my flight tours knoxville tn

Knoxville Helicopter Tours with MyFlight Tours

Sun dec 11 2022 at 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm, knoxville downtown island airport | knoxville.

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Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, 2701 Spence Pl,Knoxville,TN,United States

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Fly In The Great Smoky Mountains

See the beautiful smoky mountains from the skies in an unforgettable experience. we offer a wide variety of tour options starting at just $25., featured tours, mountain & city tour 4 minutes $25/person.

This flight is a good introduction to the helicopther experience. You’ll climb to 800 feet and will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Smoky Mountains while flying over the city of Sevierville.

Pigeon Forge Tour 7 minutes $45/person

See the many attractions located in Pigeon Forge from 1,000 feet. You will also be gazing at the majestic Smoky Mountains in the distance. See if you can spot a large rock quarry, Parrot Mountain, and Dollywood during this flight!

Foothills Tour 11 minutes $70/person

You will be flying above the 1,000-3,000 foot high mountains that border the National Park. Some of the landmarks you will see are Splash Country, English Mountain and Douglas Lake.

Wears Valley & Gatlinburg Tour 25 minutes $150/person

Drink in the visual treat of beautiful Wears Valley, surrounded by Bluff, Cove and Hatcher mountains. Continuing on your journey southward towards Gatlinburg you will be facing some of the highest peaks of the Smokies.

*All flights are subject to local sales tax

From our Professional Pilot Program to one-time discovery flights, we will work with you to provide the training you need.

We offer both Part 61 and Part 141 flight training from private pilot to Certified Flight Instructor.

We offer a whole array of flight training options for fixed wing students. If flying has been a life long dream or a desired career, we can get you there.

We’re proud and excited to bring our individual focus, effective, and efficient flight training methodology to airplane instruction.

Sevier County Aviation 1255 Airport Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 (865) 453-5867 [email protected]

DISCOVERY FLIGHT

“when once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." -leonardo da vinci.

Looking for exhilarating unforgettable views of East Tennessee? Each discovery flight has something unique to offer. We can even customize a flight just for you if you want to fly somewhere that is not listed here! Please call or email in advance to schedule your flight or purchase a gift certificate. 

Discover the Smokies

You'll be in the pilot's seat with your FAA Certified Flight Instructor by your side as you take the controls over the Great Smoky Mountains. Your flight will last about an hour and you will even receive your first logbook to document your experience. You'll see Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Douglas Dam, Buccee's, Smokies Baseball Stadium, Neyland Stadium, Sunsphere & Gay Street.

Discover the Great Smoky Mountains costs a flat rate of $199

Helicopter Discovery Flight

Feel what it's like to hover above the Earth in this Bell 47 Helicopter! See what it's like to sit up front in a helicopter as you enjoy the beautiful views of Knoxville! Enjoy the blue water at the forks of the river and the nearby quarries! Venture north across the river to see stunning Downtown Knoxville! Get a great shot right over Neyland Stadium and World's Fair Park on this scenic helicopter discovery flight!  Advanced reservations are required, so call or email to schedule your flight today!

Helicopter Discovery Flight for 30 minutes costs a flat rate of $199

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Mountain Valley Tour

$89 Per Person

From 2-6 People

24-Mile Tour

See the Stunning Tennessee Valley

Popular Sevierville Helicopter Tour

Our 1st Mountain-Dedicated Flight

Amazing Views of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, & Bluff Mountain

A very popular tour with groups wanting to see more of the area’s natural beauty. It offers views of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Bluff Mountain. As you take off on your flight out to Bluff Mountain and begin soaring over the Tennessee Valley, you are greeted with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the distance. The highlight of this trip is getting up close and personal with Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Trip Details

• Important Details

The Specifics

$89 per person

Time & availability

From 9 am until sunset, every 30 minutes. 7 days a week, year round

Meeting point

All of our tours depart from our heliport, located at 1949 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville, Tennessee. For your convenience, we also have an information/reservations office located at 1965 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

What to bring

• You don’t need to bring anything apart from your camera/cell phone for taking videos and photos.
• We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and dark-colored clothing for taking better photos.
• Light-colored clothing reflects on the transparent windows and can cause undesirable flares in your photos. This is why it is recommended to wear dark clothing when riding in a helicopter.
• A welcome receptionist to greet you and get you started
• A safety & boarding attendant
• A professional photographer
• One passionate, informative, FAA certified pilot

