Family travel made easy—right from your hometown!
Summer is here, and with it comes the promise of new adventures, family getaways, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning your family’s first trip to the beach or a return visit to see family out west, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is ready to make your journey smoother than ever. For busy moms juggling kids, schedules, and travel bags, here’s why TYS is the place to start—and end—your next vacation.
TYS Is Taking Off—Literally
It’s no secret that McGhee Tyson Airport is busier than ever before. In fact, TYS welcomed an impressive 3.3 million passengers last year, and all signs point to an even bigger year in 2025. The growth isn’t just in passenger numbers; it’s in flights and destinations too!
TYS offers over 30 nonstop destinations. That’s more than 30 opportunities to skip the layovers, avoid the meltdowns, and go straight to your vacation. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens, direct flights make everything easier. Fewer connections mean less hassle, shorter travel days, and more time having fun.
Destination: Everywhere
Looking to plan that perfect summer getaway or already dreaming about a cozy fall escape? TYS can take you just about anywhere you want to go.
Want a beach break? Pack the swimsuits and sand toys! TYS just celebrated new nonstop service to Gulf Shores, AL, a family-friendly favorite with white-sand beaches and relaxed vibes. And starting this fall, flights to Key West, FL, will be added to the list! That’s island time made easy.
Craving city excitement? If your crew is ready for museums, monuments, and a splash of big-city energy, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s new low-fare, nonstop service to Washington, D.C. Want deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and lakefront fun?Chicago, IL, is just a direct flight away from TYS. And for dazzling lights, Broadway shows, and Central Park strolls, there’s nothing quite like New York City, NY.
Thinking westward? Whether it’s mountain views, national parks, or western charm calling your name, TYS connects you to Phoenix, AZ, and Denver, CO, top western destinations that the whole family will love.
No matter your travel style—beachy and barefoot, city chic, or adventure-seeking—McGhee Tyson Airport has a flight that fits your family.
Embracing Growth: The Flight Plan
You might notice construction during your visit to TYS, and that’s because the airport is undergoing a transformative, decade-long growth and development plan known as the Flight Plan. This initiative aims to prepare the airport for the future by addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing the passenger experience.
The first major project under the Flight Plan is a $186 million parking garage expansion and terminal roadway improvement, which will add 3,500 parking spaces and is expected to be completed in 2027. Other planned upgrades include concourse seating expansion, gate expansion, TSA security checkpoint expansion, ticket counter expansion, terminal building escalator replacement, and concessions expansion. These enhancements reflect McGhee Tyson Airport’s commitment to meeting the growing demands of air travel and improving the overall passenger experience.
Important tip for travelers: Because of increased passenger traffic and ongoing construction, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This will give you plenty of time to park, check in, go through security, and get settled at your gate, especially if you’re flying with kids in tow.
Make TYS Your First and Last Stop
Planning a family vacation comes with a long to-do list, but here’s one item you can check off right away: Start your trip at McGhee Tyson Airport. From the first hello at check-in to the final “welcome home,” TYS is committed to making your travel experience as enjoyable as possible.
 makes travel easy with nonstop flights to over 30 destinations, helpful amenities, and ongoing upgrades to improve your experience.){kind=link}