TRI Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know TRI Airport
Discover Tri-Cities Airport, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and air travel efficiency. Ideal for both business and leisure, TRI simplifies your journey with essential amenities.
Our concise guide provides everything from flight updates to parking and dining options, ensuring a seamless experience at TRI. For a deeper dive into airport insights, explore our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.
iFly Tip: Find the most convenient parking options for your trip on our Airport Parking page.
Navigating TRI's Terminals
The airport has one terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 4 gates, while Concourse B has 6 gates. The airport serves several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which operate out of both concourses. Concourse A is also used by Allegiant Air, while Concourse B is used by Contour Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Passengers arriving at the airport can access the baggage claim area and ground transportation options on the lower level of the terminal building. The upper level houses the ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and the airport's retail and dining options.
To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signage and wayfinding systems, which are designed to make the airport experience as easy and stress-free as possible. The airport also offers a mobile app that provides real-time flight information, wayfinding assistance, and other useful features to help passengers navigate the airport with ease.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport has one terminal building that houses all of its facilities, including check-in, security, and baggage claim. As a result, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals for their flights. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily navigate through the terminal to your gate without the need for any additional transportation options. The airport is small and easy to navigate, so you can expect short walking times and a stress-free travel experience.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport (TRI) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from TRI-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Tri-Cities Airport is relatively small, but it’s easy to navigate. The main terminal is divided into two concourses, A and B. Make sure to check your boarding pass for your gate number, so you know which concourse to head to. There are clear signs throughout the terminal to guide you." — John D., Johnson City, TN, August 2023
"If you’re in a rush, the TSA PreCheck line can save you a lot of time. It’s located to the right of the main security checkpoint and usually has shorter wait times." — Emily R., Kingsport, TN, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Johnson City. I recommend using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft for convenience. There are also several car rental services available right at the airport." — Michael S., Bristol, TN, September 2023
"If you prefer public transportation, there’s a bus service that connects the airport to the Tri-Cities area. It’s affordable and runs on a regular schedule, but make sure to check the timings in advance." — Lisa M., Elizabethton, TN, October 2023
Parking
"Parking at TRI is straightforward. There are short-term and long-term parking options available, and both are within walking distance of the terminal. If you’re planning to park for more than a few days, the long-term lot is your best bet for saving money." — David H., Bluff City, TN, November 2023
"For those picking up passengers, the cell phone waiting lot is a great option. It’s free and allows you to wait until your party is ready for pickup, avoiding the need to circle around the airport." — Karen T., Greeneville, TN, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"Tri-Cities Airport has a few dining options, including a café and a bar. If you have some time before your flight, I recommend grabbing a bite at the café near Concourse A. The sandwiches are pretty good!" — Brian W., Johnson City, TN, January 2024
"For those looking to do some last-minute shopping, there’s a gift shop that offers a variety of souvenirs and travel essentials. It’s located near the main entrance, so you can easily pick up something before heading to your gate." — Jessica P., Kingsport, TN, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid delays, try to book flights that depart early in the morning. The airport is less crowded, and there are fewer chances of delays due to weather or air traffic." — Tom K., Bristol, TN, March 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays throughout the terminal. They are updated regularly and can help you stay informed about any changes to your flight status." — Rachel G., Elizabethton, TN, April 2024
"If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a small play area near Concourse B. It’s a great way to keep them entertained while waiting for your flight." — Anna L., Greeneville, TN, May 2024
iFly Tip: Learn the procedures for getting a gate pass at the airport by checking our gate pass page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles are not allowed to wait or park for any length of time. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are limited to a maximum of 5 minutes for loading and unloading.
For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal building. This area is free to use and allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once the passengers are ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the curbside for a quick and easy pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located on-site, including short-term and long-term options. The short-term lot is located directly in front of the terminal, making it convenient for those who need to park for just a few hours. The long-term lot is located a short distance from the terminal, but there is a shuttle service available to transport passengers and their luggage.
For those who are picking up passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive before entering the airport, which can save time and reduce traffic congestion.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the on-site parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are clearly marked with appropriate signage.
