Best Flights starting from $458
from$458economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Sun, Dec 20
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Fri, Dec 25
from$542economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Thu, Dec 24
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Tue, Dec 29
from$577economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Sat, Dec 19
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Thu, Dec 24
from$580economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Fri, Dec 18
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Wed, Dec 23
from$598economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Wed, Dec 23
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Mon, Dec 28
from$602economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Mon, Dec 21
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Sat, Dec 26
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS) in December from $120
From $120
Sacramento (SMF) to Mexico City (NLU) in December from $152
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Sacramento (SMF) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $168
From $168
Sacramento (SMF) to Mexico City (MEX) in December from $209
From $209
Sacramento (SMF) to Greensboro / High Point (GSO) in December from $218
From $218
Sacramento (SMF) to Montgomery (MGM) in December from $284
From $284
Flights from Other Cities
Washington, D.C. (Any) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $89
From $89
Orlando (SFB) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $108
From $108
Austin (AUS) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $178
From $178
Appleton (ATW) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $329
From $329
Copenhagen (CPH) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $631
From $631
Appleton (ATW) to Knoxville (TYS) in January from $189
From $189
✈️ Flight Guide: Sacramento (SMF) → Knoxville (TYS)
Complete travel information for your December journey
Departing from Sacramento (SMF) FAQs
For December travel from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), arrive at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 2.5–3 hours if you expect heavy holiday crowds or need to check bags. December security lines can swell on peak days (pre-Christmas and New Year's), so allow extra time for parking, shuttle transfers, and TSA screening. Use online check-in and mobile boarding passes to speed things up.
Yes — Sacramento International Airport (SMF) experiences higher parking demand in December, especially around holiday travel dates. Reserve long-term parking in advance when possible, arrive earlier to secure terminal lots, or consider off-site parking shuttles for better rates. Many travelers use ride-shares or local shuttles to avoid parking hassles during peak holiday weekends.
To find budget-friendly December fares from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), search flexible dates, set fare alerts, and compare prices across American, Delta, and United routing options. Early-December midweek flights often cost less than the holiday week; consider nearby airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for more nonstop options. Use booking aggregator sites and airline sales to lock in deals early.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) typically sees mild winter weather with temperatures from the mid-40s to low 60s°F, but occasional fog or storms can cause delays. December delays are more likely on connecting routes through mountain hubs (DEN) or East Coast hubs (ATL/DFW) due to regional snow or storms. Check airline alerts, sign up for flight notifications, and plan buffer time for connections.
Major carriers offering reasonable one-stop itineraries in December from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) include American Airlines (via DFW or CLT), Delta Air Lines (via ATL), and United Airlines (via DEN or ORD). Alaska Airlines and small regional partners may offer other routing options. Compare total travel time and layover quality when booking to avoid long waits at connecting hubs.
To reach Sacramento International Airport (SMF) from downtown Sacramento in December, options include ride-shares, taxis, airport shuttles, and private cars; travel time ranges 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Public transit options like SacRT routes and seasonal shuttle services can be slower with luggage. During holiday hours, plan extra time for peak roadway congestion and consider pre-booking a rideshare or parking space.
Arriving at Knoxville (TYS) FAQs
From McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to downtown Knoxville you can choose ride-shares, taxis, rental cars, or pre-arranged shuttles, with a typical drive time of 20–25 minutes depending on weather. During December, demand increases around holiday events, so pre-book rides or rental cars in advance. Knoxville Area Transit and private shuttle services also operate seasonal routes to nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
In December, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and the Knoxville region are chilly, with daytime highs around the mid-40s°F and nighttime lows near the 20s–30s°F; higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains often see snow and below-freezing temperatures. Winter driving conditions to Gatlinburg and mountain roads can be icy, so check local DOT advisories and pack cold-weather gear for outdoor activities.
Yes — major rental car companies at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) offer SUVs and AWD vehicles suitable for December drives into the Smoky Mountains. Reserve an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan to drive to Gatlinburg or higher elevations where snow is possible, and check for winter tire availability. Book early in December, as holiday demand can limit inventory.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) provides access to downtown Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Oak Ridge, and even Asheville or Chattanooga for day trips. December travelers often combine TYS arrivals with winter festivals, ski areas near the Smokies, and holiday light displays in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Yes — December brings holiday events like Winterfest light displays in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Dickens of a Christmas-style celebrations, and holiday concerts in downtown Knoxville. Expect higher hotel occupancy and book accommodations and tours ahead of arrival. Using the TYS airport as a gateway makes it easy to attend these seasonal festivals while visiting the Smoky Mountains.
