The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority - Becky & Beth Tackle Travel Blog

      If you've got air travel questions,
             we've got the answers.

     Welcome to the Becky & Beth Tackle Travel blog. We are here
     as your "insiders" at McGhee Tyson Airport and we hope you find
     a lot of useful travel information by visiting us often. If you
     have a specific question you would like for us to talk about,
     feel free to email us at tackletravel@tys.org.
     We look forward to hearing from you!

April 11, 2012 -- Delta Air Lines: 71 years of service at McGhee Tyson Airport
Article Contributed By: Suzanna McCloskey

Delta Air Lines first came to McGhee Tyson Airport in April 1941. As a way of celebrating their 71 years of service to the millions of people who fly through Knoxville each year, Delta will be the focus of McGhee Tyson Airport’s blogs, Facebook posts (www.Facebook.com/FlyKnoxville) and Tweets (@flyknoxville) throughout the month of April. Learn more about this facinating airline and the wonderful things they have done in our community by visiting us often.

It all started in April 1941 but that wasn’t Delta’s only April milestone at McGhee Tyson Airport. In April 1982, when planning for the World's Fair was in full swing, Delta began serving the city with a jumbo jet service. Among the first visitors to use the new jets were Korean dancers scheduled to appear at the World’s Fair. The arriving new Delta jet, an L-1011 Tri-Star, could hold 306 passengers. Capt. Frank Moynahan, a longtime Delta pilot who flew the first Delta jumbo jet into Knoxville, said the airplane had quiet, fuel-efficient engines. The Tri-Star had three kitchens, movie screens and an 11-channel stereo for each seat. Four channels were for movies and seven were for music, from classical to pop to country.

Thank you Delta for serving TYS and for being committed to providing excellent air service for East Tennessee travelers! Happy 71st Anniversary!

This is Becky from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel.

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever
walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for
there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
- Leonardo da Vinci

March 2012

All About Walt Disney World - Part Four of Four

Make Disney an Interactive Experience

Want to participate in the magic? Well, several shows at Hollywood Studios let you become part of the show!

At the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, they choose audience members to become the crowd during a reenactment of the famous marketplace scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. I have been in this show many times. How, you might ask, does someone make it into the show when they only pick less than ten people out of an amphitheater that holds over 2,000 people?! I’ll let you in on my secrets. First, if you know you want to be in the show, wear a bright colored shirt to the park that day. Next, arrive early for the show and sit just off to the side of the control booth down front. When someone comes out to pick people, don’t just raise your hand. Jump up and down and put both hands in the air! Act like you want in the show and you’ll get in! It has worked every time for me! I have also participated in The Backlot Tour reenactment of a Pearl Harbor-type scene. Both times I had 700+ gallons of water dumped on me (I was wearing a rain suit…you still get a little wet). Just make sure to volunteer and act enthusiastic about it and you’re in! Not for you? That’s OK, just watch the shows because they are well worth it!

Make Disney Your Own

The Walt Disney World Resort has many special events throughout the year. Whether you want to go to a Christmas party, dress up for Halloween, or run a marathon through the parks, you can do it!

My favorite special event is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is an after hours, extra ticket event where you can trick-or-treat, see the characters in Halloween costumes, and watch special versions of the parade and the fireworks. To me, there is nothing like Disney in a costume! Honestly, how often do you get the chance to ride Pirates of the Caribbean dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow? That’s what I thought! Last time I went as Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz and had a blast! Of course, you don’t have to dress up. You can always go and be on the lookout for those folks like me who take costuming to a new level! Check it out if you happen to be at Disney during the fall.

Want your kids to have extra special memories? Well, Disney offers a ton of opportunities! If you have a little princess in your household, she might enjoy a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! Little girls get the Princess treatment, including hair and nails. The environment is awesome and the Cast Members (Disney code for "employee") do a great job making your Cinderella or Snow White makeover feel special! The boutique offers different packages and they do take reservations, which are highly recommended.

Don’t want to pay for anything else? There are plenty of free opportunities too. Many parks let kids participate in parades, shows, and the like. Just like with the adults, enthusiasm goes a long way when trying to get picked for these things.

