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Cheap flights to Knoxville

Compare every airline flying into Knoxville, TN, USA and get phone-only deals you won't see on Google Flights.

Knoxville, TN, USA· Airport: TYS
Knoxville — Flights | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is Knoxville's primary airport, located about 12 miles south of the city.
  • Major airlines serving TYS include American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Frontier, offering connections across the US.
  • Booking 6-10 weeks out for domestic flights to Knoxville often yields the best fares.
  • Consider flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for potentially lower ticket prices.
  • Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, so flight prices can surge during major campus events, especially football.
  • Driving from larger hubs like Nashville (BNA) or Atlanta (ATL) can sometimes be a more cost-effective travel alternative to TYS.

Finding affordable flights to Knoxville requires a bit of strategy, but it's entirely achievable. Most travelers flying into East Tennessee will use McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown. While it's a smaller regional hub, several major airlines offer direct connections, and with a bit of planning, you can often secure a good fare.

Consider your travel dates carefully. Peak seasons, like college football weekends in the fall or during major university events, tend to drive up prices. Flexibility with your schedule, even by a day or two, can make a noticeable difference. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly, both for departure and return. Booking your flight during the week (Tuesday through Thursday) rather than over the weekend can also reveal better deals.

For domestic flights to Knoxville, aim to book between six and ten weeks before your departure date. This window generally allows you to avoid last-minute price hikes while still seeing competitive fares before airlines start to fill up their planes. If your travel plans are more immediate, don't despair; sometimes last-minute deals pop up, especially for less popular flight times.

It's also worth looking at flights into larger nearby airports, like Nashville (BNA) or Atlanta (ATL), and then renting a car for the drive. While this adds ground travel, it can sometimes be a significantly cheaper overall option, particularly if you're traveling during a busy period for TYS. Always compare the total cost, including gas and rental car fees, before making a decision. Keep in mind that some of the best flight options may not always appear on public search engines; a call to a travel agent might uncover unadvertised inventory.

In this guide

  • Average flight prices to Knoxville
  • Best time to book
  • Direct flights and routing options
  • Tips for cheaper fares

Frequently asked questions

What's the best time of year to find cheap flights to Knoxville?
Generally, the shoulder seasons, particularly late winter/early spring (January–March, excluding spring break periods) and late fall (November, before Thanksgiving), tend to offer the lowest flight prices to Knoxville. Summers and early fall (especially during UT football season) usually see higher demand and correspondingly higher fares. Being flexible with your travel dates outside of peak times is your best bet for finding a deal.
Which airlines fly directly to Knoxville?
Several major airlines offer direct flights to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). You can typically find non-stop service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines. These carriers connect Knoxville to various hubs and focus cities across the United States, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Pete/Clearwater, and Washington D.C.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
How far in advance should I book my flight to Knoxville?
For domestic flights to Knoxville, aiming to book approximately six to ten weeks before your desired departure date is often ideal. This window typically allows you to capture competitive pricing before tickets become more expensive closer to the travel date. Booking too far in advance can also sometimes mean missing out on sales, while waiting until the last minute usually results in higher fares.
Are there any alternative airports near Knoxville for cheaper flights?
While McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the most convenient, some travelers find better deals flying into Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 2.5 hours west, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 3 hours south. These are larger hubs with more flight options and potentially lower fares. However, you'll need to factor in the additional cost and time for ground transportation to Knoxville.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
What are the cheapest days of the week to fly to Knoxville?
Historically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly, both for your departure and return flights to Knoxville. Mid-week travel typically has lower demand compared to peak travel days like Fridays and Sundays, which can translate into savings on your airfare. If your schedule allows for flexibility, try to depart and return on these days.
When is the most expensive time to fly to Knoxville?
The most expensive times to fly to Knoxville generally coincide with high-demand periods. This includes the peak summer months (June-August), major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and especially during University of Tennessee football weekends in the fall. During these times, demand for flights significantly increases, pushing up prices for airfare into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares

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