It’s time for summer vacations, and for moms, that translates to booking trips, creating itineraries, and buying so many snacks.
If you’re interested in jet-setting for a summer getaway, you’re in luck: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) has more nonstop destinations than EVER before! And let’s be honest, while traveling with kids, nonstop flights are preferred.
From Knoxville, you can travel to:
Atlanta | Delta
Austin | Allegiant*
Boston |Allegiant*
Charlotte | American
Chicago – Midway | Allegiant*
Chicago – O’Hare | American, United
Dallas – Fort Worth | American
Denver | Allegiant*, Frontier*, United
Destin/ Ft. Walton Beach | Allegiant*
Detroit | Delta
Fort Lauderdale | Allegiant*
Houston – George Bush | United
Houston – Hobby | Allegiant*
Jacksonville | Allegiant
Las Vegas |Allegiant
Miami | American
Minneapolis−Saint Paul | Allegiant*, Delta
New Haven | Avelo
Newark | Allegiant*
New York – La Guardia | American, Delta
Orlando – International | Allegiant, Frontier*
Orlando – Sanford | Allegiant
Philadelphia | American, Frontier
Phoenix | Allegiant
Punta Gorda |Allegiant
South Bend | Allegiant
St. Louis | Allegiant
St. Petersburg Tampa Bay | Allegiant
Washington D.C. – Dulles | United
Washington D.C. – Reagan | American
*Indicates seasonal service
But more flights and destinations means more people are traveling too! TYS is the busiest it has ever been, so after you book your flight to paradise (or Texas…!), here are a few things you need to know:
1. Arrive early!
TYS has seen 14 consecutive months of passenger growth (more and more people are traveling through the airport). Because of this, it is highly recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. While that might seem like too much to ask, it will ensure that you have enough time to find a parking spot, check your luggage, and get through the TSA Security Checkpoint.
2. Pack smart!
To avoid any surprises during check-in or at the checkpoint, make sure to utilize TSA’s ‘What Can I Bring?’ tool. Also, be aware that TSA has new screening machines at TYS that are smaller than in the past. Make sure that your carry-on bags are the airline-approved size, or they will not fit through the machine. Also, take advantage of the ‘free’ checked items that airlines will allow for children (strollers, car seats, pack-n-plays, diaper bags, etc.). And if you don’t want to travel with those items, look into renting items when you arrive at your destination. I just discovered Babyquip, and it made traveling with two boys much easier!
3. Plan your parking or transportation in advance!
More planes and people mean more cars at the airport too. You can check the occupancy of each parking lot on the homepage of the airport’s website. To accommodate more passengers, the airport has added 1,500+ new parking spots this year. Economy Lot C is a new lot that is located off the Hunt Rd/Tyson Center intersection, and it offers a 24/7 shuttle to and from the terminal that runs on 15-minute loops. I highly recommend this option instead of driving around looking for open spaces. If you don’t want to park on airport property, it is also highly encouraged to make reservations for ground transportation. You can find a list of taxi or charter companies that do business at the airport here, and call them to make reservations in advance. Keep in mind that rides with Uber and Lyft may be hard to secure during peak travel times.
4. Bring snacks and in-plane activities!
This may seem simple, but it’s critical. Check out my previous post about tips on tackling travel with toddlers. While this post is a few years old, the tips still hold true!
5. Enjoy the adventure!
While traveling with littles can be challenging, it’s worth it! Remember the ‘why’ behind the trip and enjoy the journey!