Additional points of interest

• Sevierville Courthouse
• Sevierville Golf Club
• The wilderness of The Smokies
• Bluff Mountain
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Knoxville in the distance

What to Look Forward to

Unrivaled views of the Bluff & Sugarloaf Mountains

Sweeping vistas of the beautiful Tennessee Valley below

Around 24 miles of this area’s amazing natural beauty

Good to Know

• This tour can accommodate up to 6 passengers
• For parties of 1 to 3 passengers, there is a maximum per seat weight limit of 300lbs (total combined weight not to exceed 600 lbs.) If any one guest weighs more than 300 lbs an additional charge will be due at check-in. Please call for prices.
• For parties of 3 to 4 passengers, the maximum total combined weight should not exceed 850 lbs. For parties of up to 6 passengers, the maximum total combined weight should not exceed 1,100 lbs.
• Note: FAA regulations require that all passengers be weighed at check-in. Only the flight crew will have access to passenger weights, and all information will be kept confidential.
• Customers will receive a full refund within 24 hours of notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone ( 865-453-6342) to cancel or inquire about a cancellation (opens in a new tab) . No-shows will be charged the full price.
• Noise-canceling headphones with full group communications are included with this tour.
• Tour team gratuities are not included.

See Our Other Tours

River ride tour, lake view tour, extended lake tour.

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Cheap flights from Knoxville

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• Orlando RUB 4,967 Sep 5 — Sep 12 Nonstop 1 hr 33 min Frontier
• Denver RUB 5,138 Sep 7 — Sep 14 Nonstop 3 hr 3 min Frontier
• Paris RUB 50,547 Oct 28 — Nov 6 2 stops 11 hr 12 min SWISS, United
• London RUB 59,112 Aug 12 — Aug 21 2 stops 14 hr 17 min American, British Airways
• Seattle RUB 13,535 Jul 29 — Aug 7 1 stop 12 hr 58 min Frontier
• Singapore RUB 112,948 Sep 5 — Sep 14 2 stops 37 hr 46 min American, Etihad

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Popular airports near knoxville.

• McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) Knoxville 19 min 17 km
• Nashville International Airport (BNA) Nashville 2 hr 35 min 248 km
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Atlanta 3 hr 19 min 262 km
• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) Asheville 1 hr 56 min 137 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Knoxville

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United flights to Knoxville from $ 139 *

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Things to do after your flight to Knoxville (TYS)

Fly to Knoxville, Tennessee, from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally.

Knoxville’s top attractions

• Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S.
• Walk through the University of Tennessee Gardens, with over 1,000 wooded plants and 2,000 herbaceous plants.
• Stroll down Gay Street, offering shops, a movie theater and many restaurants.
• Learn about Native American history and culture at the Museum of East Tennessee History.

Best time to travel to Knoxville

Many events have a musical theme, such as the critically acclaimed Big Ears Festival at the end of winter, combining musical performances, workshops and film screenings. Another popular event is the Rhythm N' Blooms Festival in spring, featuring the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. Events such as the springtime Turkish Food Festival and summertime Knox Asian Festival pay tribute to local diversity.

Find more flights to Knoxville (TYS) with United

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Guided & Self-Guided Tours in Knoxville

We can’t wait to show you around Knoxville and share its many stories!  From fly- fishing to food , boos to brews , we have lots of options to educate and entertain. Knoxville is a very easy city to navigate, whether on foot or cruising around town. Add some entertainment and education to your day with one or more of these tours. For more information, contact the Downtown Visitors Center .

POPULAR TOURS

Downtown knoxville walking tour, historic downtown walking tour, cradle of country music, the 1982 world's fair walking tour, french broad driving tour, historic knoxville driving tours, ken burns country music, knox brew tours walking tours, knoxville murals, knoxville neighborhoods, knoxville ale trail, the maker city tour, find the smokey statues, statues, monuments & sculptures, tennessee riverline planner, university of tennessee campus tour, women's suffrage walking tour, search all tours, you may also enjoy these activities, attractions, free things to do, museums & galleries, history & heritage, visitors guide.

