Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackSeptember is a strong month to depart from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) if you want lower summer crowds and cooler weather. Book midweek departures and compare itineraries that connect through Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL) to reach Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) more affordably. With the start of the academic year and local fall festivals, early September (around Labor Day) can be busier — for cheaper fares, schedule travel in mid- to late-September. At Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), use the short-term and long-term parking options and consider TSA PreCheck to speed security. Expect short security lines most days, but plan extra time during holiday weekends. For ground transportation, rideshares and rental cars are widely available, letting you reach nearby destinations such as Davenport, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Peoria, Cedar Rapids and even Chicago-area connections quickly. If you’re traveling to attend a September event in the Tri-Cities region (Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, college football games), buy tickets and reserve hotels early to avoid last-minute price spikes. Sign up for airline fare alerts and set flexible dates in search engines to capture the best deals from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI).
Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is about 8–12 miles from downtown Moline and Davenport and can be reached by taxi, app-based rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and local shuttle or private car services. Many travelers also use rental cars or park at the on-site short-term and long-term lots at Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) for convenience. Plan 20–30 minutes for transit time in normal traffic; allow extra time for peak morning or afternoon commutes.
There are typically no nonstop commercial flights between Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI); most itineraries involve one connection via a major hub. Typical routing options connect through Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on United, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT) on American, or Atlanta (ATL) on Delta depending on the airline and schedule. Check major carriers' schedules and search multi-airline itineraries to compare prices and total travel time.
For September travel, book 4–8 weeks in advance for better chances at lower fares, and search for midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to find cheaper options. Avoid booking right around Labor Day weekend if possible, since holiday demand can raise prices; setting fare alerts and being flexible by a few days can capture last-minute deals. Use fare comparison tools and check connecting hubs like ORD, DFW, CLT or ATL to uncover lower-priced itineraries.
Security wait times at Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) are usually brief compared to larger hubs, often 5–20 minutes during off-peak hours; however, expect longer waits early in the morning and during holiday weekends such as Labor Day. Check MLI's live airport updates and arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures in September if you plan to check bags or travel during peak festival periods. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck speeds the process and is useful for frequent travelers out of Quad Cities International Airport (MLI).
Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) offers short-term and long-term parking lots directly adjacent to the terminal, with daily and hourly rates, plus curbside drop-off for quick access. On-site rental car counters and off-airport shuttles serve travelers to nearby Quad Cities municipalities such as Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island and Moline. Reserve rental cars and check current parking rates and lot availability on the Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) official website prior to travel.
September in the Midwest is usually mild, but occasional thunderstorms or early fall systems can cause delays, especially if they affect a connecting hub like Chicago O'Hare or Atlanta. Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in the Appalachian region can experience scattered showers or fog in September, which could add brief delays on arrival. Monitor NOAA forecasts, check airline flight status, and allow buffer time for connections when booking September itineraries.
September brings pleasant early-fall weather to the Tri-Cities region and several cultural events, making Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) a convenient arrival point for visitors to Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport, Knoxville and Asheville. Plan for mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings; pack layers for outdoor concerts and football games. When arriving at Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in September, secure rental cars or shuttle reservations early—weekend festivals like Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion increase demand for ground transportation and lodging. Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) is a compact, passenger-friendly regional terminal with accessible amenities, simple connections to nearby cities, and fewer security delays than larger hubs. For festival travel, stay in Bristol or Johnson City for easy access to performance venues and local restaurants. Use local tourism sites and airport resources to find up-to-date information on parking, rental cars, and terminal services at Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI).
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) is centrally located for access to Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport. Rideshare services, taxis, and rental cars are available at Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI); typical drive times are 20–30 minutes to Johnson City, 10–20 minutes to Blountville/Bristol depending on traffic, and 25–35 minutes to Kingsport. For festival weekends in September, pre-book a rental car or arrange hotel shuttles to ensure timely transfers.
Yes. Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) hosts several major rental car companies with counters in the terminal and easy access to pickup zones. Local taxi companies and app-based rideshares also serve the airport, and many nearby hotels provide complimentary shuttle service. During September events, book a vehicle in advance as inventory can be limited.
Several airport-area hotels offer quick access to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), including popular chains and independent properties near Blountville and Johnson City. For events like Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in September, staying in Bristol, Johnson City or Kingsport gives easy event access while providing more hotel availability and competitive nightly rates. Book early for September festival weekends and compare refundable rates to maintain flexibility.
