Memphis International Airport
One of the two busiest airports in Tennessee is located nine miles south of Memphis, the main city on the western side of the state. Nearly nine million travelers fly into Memphis each year from dozens of domestic and international destinations. AirTran, American, Delta, SeaPort Airlines, United, and US Airways are the carriers with regular services to Memphis. The busiest route is to Atlanta, followed by Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Delta uses Memphis Airport as a hub, handling most of the flights here.
The three terminals each contain a good selection of eateries and shops. There are ATMs, banking services, a health clinic, and a business center on site, along with a VIP lounge for Delta Airlines. Passengers can browse the artwork on display at the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art or pay a small fee to access the WiFi internet. Ground transportation is provided by several sources. Taxis and limos available outside, along with shared shuttle vans that are more economical. Many Memphis area hotels also provide complimentary pickups for their guests. There are also eight major car rental firms on site, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. Three interstate highways surround the airport, ensuring easy access to points all around the region.
Nashville International Airport
Tennessee’s other major airport is situated right outside of Nashville, the main city on the eastern side of the state. Every year, more than nine million passengers fly into Nashville from dozens of cities around the country. Flights also run from Toronto, Canada, via Air Canada, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, via Sunwing Airlines. American, Delta, Frontier, SeaPort Airlines, Southwest, United, and US Airways handle all of the regularly scheduled flights into Nashville. This airport is an important hub for Southwest Airlines, which offers most of the flights. The busiest route into Nashville is from Atlanta, followed by Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, Detroit, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
There are three levels in the terminal at Nashville Airport. Level 1 handles all of the ground transportation, Level 2 is for Baggage Claim and tourist information, while Level 3 is the main ticketing concourse and where all of the passenger amenities are located. There are more than a dozen different eateries on Level 3, from fast food joints to sit-down restaurants. The range of shops includes Hudson News outlets, souvenir shops, and several music-focused gift shops. Other services include a massage center, health clinic, beauty salon, and Wi-Fi internet.
Ground transportation is covered by taxis and limos, along with 24-hour airport shuttle vans and hotel courtesy shuttles. More than 30 area hotels provide free pick ups for their guests, so check with the Hotel Information Kiosk outside Baggage Claim to see if your hotel is one of them. There are also nine major car rental chains here, including Advantage, Enterprise, and Thrifty. The new rental car facility is adjacent to the terminal.