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The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee

By: Author Laurin

Posted on Last updated: September 14, 2023

Categories Activities , Knoxville , Northeast Tennessee

Booking a tour from our list of best tours in Knoxville will have you exploring the city of Knoxville and beyond!

Tours can take away the stresses of decision-making on things to do while visiting a new city, giving you more time to explore.

Situated almost exactly halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, Knoxville has all the charm of a mountain town.

It’s also one of the largest urban hubs in Appalachia, drawing visitors with its scenery, abundance of restaurants, breweries and distilleries, shopping, live music, nightlife, hotels , and sports.

With so much to see and do indoors and out, one of the best ways to truly experience The Marble City is by booking some of the best tours in Knoxville .

Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away.

Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below!

Table of Contents

The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee

1. a taste of knoxville brew hop.

Knoxville is renowned for its craft beer scene , offering a vast variety of incredible settings to enjoy a brew. In fact, the city has its very own Knoxville Ale Trail , with more than 30 breweries!

This brew hop is unique among tours in Knoxville, allowing you to DIY your very own brewery crawl ! You can pick your starting and ending points, and spend however much time you’d like at each spot. Five local favorites including Printshop Beer Co. (try a sour!) and Elst Brewing Co. are included. 

Not only does this Knoxville tour offer a flexible schedule that you create yourself, but it also includes all five destinations at a fixed rate. In other words, hop on and off the bus visiting as many breweries as your heart desires, all for one flat rate!

Combined with free water and wi-fi on the bus, and free cancellation up until 24 hours before, it’s easy to see why this is rated as one of the best tours in Knoxville!

Book A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop Tour Here 🍺

2. Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville’s Perfect Blend

A real-life scavenger hunt is the perfect way to discover Knoxville’s rich history and cultural attractions.

This tour weaves through some of Knoxville’s most notable locations , all stitched together with super fun clues, riddles, and challenges. Interesting spots in the city, like Bijou Theater and Blount Mansion, are even more fun to explore when there’s a bit of adventure added!

Designed for a group of friends or family , the challenges range from taking silly pictures together to testing your knowledge with some tricky trivia.

Best of all, the scavenger hunt has a team-building energy and friendly competition element, perfect for bringing loved ones together — something not all tours in Knoxville can claim!

Everything is done through an app, so there’s no need to worry about scheduling an exact time. Simply check the forecast, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and hit the streets!

This excursion involves walking but is also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 

Book the Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Here 🔎

3. Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Nashville may be more closely associated with music, but Knoxville boasts its own vibrant heritage.

Performers like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have done noteworthy performances in Knoxville! To get an authentic taste of this rich history, embark on a self-guided walking tour through the heart of the city .

For just $6, this low-commitment activity vividly tells the remarkable stories of various venues and historic buildings in pleasant downtown Knoxville.

It touches on how the city contributed to country music, through home-grown talent and performers who accelerated their careers here.

This Knoxville tour lasts up to 1.5 hours and weaves through several downtown blocks. Make sure to wear appropriate, comfortable footwear and check the forecast.

Book the Country Music Heritage Tour Here 🤠

4. Knoxville Food Tours

We couldn’t talk about the best tours in Knoxville without including Knoxville Food Tours !

In just a few hours on this fun and flavorful experience, you’ll get a literal taste of The South.

The diverse sampling of Knoxville’s best restaurants includes Southern and Appalachian classics, plus some surprises.

This is a walking tour (about one mile total), so it also presents an excellent way to get the lay of the land of downtown Knoxville.

Local historian and author Paula Johnson leads the tours through Market Square and Gay Street. You’ll visit 4-6 establishments, depending on the time of year and itinerary.

Tours are held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and last 2.5-3 hours.

Please note that alcoholic beverages are available but not included in the tour price. Be sure to bring some extra money to cover that, as well as gratuity for your guide! However, tips for individual restaurant servers are included.

Other Tours Near Knoxville (Within an Hour’s Drive)

5. sharing nature with children.

Traveling with little ones and not quite sure how best to dive into Knoxville’s beautiful natural surroundings? This immersive tour pairs families with experienced, child-oriented guides!

