Tri Cities Airport

Tri-Cities Airport: Gateway to the Appalachians

Introduction

Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Tri-Cities Airport (IATA: TRI, ICAO: KTRI) is a vital air transportation hub for Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. One of my favorite midsized airports, a little gem nestled in the rolling hills of Blountville, Tennessee, serves as a playground for both business and leisure travelers with lush Smoky Mountain picture-postcard views.

Airlines and Destinations

Major airlines serving Tri-Cities Airport are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The carriers operate nonstop flights to several destinations from Tri-Cities, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Its strategic position and expanding air service make the airport a fast, easy option for people in or flying to/from the Tri-Cities region.

Passengers and Flights (Number)

The 2023 final count was high, with Tri-Cities Airport claiming a total of 448,514 passengers for the year. The 2018 record-setting statistics follow a 15.83% year-over-year increase, underscoring the movement towards continued passenger growth and offering outstanding air travel experiences by our airport. The airport averages about 100 scheduled departures and up to 1.5 million passenger boardings each year.

How to Get Here

The Tri-Cities Airport is a few miles northwest of downtown Blountville, Tennessee. The airport is accessible by car, and there are many parking options as well as a variety of ground transportation services that offer taxis, rideshare, and shuttle service to the airport.

Parking

The airport Authority previously announced the new parking rate structure taking effect July 1, 2024. That includes a $2 increase for short-term parking — from $14 to $16 per day, and an extra dollar apiece tacked on long-term and a new category called "long-term express" (both of which go up to the aforementioned 10-spot). Apart from these changes, the airport is working on a regular basis to sustain its operations against higher operational and procurement charges.

Transportation Prices

Ground travel to and from Tri-Cities Airport features very affordable pricing for travelers. A cab ride one-way will usually run $20 – $30, but Uber and Lyft are generally cheaper options with prices starting at around $15.

Terminal Layout

The main terminal of Tri-Cities Airport is home to all on-site services like check-in, security, and baggage claim areas. It has two concourses, A for domestic flights and B for international. The airport has 9 gates in total divided into Concourse A with 6 gates and Concourse B having three.

Navigate the Airport

Tri-Cities Airport is very nicely set up, easy to navigate with good signage. Passengers should be able to easily make their way through the terminal and know in which direction they need to go if searching for restaurants, shops, or restrooms. For a better travel experience, the airport provides you with free Wi-Fi as well as ATMs and currency exchange services.

Getting Between Terminals

Passengers at the Tri-Cities Airport never see or travel between terminals, as all operations are housed in a single terminal building. Also, everything is inside the same terminal: check-in facilities, security, and baggage claim.

Services and Amenities

Tri-Cities Airport has a variety of service offerings and amenities to serve the diverse needs of its travelers. Among them are free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange facilities, as well as a number of eateries or retail shops. The airport also offers help with passengers who have a disability, improving the travel experience for all concerned.

Restaurants and Shops

Dining and Retail at Tri-Cities Airport There are options available for food and retail items to keep passengers entertained as well, while purchasing gifts. The terminal features a choice of local and international dining options, as well as shops including gift items/souvenirs and travel essentials.

Security and Customs

Security They have experienced a breeze traveling in America! New technologies and experienced staff working at the security checkpoints of Tri-Cities Airport are making travel even more efficient. International passengers find arriving and departing with customs & immigration hassle-free at this airport.

Accessibility

Tri-Cities Airport is dedicated to providing a travel experience which is accessible to all passengers. Those using wheelchairs will be accommodated in pathway, lift, and WC access; as well, the Tri-Cities location of Thrifty rental car company provides assistive listening devices and more for passengers with disabilities.

Travel Tips

Passengers coming to Tri-Cities Airport should arrive at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time, in order for them to complete check-in and security screening (if applicable) as well as board their aircraft. The message is also going out that passengers need to verify the status of their flight schedule and be aware of any delays or changes before they head to the airport. With a little forethought and some accurate baggage management, travelers can easily breeze through their journey at Tri-Cities Airport.