Other Options for This Route
Sacramento (SMF) to Knoxville (TYS) in December from $458
From $458
Sacramento (SMF) to Knoxville (TYS) in July from $411
From $411
Sacramento (SMF) to Knoxville (TYS) in August from $415
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Best Flights starting from $406
from$406economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Sat, Sep 12
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Fri, Sep 18
from$407economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Sun, Sep 13
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Sat, Sep 19
from$431economy
Sacramento (SMF)
Fri, Sep 11
Roundtrip
Knoxville (TYS)
Thu, Sep 17
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Sacramento (SMF) to Las Vegas (Any) in September from $52
From $52
Sacramento (SMF) to Los Angeles (LAX) in September from $64
From $64
Sacramento (SMF) to Las Vegas (Any) in September from $104
From $104
Sacramento (SMF) to Cleveland (CLE) in September from $125
From $125
Sacramento (SMF) to Cincinnati (CVG) in September from $131
From $131
Sacramento (SMF) to New Orleans (MSY) in September from $131
From $131
Flights from Other Cities
Fort Lauderdale (Any) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $60
From $60
Philadelphia (Any) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $122
From $122
Denver (Any) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $179
From $179
New York (Any) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $189
From $189
Sarasota (SRQ) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $205
From $205
Portland (PDX) to Knoxville (TYS) in September from $212
From $212
✈️ Flight Guide: Sacramento (SMF) → Knoxville (TYS)
Complete travel information for your September journey
September offers pleasant travel conditions for departures from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). With summer demand easing, travelers can often find better fares and fewer crowds. Popular Sacramento departure routes in September connect through hubs like Denver (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Atlanta (ATL) en route to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
Departing from Sacramento (SMF) FAQs
In September, getting to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is straightforward: drive via I-5 or I-80, use airport shuttles from downtown Sacramento, or take ride-share services. Parking tends to be less congested than summer peak months, but arriving 90–120 minutes before departure for domestic flights is still recommended. Consider park-and-ride lots or pre-booked airport shuttles for lower rates.
September often offers lower fares compared with summer, especially mid-week departures. Airlines may run September seat sales or reduced fares for SMF to TYS connecting itineraries; book 3–6 weeks in advance for best deals. Use fare alerts and compare multi-airline itineraries to secure the cheapest Sacramento–Knoxville fares.
Security wait times at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in September are generally moderate: early mornings and late afternoons can be busier. Expect 10–30 minutes at TSA checkpoints on average, but allow extra time during holidays or special events. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or arrive earlier to reduce stress.
Baggage policies depend on the airline, but all carriers require checked baggage fees for many economy fares; carry-on allowances are standard. In September, pack layers for varying climates between Sacramento and Knoxville, and label luggage clearly. Check your airline's size and weight limits before arriving at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to avoid surprise fees.
Direct nonstop options between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) are limited; most itineraries use a single connection (common hubs: Denver, Dallas, Atlanta). In September, airlines typically maintain daily service on major connecting routes; check schedules early and consider mid-week flights for better availability. Use schedule search tools to compare times and durations.
September is usually mild in Sacramento, with lower wildfire smoke risk versus late summer peaks; however, local air quality can vary. Monitor regional air quality advisories and airline notifications before departing Sacramento International Airport (SMF). If smoke or storms occur, airlines may rebook affected passengers—check policies and sign up for flight alerts.
Arriving at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September provides comfortable weather and convenient access to East Tennessee attractions. With moderate airport traffic after the summer rush, September is a great month for sightseeing in Knoxville and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Arriving at Knoxville (TYS) FAQs
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) offers rental cars, ride-share pickup zones, taxis, and scheduled shuttle services to downtown Knoxville and nearby resorts. In September, demand is moderate due to early fall tourism to Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains, so pre-book rentals or ride-shares for peak arrival times. Check airport signage for designated pickup points on arrival.
Travel time from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to downtown Knoxville typically ranges from 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. In September, traffic is usually lighter than summer peak periods, but festival weekends may extend travel times—plan for up to 45 minutes during events. Rideshares and taxis are the fastest non-rental options.
