---
type: Airport Family Guide
title: "McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) Knoxville with Kids: What Families Will Find"
description: "Knoxville McGhee Tyson with kids: a Mamava lactation pod near Gate 7, family restrooms by Gates 2 and 7, Cinnabon and Starbucks. Checked Nov 2026."
resource: https://www.velivolotravel.com/family-airport-guide/mcghee-tyson-airport-tys
tags: [airport, family, travel, TYS, us-south]
timestamp: 2026-11-02
---

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

**Short answer:** McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), serving Knoxville, has a Mamava lactation pod on the concourse near Gate 7 and family restrooms near Gates 2 and 7, all past security. Its official site lists no children's play area, sensory room, family security lane or stroller rental. The checkpoint opens about two hours before the first departure.

**Velivolo family score:** 5.2/10 (Fair)

TYS is a compact one-terminal airport that does the family basics well. Past security, a Mamava lactation pod sits on the concourse near Gate 7, and family restrooms are near Gate 2 and Gate 7. Every food option is past the checkpoint, including Starbucks, Ruby Tuesday, Tennessee Marketplace and a Quiznos, Express by Uno and Cinnabon combo. The official site lists no play area, sensory room or stroller rental, but charging plugs sit under seats throughout the terminal.

## Quick facts

- McGhee Tyson has a Mamava lactation pod past security on the concourse near Gate 7.
- Family restrooms at TYS are on the concourse near Gate 2 and Gate 7.
- All TYS restaurants are past the TSA checkpoint; retail is on both sides.
- The TYS security checkpoint and ticket counters open about two hours before the first departure of the day, and the terminal is open 24/7.
- Charging plug-ins are under chairs throughout the terminal, and Wi-Fi is free.

## Facility matrix

| Facility | Status | Terminals | Security side | Hours | Age limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's play area | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Nursing room | available | Main terminal concourse, near Gate 7 | post-security | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Family restroom | available | Main terminal concourse, near Gates 2 and 7 | post-security | n/a | n/a | free |
| Baby changing table | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Sensory room | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Family security lane | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Stroller rental | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |
| Dedicated family lounge | unconfirmed | n/a | unknown | n/a | n/a | unknown |

## Nursing rooms

| Name | Location | Security side | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamava lactation pod | Main terminal · Concourse · Near Gate 7 | post-security | A private Mamava pod. TYS links to the Mamava mobile app from its Amenities & Accessibility page. | https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/amenities-accessibility/ |

## Family restrooms

| Name | Location | Security side | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family restroom near Gate 2 | Main terminal · Concourse · Near Gate 2 | post-security |  | https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/amenities-accessibility/ |
| Family restroom near Gate 7 | Main terminal · Concourse · Near Gate 7 | post-security |  | https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/amenities-accessibility/ |

## Security with children

- **Family lane:** TYS says the security checkpoint and airline ticket counters open about two hours before the first departure of the day, and it publishes no family lane. Only ticketed passengers can go past the checkpoint unless an airline grants an escort permission. For screening help, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel at (855) 787-2227.
- **Strollers and car seats:** Strollers, umbrella strollers, baby carriers and backpacks go through the X-ray, and anything too large for the machine is inspected by hand. Lift your child out and carry them through the walk-through metal detector.
- **Formula, milk and baby food:** Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food (including puree pouches) are allowed over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and do not need to fit in the quart bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening and take them out for separate screening. Ice packs and gel packs are allowed too.
- **Shoes:** Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. If your child goes through the body scanner, light jackets must come off and go on the X-ray belt.
- **PreCheck:** Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent or guardian. Teens 13 to 17 can use it when the PreCheck indicator shows on their own boarding pass, which needs them on the same reservation as the enrolled adult.
- Source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children

## Getting between terminals

TYS has one terminal. Ticket counters and the TSA checkpoint are on the upper level, and baggage claim, the information booth (staffed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and SmartCarts are on the first level. Customer service representatives help with wheelchairs and other assistance from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Charging plugs sit under chairs throughout the terminal.
- Source: https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/amenities-accessibility/

## Layover plans

### 1 to 2 hours — Coffee and a cinnamon roll

1. Starbucks and Cinnabon are on the right past security.
2. Charge devices at the plugs under the gate seats.
3. Use the family restroom near Gate 2 or Gate 7.

### 3 to 5 hours — Sit-down meal

1. Ruby Tuesday, on the left past security, is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. Pick up snacks for the flight at Tennessee Marketplace.
3. Feed in the Mamava pod near Gate 7.

### Early flight — First flight of the day

1. The checkpoint opens about two hours before the first departure.
2. Tennessee Marketplace opens at 4:30 a.m.
3. Starbucks and the Quiznos, Express by Uno and Cinnabon counter open at 5 a.m.

## Your rights

- **Lactation:** FAA's CY2025 enplanement data lists McGhee Tyson as a small hub. TYS has a Mamava lactation pod past security near Gate 7.
- **Changing tables:** McGhee Tyson does not publish where its baby changing tables are.
- **Liquids:** TSA's national rule applies at TYS: formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food are allowed over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and do not need to fit in the quart bag. Declare them at the start of screening.
- **Boarding:** Family boarding is set by your airline, not by McGhee Tyson. Check your carrier before you fly.
- **If it is missing:** Ask a TYS customer service representative (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or the information booth in first-level baggage claim (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For screening help, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel.
- Source: https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/arp-cy2025-commercial-service-enplanements.xlsx

## FAQ

### Does Knoxville airport have a kids' play area?

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.

### Is there a nursing room at McGhee Tyson Airport?

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.

### Are there family restrooms at TYS?

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.

### Does Knoxville airport have a sensory room?

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.

### When does security open at McGhee Tyson Airport?

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. If your child goes through the body scanner, light jackets must come off and go on the X-ray belt. Fold the stroller for the X-ray.

### Can I rent a stroller at Knoxville airport?

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.

### Where should we eat at Knoxville airport with kids?

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.

### What are the rules for formula and breast milk at TYS security?

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.

### Where do we park or wait for pickup at Knoxville airport?

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.

## Related airports

- [Nashville (BNA)](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airports/nashville-international-airport-bna.md) — Tennessee's busiest airport, a few hours west.
- [Charlotte (CLT)](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airports/charlotte-douglas-international-airport-clt.md) — A major connecting hub for many Knoxville flights.
- [Atlanta (ATL)](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airports/hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-atl.md) — Another big connecting hub for East Tennessee travellers.
- [Louisville (SDF)](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/airports/louisville-muhammad-ali-international-airport-sdf.md) — Another mid-size Southern airport guide.

## Sources

- [McGhee Tyson Airport: Amenities & Accessibility (2026)](https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/amenities-accessibility/) — Mamava pod, family restrooms, restaurants and hours, SmartCarts and accessibility services
- [McGhee Tyson Airport: FAQs (2026)](https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/faqs/) — Checkpoint opening, arrival times, parking rates and Phone and Wait Lot
- [McGhee Tyson Airport: Terminal Map (2026)](https://flyknoxville.com/home-traveler/terminal-map/) — Upper and lower level layout and restaurant positions
- [TSA: Traveling with Children (2026)](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children) — National screening rules for children, strollers, formula and breast milk
- [TSA: TSA PreCheck for Families (2026)](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/families) — TSA PreCheck rules for children and teens
- [FAA: CY2025 Commercial Service Enplanements (2026)](https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/arp-cy2025-commercial-service-enplanements.xlsx) — FAA hub classification for TYS (small hub)

**Last checked:** 2026-11-02