If you’re flying out of Columbus, Ohio, you have a solid selection of airlines to choose from. The city’s main airport, John Glenn Columbus International (CMH), is served by well-known carriers like Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Spirit.
Each airline offers a mix of direct and connecting flights. This gives you convenient options for both business trips and vacations.
Many travelers prefer Delta for its service and flight options, followed closely by Southwest and American Airlines. Spirit is available too but is often less favored due to its budget service model.
Columbus airports provide you with a range of choices that meet different budgets and schedules. Knowing which airlines fly from Columbus and the routes they offer can help you make smarter travel decisions.
This guide will give you the key facts to pick the right airline and flight for your next journey.
Key Takeways
- You can fly with several major airlines from Columbus airport.
- Direct flights and good connections are available for many destinations.
- Choosing the right airline depends on your priorities like price and comfort.
Overview of Airlines Operating from Columbus, Ohio
You can choose from a mix of big and low-cost airlines when flying out of Columbus. The main airport, John Glenn Columbus International, hosts many major carriers.
Columbus Rickenbacker serves cargo and some passenger flights. The variety gives you options for different budgets and destinations.
Major Airlines Serving John Glenn Columbus International Airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) handles numerous flights operated by large airlines. American Airlines leads with over 2,000 flights monthly, connecting you to major hubs like Dallas and Charlotte.
Delta Airlines is also a strong presence, offering many daily flights to cities like Atlanta and Detroit. United Airlines provides routes to Chicago and Newark, helping you reach key national and international destinations.
These airlines offer frequent schedules, loyalty programs, and reliable service. If you prioritize smooth connections and a broad network, the major carriers at CMH are your best bet.
Notable Low-Cost Carriers for Columbus Travelers
If you want to save on tickets, several budget airlines fly from John Glenn Columbus International. Southwest Airlines is popular for affordable fares and free checked bags.
Frontier and Breeze Airways also serve CMH, mostly flying to popular leisure destinations and regional cities. Spirit Airlines offers some flights but is less preferred by local travelers due to fees and service.
If you look for straightforward, low-cost options with fewer frills, these airlines provide choices that fit tight budgets.
Recent Additions and Popular Airlines
Norse Atlantic Airways has recently added transatlantic service from Columbus, giving you low-cost options to Europe. This expands your choices if you want to avoid connecting flights through other hubs.
Columbus Rickenbacker Airport (LCK) mainly focuses on cargo but sometimes offers passenger services, especially for low-cost airlines or seasonal routes.
You have a range of airlines to pick from depending on your travel needs. Whether it’s quick domestic trips or international flights on newer carriers, there are options available.
Top Direct and Indirect Flight Options
You can find many direct flight options out of John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to popular U.S. cities and some international locations. If your destination is not served by direct flights, you still have good indirect flight choices through major hubs.
Direct Flight Destinations from Columbus, Ohio
From CMH, you can fly nonstop to several key cities, mostly within the U.S. Major airlines like Delta, Southwest, United, and Spirit serve direct routes.
Popular nonstop destinations include Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, and Denver. Direct flights also reach some hubs like New York and Miami.
These direct options help you save time and reduce the hassle of layovers. You can book one-way flights or return plane tickets easily with these routes.
If you want cheap tickets, it’s best to compare prices among carriers, as airline deals vary. Spirit and Southwest often have budget-friendly nonstop flights, but keep in mind the difference in service and fees.
Best Indirect Flight Connections
If you want to travel beyond the direct routes, you can use indirect flights connecting through major airports like Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield, or Detroit Metro. These hubs offer a wide network of flights to almost any U.S. city or international destination.
You might have to change planes once or twice, depending on your destination. Booking indirect flights can sometimes lower costs or increase schedule options compared to direct flights.
To find the best deals, comparing flights across airlines and looking for good connection times is helpful. Airlines such as United and Delta frequently use their hub airports for efficient connections from Columbus.
This makes indirect flights a practical choice when direct options are limited or expensive.
How to Find and Book the Best Flights from Columbus
Booking the best flights from Columbus involves comparing prices carefully and staying updated on deals. Knowing when to fly and using tools that track prices can save you money and time.
Comparing Prices and Finding Deals
Start by checking flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) using websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. These platforms let you compare prices from popular airlines such as Southwest, Delta, American, and Spirit.
Look at different dates because the cheapest month to fly can vary. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak times often lowers the cost.
Southwest offers many direct flights from Columbus to over 20 cities, which can keep your trip simple and affordable. Use filters to compare nonstop flights versus ones with layovers.
Sometimes, adding a stop can reduce the price. Also, check nearby airports or alternative flight times to find the best deals.
Using Price Alerts and Travel Agents
Set up price alerts on travel sites. This way, you get notified when prices for flights from Columbus drop.
Price alerts help you book when fares are lowest without checking every day. Travel agents can also help find deals.
They have access to special offers and can recommend popular months for flights based on experience. If you prefer personal help or have complex travel plans, a travel agent might save you time and money.
Make sure to act quickly when you get a good price alert because flight prices can change fast. Combining alerts with travel agent advice gives you a better chance of booking a cheap flight from Columbus.
Arriving in Columbus: Transportation and Tips
When you arrive at Columbus airports, you have several ways to reach central Columbus or explore the area. Options range from public transport and car hires to nearby airports for alternate routes.
You can also find some interesting spots to visit near the airport itself.
Getting to Central Columbus from the Airport
To get from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to downtown, you can use public transportation or taxis. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) offers bus routes connecting the airport to central Columbus.
Buses run regularly but can take 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. If speed is important, taxis or ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are quicker options.
They usually take 20 minutes to reach downtown but cost more than the bus. There are clear signs and shuttle services at the airport to guide you.
Keep in mind, traffic can be heavier during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
Car Hire and Ground Transportation Options
Car rental companies operate at both John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Columbus Rickenbacker Airport. You’ll find major brands like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis at CMH.
Hiring a car is a good choice if you want freedom to explore at your own pace. Road access around Columbus is convenient, and parking is usually easy to find.
Besides rental cars, ground transportation includes shuttles to nearby hotels, taxis, and public buses. If you plan to visit places like Franklin Park Conservatory or venture outside the city, renting a car is recommended.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Routes
Along with John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Rickenbacker Airport offers some flight options, mainly cargo but limited passenger services.
If you need more flight variety, nearby airports include Dayton International Airport (about 70 miles southwest) and Port Columbus International Airport (about 10 miles from downtown).
These airports might offer alternative routes or airlines if you don’t find the right schedule at Columbus airports. Check flight options carefully if flexibility in arrival or departure is important.
Sights and Experiences Near the Airport
Close to the airports, you can visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It is a popular place for nature lovers and families.
The conservatory is just a short drive from downtown. It offers seasonal flower shows and outdoor exhibits.
Visiting during spring or early summer is best to see many plants in bloom.
Other nearby spots include local parks and shopping areas. Here, you can stretch your legs or get a quick meal after your flight.
These options give you a quiet, pleasant start before heading deeper into Columbus.