The activities are hands-on and intuitive, leading to smiles from the kiddos and adults alike.

From face-painting with rocks to learning about settler history and salamander hunting, participants consistently comment that these tours thoroughly entertain everyone .

4-hour tours start at a highly-rated cafe (perfect for an adult caffeine fix!) and continue on to Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The guide does an incredible job selecting a trail that feels like an adventure but is also approachable for all ages and experience levels.

Keep in mind that getting a bit muddy is part of the fun (one of the things that makes this one of the most memorable tours in Knoxville!), so bring a change of clothes.

Book the Sharing Nature with Children Tour Here 🌱

6. Family-Friendly Floating Tour at the Smokies

When the infamous East Tennessee heat sets in, it’s time to hit the river! This rafting tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, combines just enough adrenaline to get the heart pumping with some excellent calm swimming holes.

Safety is paramount, as this tour near Knoxville is specifically for families with children three and older , so you can rest assured the trip isn’t too intense. The rafts each accommodate up to eight people, so they’re large enough for the entire family.

In addition to expertly navigating through class I and II rapids (gentle), the tour stops at a small island with games, nature trails, and excellent spots to kick back and relax. The entire float spans six miles of the river, plenty to see amazing scenery but also very manageable!

Many participants note they love the guides, who add a personable twist that makes the experience even more entertaining.

The tour departs from a launch point along the Pigeon River, just under an hour’s drive from Knoxville . Rafts go out rain or shine, but if the forecast looks especially bad, you can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Book this Floating Tour in the Smokies Here 🚣

7. Tickets to Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show

Want to witness a truly unique cultural attraction? Book a ticket to watch a lively event filled with talented lumberjacks sawing, hacking, climbing, and even jousting in front of a live audience!

The family-friendly show features 13 individual events over 90 minutes. Audience interaction is strongly encouraged and oftentimes, kids get to join in on the fun!

The show is in Pigeon Forge , a charming town 40 minutes from Knoxville. It’s filled with excellent options for dining and drinking, so you can make a whole night of it and hit the town before or after.

Like many other tours in or near Knoxville, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, so book your preferred date and time ASAP — tickets do often sell out.

Book Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show Here 🪓

8. Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour

Most tours hit the road…but how about one that flies the skies? This helicopter flight soars over the treetops of the Smokies, offering excellent vistas and adrenaline-inducing fun .

Referred to as the “Ridge Runner,” this 15-minute flight traverses the Chilhowee mountain range and offers a birds-eye view of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

In addition to flying the helicopter, the pilot points out fascinating details about the region, both in historical and natural aspects.

Although many people think sunny weather is best, misty days offer an unforgettable experience! Similar to other Knoxville tours, free cancellation means rescheduling is easy when the forecast is grim!

Book the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour Here 🚁

9. Pigeon Forge Wine and Moonshine Tour

Knoxville may be known for its craft beer scene, but outside the city, it’s all about moonshine !

The Brewery Hop organizers, one of the tours in Knoxville mentioned earlier, also offer this highly-rated excursion to Pigeon Forge.

The bus stops at two wineries and two distilleries (so it’s especially handy that transportation is taken care of!). Between all four tasting rooms, you’ll try red and white wines, plus nearly a dozen varieties of locally-produced moonshine. 

After sampling a variety of beverages, the tour even includes a behind-the-scenes look at production. So while the experience involves a fair amount of tipsy fun, it’s also culturally enriching!

In addition to the personable bar staff, you’ll have an outgoing driver/guide who gives background on each stop.

Book this Pigeon Forge Wine & Moonshine Tour Here 🍷

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Driving Tour

A trip to Knoxville simply isn’t complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

In an expansive park with many sections, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to see first. Instead, book a self-guided tour with a pre-planned route to take care of the details!

This Knoxville “tour” is actually an app with an itinerary and accompanying audio narration for a relaxing drive.

It even downloads offline, so there’s no need to worry about cell signal! Simply drive to the starting point and hit play. Best of all, it’s only $15 per vehicle! 

The narration covers Cherokee history, with added immersion through animated clips in the app. It also includes wildlife descriptions and stops at some of the park’s most breathtaking sights.