One of my favorite free "memory makers" is at Hollywood Studios. The Star Tours ride offers the Jedi Training Academy for children ages 4-12 outside of the ride. Multiple times a day (the times are posted) a Jedi Master comes out and chooses young Padawans (Star Wars speak for Jedi in training) to learn the ways of the Force! Clothed in a Jedi robe and armed with a light saber, the Padawans are taken through a training session. Near the end of the session, two Stormtroopers arrive, followed by none other than Darth Vader himself! The Padawans each have a shot at fighting Vader. Together, with the help of Yoda, they defeat the scourge of the Republic and save the day! To make sure your little one gets a shot at the Jedi Academy, arrive early and sign them up. Go to the Sounds Dangerous attractions where you will see a sign indicating where the sign up area is located. The sign ups are on a first-come, first-served basis and your child will be assigned a time to return.

Most Importantly
Remember, when all is said and done, staying flexible and keeping your sense of humor will go a LONG way toward a happy vacation at Disney. Know when your family needs a break, and take one. Trying to do too much will just exhaust everyone, which is never a good thing. So, take some breaks, enjoy an ice cream (yes, even one that costs you $4!) while you people watch, or just go for a swim. Vacations are about making memories and enjoying each other! Oh…and take lots of pictures because, years from now, you will want that funny picture of Junior wearing a Goofy hat for bribery purposes!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

March 2012

All About Walt Disney World - Part Three of Four

Take A Break

Crowds of people are everywhere at Walt Disney World!
What do I do?

Here are some of my tips for getting out of the crowds and saving your sanity!

Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is magical but can be claustrophobic on busy days. I like to visit the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover when I need some space. This is a slow-moving ride that is elevated above Tomorrowland. The entrance is across from Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin near the mass of strollers that will be parked for that ride. I have never seen a line so you can walk on, sit down, and take a nice break as the PeopleMover zips in and out of rides and provides some funny dialogue along the way. This ride can also help you kill a few minutes before your Fastpass goes active for Buzz or Space Mountain!

Animal Kingdom
In Animal Kingdom, get a drink (or a meal, as I think this is the best counter service food in any park) at Flame Tree Barbecue. The seating area for Flame Tree Barbecue is beautifully landscaped and always offers a quiet place to hang out away from the crowds. There is also tons of shade in this area so it would be a great place to park a stroller containing a sleeping little one!

Hollywood Studios
When in Hollywood Studios, I always hit The Great Movie Ride. You may have to wait in a line but the line is inside and air conditioned! Also, you get to see some of Hollywood’s classic movies (just parts of them, of course) playing on a huge screen while you wait. Once on the ride, you get to sit and ride through the movies. Many times I have ridden this one just so I can sit in a cool place that is quiet!

EPCOT
EPCOT has a couple of "breaks" that I enjoy. If the line is short, hop on Spaceship Earth (yes, that big golf ball at the entrance). This ride lets you see the history of technology while you ride. In the Mexican Pavilion, there is a ride called El Rio del Tiempo (The River of Time). I have only seen a line at this ride once, and it allows you to ride in small boats in a blessedly cool and dark journey. Once you reach the American Pavilion, be sure to go inside and sit down for a performance by The Voices of Liberty. They are an amazing a cappella group, and you get to sit in the air conditioning and enjoy. Following their performance, take time to see the signature show titled The American Adventure. This show is a trip through the history of our great land. If the ending, featuring a montage of American history highlighting our journey as a nation, doesn’t make you proud to be an American, Disney should give you your money back! (They won’t, of course, but they should!)

Exit Strategy
What if you need more than just a break? What if you want to leave and everyone seems to be headed for the exit too? Getting out of the parks when everyone else is also trying to get out can be challenging! This is especially true of Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, which both feature a main street where pedestrian traffic seems to grind to a halt. My trick for getting out in a hurry is to get off that street and walk through the gift shops that are along the side. They all connect together and you can make it out quickly! And, I know I have said this more than once but it bears repeating: if you are in the shops, you are also in the air conditioning!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

March 2012

All About Walt Disney World - Part Two of Four

Disney Secrets

You’ve arrived at Walt Disney World! While at the park, I suggest arriving early and heading to the back of the park. Most people go left or right but not to the back. You can usually jump on a couple of rides before the crowd moves to the back of the park. Once the crowd sets in, you simply move to another area that is hopefully less crowded now!

