McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) Knoxville with Kids: What Families Will Find

McGhee Tyson's Amenities & Accessibility page and terminal map do not list a children's play area, so bring a few small toys or a downloaded show for the gate. TYS does make screen time easier: charging plug-ins are built in underneath chairs throughout the terminal, and Wi-Fi is free everywhere. A treat from Cinnabon or a slow breakfast at Ruby Tuesday, both past security, can also help pass a delay. Because every gate is on one compact concourse, a short walk to stretch little legs is easy to fit in before boarding.

Yes. TYS has a private Mamava lactation pod past the TSA checkpoint. Turn right after security; the airport places the pod on the concourse near Gate 7. The airport links to the Mamava mobile app from its Amenities & Accessibility page, so you may want to download it before your trip. TYS does not list the pod's hours separately, and the terminal itself is open 24/7. Family restrooms near Gate 2 and Gate 7 are another private option if the pod is busy when you arrive.

Yes. McGhee Tyson lists family restrooms on the concourse near Gate 2 and Gate 7, both past security. They make it easier to change a diaper, help a potty-training toddler or bring a child of a different gender with you. TYS does not say whether each family restroom has a baby changing table, so pack a portable changing pad just in case. The Gate 7 family restroom is close to the Mamava lactation pod, which makes that end of the concourse a handy base for families with babies.

TYS's Amenities & Accessibility page does not list a sensory room. It does offer helpful support: customer service representatives are available for wheelchair and other assistance from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., the information booth offers visual paging for travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and a multi-language translation phone at the information booth is available 24 hours a day. For screening, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel at (855) 787-2227 to ask what to expect at the checkpoint.

TYS says the security checkpoint and airline ticket counters open approximately two hours before the first departure of the day, while the terminal building itself is open 24/7. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and two and a half hours before an international one. TYS does not publish a family lane. Children 12 and under can keep shoes and light jackets on and can use TSA PreCheck with an enrolled parent. Fold the stroller for the X-ray.

McGhee Tyson does not mention stroller rental anywhere on its site. SmartCarts are available in the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal, which helps when you are juggling suitcases, a car seat bag and a tired toddler. Bring your own stroller and check your airline's gate-check rules before you fly, since those are set by each carrier. If you need extra help moving through the terminal, TYS customer service representatives are available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All food at TYS is past the TSA checkpoint, so plan to eat after security. On the right, Starbucks is open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a combined Quiznos Subs, Express by Uno and Cinnabon counter opens at 5 a.m., closing at 7 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and at 1 p.m. on the other days. Ruby Tuesday, on the left, offers sit-down meals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tennessee Marketplace is open 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for grab-and-go snacks.

TSA's national rules apply at McGhee Tyson. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food, including puree pouches, are allowed in your carry-on in amounts over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and do not need to fit in the quart-sized bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening and take them out of your bag for separate screening. Ice packs and gel packs are allowed too, and your child does not need to be traveling with you to carry breast milk. You can ask for private screening.

TYS lists garage parking at $22 a day, terminal parking at $16 a day and economy parking at $11 a day, with standard rates of $1 per 20 minutes. Parking is paid on your return by cash or card. If someone is collecting your family, the free Phone and Wait Lot behind the Airport Hilton lets them stay with the car until you call. There is no off-property shuttle from the airport, so plan on a rental car, taxi, ride share or hotel shuttle for the trip onward.