Think of iconic Clingman’s Dome and Rainbow Falls. With a starting point less than an hour from Knoxville, this tour is a totally doable day trip!

Book the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour Here 🚙

Which of these best tours in Knoxville intrigues you the most? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Brew Bus Knoxville

WATE 6 On Your Side

Knoxville hosts Vol baseball championship parade: What to know

by: Gregory Raucoules

Posted: Jun 24, 2024 / 11:51 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 25, 2024 / 12:12 AM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Vol Nation celebrated Tennessee’s first baseball national championship ever with a parade through Downtown Knoxville on Tuesday.

Following the Volunteers’ dramatic 6-5 win over Texas A&M to clinch the national title, the City of Knoxville announced that a championship parade would take place Tuesday evening.

The parade stepped off from the Gay Street Bridge around 6:15 p.m. and marched down to Wall Avenue. The parade was followed by a celebration in Market Square .

• 📲  Download the WATE 6 news app  to stay updated on the go
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Road closures began at 6 p.m. along the parade route and around Market Square. Detours were in place prior to the closures.

Tennessee is the first national No. 1 seed to win the championship since Miami in 1999. The Vols are also the first team to win 60 games and the national title since Wichita State in 1989.

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Your guide to flying into and out of Knoxville at McGhee Tyson Airport | Knoxpedia

To get a sense of a city's health and how it's viewed by outsiders, look no further than its airport.

McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is becoming a destination for travelers as it tries to maintain its reputation as a convenient, passenger-friendly option. The airport has a calming visual landscape based on the Great Smoky Mountains, and its small size allows travelers to get through security and gates briskly.

It's also growing fast , thanks to a diverse mix of flyers and more flights and airlines . With that, comes a new era of construction you should plan around.

This section of Knoxpedia, Knox News' free guide to all things Knoxville, has all you need to navigate McGhee Tyson Airport, from parking to airlines and concessions.

Below, you'll find answers to some of the most popular questions asked by those flying out of Knoxville. Once you're finished, you can  check out the full Knoxpedia guide  and all its categories.

Don't see your questions included?  Send us an email!

Where is McGhee Tyson Airport?

McGhee Tyson Airport is about 14 miles straight south of downtown Knoxville in Alcoa, Tennessee. Its address is 2055 Alcoa Highway, and it sits in Blount County.

McGhee Tyson is a little farther from downtown Knoxville than Tennessee's other major airports are from their respective cities – Nashville wins at 7 miles, followed by Chattanooga at 9 miles and Memphis at 10 miles.

The nice thing for Knoxville travelers is they don't have to spend much time on a congested interstate to get to the airport. McGhee Tyson is a straight shot down Alcoa Highway.

What time should I arrive at McGhee Tyson Airport?

The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to take off, especially at busy times and as the airport parking situation gets more complicated (more on that later).

The busiest days for the airport are around major holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Spring break, summer and fall break are also busy travel times.

You don't always need to give yourself that much time when you leave from your small local airport, however, especially if you aren't parking at the airport. Just make sure to check security wait times and parking availability on the McGhee Tyson website homepage , and be prepared with your ticket and ID.

Where can I park at McGhee Tyson?

The airport has garage, surface, terminal and economy parking lots. It changed the names of its parking areas ahead of its busiest summer on record to make more room.

The airport closed its surface lot near the terminal in February 2024 to prepare for construction of a new parking garage, but reopened the lot for the summer through Nov. 1. You can see where the lot will close again this fall on this online map .

An economy lot with shuttle service will compensate for the lost parking.

Formerly called short-term and long-term parking, the lots weren't about how long you left your car there. The only difference was their distance from the terminal building and their price.

When these lots fill, there are terminal and economy lots. Terminal Lots A and B, formerly called economy lots, are right behind the Airport Hilton and are a 15-minute walk to the terminal building.

Economy Lot C is near the new intersection of Hunt Road and Tyson Center and requires a shuttle service to and from the terminal building. Economy Lots D and E, formerly employee parking, will temporarily provide overflow parking at peak travel times with shuttle service.

Overflow Lot F, a ground transportation hub near the terminal, will open when all other lots fill.