Another suggestion is to pick your favorite ride and, grab a Fastpass if offered. What is a Fastpass? It is a reservation that you get by putting your admission ticket into a small machine that then gives you a printed reservation card to come back to the ride at a certain time. When your reservation time is active, you then get to "walk on" the ride in the Fastpass line. I suggest using these Fastpasses strategically! Know the rides with the longest lines (that vacation guide I mentioned buying before you travel should help you out here) and use the Fastpass system to avoid the long lines. There are plenty of rides with shorter lines you can ride while you wait on your Fastpass to become active. One word of warning: you can’t just go from ride to ride getting the Fastpasses. Once you have a Fastpass for one ride, you can’t get another one for a while. The Fastpass will tell you when you can get your next one. Also, the Fastpasses have an hour window to come back for your reservation. If it says from 2:30-3:30 p.m., that is the only timeframe you can use that Fastpass. Sound confusing? It really isn’t. Once you use one or two, you will get the hang of it and be a Fastpass veteran in no time!

Fastpass Strategies

My ride list for Fastpasses includes the following: Magic Kingdom – Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Peter Pan’s Flight. (I get the long lines on all of these except the Peter Pan one. However, if you want to ride it, the line is almost always long so grab a Fastpass!) Animal Kingdom – Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and Dinosaur. Hollywood Studios – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, and Star Tours. (Get that Fastpass early for Toy Story Mania. It is new and always packed!) EPCOT – Test Track, Soarin’, Mission SPACE, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Make sure to pay attention to the signs so you know how long the regular ride line is at that time. If the wait is a short one, don’t waste a Fastpass!

If you have small children, they may not be able to ride all the roller coaster type rides. This can leave Mom and Dad in a quandary as to who gets to ride the coaster and who gets to sit out with Junior. Never fear, Disney has thought of that! Simply go up and see the ride attendant at the entrance and one parent will be given a "Parent Swap" ticket. Then, Dad waits in the regular line and rides Mom gets to quickly get on the ride via the Fastpass lane when Dad is finished!

See…and Eat…Even More Magic

Love a parade? Well, the Disney parks are well known for elaborate parades! Make sure you ask about the parade route and get a spot early so you don’t miss a minute of the magic. Don’t really care about parades? If that is the case, head to the rides while the parade is going on for shorter lines!

It’s a vacation, so eating is going to be high up on the list of things to do! Disney gives you the opportunity to eat in everything from five-star restaurants all the way to popcorn carts on the corner of Main Street! Many of the sit-down meals offer character dining experiences, where your family comes face to face with Mickey, Snow White, or other lovable Disney characters. Use the guide book you purchased ahead of time to see which dining experiences fit your family’s taste. Also, make sure to book in advance – six months in advance if you can! Some dining has limited seating, and making a reservation takes planning. The hardest one to get into, based on my experience, is Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella’s Castle for breakfast. This experience puts you with all Disney’s famous Princesses, and the food is outstanding! There have been many times when I have been on the phone at 7 a.m. (when the phone lines open) exactly six months from the date I want to eat! Now, this is an extreme case as most other restaurants are fairly easy to get reservations for even up until the week before you go. If you are staying on Disney property, ask about adding the dining plan to your hotel and ticket package. It can save you money if you take advantage of the more expensive character dining.

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

March 2012

All About Walt Disney World - Part One of Four

The number one destination from McGhee Tyson Airport is Orlando, Florida! This may not be a surprise since Orlando is the land of Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter! But this popular family vacation mecca can be daunting on your first or second trip.

Since I’ve already discussed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I thought I would give everyone some tips from my secret battle plan for surviving the Walt Disney World Resort!

Leaving On a Jet Plane

With Orlando, you’ve got options, and that means it has never been easier to get there. Frontier Airlines, which also offers nonstop service to Denver and connections to the west, just announced they will begin flying to Orlando International on March 15! AirTran currently serves the Orlando International (MCO) market. However, AirTran announced that they plan to leave the Knoxville market due to the June AirTran/Southwest merge. That left a hole in our Orlando service. AirTran has been successful to Orlando, but the merger caused them to have to leave since, for right now, Knoxville doesn’t fit into the new structure of the merging airlines. Frontier, seeing the success of AirTran, stepped in and decided to fly the route! They bring their Airbus A319 aircraft with all leather seating, stretch seating option, and DIRECTV available. The ride to Orlando, which only takes about an hour and a half, will be even easier for parents who might be attempting to entertain very excited children! Allegiant Air also offers nonstop low fare service to Orlando, and they fly into Orlando Sanford (SFB) Airport. Where is that, you may ask? It is about 40 minutes outside of the Disney World Resort area. It is a much smaller airport than Orlando International so it can be a bit easier to navigate for first time travelers.

