Nashville International Airport® Shares Travel Tips as Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer Season

WHAT: As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel, Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, is prepared to welcome passengers throughout the holiday period.

Although the period is not typically among the airport’s busiest, BNA staff members are taking steps to ensure smooth operations. Teams are monitoring parking availability, maintaining appropriate staffing levels and supporting terminal activity to help travelers move efficiently through the airport.

To accommodate passengers throughout the travel period, BNA and its partners are implementing several operational enhancements, including:

• Traffic Coordination
  • The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will actively monitor and manage traffic, manually adjust traffic signals when necessary, and respond promptly to ease congestion during high‑volume days.

• Increased Staffing
  • Additional staff will support parking and valet operations to help manage traffic and improve passenger flow.

• Terminal Operations Support
  • Overflow stanchions will be in place to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with added queuing space during peak hours.
  • Shuttle service to and from the Satellite Concourse will be closely monitored, with all seven shuttles operating during high‑demand periods.

• Modified Schedule for Construction Blasting
  • A modified blasting schedule will be implemented for construction on the new parking garage and rental car facility.
  • There will be only one blast and brief three-to-five-minute traffic stop at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22.
  • There will be no blasting on Monday, May 25.

While record-breaking crowds are not expected, travelers are encouraged to review the travel tips below to help ensure a smooth airport experience:

• Make sure you have acceptable ID for TSA screening: If passengers arrive at the TSA checkpoint without an acceptable ID—including a non‑REAL ID compliant license or other approved identification—they may complete identity verification through TSA ConfirmID, TSA’s fee‑based alternative verification service. ConfirmID costs $45, and once completed, the verification is valid for 10 days from the travel start date entered during payment. This process allows TSA to securely verify a passenger’s identity so travelers can continue through screening in compliance with federal requirements.

• Arrive early. Arriving early allows travelers ample time to park, check in, and reach their gate without the stress of rushing. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the BNA's award-winning concessions, which highlight the spirit of Music City through local flavors, live music and Nashville-themed shops. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture before your flight takes off! Recommended arrival times are:
  • 2 hours before domestic flights
  • 3 hours before international flights

• Know alternate routes to and from BNA. While Exit 216A is a common choice, it’s helpful to be familiar with other options. Exit 216B and Murfreesboro Pike both provide reliable access to the airport, and knowing these routes in advance can make your trip smoother if traffic slows or congestion builds along your usual path. When leaving the airport, consider using Donelson Pike as alternative access to I-40.

• Check TDOT SmartWay. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) provides valuable, real‑time traffic information that can help travelers choose the best path to the airport—especially on busy travel days. By checking TDOT’s SmartWay cameras at smartway.tn.gov, drivers can see live traffic flow, construction activity and any incidents that may slow things down.

• Allow extra time for parking. Even without higher passenger numbers, parking areas can still get busy, and giving yourself a buffer helps ensure a smoother start to your trip. BNA offers six parking options, with full details and current availability available here. If parking in valet, passengers coming from I-40 will only be able to access this area from Exit 216B. Passengers parked in Economy Lots B or C can track their shuttle in real time here. 

• Take advantage of our short-term parking! To alleviate congestion further and promote efficient traffic flow, visitors coming to retrieve family or friends are encouraged not to continuously circle Terminal Drive. Instead, they are offered the choice of complimentary or reduced-rate parking in the terminal garages, with rates varying based on their duration of stay:
  • FREE | up to 30 min
  • $15 | 30 –60 min
  • $33 | 60+ min

• Utilize the cell lot. To help reduce traffic congestion, drivers picking up passengers are encouraged to wait in BNA’s cell phone lot at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike. The lot is three miles from the airport and offers ample space along with digital signage that provides real-time flight updates. For reference, Terminal Drive—the roadway that circles the airport—is one mile long. Drivers who continuously loop Terminal Drive cover that distance and more, adding to traffic on the terminal roadways. Please allow 20 to 30 minutes after your loved one lands for them to exit the terminal and reach the curb. Click here for more information and helpful tips.

• Check the status of your flight before arriving at BNA. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline for the latest updates. Each airline is responsible for its own operations, from scheduling to customer care. Passengers should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before arriving at the airport.
  • Airline Media Contacts: Click Here

• Pack smart. Familiarize yourself with TSA's Top Travel Tips for a more efficient travel experience. Knowing what you can pack in your carry-on or checked bag — and how to prepare for security screening — can help you move through the checkpoint faster and with less stress.
  • TSA Media Contact: TSA Press Secretary Carter Langston

WHERE: Nashville International Airport

WHEN: May 21 - June 1 | Peak Travel Days: May 21, 22, 25 and 31