Airport Security Guide

Knoxville (TYS) Security Tips

TYS has 2 security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck lanes. Security is busiest Weekday mornings around 5–8am (Mondays can push waits toward 30–45 minutes) and weekday evenings roughly 4–7pm.. Use the Leave-By Time calculator to fold the modeled TYS wait forecast, your drive, and gate-walk into one exact departure time.

How many security checkpoints does TYS have?

TYS has 2 security checkpoints across 1 terminal (Main). TSA PreCheck dedicated lanes are available, giving members a faster, bin-free screening experience. PreCheck is open at the main checkpoints during regular screening hours, though an individual lane can close off-peak.

When is TYS security busiest?

TYS security lines are typically longest during Weekday mornings around 5–8am (Mondays can push waits toward 30–45 minutes) and weekday evenings roughly 4–7pm.. Outside those windows, wait times drop substantially — check the TYS wait forecast for the current picture before you head out. General guidance:

• Domestic flights: arrive at least 2 hours before departure; 2.5 hours during peak periods.
• International flights: arrive at least 3 hours before departure to cover check-in, security, and any customs pre-clearance.

Not sure when to leave? The Leave-By Time calculator uses the modeled TYS wait forecast, real-time traffic, and your gate-walk distance to give you an exact departure time. Also see how early to arrive at the airport for a full breakdown by flight type.

Which TYS security checkpoint is fastest?

TYS has two checkpoints on the upper level — one near the Delta/United ticket counters and one near the American ticket counter; both are open 4:00am until the last flight of the day and offer PreCheck, so use whichever lines up with your airline's counter rather than assuming one is faster..

CLEAR is not currently available at TYS. TSA PreCheck at TYS remains the best single upgrade for reducing your security wait.

What are the top TYS airport security tips?

These tips are specific to Knoxville (TYS) and verified against current airport configuration:

• TYS has two TSA checkpoints rather than one — check in at the counter nearest your airline (Delta/United side or American side) and use that checkpoint; PreCheck lanes operate at both.
• CLEAR is not available at TYS as of this writing — don't plan on using it here even if you're a member.
• Typical off-peak waits run roughly 10–15 minutes and PreCheck usually clears in under 10 minutes, but Monday mornings around 5am have been reported pushing regular-lane waits to 30–45 minutes — build in extra buffer that day.
• TYS is a small 12-gate, single-terminal airport, so once through security every gate is a short walk — you won't need the long-concourse buffer time you would at a major hub.
• There are no commercial airline lounges at TYS; the Freedom Foyer, a USO-affiliated lounge, is open to active-duty military and their families only.

Does TYS have TSA PreCheck?

Yes — TYS has TSA PreCheck lanes at its security checkpoints. PreCheck members keep shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and 3-1-1 liquids packed, and pass through a dedicated screening lane. Membership costs $85–$100 for five years and includes a Known Traveler Number (KTN) you add to every booking.

See live PreCheck wait times and current lane status on the TYS TSA PreCheck page. That page also covers which terminals have a PreCheck lane, enrollment locations, and how PreCheck compares to CLEAR and Global Entry at TYS.

TYS does not host a Global Entry enrollment center or Enrollment on Arrival, so the interview has to be completed at another location — but membership still pays off here, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck for the TYS PreCheck lanes. Details on Global Entry at TYS.

TYS security at a glance

See also: Live TYS TSA wait times · TSA PreCheck at TYS · How early to arrive at the airport