If you’re traveling through McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to get to your spring break destination, expect more planes, people, and cars at the airport. Last year, the airport served 2.8 million passengers, which was a 13.6% increase over 2022. That growth could be attributed to more people discovering that East Tennessee is a great place to visit, but it’s also because airlines have added more aircraft and destinations available out of TYS!
Here are a few tips if you’re traveling for spring break.
- Allow yourself more time when arriving at the airport. Please arrive at the airport at least TWO hours before your scheduled departure time.
- When more people travel, there is a higher demand for airport parking. You are encouraged to have someone drop you off, make a taxi reservation, take an UBER or Lyft, or if parking at the airport, check real-time parking lot availability at FlyKnoxville.com before heading to the airport.
- During peak travel times, the TSA Security Checkpoint could see longer lines and extended wait times. To speed up you time in line, use TSA’s list of prohibited items to help pack and to confirm the correct luggage size for carry-on bags (tsa.gov). The equipment used to screen your carry-on luggage at the checkpoint requires that your luggage be a standard carry-on size. Oversized luggage will not be allowed through the checkpoint. If your luggage is too large, you will be required to return to the ticket counter to check your bag. Do not abandon luggage at the checkpoint.
- If you are picking up someone from the airport, expect more traffic too. Utilize the free Phone & Wait Lot instead of circling the airport or waiting on the curb.