If you’re hoping to travel without blowing your budget, Knoxville’s got a few budget airlines flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport. Frontier, Allegiant Air, and Avelo Airlines are among the top low-cost carriers here, offering affordable flights to a bunch of U.S. cities.
These airlines make it easier to save money while still getting you where you need to go.
McGhee Tyson Airport connects travelers to over 25 nonstop destinations with multiple airlines. That means you’ve got a pretty solid range of options when you’re booking your next trip.
Knowing which budget airlines serve Knoxville can help you plan smarter and snag better deals.
Key Takeaways
- Knoxville has several budget airlines with cheap flights across the U.S.
- McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop routes through low-cost carriers.
- Comparing prices and booking early usually scores you the best deals.
Best Budget Airlines Serving Knoxville
Finding cheap flights in and out of Knoxville really comes down to picking the right airline and timing your booking. Some budget airlines stand out for their low fares and decent service.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is a go-to for wallet-friendly flights from Knoxville. They’re known for low base fares and frequent promotions—sometimes the prices are shockingly low.
Allegiant mostly targets leisure travelers, so you’ll see a lot of vacation destinations on their schedule. Watch out for extra charges though—seat selection, carry-ons, all that stuff can add up.
Booking several weeks ahead and traveling in fall or winter usually gets you the best prices.
American Airlines
American Airlines isn’t really a budget airline, but sometimes their Knoxville flights are surprisingly affordable. If you catch a sale or book early, you might find their fares beat the low-cost competition.
They offer plenty of flights and flexibility, which is nice if your plans change. Try to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance for the lowest fares. January or February is often the cheapest time to fly.
Comparing Top Low-Cost Carriers
| Airline | Base Fares | Extra Fees | Booking Tips | Best Time to Fly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Lowest | Charges for bags, seats | Book months in advance | Fall and winter months |
| American Airlines | Moderate | Fewer extra charges | Book 3-4 weeks early | Early in the year |
Allegiant usually wins on base price, but the extras can sneak up on you. American has fewer add-on fees and a bit more comfort. Comparing and booking early is your best move.
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport Guide
Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the main airport for East Tennessee. It’s not huge, but it covers both direct and connecting flights, and there are a few nearby airports if you want to shop around for deals.
Overview of TYS and Accessibility
McGhee Tyson Airport sits about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. It’s easy to get there by car or shuttle.
The airport handles commercial, military, and general aviation flights. It’s not a sprawling mega-hub, but it’s comfortable and has what you need.
Parking’s close to the terminals, and there are several car rental spots right at the airport. The small size means you can get from check-in to your gate pretty quickly.
Direct and Connecting Flight Options
At TYS, you can book direct flights to about 25 U.S. cities. Airlines like American, Delta, United, and Allegiant all operate here.
You can fly nonstop to places like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, or Boston. If you’re not seeing a direct flight to your destination, connecting through bigger airports like Atlanta or Charlotte is simple enough.
Sometimes you’ll find cheaper one-way or return flights with a layover, so it’s worth checking both options.
Nearby Airports for Budget Travel
If you’re looking for more choices or maybe a better deal, check out airports near Knoxville. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is about 80 miles east, and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is roughly 110 miles south.
These spots sometimes have low-cost airlines or special fares. Comparing flights from McGhee Tyson and nearby airports can help you find the best budget-friendly flights.
Just remember, traveling to another airport means extra time on the road, so don’t forget to factor that in.
Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flights
Saving money on Knoxville flights is about tracking prices, booking at the right time, and weighing direct versus connecting flights. Every little bit helps.
Using Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Set up price alerts for your routes. These will ping you when fares drop. Most travel sites and apps have this feature for free.
A flight calendar lets you see prices for the whole month. Sometimes flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday saves you 20-30% over weekends.
Sign up for airline newsletters too—you might catch a flash sale or exclusive deal.
Finding the Cheapest Time to Fly
The cheapest months to fly to Knoxville are usually late fall or winter. Avoid summer and holidays if you can—prices jump way up.
Booking 1 to 3 months ahead is usually the sweet spot. Last-minute deals are rare, unless you stumble onto a flash sale.
Early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper, probably because fewer people want those times.
Exploring Connecting vs. Direct Routes
Direct flights are faster, but not always cheaper. Compare direct and connecting flights to Knoxville.
Connecting flights often cost less, though they take longer. If you don’t mind a layover, you might save a good chunk of change.
Sometimes airlines like Frontier and Spirit offer better prices if you buy tickets at the airport. It’s worth checking both online and in person.
Arriving in Knoxville: Travel and Accommodation
Once you land in Knoxville, getting around is pretty straightforward. The airport’s close to the city, with plenty of options for car rentals, hotels, and things to do.
Ground Transportation and Car Hire
McGhee Tyson Airport is about 12 miles from downtown. You can rent a car right at the airport—pretty handy if you want to explore outside the city.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find. There are shuttles too, but schedules can be hit or miss.
Booking your Knoxville car hire online ahead of time is usually cheaper and guarantees you’ll get what you want.
Hotels Near McGhee Tyson Airport
There are several hotels just a short drive from the airport. You’ll find budget and mid-range places like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Best Western.
Staying near the airport is super convenient, especially for early flights. Most hotels offer free shuttles, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
If you’re planning to stay near the airport, book early—rooms fill up fast during busy seasons.
Getting to Central Knoxville
Getting downtown from the airport is a breeze—about a 20-minute drive. Public transit is pretty limited, so renting a car or using rideshare is easiest.
Downtown Knoxville has Market Square and other fun spots. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and things to see.
Parking’s available but can cost extra, so keep that in mind if you’re driving in.
Top Spots to Explore in Knoxville
Once you get to Knoxville, you’ll want to hit these spots:
- Market Square: It’s buzzing with cafes, quirky stores, and all sorts of events. Always something going on.
- Sunsphere: This tower’s a leftover from the World’s Fair, and you can head up to its observation decks for a killer view.
- World’s Fair Park: Lots of green space, walking trails, and even a playground. Honestly, it’s a nice place to just wander.
Got some extra time on your hands? Day trips outside Knoxville are totally doable. The city’s airport connects you to places like Toronto, San Juan, and Cancun—so you’ve got options if you’re feeling adventurous.