Ground Transportation Options

Once you arrive in Orlando, be aware that you have several options on how to get to the Walt Disney World Resort area. If you fly Frontier into Orlando International, you can take a cab, shuttle, rent a car or, if you’re staying at one of Disney’s resorts, take the Magical Express. The Magical Express is really just buses painted in fun ways that take people staying on Disney property to their hotels. If you fly into Orlando Sanford, be prepared to take a cab (can be very costly) or rent a car. Magical Express does not service this airport. Travel time to the resort area is about 20 minutes from MCO and 40 minutes from SFB.

Let the Magic Begin

If you haven’t been to Disney World, it can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s start with the basics. There are four parks that make up the Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. As with most everything at Disney, you have options when it comes to tickets. You can either go into one park a day or buy "Park Hopper" tickets that allow you to jump between parks in the same day. First timers may enjoy tackling one park daily, while those who have been multiple times usually like the flexibility of park hopping. Either way, prepare yourself and your family with comfortable clothes and shoes that fit the weather. While you are planning your trip, it is very helpful for Disney newbies to get a good vacation guide to the parks. That way you can know which rides are in each park, so when little Johnny wants to ride Dumbo, you aren’t in Hollywood Studios! Having this basic knowledge also allows you to plan what is on your family’s "must do" list. Sometimes, based on crowds, you may have lines that limit what you can do. If you have your "must do" list, then you can make sure to get those rides and events in first. Upon arrival at any of the parks, you should grab a map and a Times Guide. This will help you navigate the park and also know what time the parades, fireworks, etc. begin. Knowing the items on your "must do" list, off you can go!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

November 22, 2011 -DAY TWO: Three Small Children,Two Carry-Ons and a Parcel for Under The Tree...
Sometimes waiting for an arriving passenger and being responsible for picking them up at the airport can be stressful. McGhee Tyson Airport has worked hard to reduce the anxiety. Here's a few helpful tips to use when you are the one picking someone up from the airport, especially around the holidays.

Flight Status. Having more information makes me feel more in control of the situation. So, I always check the status of my flight (is it on time, delayed, etc.) before leaving home. The airport's website has two places to check on for this information. You can look under Arrivals/Departures or refer to our real time Flight Tracker.

Picking Up. First, use the airport's website to check the status of your flight. Then you can head out to the airport confidently knowing if the plane is on time or not. Once you arrive, there is no need to circle the airport waiting for Aunt Edna to claim her luggage and meet you on the curb! Just park in the Phone & Wait Lot located along Airport Loop Road. The Phone & Wait Lot allows you to stay with your vehicle while you wait for your guest to arrive. When your guest is ready to be picked up, they simply use their cellphone or one of the airport's courtesy telephones (located on the first floor) to arrange a pick-up location. This means you can sit in your warm car and listen to some music, read a book or thumb thorugh a magaazine. So, next time offer to be the one to pick up the relative/friend! You will look like a hero and you will secretly be getting some downtime in the process! Win-Win!

And again, from all of us at McGhee Tyson Airport, thank you for choosing to fly with us and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

November 21, 2011 -Three Small Children,Two Carry-Ons and a Parcel for Under The Tree...
Ah, the holidays! A time for joy and merriment with those you love. A time for going to Grandma's house even if that means an eight hour flight with three children who all decided to get sick 24 hours ago. A time for packing not only your clothes but also those carefully selected packages that will be given to loved ones...and then probably returned while you are not looking. The most wonderful time of the year! Right?

Well, that is what we are sold when we watch those lovely television commercials where the perfect holiday plays out around Product X! Ok, so the holidays at my house don't look like those Christmas commercials. Mom isn't dressed in a matching housecoat and slippers with her hair perfectly fixed while she drinks hot cocoa and watches her angles unwrap presents. I will spare you what it actually looks like. Let's just stay, it's not as pretty!