You can check parking availability in real time on the McGhee Tyson website.

How much does it cost to park at McGhee Tyson Airport?

McGhee Tyson raised its parking rates slightly in summer 2023 to help pay for a six-story parking garage that is scheduled to be finished in 2027. It renamed its parking options in summer 2024:

• Garage parking: $22 a day
• Surface lot and terminal lots: $16 a day
• Economy lots: $11 a day

The prices are typical for an airport like McGhee Tyson.

The airport also offers hourly parking, which begins at $1 per 20 minutes, or $3 per hour. Hourly parking is available in all lots, but once the hourly rate meets the daily rate, the price switches over to the daily rate. For instance, a car parked for eight hours or longer in garage parking would just pay the daily rate of $22.

How do I pick someone up from McGhee Tyson?

Rather than idling on the terminal road while waiting for passengers, the airport recommends drivers wait in the cell phone lot adjacent to the terminal.

To access the lot, drive in a loop as if you're leaving the airport, but circle back instead of getting on Alcoa Highway.

The small lot by the terminal holds 15 cars, but a new cell phone lot next to the Airport Hilton opened May 22 with 95 spaces. You can follow signs leading you to the new lot, where you must wait with your car.

You can wait in the lot for a call or text from the person you're picking up to make sure you don't contribute to a traffic jam.

Both cell phone lots will be open until November, when the airport will close the small lot to make way for a new parking garage.

What’s the security wait time at McGhee Tyson?

The average TSA security line wait at McGhee Tyson is about 6 minutes, according to TSA data, though the lines can get longer at busier times.

You can check security wait times on the MyTSA app or on the McGhee Tyson website homepage .

How do I get TSA PreCheck in Knoxville?

Who doesn't love a shorter line?

About 99% of passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck wait less than 10 minutes in security lines, according to the agency. Through the program, passengers don't have to take off their shoes or remove laptops and liquids from their bags, making for a faster experience.

After filling out an  online application , you can visit the enrollment center at 9080 Barbee Lane Suite 102 in West Knoxville to finish the process, which includes fingerprinting. A five-year enrollment costs $78, and you will get a special ID number to add to airline reservations. Children 17 and younger can join PreCheck with an adult if it's listed on their boarding pass.

Do I need a Real ID to fly?

You have until May 7, 2025, to get Real ID if you want to fly domestically in the U.S., including at McGhee Tyson.

The Real ID is a more secure form of ID soon to be required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after several delays. Millions of Americans already have a driver's license with Real ID certification, complete with a gold or black star.

In order to get a Real ID in Tennessee, you must present originals or certified copies of:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence 
• Proof of full Social Security number
• Two proofs of Tennessee residency

You can visit a drivers services center to get a Real ID. There are six centers in Knox County . There are several TSA-approved alternative forms of ID if you don't use a state-approved license or ID, including a passport.

Where can I eat and shop at McGhee Tyson?

There are several options for getting a bite to eat at McGhee Tyson, including the last Quiznos in the city:

• Quiznos Subs
• Express by Uno (if you want pizza fast)
• Ruby Tuesday (full service)
• Smoky Mountain Travelmart
• Tennessee Marketplace

Check the airport website for concessions hours .

How many flights are delayed at McGhee Tyson?

Flight delays are the product of airlines and unforeseeable circumstances, especially weather. The number of delayed flights can vary widely.

But the good news for Knoxville travelers is that McGhee Tyson recently broke its own record for most on-time flights .

The airport delivered 89.89% of its flights on time in February 2024, according to AirHelp , the world’s largest air passenger rights organization.

"Being located next to the Smoky Mountains allows us to buffer some of that weather that impacts those inclement travel delays that some cities may face," said Becky Huckaby, the airport's vice president of public relations.

Some destinations experience delays more than others. Florida airports, for instance, often face more delays because of severe thunderstorms.

Where can I fly from Knoxville?

McGhee Tyson offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations , though six destinations are seasonal only:

• Chicago (Midway)
• Destin/Fort Walton Beach
• Houston (Hobby)

Among the year-round nonstop destinations are popular business spots like Charlotte, Detroit and Washington, D.C. There are also plenty of vacation spots, including Las Vegas, Orlando and Punta Gorda, Florida.