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December Events & Festivals Near SMF and TYS
December ushers in signature winter and holiday events on both ends of the SMF→TYS route. In Sacramento area, look for Old Sacramento holiday markets, Sacramento Tree Lighting ceremonies, and seasonal performances at local theaters. In the Knoxville/Gatlinburg region, Winterfest illuminations, Pigeon Forge’s Island attractions, and Gatlinburg’s holiday light displays draw significant visitor numbers. These events elevate demand for flights, hotels, and rental cars in December — book early to secure availability and consider day-of-week flexibility to save on fares.
Best Time to Fly SMF → TYS — December Considerations
For December travel from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the best combination of price and reliability is often early December (first two weeks) and midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Avoid the high-demand period between December 20–28 when fares spike and airports are busiest. Early-morning flights typically have fewer mechanical and weather-related delays than late-day connections. If you must travel during the holiday week, book refundable or flexible fares and arrive at the airport earlier to navigate crowds.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: SMF to TYS in December
Nonstop flights between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) are uncommon; most December itineraries are one-stop. Connecting flights typically offer more schedule and price options, but add risk during winter due to weather-related delays at hubs. Choose single-carrier connections to simplify rebooking and baggage transfers, or allow longer layovers to reduce missed-connection risk. If saving time is the priority and a nonstop exists on a neighboring airport (e.g., SFO to a major hub with direct TYS service), weigh the extra drive against potential day-of-travel disruptions.
Airline Comparison for SMF to TYS — Best December Carriers
American Airlines typically routes SMF→TYS itineraries through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT), offering plenty of onward connections and access to American’s hub infrastructure. Delta Air Lines commonly connects via Atlanta (ATL), which can provide fast eastbound turnarounds but is susceptible to winter storms farther east. United Airlines frequently routes through Denver (DEN) or Chicago (ORD), providing flexible options but sometimes longer connection times. Baggage fees and onboard amenities are similar across legacy carriers; check each airline’s current carry-on/checked baggage rules and elite benefits. Loyalty program points, credit card partnerships, and baggage waivers may affect total travel value.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for SMF to TYS Travelers
Travelers heading from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in December should prepare for mixed conditions: mild winter near SMF and cold or snowy conditions around Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains. Pack layering options, waterproof boots for mountain excursions, and electric adapters and chargers for longer travel days. If driving from TYS to Gatlinburg or higher elevations, book AWD or 4x4 rentals and check state DOT advisories for road closures. Allow extra transit time for airport security, book early-morning flights when possible, and sign up for airline disruption alerts to stay informed during December storms.
SMF to TYS Flight Time & Typical December Schedules
There are seldom nonstop flights between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Expect one-stop itineraries with total travel times averaging 5–8 hours, including layovers. Common connection hubs in December include Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) for American Airlines, Atlanta (ATL) for Delta Air Lines, and Denver (DEN) or Chicago (ORD) for United Airlines. Flight schedules may be slightly reduced on major holidays, and winter storms in the eastern U.S. can cause longer delays — build a cushion for tight connections. Typical airborne time (excluding connections) totals approximately 4–5 hours.
How to Find Cheap SMF to TYS Flights in December
To score cheap flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in December: search with a flexible-date calendar and compare multiple OTAs and airline sites. Early December and midweek departures usually have lower fares than the holiday week. Consider flying out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) if you need a nonstop to a major connecting hub or a wider choice of airlines. Use fare alerts, book overnight connections to save money, and be open to longer total travel time for lower prices. Typical December roundtrip fares can range from $220–$450 depending on exact travel windows and how close to holiday dates you book.
Tips
- Set price alerts and monitor fluctuations 6–8 weeks before travel.
- Search alternate nearby airports for departure (SFO) and arrival (BNA or CHA) to find better deals.
- Book refundable or low-fee changeable fares if holiday plans may shift.
- Use airline miles or credit-card travel portals to reduce December costs.