September in the Knoxville area is mild with daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F (20s–30s°C) and cooler evenings. Expect comfortable hiking weather in the Great Smoky Mountains, but pack a light jacket for evenings and higher elevations. Rain showers are possible—bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket for outdoor plans around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) has passenger amenities including rental car desks, snack options, and Wi-Fi but limited lounge facilities. For premium services, plan connections through larger hubs or use airline-specific lounges at connecting airports. Arriving travelers can access concierge services through certain rental car companies and local hotels.
Popular nearby destinations from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) include downtown Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. September is an excellent time for hiking and scenic drives with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Consider renting a car at TYS to explore these top attractions.
Yes—September sees local fall festivals and university events in Knoxville that can increase demand for ground transportation. The Tennessee football schedule and festivals in downtown Knoxville or nearby towns can create temporary spikes in ride-share wait times. Check event calendars before arrival and consider pre-booking shuttles or rental cars.
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September Events & Festivals — Affecting SMF to TYS Travel
September features fall festivals and college football that can create spikes in travel demand near McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and periodic events around Sacramento International Airport (SMF). University of Tennessee football weekends and regional fairs attract visitors to Knoxville and the Smokies, increasing rental car demand and ride-share wait times. Travelers should check local event calendars, plan transfers outside peak event hours, and book lodging early to avoid premium pricing.
Best Time to Fly — Sacramento (SMF) to Knoxville (TYS) in September
The best time to fly SMF to TYS in September is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) with early morning departures to minimize airport crowds and often lower fares. Late September weekdays typically have better price availability than weekend travel or holiday-adjacent dates. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance and using flexible-date searches yields the best balance of price and schedule for Sacramento to Knoxville travel.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — SMF to TYS in September
Direct flights are fastest but scarce between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS); most travelers use one-stop itineraries. Connecting flights often save money but increase total travel time and risk missed connections on tight layovers. For September, prioritize connections at reliable hubs (DEN, DFW, ATL) and allow at least 90 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers when using separate carriers. If convenience is paramount, book itineraries on a single carrier to reduce transfer risk.
Airline Comparison — Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September
Delta, American, and United each offer competitive one-stop itineraries from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September. Delta commonly connects via Atlanta (ATL) or Minneapolis; United frequently routes through Denver (DEN) or Chicago (ORD); American often connects through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT). For cheaper fares, compare each carrier's basic economy vs main cabin offerings and factor in baggage fees and seat selection costs. Use airline comparison tools and include keywords like 'SMF to TYS flights' and 'Sacramento to Knoxville airlines' when searching.
Seasonal Travel Tips for SMF to TYS in September
Pack layers for variable temperatures—light jackets for evenings and hiking clothing for higher elevations in the Smokies. Check air quality reports if traveling from Sacramento during residual wildfire season; consider flexible tickets in case of smoke-related disruptions. Book car rentals early for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge trips and use fare alerts to monitor September price drops. Include contingency time for connections at major hubs and verify airline baggage and carry-on policies before departure.
Flight Time & Schedules — Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September
There are few nonstop options between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS); most itineraries require one connection. Typical total travel time ranges from 6.5 to 9+ hours depending on layover length and routing (common connections: DEN, DFW, ATL). For September travel, look for early morning departures from SMF to maximize same-day connections and reduce overnight layovers. Use schedule search tools and filter by total travel time to find fastest Sacramento to Knoxville options.
Cheap Flights — Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September
To secure cheap flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in September, start by searching 3–6 weeks ahead and use flexible-date calendars to compare mid-week savings. Set fare alerts on multiple platforms and check for connecting flights through hubs (DEN, DFW, ATL) which often reduce costs. Consider separate tickets only if you have ample layover time and purchase travel protection. Include primary keywords when searching—'cheap flights SMF to TYS'—to surface targeted deals. Use synonyms like 'budget airfare' and 'low-cost Sacramento to Knoxville flights' to broaden your search.