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Navigating the Skies: Your Guide to Airlines Flying to Knoxville, TN

What airlines fly to Knoxville, TN? The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, is served by a respectable range of airlines, providing connectivity to various destinations across the United States. You’ll find service from American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. These carriers offer a mix of non-stop and connecting flights, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Now, let’s delve deeper into each airline and uncover more about flying into and out of Knoxville.

Exploring Your Flight Options at McGhee Tyson Airport

Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport isn’t the biggest hub, but it provides valuable access to East Tennessee. Understanding the airlines that operate here and their typical routes is crucial for planning your trip efficiently.

American Airlines

American Airlines is a major player at TYS. Known for its extensive network, American provides numerous daily flights, primarily to its hubs.

Hub Connections: Expect frequent service to Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), which serve as major connecting points for onward travel throughout the US and internationally.
Aircraft: American typically utilizes regional jets on these routes, such as the Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ series.
Loyalty Program: AAdvantage members can earn and redeem miles on these flights.
Why Choose American? Reliable service, global connectivity through hubs, and benefits for AAdvantage members.

Allegiant Air

For budget-conscious travelers, Allegiant Air offers a welcome alternative. Allegiant focuses on leisure destinations with a low-cost model.

Destinations: Allegiant typically connects Knoxville with cities like Orlando/Sanford (SFB), St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE), and other popular vacation spots. Keep in mind that Allegiant routes can be seasonal.
Frequency: Flights are often less frequent than those of major carriers, usually a few times a week.
Fees: Be aware of Allegiant’s unbundled pricing structure; extras like checked bags and seat selection incur additional fees.
Why Choose Allegiant? Low base fares, direct flights to leisure destinations.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, another major carrier, offers a strong presence at McGhee Tyson Airport, offering convenient travel options to their extensive hub network.

Hub Connections: Primary connections are to Atlanta (ATL), a massive Delta hub providing connections worldwide, and Detroit (DTW).
Aircraft: Delta also utilizes regional jets on these routes, such as the Embraer E175.
Loyalty Program: SkyMiles members benefit from earning and redeeming miles.
Why Choose Delta? Extensive network through Atlanta, quality service, and SkyMiles benefits.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines provides another low-cost option for flying into and out of Knoxville.

Destinations: Frontier often has routes to Denver (DEN). Route availability can be seasonal and fluctuates.
Fees: Similar to Allegiant, Frontier charges extra for most services, including baggage and seat assignments.
Why Choose Frontier? Budget-friendly fares, particularly to specific destinations.

United Airlines

United Airlines completes the picture, connecting Knoxville to its major hubs.

Hub Connections: Expect service to Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) and Washington-Dulles (IAD).
Aircraft: United uses regional jets for these routes.
Loyalty Program: MileagePlus members can accumulate and use miles.
Why Choose United? Connections to United’s extensive network, MileagePlus benefits.

Mastering Your Knoxville Flight: Essential Tips

Navigating air travel to and from Knoxville requires a bit of strategic planning. Keep these points in mind.

Booking in Advance: Booking flights, especially on popular routes, is highly recommended to secure the best fares.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Compare Prices: Use flight comparison websites to compare fares across different airlines.
Airport Location: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located approximately 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, so factor in travel time when planning your arrival and departure.
Ground Transportation: Options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying to Knoxville

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Knoxville with ease.

1. What is the closest major airport to Knoxville, TN?

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the closest and most convenient airport to Knoxville. While other airports exist in neighboring states, they are significantly further away and would require substantial travel time.

2. Are there international flights from Knoxville?

No, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) primarily handles domestic flights. For international travel, you would typically connect through major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Chicago-O’Hare (ORD).

3. Which airlines offer non-stop flights from Knoxville?

American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines all offer non-stop flights from Knoxville to various destinations. However, the specific routes offered by each airline can change, so it’s best to check their websites or use a flight search engine for the most up-to-date information.

4. What is the best time to book a flight to Knoxville?

Generally, booking flights several weeks or months in advance is recommended, especially for travel during peak seasons. However, keep an eye out for airline sales and promotions, which can offer significant discounts.

5. Does Knoxville airport have good ground transportation options?

Yes, McGhee Tyson Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options, including rental cars from major agencies, taxi services, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttles to local hotels and destinations.

6. Are there hotels near McGhee Tyson Airport?

Yes, several hotels are located near McGhee Tyson Airport, offering convenient accommodations for travelers. These range from budget-friendly options to more upscale hotels.

7. Does the airport offer parking?

Yes, McGhee Tyson Airport offers various parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking. The rates vary depending on the parking location and duration of stay.

8. Are there any lounges at Knoxville Airport?

Unfortunately, McGhee Tyson Airport does not currently have any airline-operated lounges.

9. What are some popular destinations to fly from Knoxville?

Popular destinations from Knoxville include Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Denver, Orlando, and various other cities across the United States. These routes cater to both business and leisure travelers.

10. How early should I arrive at Knoxville Airport before my flight?

It’s generally recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, especially if you need to check baggage or go through security during peak hours.

11. What are the security wait times like at Knoxville Airport?

Security wait times at McGhee Tyson Airport are generally shorter than at larger airports, but they can still vary depending on the time of day and the volume of travelers. Check TSA website for updated estimated wait times.

12. Is there free Wi-Fi at Knoxville Airport?

Yes, McGhee Tyson Airport offers free Wi-Fi access to passengers throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected while you wait for your flight.

By understanding the airlines serving Knoxville, their routes, and these helpful tips, you can confidently plan your next trip to or from East Tennessee. Safe travels!