20 Tips for Getting the Best Flights to Gatlinburg

Between the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, the iconic entertainment scene, and delicious Southern dining, Gatlinburg has something for everyone!

But before you start researching all of the exciting things to do in Gatlinburg, take some time to consider your flight options. Finding the best flights will help you save money and take some stress away, so you’ll have more time to focus on doing what you want to do — like going on the best hikes in Gatlinburg.

Getting good deals on airline tickets doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With our suggestions, you’ll be able to easily compare rates and find great deals.

Hotels in Gatlinburg

Booking your flight and accommodations at the same time is the best way to plan a visit.

There are many places to stay throughout the city, but Westgate Smoky Mountains Resort & Water Park offers a central location with beautiful views of the mountains, along with flexible rates and various room sizes to fit the whole family!

Now, let’s delve into the top 20 tips for finding the best flights to Gatlinburg!

1 | Set Your Airport Destination | The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is the McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS).

Use this as your destination to sort through flights faster and make sure you don’t get recommended flights that are farther away. TYS is a 40-minute drive from Gatlinburg and offers the closest commute to the city.

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2 | Book Early | Booking a few weeks to a month ahead of your trip can help you score cheap flights to Gatlinburg, TN.

Rates are higher closer to your departure, so it pays to be proactive. If you’re taking a connective flight, booking ahead can also help you get better connections for a smoother journey.

3 | Be Flexible with Your Dates | Consider traveling before peak travel times to avoid crowds and higher costs.

Gatlinburg is especially popular during June through August, as well as late December to early January for the Christmas season. While it’s still worth a visit during the summer and winter, consider comparing room costs and flight deals on different weeks to see which one has the best offer.

4 | Use Travel Comparison Sites | Use multiple sites to compare the cost of flights to Gatlinburg. Many also have hotel combination bookings that can save you time and even money on your stay.

5 | Look Directly at Airlines Sites | You don’t have to book through a third party.

Try checking out airlines directly to see what their current deals are. You may be surprised to find that a trip booked through an airline is cheaper than what you get on a travel site.

6 | Consider Flying into Nearby Airports | Flights to certain airports may be cheaper than flying directly to TYS. Consider Nashville International Airport (BNA) or the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), then take a rental car to reach Gatlinburg.

7 | Look at Flights with Layovers | One of the easiest ways to get cheap flights to Gatlinburg is to take a flight with a layover. This could be a few hours, but it could save you hundreds! Plus, the break between flights can give you time to freshen up and grab a bite to eat.

For those who want to take a real travel adventure, you can even stay in a connecting location overnight and enjoy exploring another city before you reach Gatlinburg! This can be a good idea for families with small kids who get restless on planes.

8 | Sign Up for Travel Alerts | Travel sites let you opt in for notifications when prices drop, or special deals launch. Monitor price changes over the course of one to two weeks and be the first to book when prices drop!

9 | Use Rewards | Check if you have any frequent flyer miles or credit card rewards that could go toward your tickets. Many people forget about these and miss out on savings.

10 | Book Connecting Flights Separately | You may be able to save money by booking connecting flights on your own. This can also give you greater flexibility in take-off and arrival times or allow you to schedule a break between flights.

11 | Travel Midweek for Better Deals | The middle of the week tends to have lower flight prices than the weekend. Plus, you’ll likely have thinner crowds to deal with at the airport.

12 | Always Check Baggage Fees | A cheaper ticket may not be as low as you think if the airline has hefty baggage rates. Know how much you’re bringing and pay close attention to additional fees if your suitcase is over the weight limit.

13 | Clear Your Browser Cookies | Whenever you’re heading to a new site or starting a new search for tickets, clear your cookies. Airline and travel sites will increase the costs if they know you’ve been comparing flights.

14 | Consider One-Way Tickets | Rather than booking round-trip flights to Gatlinburg, consider buying your departure and return tickets separately. Check costs and see how they compare.

15 | Use Different Airports | You may want to fly into one airport but return from another because the cost is cheaper. Compare the airports near you to see which ones offer the best deals. This can also change depending on the day, so you may book different ones depending on the time of year.

16 | Look for Package Deals | Many sites offer discounts if you book your flight and lodging at the same time.

17 | Look for Senior and Student Discounts | There may be discounts on flights for students or senior citizens. If applicable, be sure to apply these to your flight.

18 | Consider a Red-Eye Flight | Booking a red-eye flight early in the morning or overnight could be cheaper than flying during the day.

19 | Use Incognito Mode | Just like clearing your cookies can be helpful, browsing in incognito mode may help you see better deals on airline and travel websites.

20 | Get Travel Insurance | Travel insurance can reimburse you if your flight is delayed or canceled and can even contribute toward emergency accommodations. It’s a good investment that can give you peace of mind.

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Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Gatlinburg

Once you’ve found the right flight, it’s time to start planning your dream trip! The Great Smoky Mountains await! From Gatlinburg magic shows to the best Gatlinburg bowling spots, you'll never have a dull moment.

Whether you’re looking for the best food in town or exciting activities the whole family can enjoy, our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog can help you plan your dream Gatlinburg getaway.

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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.