
• TIP: Southwest passengers can enjoy shorter walks to gates thanks to this compact concourse.

• Gates: B17–B36
• Airlines: American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines.
• Services: Restrooms, ATMs, nursing rooms.

Concourse C

• Gates: C46–C56
• Airlines: Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways.
• Services: Restrooms, ATMs, nursing rooms.

Services and Amenities

John Glenn Columbus International Airport provides several modern amenities:

• Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal via "CMH wireless network."
• Lost & Found: Items lost within airport premises are stored for up to 90 days at the Information Desk.
• Art Displays: Explore installations like Brushstrokes in Flight by Roy Lichtenstein or rotating exhibits showcasing local artists.
• Dining & Shopping: Options include local favorites like Donatos Pizza alongside national brands such as Starbucks.
• Lounges: The Jake Brewer USO Lounge (near Concourse C) offers snacks, Wi-Fi, and a children’s area for military personnel and their families.
• Pet Relief Areas: Located outside near baggage claim.
• Other Services: Nursing rooms, wheelchair assistance, electric vehicle chargers.

Transportation and Parking

The airport is easily accessible via Interstate 670 (Exit 9). Parking options include:

• Short-term parking adjacent to the terminal.
• Long-term parking in satellite lots with free shuttle service.
• A cell phone lot for convenient pick-ups.

Public transit options include COTA buses connecting CMH to downtown Columbus and nearby areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate from designated pick-up zones outside the terminal.

Popular Flights

Here are the most popular flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, USA:

Domestic Flights

• Columbus to Chicago (CMH - ORD)
  • Flight time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines
• Columbus to New York (CMH - LGA/JFK)
  • Flight time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines
• Columbus to Orlando (CMH - MCO)
  • Flight time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Airlines: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines
• Columbus to Atlanta (CMH - ATL)
  • Flight time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Airlines: Delta Air Lines
• Columbus to Dallas (CMH - DFW)
  • Flight time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Airlines: American Airlines

International Flights

While Columbus doesn’t offer many direct international flights, popular connecting routes include:

• Columbus to Toronto (CMH - YYZ)
  • Flight time: Varies (typically 3-4 hours with connections)
  • Airlines: Air Canada (with connections)
• Columbus to Cancun (CMH - CUN)
  • Flight time: Varies (typically 5-6 hours with connections)
  • Airlines: Various, often with connections

The busiest day for flights from Columbus Airport is typically Thursday, with lower prices for flights. The cheapest time of day to fly from Columbus is usually around noon, with an average round-trip ticket price of $101

For travelers looking for deals, it’s possible to find flights from Columbus to various destinations starting from as low as $24 for one-way flights and $48 for round-trip flights, depending on the destination and time of booking

Popular airlines operating from John Glenn Columbus International Airport include Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines

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