If you’re flying out of Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport, you’ve got a handful of solid airlines to pick from. Delta Air Lines stands out for reliability and plenty of nonstop routes to big cities.
You’ll also find American Airlines, Allegiant Air, United Airlines, and Frontier serving the airport. That means you can match your airline to your budget, plans, or even your favorite frequent flyer program.
Knowing who flies out of Knoxville is pretty handy when you’re trying to find the right flight. You can hop on nonstop flights to places like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, or Austin.
That kind of direct access makes travel a bit less of a hassle—no need to deal with endless layovers.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple airlines operate at McGhee Tyson Airport.
- Nonstop flights link Knoxville to major U.S. cities.
- Picking the right airline can mean saving both time and money.
Best Airlines Operating from Knoxville Tennessee Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport gives you a few decent airline choices. Each one brings its own set of destinations and perks.
Let’s look at what makes these airlines worth considering.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is among the most reliable options from Knoxville. They mainly offer nonstop flights to Atlanta, which connects you to a ton of other cities.
Delta’s on-time record is pretty good, so if you hate delays, that’s a plus.
You’ll find everything from basic economy to first class on Delta. There’s free messaging onboard and, at some airports, access to Delta Sky Clubs.
If you’re after punctuality and smooth connections, Delta’s hard to beat.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers nonstop flights out of Knoxville to cities like Charlotte and Chicago. That gives you a lot of options for connecting flights around the U.S. and even abroad.
You can expect the usual amenities—think inflight entertainment and AAdvantage points if you’re into loyalty programs.
American seems to cater to both business travelers and families, so their schedule is pretty flexible. If you’re flying to big hubs or want decent service, American’s worth a look.
United Airlines
United Airlines runs flights from Knoxville to its main hubs, especially Chicago O’Hare. That airport connects you to all sorts of destinations, both domestic and international.
United’s got a range of ticket classes and a handy app for managing your trips. You can rack up miles with MileagePlus, too.
If having a global network matters to you, United’s a good bet from Knoxville.
Popular Nonstop Routes and Destinations
McGhee Tyson Airport has a nice selection of nonstop flights to key cities. You can get to major hubs and vacation spots without worrying about layovers.
Top Direct Flights
Allegiant Air leads the pack here, flying nonstop to about 19 cities from Knoxville. You can hit places in Florida, the Midwest, and along the Gulf Coast—all without a connection.
American, Delta, and United also offer nonstop options. For example, you can fly to Miami with American or to Minneapolis with Allegiant and Delta.
Schedules can shift with the seasons, so it’s smart to check the flight calendar.
Nearby Airports Serving Alternate Routes
If Knoxville doesn’t have the flight you need, nearby airports like Nashville International (BNA) and Tri-Cities Regional (TRI) are options.
Nashville, about two hours away, offers a bunch of flights to the West Coast and Midwest. Sometimes it’s worth the drive for a better route or price.
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is another one to consider for the Atlantic Coast or Northeast. Comparing these airports could save you a headache—or even some cash.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Knoxville
Scoring cheap flights from Knoxville is all about timing, watching for deals, and picking the right ticket. Flexible dates, price alerts, and booking round-trip can really help.
Best Times and Cheapest Months to Fly
January or February are typically the cheapest months to fly out of Knoxville. Fewer people are traveling, so airlines drop prices.
Try to avoid holidays and the summer rush—those tickets always seem to cost more.
Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means lower fares. Weekends? Not so much.
Booking 1 to 3 months ahead of your trip often gets you the best prices. Last-minute flights can get pricey fast.
Tracking Price Alerts and Flight Deals
Set up price alerts to catch cheap tickets the moment they pop up. Google Flights and Kayak make it easy to track routes and get notified about drops.
Keep an eye on airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and American. Watching a few different sites at once can help you spot the best deals.
Flight prices change all the time, so check back often. Signing up for airline newsletters can tip you off to sales before anyone else.
Booking Cheap Round-Trip Tickets
Booking round-trip is usually cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. Airlines like to give discounts when you book both legs together.
Always compare round-trip and one-way prices, just in case. Sometimes airlines like Delta or United run special deals on round-trips from Knoxville.
If your dates are flexible, use booking platforms that show you the cheapest days to fly. That little bit of wiggle room can save you money.
Traveler Tips: Enhancing Your Knoxville Airport Experience
A little planning goes a long way at McGhee Tyson Airport. Picking the right cabin class and sorting out your car rental or hotel before you arrive can make your trip a lot smoother.
Choosing the Right Cabin Class
Think about what you actually need when you book your seat. Economy’s cheapest, but the legroom isn’t great and perks are limited.
If you want extra space or to board early, Premium Economy or Business Class could be worth it.
Business Class comes with priority check-in, lounge access, and better food. On longer flights, that comfort can really make a difference.
McGhee Tyson is a smaller airport, so even economy passengers usually breeze through security. Still, it’s worth weighing your options and budget before you pick your seat.
Seamless Connections: Car Hire and Local Hotels
McGhee Tyson Airport makes renting a car easy. Several car hire companies are set up right on-site.
Booking ahead usually saves you time. Honestly, it can snag you a better deal, too.
You’ve got options like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. No need to trek far—they’re all right there.
Need a place to crash? Plenty of hotels in Knoxville are close to the airport.
Some hotels even toss in free shuttle rides. That’s a lifesaver if you’re not keen on airport parking.
You’ll find everything from budget motels to big names like Hilton Garden Inn and Marriott.
If your flight’s at some ridiculous hour, staying nearby just makes sense. And with airport parking jammed up from construction, a shuttle or car hire might just be the way to go.