BNA Airport Improvements (Knoxville: hotel, home, construction)

[widespreadfan]

I was at the airport last week for the first time in years. I dropped off someone at 5 am. The traffic was horrible even that early. I cannot for the life of me understand why there are two stop lights after you drop off someone to get back onto I40. All of this is just going to clog up traffic exiting from the airport. There should be a direct path to I40 that does not involve stop lights. This design is another reason Nashville is not a top tier city.

[nashvols]

So the fact that the airport, which is undergoing a multi-billion dollar expansion, has two stop lights between the drop-off area and I-40 is a reason that Nashville is not a top tier city?

Do you have any other complaints?

[mj7543]

I picked up my parents from BNA last night around 9:30. I’ve flown out of most major airports in the country over the last few years and IMHO BNA is the worst airport by far. My parents complained there were no moving sidewalks walking from their gate to baggage. That would be a great benefit to them. However, this is a small issue compared to the horrendous traffic back up in the arrival pick up lanes. BNA has eliminated the parking garage (it’s valet)closest to the terminal that I used to be able to use prior to this latest renovation. Therefore I’m unable to effectively park and go inside the terminal and assist them with their luggage. I instead spent 30 minutes slow cruising around the terminal parking lot in 5 mph traffic. I flew out of ATL about three years ago and it took me less than 10 minutes to go from the departing flight traffic lanes, thru TSA to my gate (On a busy Thursday morning BTW).

[BhoThree]

Picking up at arriving flight is a nightmare during the construction. It really is horrible. It's chaos.

[shinestx]

Originally Posted by mj7543

I picked up my parents from BNA last night around 9:30. I’ve flown out of most major airports in the country over the last few years and IMHO BNA is the worst airport by far. My parents complained there were no moving sidewalks walking from their gate to baggage. That would be a great benefit to them. However, this is a small issue compared to the horrendous traffic back up in the arrival pick up lanes. BNA has eliminated the parking garage (it’s valet)closest to the terminal that I used to be able to use prior to this latest renovation. Therefore I’m unable to effectively park and go inside the terminal and assist them with their luggage. I instead spent 30 minutes slow cruising around the terminal parking lot in 5 mph traffic. I flew out of ATL about three years ago and it took me less than 10 minutes to go from the departing flight traffic lanes, thru TSA to my gate (On a busy Thursday morning BTW).

"The worst airport by far"? Did you notice the 8 massive construction cranes at the airport? LOL why don't you wait till construction is finished to render judgment? The airport is going through more than a 'renovation'. It's a major expansion to double capacity, and presently the middle has literally been cut out. They are effectively building a new passenger terminal around the old one. The garage you referring to is going to be replaced with a larger capacity and a hotel on top. To do this while operations are not only continuing but also ramping back up after the pandemic will (News Flash!) cause CHAOS. The new building will include plenty of moving walkways and improved landside ingress/egress. Instead of cruising around the ring road for a half hour, I suggest you use the cell phone lot, which is exactly why it's set up. If everyone did that, the arrivals pickup lanes would be much better.

I fly out of ATL at least 3X a quarter and I've never gotten from any parking lot/garage thru TSA and to my gate in 10 minutes. More like 30 minutes (tops) to 45 minutes. In fact their TSA is notorious for dithering and clogging at the worst times. So you hit it on a really good morning.

[N.Cal]

Originally Posted by mj7543

I picked up my parents from BNA last night around 9:30. I’ve flown out of most major airports in the country over the last few years and IMHO BNA is the worst airport by far. My parents complained there were no moving sidewalks walking from their gate to baggage. That would be a great benefit to them. However, this is a small issue compared to the horrendous traffic back up in the arrival pick up lanes. BNA has eliminated the parking garage (it’s valet)closest to the terminal that I used to be able to use prior to this latest renovation. Therefore I’m unable to effectively park and go inside the terminal and assist them with their luggage. I instead spent 30 minutes slow cruising around the terminal parking lot in 5 mph traffic. I flew out of ATL about three years ago and it took me less than 10 minutes to go from the departing flight traffic lanes, thru TSA to my gate (On a busy Thursday morning BTW).

