Nashville International Airport is preparing for its busiest travel period of the year as Fall Break travel ramps up, with added staffing, traffic support and ongoing construction projects affecting how travelers move through the airport.
Several measures will be in place from Oct. 1-26 to help manage increased traffic and passenger volume. Peak travel days are Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25.
BNA says the following tips will help travelers avoid delays and navigate the airport during Fall Break:
- Use terminal garages for pickups: Avoid circling Terminal Drive. Parking is free for up to 30 minutes, $18 for 30-60 minutes and $36 for more than an hour, with a $36 daily maximum.
- Use the cell lot: The free cell lot is at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike. Allow 20-30 minutes after landing for passengers to reach the curb.
- Take alternate routes: Consider I-40 Exits 216A and 216B or access from Murfreesboro Pike.
- Arrive early: Get to BNA at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time for parking, check your flight status before leaving and review TSA travel guidelines before packing.
BNA is adding personnel to parking and valet operations, while extra shuttle drivers will allow up to seven vehicles to transport passengers to and from the Satellite Concourse. Southwest Airlines is now using Gates C8 and C9 at the Satellite Concourse as part of its expanded operations.
The Department of Public Safety will monitor traffic and manually operate traffic signals on high-volume days. MNPD will also assist with traffic management during peak travel periods.
Overflow stanchions will also provide additional queuing space for TSA during peak hours.
BNA also said technology upgrades made at security checkpoints over the past 10 months have improved processing capabilities. TSA will be prepared to conduct K9 screening during high-throughput periods and use rolling starts to help prevent lines from building up.
Travelers should also be aware of several New Horizon construction projects and traffic changes at BNA.
- The exit from Terminal Garage 1 closed Sept. 23 as construction continues on a larger rental car facility and parking garage. Drivers can still travel between Terminal Garage 1 and Terminal Garage 2 using access points on Levels 2-6.
- Beginning Sept. 30, rental car and valet users are being directed toward a newly activated signalized intersection when leaving the airport. The new signal provides a protected left turn toward I-40 West, I-40 East and Donelson Pike through Exit 216B.
- Level 5 remains closed as work continues on the Central Core Enhancement project. The project will increase the number of escalators from six to 16 and elevators from two to three. Pedestrian access between the terminal and parking areas remains available on Level 1.
- Economy Lot B’s entrance and exit were also relocated Sept. 1. Drivers should access the lot directly from Terminal Drive and stay in the far-right lane when approaching the entrance and exit plaza.
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