Explore John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): Your Comprehensive Traveler's Guide
December 22, 2021
ABOUT CMH
With two runways spanning 2,265 acres, the John Glenn International Airport (CMH) is located six miles east of downtown Columbus, OH. Formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport, the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill in May 2016 to rename the airport in honor of astronaut and four-term U.S. Senator John Glenn. The code “CMH” stands for Columbus Municipal Hangar, the airport’s original name.
CMH offers 148 non-stop flights to 31 airports via nine airlines daily. The airport is the largest passenger terminal in central Ohio, and the second busiest in the state after Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
In 2013, CMH completed a $140 million runway improvement that moved the south runway further away from the north runway, allowing for simultaneous takeoffs and landings, and overall increased air traffic volume. After the completion of the $80 million terminal renovation in 2017, the airport was named the Most Improved Airport in North America by the Airports Council International. The upgrades expanded the airport’s capacity to 250 flights per day with the addition of both its newer Concourse B and enclosed jetways at every gate.
CMH has a total of three concourses, and serves a number of airlines including Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.
AIRPORT DINING AND AMENITIES
CMH offers restaurant and shopping options that include American airport classics like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Burger King, Chili’s Too, and more. Find a full list of food and drink options here.
Complimentary WiFi is available through CMH’s consumer-dedicated guest network which has a bandwidth capacity of 500 megabits with speeds averaging 12 megabits per second. Find directions for accessing CMH’s WiFi here.
OFF SITE AIRPORT PARKING
Parking near CMH with The Parking Spot helps travelers find the best, most convenient and most cost-effective parking option so their car-to-air transfer is as seamless as possible. On average, parking with The Parking Spot is approximately 40% less expensive than parking at the airport. Our 1399 Stelzer Road location is just minutes from CMH, and reservations include complimentary door-to-door shuttle service to and from the airport.
- Access to the lowest rates via reservation and pre-pay on The Parking Spot app or TheParkingSpot.com
- 24/7 on-call shuttle service
- Shuttle tracking through The Parking Spot app
- Luggage assistance
- Free bottled water
- Soft Hands Car Care for select parking types
- Short and long-term parking options
- Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Express check-in and check-out through The Parking Spot app
- Valet parking for select parking types
- Covered and uncovered parking options available
HOTELS NEAR CMH
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport
- 460 Waterbury Court, Gahanna, OH 43230
- Ph.: +1.614.428.8678
- 4820 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219
- Ph.: +1.614.235.0717
- 4265 Sawyer Road, Columbus, OH 43219
- Ph.: 1.614.231.2869
ATTRACTIONS NEAR CMH
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH) - A premier botanical site in the U.S., this conservatory features unique plant collections, indoor and outdoor gardens, and nature-based exhibits. (4.1 miles from CMH)
Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH) - This kid-friendly museum has an extensive play area, and boasts an impressive collection of American and European art, in addition to its rotating exhibitions. (6.0 miles from CMH)
Topiary Park (480 E. Town Street, Columbus) - Located in downtown Columbus, this seven-acre park recreates scenes from Georges Seurat’s famous Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. (6.5 miles from CMH)
German Village (Columbus, OH) - On the National Register of Historic Places, this charming, cobblestoned neighborhood is a must-see in Columbus. It also abuts the Brewery District, so you can grab a beer after a day of exploring. (7.7 miles from CMH)
FAQ
Q. Is smoking allowed inside CMH?
A. There are no smoking lounges inside CMH, but smoking is allowed outside the terminal.
Q. How early should I arrive for my flight at CMH?
A. All passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes in advance if flying domestically, and two hours prior to an international flight.
Q. What time does security open at CMH?
A. The airport is open 24/7. Security at CMH opens at 4:30 A.M. and stays open until the last flight departs the airport.
Q. Is vaping allowed inside CMH?
A. Vaping is not allowed inside CMH, but it is allowed outside in designated areas.
Q. How big is CMH airport?
A. CMH has three different concourses to cater to their 12 different airline carriers.
Q. Does CMH have a kid friendly area?
A. Unfortunately, there are no designated children’s play areas at CMH.
Q. Is there a nursing area at CMH?
A. There are four different nursing rooms. One is located near the Southwest baggage carousel. The other three are located near A2, B29, and C51.
Q. Does CMH allow pets to fly from the airport?
A. Pets are allowed to fly to and from CMH. They also provide pet relief areas outside the terminal.
Q. Who owns CMH airport?
A. CMH is owned/operated by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
Q. How many passengers fly into and out of CMH every year?
A. In 2019, over 8 million passengers traveled through CMH in order to reach their destination.
Q. Is there a USO at CMH?
A. There is a USO at CMH. The Jake Brewer USO lounge is located near the Concourse C exit lane.