Lois Larson
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been named one of the most expensive airports in the United States, with travellers reporting high airfares. In 2019, it was ranked the third most expensive airport in the country, with the average airfare being $449, a slight decrease from 2017. Knoxville residents have noted that flying from nearby airports, such as Nashville International Airport or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, can result in significant cost savings. Various factors influence airfare pricing, including seasonality, load factors, competition, and airline market share. Knoxville has a few low-fare carriers, such as Allegiant and Frontier, but their schedules and destinations may not always align with traveller needs. Airport executives have limited control over airline fares, and attracting and retaining ultra-low-cost airlines is one strategy to reduce prices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Ranking | Third most expensive airport in the U.S. |
| Average Airfare in 2018 | $449 |
| Nearby Cheaper Airports | Nashville International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Average Airfare at Nearby Airports in 2018 | Nashville- $351, Atlanta- $362 |
| Reasons for High Prices | Lack of competition, captive local market for air travel |
| Ways to Save Money | Flying with low-cost carriers like Allegiant and Frontier, waiting for airfare costs to drop |
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What You'll Learn
- Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the most expensive in the US
- The average airfare in 2018 was $449
- Knoxville has a couple of low-fare carriers, but they don't cater to all schedules or airports
- Airport executives have little control over airline charges
- Booking early can help cut down on costs
Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the most expensive in the US
There are several reasons why McGhee Tyson Airport is so expensive. One factor is the lack of competition from low-cost airlines. While the airport does have a couple of low-fare carriers, such as Allegiant and Frontier, they do not always fly to the destinations or schedules that travellers need. Additionally, larger airlines may be reluctant to offer competitive pricing, as they do not want to be undercut by smaller carriers.
The high cost of flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport has been a source of frustration for travellers in the region. Some have resorted to driving to nearby airports, such as Nashville or Atlanta, to find cheaper flights. However, this adds additional time and costs for travellers.
In response to the high airfares, some have called for a unified public strategy and action by elected officials to address the issue. Development programs that attract and maintain a presence of low-cost airlines are one way to help lower prices. Booking flights early and shopping around for the best prices can also help travellers save money when flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport.
While there have been efforts to reduce costs, with airfares dropping slightly from 2017 to 2018, McGhee Tyson Airport remains one of the most expensive airports in the US.
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The average airfare in 2018 was $449
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville was named the third most expensive airport in the United States in 2019, with the average airfare in 2018 being $449. This price marked a slight decrease from 2017, and airfares continued to drop at the airport into the first quarter of 2019, when it was ranked the 8th or 9th most expensive airport in the country.
Despite this decrease in airfare costs, travellers from Knoxville have noted that flying from McGhee Tyson Airport remains expensive. Some have suggested driving to Nashville or Atlanta to save money, as the average airfare from Nashville International Airport was $351 in 2018, and $362 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The high cost of flying from Knoxville is not due to airport executives, who have little control over airline charges. Instead, airfares are based on seasonality, load factors, competition, and various airlines' market shares.
To save money, travellers are advised to book flights early, as ticket prices tend to increase closer to the day of departure. Shopping around before booking can also help to find lower prices, as airline prices can fluctuate throughout the day. Expanding services from low-cost airlines, such as Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, have also helped to lower costs for travellers from McGhee Tyson Airport.
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Knoxville has a couple of low-fare carriers, but they don't cater to all schedules or airports
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville has been named one of the most expensive airports in the United States. In 2019, it was ranked as the third most expensive airport in the country, with the average airfare being $449. Knoxville has a few low-fare carriers, such as Allegiant and Frontier, but their services may not align with the schedules or airports that travellers need.
The limited options for low-cost carriers at Knoxville Airport can be attributed to a variety of factors. One possible reason is that the market demand for certain schedules or destinations might not be high enough to warrant additional low-fare flights. Another factor could be the presence of larger carriers, which may deter smaller airlines from competing directly with them.
The airport staff at McGhee Tyson has recognized the need for more affordable options and is actively pursuing partnerships with other airline carriers, such as Southwest Airlines. By expanding their offerings, the airport hopes to provide more diverse schedule options and competitive pricing for travellers.
While Knoxville does have some low-fare carriers, their limited schedules and destinations might not suit every traveller's needs. As a result, those with more specific itinerary requirements may need to consider alternative airports or modes of transportation, such as driving to nearby cities with cheaper airfare options, like Nashville or Atlanta.
To save money, travellers are advised to book flights early, as ticket prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Shopping around and comparing prices before booking can also help identify the best deals, as airline prices can fluctuate throughout the day.
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Airport executives have little control over airline charges
According to aviation and travel behaviour expert Laurie Garrow, a professor at Georgia Tech, airport executives have little control over the fares airlines choose to charge. This was affirmed by George Korda, a political analyst for WATE-TV, who stated that airport staff cannot resolve the issue alone.
In 2019, McGhee Tyson Airport was named the third most expensive airport in the United States, with the average airfare in 2018 being $449. However, the cost of flying from the airport dropped slightly from 2017 to 2018. Knoxville residents have noted that it is often cheaper to drive to a different city and fly from a different airport, with one person stating that driving two hours to Nashville International Airport saved them around $400.
To attract more affordable airlines, airport executives can implement development programs that aim to attract and maintain ultra-low-cost airlines. For example, Allegiant Air expanded its service from McGhee Tyson Airport in 2019, helping to lower costs. Additionally, booking flights early can help travellers cut down on costs, as ticket prices tend to be higher closer to the day of departure.
While airport executives may have limited control over airline charges, they can take steps such as working to attract low-cost airlines and encouraging travellers to book in advance to help reduce the financial burden on passengers.
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Booking early can help cut down on costs
Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport has often been named one of the most expensive airports in the United States. While airport executives have little control over fares, there are still ways to cut down on costs when flying out of Knoxville. One effective way to save money is by booking early. Ticket prices tend to be higher the closer you get to the day of departure, so planning in advance can significantly reduce costs.
For example, in 2019, the average airfare from McGhee Tyson was $449. However, travellers reported finding cheaper flights by booking early. One traveller compared the price of a flight from Knoxville to Minneapolis, which was $386, to the same flight from a nearby airport, which was $213. By driving a couple of hours to the nearby airport, they saved $346 for two people. While driving to a farther airport may not always be feasible, it can be a significant cost-saving measure for some.
Another strategy for finding lower fares is to shop around before booking. Airline prices can fluctuate, even within a single day. Therefore, it is worth monitoring prices for a while before booking to ensure you get the best deal. Additionally, expanding the range of airports and airlines you consider can also help you find more affordable options.
While Knoxville does have a couple of low-fare carriers, such as Allegiant and Frontier, their schedules and destinations may not always align with travellers' needs. Nevertheless, the expansion of these low-cost carriers at McGhee Tyson has helped to lower costs for travellers. By actively pursuing partnerships with other low-cost airlines, such as Southwest, the airport can further drive down prices.
In conclusion, while Knoxville's airport has a reputation for high prices, travellers can still find ways to cut down on costs. Booking early, shopping around, and considering alternative airports and airlines can all help to make flying from Knoxville more affordable.
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Frequently asked questions
Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport was ranked as the third most expensive airport in the United States in 2019. The airport's high ranking is due to a variety of factors, including seasonality, load factors, competition, and various airlines' market share.
Flying from a different airport can save travellers a significant amount of money. For example, the average airfare at Nashville International Airport was $213-$351 in 2018, compared to McGhee Tyson's average of $449.
To lower airfares, the airport has been in talks with low-cost airlines like Allegiant and Southwest. Additionally, travellers can book flights early, as ticket prices tend to increase closer to the departure date.
