First of all, how are you getting to the airport?

Usually I get the princess parking, which simply means my husband takes me. Then, there’s the bus TANK 2x if you are in Cincinnati and runs around $1.75 and up Call (859) 331-8265 . A taxi (from downtown) costs $27 flat rate Call (859) 767-3260. There is the Airport executive shuttle that is fee based on zone, about $20 to Covington or Downtown, $30 round trip Call (859) 261-8841.

Once you get there where are you going to park?

This should depend on how long you are going to be gone.Value Park Long-term lot $8/day.   Auto port terminal garage (Short-term) $13/day. There is always the Valet-n-go parking for $18/day, in case you are really in a hurry. Then there is the Fast Park & Relax for only $6/day and they shuttle you to the airport from just off site. Click the link above to make reservations and print coupon!

• If you are traveling on American Airlines, UsAirways,  Continental Airlines or United Airlines you will be traveling out of Terminal 2.

• If you are traveling on Delta, it’s connection carriers like Comair, Northwest or USA3000 you will be traveling out of Terminal 3.

From Terminal 3, yo can check in curbside or head inside for further assistance. To your right is where you can catch USA3000 and Northwest. To your left is where Delta Airlines flight assistance is available. Kiosks are first and standard lines are further down. Now is the last chance to make sure that you are going to check anything that you will not be taking through security, which includes ANY liquid, gel or aerosol that you may have over 3oz.

Once you’ve checked in, head straight back through the new security. No more going downstairs unless you work there. Remember those 3oz liquids? They will need to be in a ziplock bag and out separately from the rest of your luggage. Take out any laptops (unless in special case), DVD players or other large electronic equipment. Your shoes need to come off. Your jewelery box that some choose to wear special just for this day…take it off. Belts too. Basically anything metal that can set off the alarm and the temper of the TSA ‘guard’ needs to come off.

Special note: If you are traveling with children, it’s Okay to have a reasonable amount of sealed milk or juice, formula and possibly* snacks for your child. * This is a gray area that can be politely challenged with a supervisor.

Now comes the biggest part. You’re there, parked, through security and on your way to grandma’s or where ever you may be going. Once you get to the gate it’s a whole other ballgame. I realize that flying used to be fun and glamorous but look around you. People are setting their own underpants on fire for goodness sakes! So, first things first. Unless you are super early go straight to your gate. Find out the status of the aircraft and verify gate and time. If you are traveling standby, make sure that you are on the list by first checking the monitor at the gate or if there isn’t one politely verify with the gate agent.

Tip #2:  The gate agent is the one that can help you the most at this point. Be at your best behavior and POLITE no matter what unless you enjoy Cincinnati. Say please and thank you and you will get the world if it’s there’s to give.

Now that that’s done remember that unless you are in First Class at certain times of the day, there will not be meals on board for Free or if any at all. Peanuts, Biscoff cookies and sometimes mini-pretzels. So, get yourself something to eat. I know Terminal 3 the best because that’s where I work out of. So, let’s look there. You can check online for choices in the other terminals. Terminal 3 Concourse B (it has the most options).

As you come up the escalator the choices begin. On your left, there is an Outback Steakhouse. On your right, there is a Starbucks,  Grove and other goodies. If you keep straight ahead you will have in order from left to right: Carvel/Cinnabun, Sbarro pizza, Great Steak & Potato Company, Goldstar Chili (tucked back a little), McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A and finally Mrs. Field’s cookies.

If you would like to bypass the faster options, to your left is Wolfgang Puck and 360 Burrito along with other quicky options like TCBY and Wetzel’s Pretzels and a sit down restaurant Ida’s located at the far end of the 14-28 gates.

If you turn right at the food court, you will be sure to check out to Max and Erma’s.

If you are out of Concourse A or simply would like some further options, here they are: As you come up the escalators there, you will have Subway on your left and Dunkin’ Donuts on your right. Round the corner and you’ll see Peet’s Coffee & Tea on your left (and a great kid’s play area on your right if needed) Just up the ramp on your left is where you can sit down and enjoy a meal at Moe’s. If you continue straight ahead, you will come to a Panda Express on your left and a Quizno’s on your right. Futher down you can find another sit down restaurant/pub known as Sam Adam’s.

Since the title of this page IS called surviving the airport, note that if you have a laptop with you, you can easily rent a movie from the RedBox (Terminal 3 Concourse A) for only $1 per night returnable at any RedBox location. You can also go to InMotion Entertainment and rent movies, DVD players and more to keep you entertained. You can window shop at Johnson and Murphy, Golf Shop and ZOZO. I know that last one has a peculiar name however, they have the greatest gifts you may want to get for yourself! If your flight is really delayed, you may want to head over to Terminal 2 for bagels, baked goods and Damon’s Ribs. If you are in Terminal 2 and have time for so much more, head over to Delta’s Terminal 3.