See the full list of destinations here , and check back since the list changes often.

What airlines fly out of Knoxville?

Six airlines offer flights from McGhee Tyson:

• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Avelo Air lines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• United Airl ines

Is Uber or Lyft available at McGhee Tyson?

Ride share services like Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. The pick-up area for ride share services is outside baggage claim on the first level of the terminal. Turn right as you leave the building.

Ubers, Lyfts and taxis are typically available at the airport, though they thin out later in the day. It's harder to get a ride on weekends after 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., Huckaby said.

What car rental services are at McGhee Tyson?

Eight rental car companies serve McGhee Tyson. You can find their counters on the first floor of the terminal building, and all car pick-ups and drop-offs are on the first level of the parking garage.

• Dollar Rent A Car

Should I fly from Atlanta or Nashville instead of Knoxville?

McGhee Tyson has long marketed itself to passengers as a more convenient option for locals and for out-of-towners who want to see a University of Tennessee game or visit the Smokies, Gatlinburg and Dollywood.

That's because it's much smaller than the two nearest airports that passengers sometimes drive to for a direct international flight or a cheaper flight: Atlanta and Nashville.

There's no perfect way to calculate whether it's worth it to fly out of Knoxville, but the parking likely will be cheaper, the security line likely will be shorter and locals will get home much sooner after landing at McGhee Tyson.

Several budget airlines fly from Knoxville, including Allegiant and Frontier. Especially for those traveling light, these airlines can be an affordable option.

Knoxville does not offer direct flights to the West Coast or to international destinations, though you can often get to these places with a single connecting flight.

Why isn’t Southwest flying out of Knoxville?

If there's one airline Knoxville wants to come to McGhee Tyson, it's Southwest . If there's one flight Knoxville residents want more than any other, it's a Southwest nonstop to Los Angeles.

The farthest west you can fly nonstop from Knoxville is Las Vegas.

Though McGhee Tyson leaders have made the case to Southwest that Knoxville would be a great market, it's completely up to the airline whether it adds service. Coming to any new airport is a gamble for an airline. At risk is Southwest's most precious and limited resource: planes.

Before Southwest comes to Knoxville, it will need to know that it can fill its planes and make money. It might also ask McGhee Tyson for some incentives, such as waived operation fees and local advertising. McGhee Tyson budgets around $240,000 annually for these kinds of incentives.

For now, Knoxville is likely too small a market for Southwest to bet on. The airline has faced manufacturing delays and customer service fiascos that have slowed its spread to new markets.

Nearby hotels with airport shuttles

The Hilton Knoxville Airport is the only airport within a short walking distance of McGhee Tyson, since it's adjacent to the terminal building.

There are several nearby hotel options with shuttle service to the terminal.

• Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Airport Alcoa at 141 Furrow Way (0.6 miles)
• Tru by Hilton Alcoa Knox Airport at 125 Furrow Way (0.6 miles)
• Best Western Knoxville Airport/Alcoa at 162 Cusick Road (0.7 miles)
• Comfort Suites – Airport at 140 Cusick Road (0.7 miles)
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Knoxville Airport at 126 Cusick Road (0.7 miles)
• Hampton Inn Knoxville-Airport at 148 International Ave. (1 mile)
• Fairfield Inn & Suites at 1865 Pauling St. (1.7 miles)
• The Tennessean Hotel at 531 Henley Street (13 miles)

Does McGhee Tyson have an airport lounge?

McGhee Tyson Airport does not have an airport lounge.

Is baggage claim fast at McGhee Tyson or should I carry on?

Like at any airport, taking a carry-on or checking a bag is really a matter of how light or heavy you are traveling.

McGhee Tyson has a third bag belt it can operate to help process bags quickly at busy times. Ultimately, the speed of baggage claim is up to airlines.

"We provide the infrastructure as the airport, but the time it takes from the moment an airline lands for their airline employee to get the luggage off of the plane and into baggage claim really depends on the operational level of the airline," Huckaby said.

Why is there construction at McGhee Tyson?

McGhee Tyson's passenger numbers have exceeded the limits of the terminal building design. When it was completed in 2000, the terminal was made for up to 2.6 million passengers annually. In 2023, McGhee Tyson served more than 2.8 million passengers, a record number. The airport likely will exceed 3 million annual passengers in 2025.

