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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions received via e-mail and phone calls. Common myths and misconceptions are below as well.

Questions:

  1. What is the Airport's address, phone number and other contact information?
  2. What airlines serve Tri-Cities Regional Airport?
  3. What are TRI's non-stop destinations?
  4. How much does it cost to park at TRI?
  5. How and with whom do I file a complaint?
  6. How do I make airline reservations?
  7. How can I get the lowest possible fare?
  8. Why doesn't Southwest Airlines or Air Tran Airways fly into Tri-Cities?
  9. How do I find out about employment opportunities?

Answers:

  1. Tri-Cities Regional Airport *located just 3 miles off Interstate 81 at Exit 63.

    P.O. Box 1055
    2525 Highway 75
    Blountville, TN 37617

    		 
    Phone: (423) 325-6000
    Fax:   (423) 325-6060
    E-mail: comments@triflight.com
  2. Allegiant Air, Delta Connection and U.S. Airways Express.
  3. Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Orlando (SFB) and Tampa (Clearwater/St. Petersburg).
  4. Short Term Parking Rates: $1.00 for each half-hour up to a maximum of $10.00 for 24 hours. Long Term Parking Rates: $1 for each hour up to a maximum of $8.00 for 24 hours.
  5. If a complaint involves an airline's fares, service, schedules or personnel, a formal complaint should be filed with the appropriate airline.  If a complaint involves parking, Airport facilities, Airport services or Airport personnel, a formal complaint may be filed with the Airport Services Desk at (423) 325-6000 or by writing the Tri-Cities Airport Commission, P.O. Box 1055, Blountville, TN 37617 or by email at comments@TRIflight.com.   
  6. There are many ways to book tickets for a flight.  You can book tickets on our online booking engine on our home page.  You can also contact a travel agent. A listing of agents can be found on this website. Plus, you can book directly with an airline through their website or by calling their 1-800 reservations line.
  7. BE FLEXIBLE! Book early and include a Saturday night stay if possible. Travel agents can help you find good fares and simplify the booking process for you.  When booking online, make sure you check a variety of times and days to find the best possible fare. Also read the fine print before purchasing. Most of the discounted fares are very restricted and non-refundable.
  8. Tri-Cities Regional Airport would welcome Southwest or Air Tran; however the Tri-Cities market area does not currently meet the companies' requirements for population and travel demand. They can use their aircraft in other cities and gain many more passengers than we can provide. We'll keep trying though.
  9. If you are interested in employment with an airline, you must contact the airline. Each carrier is responsible for hiring its own desk, flight and ground crew members. If you are interested in a position with TSA (Transportation Security Administration), please visit this website at http://www.tsa.gov/join/index.shtm.  If you are interested in employment with Tri-Cities Regional Airport, please check the job listings in the Doing Business with TRI section of the website or contact Kathy Yakley at (423) 325-6003.

Fact or Fiction: 

Over the years, several myths have developed about Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Here's a glimpse into what's myth and what's reality.

Myth: If the Airport wants more passengers, it should just reduce fares.
If only it were that easy. Unfortunately, TCRA does not set fares, the airlines do. Airline pricing and revenue staff use complicated yield management systems to adjust fares and restrictions to gain the maximum revenue in a market. In an effort to encourage competitive fares, the Airport staff works diligently with the airlines to help keep fares balanced. When the Airport discovers a non-competitive fare, an airline representative is made aware of the situation.

TRI usually has competitive fares. However, because only a percentage of the seats per flight are offered at a reduced rate, these fares are sold quickly. An airport with enough passengers to support larger aircraft will have a greater number of tickets to sell at a reduced rate.

Myth: My ticket would be cheaper out of Tri-Cities if the Airport didn't charge the airline so much.
Airlines set fares based on competition and demand. TRI's fee structure is very competive with similar size airports. 

Myth: If the Airport lowered landing fees, more airlines would come to TRI.
Landing fees at TRI are very reasonable and have little to do with ticket prices. In fact, Tri-Cities charges less than Knoxville, Asheville or Chattanooga. While airlines always consider costs of operating at an airport, the number one reason a carrier serves a city is passenger demand.

Myth: The Airport can quote or book fares.
The staff of TCRA cannot quote or book flights. However, you can now search and book your airline tickets through our online booking engine on the Airport's website at http://www.triflight.com/. 

Working with a travel agent also provides a more personalized planning process. A travel agent can quote or book a flight, hotel room and rental car. The agent can help coordinate plans and has access to travel packages. A listing of agents for the region can be found on this website.

Airport leaders are always interested in feedback from the public. If you have questions or comments, please write to P.O. Box 1055, Blountville, TN 37617 or email us at comments@triflight.com.



Contact Information

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1055
2525 Highway 75
Blountville, TN 37617

Phone Numbers
Phone: (423) 325-6000
Fax: (423) 325-6060

E-mail: comments@triflight.com