Currently, there are usually no nonstop flights from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI). Travelers should expect at least one connection through a hub such as Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL). When searching for itineraries in September, compare connection times and total trip duration to choose the best balance of cost and convenience.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) offers passenger amenities including dining options, free Wi-Fi, accessible restrooms, family facilities, and assistance services for travelers with reduced mobility. The terminal is compact and easy to navigate, which helps shorten connection times even during busy September festival periods. Contact Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) customer service ahead of travel for special assistance or wheelchair requests.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) sees increased traveler volume during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and other September events, which can lead to fuller rental car lots and higher hotel occupancy in Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. While TRI remains smaller than major hubs, plan for longer wait times for ground transportation and consider arriving earlier or booking airport shuttles in advance. Early booking and flexible schedules help avoid stress during festival weekends.
September is festival season near Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI). The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (typically mid-September) attracts music fans to Bristol, making TRI a convenient airport for arrival. Other September highlights include college football games (East Tennessee State University in Johnson City and nearby University of Tennessee events), fall harvest festivals in small towns, and seasonal attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for leaf-peeping. If you’re flying from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to attend these events, book flights and hotels early as festival weekends can sell out. Allow extra transit time from TRI to Bristol or Johnson City during major events, and consider stay-and-drive packages to explore nearby Knoxville or Asheville for extended trips.
For September travel, the best time to fly from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) is mid- to late-September on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid Labor Day and early-September holiday spikes. Early morning flights often have fewer delays, while late-evening flights may be cheaper but risk more missed connections if delays occur. If attending events like Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, target the days just before or after the core festival dates to save on airfare and hotel costs. Use flexible-date searches to compare Tuesday departures against weekends, and set price alerts to capture momentary dips. If you prefer smoother connections, choose itineraries with 60–90 minute layovers at larger hubs; if you favor cost savings, consider longer layovers or alternate nearby airports for arrival.
Since nonstop options between Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) are rare, most travelers will book one-stop itineraries. Connecting flights typically cost less but increase total travel time; they also create added risk of missed connections during busy September weekends or inclement weather. If time is your priority, choose the shortest total travel time with a well-timed layover; if budget is key, opt for cheaper one-stop options through ORD, DFW, CLT or ATL and allow generous buffer times. When booking in September, weigh the costs against potential disruption from festival crowds or changing weather. For peace of mind, select longer connections at large hubs—especially when traveling with checked luggage or to attend time-sensitive events.
American, Delta and United typically provide the most practical routing options between Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) via their respective hubs. American often connects through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT), Delta routes through Atlanta (ATL), and United commonly uses Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Compare total travel time, layover lengths, and checked baggage fees when choosing an airline, and consider loyalty benefits such as elite boarding or free checked bags if you fly frequently. For September travel, check each carrier's seasonal schedules and promotional fares. If you prefer fewer risks of delay and easier rebooking, choose the carrier with the most seamless single-stop route; for lower fares, mix-and-match one-way legs across carriers and monitor flash sales.
Pack light layers for September travel as daytime highs in the Tri-Cities region can be warm while evenings turn cool—bring a light jacket and a compact umbrella for occasional showers. Reserve rental cars and book hotel rooms early for festival weekends; consider refundable rates in case your plans change. For flights from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), arrive earlier than usual for holiday weekends like Labor Day and use TSA PreCheck where available to expedite security. When driving from Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) to higher elevations for fall foliage, anticipate winding roads and changing temperatures; check local weather and road conditions before departure. Keep digital copies of tickets and confirmations, enable airline notifications for gate changes or delays, and set fare alerts to catch last-minute price drops.
A hypothetical nonstop flight from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) would take roughly 1.5–2 hours airborne, but because nonstop service is uncommon, most travelers experience total door-to-door durations of 4–6+ hours including a single layover. Common connecting hubs and carriers include Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on United, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT) on American, and Atlanta (ATL) on Delta. Typical airline schedules offer morning and evening departures from MLI, with connections timed to produce mid-day and late-evening arrivals at TRI. When booking in September, factor in possible delays from weather or busy festival weekends; choose longer layovers of 60–90 minutes at large hubs if you prefer a lower risk of missed connections. Use airline-provided schedule search tools to find shortest total travel time or cheapest routing depending on your priorities.
To find the cheapest fares from Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) to Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in September, search with flexible date ranges and compare multiple hubs (ORD, DFW, CLT, ATL). Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-morning flights often cost less. Use fare alert tools from major OTAs and the airlines, and check one-way combinations across different carriers to lower total round-trip prices. Consider multi-airline itineraries and longer—but cheaper—layovers if you prioritize savings over speed. Signing up for airline newsletters and checking flash sales from American, Delta and United that route through their hubs can yield last-minute reductions. If you're traveling to events like Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, book as soon as tickets are confirmed to avoid premium pricing on flights and hotels.