Beginning in 2024, the airport will construct a new $190 million, 3,500-space parking garage next to the terminal building before embarking on an expansion of the terminal with up to six more gates.

The changes will show up in phases, but the first change is to parking. New signs show parts of the airport's surface parking lot are closed for construction. When the current garage fills up, passengers can park in economy lots.

Who runs McGhee Tyson Airport?

Knoxville's airport is owned and operated by a public corporation called the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which was created by the city in 1978 after a state law allowed cities to form airport authorities.

The authority does not receive tax dollars, nor does it turn a profit from its runway operations. Its funding comes from passengers who use the airport and from state and federal grants. It has an executive staff led by President Patrick Wilson and a board with nine members who are nominated by the Knoxville mayor and confirmed by the city council.

How can I provide feedback to McGhee Tyson?

Are there changes you'd like to see at Knoxville's airport?

You can email [email protected], which is monitored by the airport's public relations team. You can also leave a comment on the airport's social media pages.

The airport conducted an online survey in 2023 that influenced plans for the design of the new terminal. More surveys could be coming as construction gets underway.

How old is McGhee Tyson Airport?

McGhee Tyson Airport lists its first year as 1937, when the airport opened at its current Blount County facility.

The airport has actually been under that name since 1930, when it was a small airstrip in West Knoxville.

Where does the name McGhee Tyson come from?

The airport is named for Charles McGhee Tyson, a Knoxville aviator and businessman who died in a plane crash in Europe during World War I.

In 1929, McGhee Tyson's mother, Bettie Tyson, a member of a wealthy Knoxville family, signed an agreement with the city that gave the land for Tyson Park off Kingston Pike in exchange for naming the airport after her son. The airport was dedicated McGhee Tyson Airport the following year.

Though some people wanted the name changed when the airport moved to Blount County in 1937, the agreement with Mrs. Tyson said the airport's name would stick even if it moved.

The Tyson family name appears other places in Knoxville, notably at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's Tyson Alumni Center, which was once the family's Victorian home.

What is Knoxville's other airport, Downtown Island?

You might hear people mention Downtown Island Airport in Knoxville, but you won't be catching a flight there unless it's on your personal plane .

Downtown Island is a general aviation airport operated by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, the same public company that owns and operates McGhee Tyson. It is Knoxville's oldest airport, founded in 1930, and served as a pilot training site during World War II.

It is the third busiest general aviation airport in the state, with 172 based aircraft and around 72,000 annual flights.

As its name suggests, Downtown Island is located on an island very near downtown. Dickinson Island on the Tennessee River is only three miles from the heart of downtown.

The airport is known as a user-friendly place with freshly baked cookies in its small terminal. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority recently finished a $12 million runway reconstruction project and hosts community events there.

You can visit the island to watch planes land and take off. The best part? You don't have to go through security.

Have more questions about Knoxville's airport?

Let this Knox News reporter help you!

Daniel Dassow  is a growth and development reporter focused on tech and energy. He covers McGhee Tyson Airport, the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2023, where he was campus editor and editor-in-chief of the Daily Beacon. Email:  [email protected] . Cell: 423-637-0878.

Want to see more topics on Knoxpedia?  If there's a question you want answered, email us at  [email protected].

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HonorAir opening opportunities to more veterans with virtual flights

Military veterans in east tennessee are now able to visit memorials in washington through virtual flight options..

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - HonorAir Knoxville will sponsor a new program that includes a virtual option, allowing more veterans to experience the Nation’s Capital.

Taking place on Aug. 17 at the Bridgewater Event Center, HonorAir will host a virtual flight and tour around Washington.

Typically taking place in person, HonorAir has been able to travel to Washington 34 times and take more than 4,200 veterans to see the memorials built in their honor. However, due to different physical or emotional reasons, some veterans may not be able to travel by air.

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and the virtual flight will take off at 10:00 a.m., veterans interested in taking part in the trip should complete the Virtual Flight application here, as well as reach out to the coordinator Jan Rector at [email protected] or via phone at 865-859-9279.

Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.

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