Complete travel information for your September journey
September is a strong month for travel from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) thanks to milder weather and fall events. Expect competitive fares if you book 2–6 weeks in advance; midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) are usually cheapest. MEM travelers often combine trips to nearby major cities such as Nashville (for music and dining), Little Rock (business travel), and Oxford, MS (Ole Miss campus), so consider multi-city itineraries when searching for low fares. Pack layers for variable temperatures on arrival in Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains, and reserve car rentals early for weekend leaf-peeping drives. Book MEM to TYS flights now to secure the best September rates and flexible cancellation policies.
For domestic flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), arrive at least 90 minutes before departure during September. If you plan to check bags or travel during University of Memphis or Tennessee football weekends, allow 2 hours because parking and security lines can be busier in early fall. Use online check-in and TSA PreCheck to shorten wait times.
Direct nonstop flights between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) are limited and often seasonal; many travelers route via hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). If you need a nonstop, check airlines' schedules for September, but be prepared that the most reliable option is typically a one-stop flight via a major hub.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) offers terminal parking, long-term lots, and economy parking with shuttle service; short-term curbside options are available for quick drop-offs. In September, expect higher demand on weekends with college football or holiday travel, so reserve off-site lots if available and compare rates to save on MEM airport parking fees.
September in Memphis is typically mild with occasional storms; thunderstorms can cause brief delays but widespread cancellations are uncommon. Monitor weather alerts, especially for convective activity across the Mid-South, and sign up for airline notifications to stay updated on schedule changes for MEM to TYS travel.
Yes—taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), shuttle services, and regional buses connect downtown Memphis with Memphis International Airport (MEM). During September events such as college football or cultural festivals, rideshare surge pricing can occur, so pre-book airport shuttles or allow extra time to avoid delays.
Most airlines permit sports gear and oversized luggage but require advance notice and may charge additional fees; policies vary by carrier. If traveling with bikes, skis, or musical instruments from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September, contact your airline ahead of time to confirm packing requirements and fees.
Arrivals at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September are ideal for experiencing East Tennessee’s early fall colors and outdoor recreation. Expect comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler mornings—perfect for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains or attending early-season fall festivals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Book rental cars early and check shuttle timetables if arriving on a weekend with high demand due to Tennessee Volunteers games. For cheap TYS arrival transfers, compare shared shuttles, rideshare, and pre-arranged private transfers to secure the best September rates.
The easiest options from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to downtown Knoxville are rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxis, shuttle services, or rental cars; the drive is about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. In September, allow extra time for arrival on weekends with Tennessee Volunteers home football games, and consider pre-booking shuttles if you’re traveling with a group to avoid surge pricing.
September in the Knoxville/TYS area is generally mild with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (about 24–28°C) and cooler evenings; higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains will be notably cooler and ideal for fall foliage. Pack light layers, a waterproof jacket for occasional storms, and warmer layers if you plan to visit Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park.
Yes—numerous private shuttles, shared-ride vans, and rental cars serve routes from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which are popular in September for fall colors and Dollywood events. Book transfers early for weekend travel and peak leaf-peeping times to ensure availability and competitive rates.
Yes—McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) offers connections through its airline partners, but many itineraries from Memphis (MEM) will route through hub cities. If you have a same-day connection, ensure your layover allows at least 60–90 minutes for domestic transfers and factor in baggage transfer times during the busy September travel weeks.
From McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) you can reach downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nearby major cities within driving distance include Asheville, NC and Chattanooga, TN, making TYS a strategic arrival point for fall foliage trips and outdoor adventures in September.
September travel between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is influenced by several event types: college football weekends (University of Tennessee in Knoxville and University of Memphis), fall harvest and craft festivals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and cultural or music events across both cities. These events increase demand for flights, rental cars, and hotels—particularly on weekends—so plan and book early. If you want to avoid crowds and secure better fares, travel midweek or before/after major regional events. Search 'Memphis to Knoxville flights September' and compare dates around event calendars to find the best deals.
For September travel from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the best time to fly for lower fares is midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—while early morning departures often have better on-time performance. Avoid major college football weekends in Memphis and Knoxville if you want lower prices and easier ground transport. If your trip is for fall-leaf viewing in late September, book flights and rental cars 4–8 weeks in advance to secure availability and reasonable rates.
Direct flights are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections, but nonstop service between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is limited and often more expensive in September. Connecting flights through hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT) commonly save money and provide more schedule options, though they add total travel time. Choose a direct flight if you prioritize time and simplicity; choose a connection if price and flexible departure times are more important. Always factor in layover duration and the reliability of the hub when booking MEM to TYS itineraries.
Delta, American, and Southwest (where applicable) are common carriers to check for Memphis International Airport (MEM) departures; many itineraries to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) route via Delta’s Atlanta hub (ATL) or American’s Charlotte/Dallas hubs (CLT/DFW). Delta often offers multiple daily connections through ATL with competitive schedules; American provides options via CLT/DFW depending on routing; Southwest may offer flexible fares through its network if seasonal routes align. Compare total price including checked bag fees, change/cancellation terms, and loyalty benefits. For the best September experiences, check each carrier’s schedule and booking promotions when searching for MEM to TYS flights.
Pack layered clothing for September travel from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): light shirts for daytime and a warm jacket for cool mountain mornings and evenings. Rent cars early if you plan to drive to Gatlinburg or the Smokies, and consider purchasing refundable rates during uncertain weather. Avoid peak leaf-peeping weekends if you prefer fewer crowds; travel midweek for lower hotel rates and fewer traffic delays on the mountain access roads. Always check airline alerts and confirm baggage rules when booking cheap flights MEM to TYS in September.
Approximate nonstop flight time between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. However, many itineraries in September are one-stop via hubs like ATL, CLT, or DFW, making total journey times typically 2–4 hours depending on layover length. Airlines generally operate multiple daily flights between MEM and hub cities, so search early-morning or late-evening connections for the shortest total travel time. For tight same-day connections, allow at least 60–90 minutes between flights to account for domestic transfer times and baggage handling.
To find cheap flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September, search 2–6 weeks ahead for domestic itineraries and use flexible-date calendars to compare Tuesday and Wednesday departures. Consider one-stop connections through Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas (DFW) which often reduce costs compared to same-day nonstop fares. Sign up for fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito browsing, and check low-cost carriers' sites directly. For peak weekends—such as University of Tennessee home games—book earlier and consider arriving midweek to save on MEM to TYS round trips.