I don't know if you can use last night as a good test as there was a murder on one of the roads leading to the airport so there was going to be traffic no matter what. There are TWO parking garages, one right across from the terminal. Valet is only on the first level.

[mj7543]

Originally Posted by shinestx

"The worst airport by far"? Did you notice the 8 massive construction cranes at the airport? LOL why don't you wait till construction is finished to render judgment? The airport is going through more than a 'renovation'. It's a major expansion to double capacity, and presently the middle has literally been cut out. They are effectively building a new passenger terminal around the old one. The garage you referring to is going to be replaced with a larger capacity and a hotel on top. To do this while operations are not only continuing but also ramping back up after the pandemic will (News Flash!) cause CHAOS. The new building will include plenty of moving walkways and improved landside ingress/egress. Instead of cruising around the ring road for a half hour, I suggest you use the cell phone lot, which is exactly why it's set up. If everyone did that, the arrivals pickup lanes would be much better.

I fly out of ATL at least 3X a quarter and I've never gotten from any parking lot/garage thru TSA and to my gate in 10 minutes. More like 30 minutes (tops) to 45 minutes. In fact their TSA is notorious for dithering and clogging at the worst times. So you hit it on a really good morning.

Maybe I did catch ATL on a good day/weekend. Regardless it was the most organized and efficient TSA I’ve experienced. BTW, I stop at cell phone lot prior to cruising the arrival lanes. There were barely any parking places and when I did find one the truck in front of me left her headlights on so I could enjoy them while waiting. Granted maybe the experience will greatly improve once BNA completes its renovation/reconstruction/expansion etc. Still I stand by statement “worst airport by far”. I’ve flown through every major airport in the country with the exception of San Francisco and O’Hare. Reagan National is a close second behind BNA. I’ve flown out of Birmingham and Knoxville as well but those are not a fair comparisons. Flying out of those two towns is like flying out of Nashville in the 1980’s.

[TBruno23]

Originally Posted by shinestx

I suggest you use the cell phone lot, which is exactly why it's set up. If everyone did that, the arrivals pickup lanes would be much better.

This is what I typically do, although that tiny little cell phone lot is a circus in itself. It's way too small to handle BNA volume. I typically have to wait in a line of cars just to enter, then navigate into a cherished empty spot within the single lane of parking. Not to mention that single row is fenced in on both sides, creating quite the jam when folks can't find a spot and have to turn around amidst others attempting to come and go.

Not sure if expanding the lot is part of the improvement plan, but I sure hope so. And I absolutely agree with the advice, but if everyone tried pulling into that lot there might be a backup all the way to I-40!

[CountryGirl2b=]

I still wish there was a short term parking option that didn't cost $22. And I miss the Express Park option that was off property. It felt way more secure and better lit than the Economy Lots. All three lots that are close to the terminal are showing less than 10% - two less than 3%. And it's not even summer. I miss the big window at the Starbucks where you could have a coffee, wait for your loved ones, and see them through the glass. Heck, I miss Starbucks! I used to like flying home to BNA. Not so much anymore . . . but I often find that 'improvements' aren't necessarily a good thing in a lot of instances. Like the electronic boards they put into some McDonalds to order by . . . or the Kindle Paperwhite . . .

[septimus]

Originally Posted by CountryGirl2b=

I still wish there was a short term parking option that didn't cost $22. And I miss the Express Park option that was off property. It felt way more secure and better lit than the Economy Lots. All three lots that are close to the terminal are showing less than 10% - two less than 3%. And it's not even summer. I miss the big window at the Starbucks where you could have a coffee, wait for your loved ones, and see them through the glass. Heck, I miss Starbucks! I used to like flying home to BNA. Not so much anymore . . . but I often find that 'improvements' aren't necessarily a good thing in a lot of instances. Like the electronic boards they put into some McDonalds to order by . . . or the Kindle Paperwhite . . .

I flew out this weekend. It was crowded. Hardly any parking available on Thursday afternoon. They also need to expand the AA lounge it was standing room only which defeats the purpose of a lounge.