1. Check in before you leave
Use your airline app or website when possible. Save the boarding pass and confirm whether you need to check a bag.
Before you fly from TYS
Knoxville Airport guide for actual travelers
The airport's official pages are the source of truth. This guide turns those facts into the decisions you actually need to make before leaving home.
The short answer
For most domestic flights from Knoxville, arrive about 2 hours early.
If TYS is in a heavy travel window, give yourself closer to 2.5 hours—especially if you are parking, checking bags or traveling with kids.
First time flying from TYS? Follow this order
2. Arrive with buffer
For most domestic trips, target about two hours before departure; add more time for peak periods, checked bags, kids or economy parking.
3. Go upstairs for departures
Airline ticketing, bag drop and the TSA checkpoint are on the upper level. If you already have your boarding pass and no checked bag, you can usually head toward security.
4. Clear TSA, then find your gate
After security, confirm the gate on your current boarding pass or airline app. Gate numbers changed during the 2026 terminal expansion, so do not rely on an old screenshot.
5. Board when your group is called
Keep your boarding pass and ID handy. Airlines control boarding order, carry-on rules and gate-close times.
6. On the return trip, arrivals are downstairs
Baggage claim, rental-car counters, rideshare and passenger pickup are on the lower level.
Your TYS game plan in 60 seconds
1. Pick your parking
Fastest: Garage, $22/day.
Best walk-up value: Terminal Lot A, $16/day.
Cheapest normal option: Economy Lot C, $13/day with shuttle.
Compare every parking option →2. Know your level
Departures/Ticketing: upper level.
Arrivals/Baggage Claim: lower level.
Rental car counters: lower level near baggage claim.
Pickup and dropoff details →3. Build in enough time
Normal domestic target: about 2 hours before departure.
Peak travel target: about 2.5 hours.
TYS has identified 5–7 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. as recurring busy periods.
See the timing guide →4. If you are picking someone up
Do not circle the terminal if they are not ready. Use the free Phone & Wait Lot, then meet them on the lower arrivals level after they have their luggage.
See exactly where to go →Knoxville Airport traveler guides
TYS Parking
Compare garage, terminal, economy and free waiting options.
How Early to Arrive
Normal vs. peak-period timing, TSA and check-in guidance.
Pickup & Dropoff
Exactly which level to use and where to wait.
Rental Cars
Where the counters and returns are, plus current on-airport companies.
Terminal Guide
Upper vs. lower level, gates, baggage claim and where things are.
Security & TSA
Checkpoint timing, busy periods and a better security plan.
Food, Wi-Fi & Amenities
Dining, charging, Wi-Fi, ATMs, lactation and other terminal amenities.
Accessibility
Wheelchair help, service animal relief, accessible parking and traveler assistance.
Ground Transportation
Uber/Lyft, taxis, hotel shuttles and how to leave TYS.
Lost & Found
Who to contact based on where the item was lost.
Quick TYS facts
- Airport McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Address 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701
- Terminal Open 24 hours
- Departures Upper level
- Arrivals Lower level
- Rideshare pickup Lower level outside the terminal
Common Knoxville airport questions
How early should I arrive at Knoxville airport?
For a normal domestic trip, plan on arriving about 2 hours before departure. During heavy travel periods, 2.5 hours is safer.
Is McGhee Tyson Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. The terminal is open 24 hours, although ticket counters and the security checkpoint operate on airline and flight schedules.
Which level is departures at TYS?
Departures and airline ticketing are on the upper level. Arrivals and baggage claim are on the lower level.
Where should I park at TYS?
Choose the garage for the shortest covered walk, Terminal Lot A for a cheaper short walk, or Economy Lot C for the lowest normal daily rate with a shuttle.
Where do I pick someone up?
Use the lower level at Arrivals/Baggage Claim. If they are not ready yet, wait in the free Phone & Wait Lot instead of circling the terminal.
Keep planning your trip
Source policy: airport facts on this guide are based on current McGhee Tyson Airport traveler information. We add decision help and search-oriented explanation, but do not invent airport facts.