Off-airport parking is also available near Tri-Cities Airport. This can be a more economical option for travelers who are looking to save money on parking fees. Many off-airport parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to and from your car.
Transportation Options
TRI Airport offers several ground transportation options for travelers to choose from:
- Car Rentals: Several major car rental providers are located at TRI Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These companies offer a range of vehicles and competitive rates. The car rental center is conveniently situated within the airport, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental vehicle.
- Taxis: Taxi services are readily available at TRI Airport, with designated drop-off areas located just outside the terminal. Fares vary depending on your destination, so it is advisable to check with the taxi company for an estimate before starting your journey.
- Ride-Share Services: For a more budget-friendly option, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal, and fares are generally lower than traditional taxi services. Be sure to check for any restrictions on luggage and passenger capacity.
- Airport Shuttles: Several shuttle services operate to and from TRI Airport, providing convenient transportation to nearby cities and hotels. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal, and fares vary depending on your destination. It is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
- Public Transportation: The Tri-Cities Regional Transit Authority serves TRI Airport, offering bus service to various destinations in the area. Bus stops are located outside the terminal, and fares are affordable. This is a convenient option for travelers looking to save on transportation costs.
iFly Tip: Flying with a toddler? Let us help with practical advice found on our flying with children guide.
Airport Hotels
Discover the perfect place to rest and recharge during your travels. Whether you're seeking a comfortable layover spot, a convenient location for an early morning flight, or a base to explore the local area, we've got you covered. Our selection includes a range of hotels to suit all needs, from the convenient Courtyard Pasco Tri-Cities Airport to the charming Clover Island Inn. For those seeking a bit of entertainment during their stay, the Studio 6 in Pasco, WA houses a casino for your enjoyment. Explore our list of TRI Airport Hotels to find the perfect hotel for your needs.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Tri-Cities Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks located in the main terminal. If you have a little more time, grab a table at Blue Ridge Tavern for a sit-down meal. Their menu features classic American cuisine and a full bar with local craft beers on tap. Another great option is Tailwind, a restaurant and bar located in the airport's terminal building. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as a selection of cocktails and beers.
When it comes to shopping, there are several stores to browse through. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Tri-Cities Trading Post located in the main terminal. They offer a variety of local products, including handmade crafts, clothing, and food items. If you're in need of some reading material for your flight, stop by Hudson News for a selection of newspapers, magazines, and books. For travel essentials like snacks, drinks, and toiletries, visit the CNBC Smartshop located in the terminal building.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at TRI can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal building for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport features a designated children's play area near the gate area, equipped with a variety of toys and games.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to contact the airport in advance if you require any additional assistance.
- ATM: ATMs are available in the main terminal, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the main terminal building. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on flight status information to avoid unnecessary delays and inconveniences. At Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport, passengers can easily access flight status information through various methods.
One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate their flight by searching for their airline and flight number on the display.
In addition to FIDS, passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps that provide real-time updates on flight status information. Passengers can download these apps on their smartphones and receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Tri-Cities Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport (TRI) is located in Blountville, Tennessee, United States, serving the Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina regions.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that handles all flights.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air. For a list of all airlines, check out the TRI Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport handles approximately 3,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 30 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from TRI are Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Tampa.
- Hub Status: Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport is a hub for Allegiant Air, which operates over 90% of the airport's flights.
Airport History
The Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport, also known as the Tri-Cities Regional Airport, has a rich history dating back to the early 1940s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- In 1940, the airport was built by the federal government as a training base for military pilots during World War II.
- After the war, the airport was turned over to the local government and became a public airport.
- In 1952, the airport received its first commercial airline service from Capital Airlines.
- In 1961, the airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
- In 1987, the airport underwent a major renovation and expansion, which included the construction of a new terminal building.
- In 1999, the airport was renamed to Tri-Cities Regional Airport to reflect its regional importance.
- In 2014, the airport completed another expansion project, which included the addition of a new concourse and more parking spaces.
- Today, the airport serves over half a million passengers annually and continues to be an important hub for air travel in the region.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about TRI, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: TRI
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 423-325-6000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Tri-Cities Airport, 2525 TN-75, Blountville, TN 37617, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Tri-Cities Tennessee Airport Q&A
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