I bet many of you reading this are like me and struggle to make it through the gift buying, decorating, cooking for 12, traveling all around deal that makes up the Thanksgiving to New Year's Day timeframe. Add traveling by air to that list and things can get complicated if you don't know the ins and outs of flying. Let me just whip out my "Air Travel Wonder Girl" cape and I'll tell you the secrets of how to not only survive, but have a great time en route to your holiday destination!

Packing. Let's start before you ever leave home and talk about packing. Pack as light as you can and make sure that you look at EVERYTHING that your family will be taking onboard the plane. Of course you should check to make sure that all your liquids and gels are three ounces or less and contained in one quart size bag (one for each person), but you should also check to see what lurks in your children's carry-ons! Yes, that means dumping out little Johnny's backpack. You would be surprised to find that what kids pack can cause a whole lot of trouble at the airport's security checkpoint. Toy guns, toy knives or other such items may be great for your pint size superhero to use while chasing bad guys in the backyard, but not so good at airport security! All this preflight checking will save you time at the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) checkpoint because you will not have accidentally left anything in bags that is on the TSA prohibited items list.

The TSA offers a wealth of information about how to make your walk through the security checkpoint a smooth and quick one! Even though the TSA page mentions this, I don't think it can be said enough at this time of year. DO NOT wrap presents! The TSA will probably have to unwrap them and that is just going to be a bummer. Wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap all gifts. They will look better and you will not have to worry about them being unwrapped during the screening process.

Before moving on, I want to say one more thing about packing. If you are a parent, take a few minutes to gather some of your children's favorite things. Maybe they love to color. Great! Pack a coloring book and crayons. Perhaps your kids prefer movies. Grab a portable DVD player, iPad or other such device. Whatever will keep the kids happy will keep Mom and Dad stress free on the plane!

Dressing For the Airport. As you lay out everyone's clothes the night before your flight, take a minute to think about how what you are wearing will affect your travel experience. Will the shoes be easy to take off and put back on? Do your clothes have metal of any type that would set of the metal detectors? Are the clothes comfortable for sitting around in? All these questions will make air travel more relaxing. Victoria Beckham may travel in four-inch heels and a body hugging dress while leading four kids through an airport but that isn't for everyone! Be comfortable and your perspective will be better!

Arrive Early. The holidays are a popular time of the year for airports. The lines at the ticket counters and at the security checkpoint are sometimes long. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time. I would suggest two hours ahead of your flight. This gives you extra time to park, get checked in, entertain your children by looking at the fountain, get through the security checkpoint and make three restroom breaks for children. Once past security, you can kick back with a Starbucks Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha while relaxing in a rocking chair beside our 14-foot Christmas tree! Doesn't that sound much more relaxing than checking your watch every 30 seconds because you are afraid you are going to miss your flights while little Susie insists she needs another restroom break? I thought so!

Above all, be flexible and have a sense of humor when you travel. The things that annoy you now will be the funny stories you share in a couple of years. Just take out the couple of years and laugh about it now! Life is too short not to enjoy every moment with the ones you love...especially during the holidays!

From all of us at McGhee Tyson Airport, we wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

September 6, 2011 -- KnoxVegas to Las Vegas!
Allegiant Air just announced nonstop, low-fare service from McGhee Tyson Airport to Las Vegas starting November 18, 2011. Exciting news for our airport don't you think? And it's no wonder! There is SO MUCH to do in Vegas!

It's been a few years since my last visit to the city and when I started researching all they have to offer families, visitors and business travelers I was amazed to say the least.

First: They have the obvious things, things they are known for - shows and gambling. Some of the finest hotels and resorts are based in Las Vegas and offer an array of entertainment options. Right now, you can catch a show by Celine Dion, Barry Manilow , The Blue Man Group or illusionist Criss Angel to name a few. The celebrity entertainment is always changing so visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau to get a current list of shows and performances.

Second: It was surprising that the list of activities for families was so extensive. I was impressed! If your family loves to visit museums, there is the nationally recognized Madame Trousseau's Wax Museum or the Lied Children's Museum that features over 100 activities for your children.

Then, don't get me started on the Adventuredome lcoated in the Circus Circus hotel! It is an indoor amusement park (one of many in Las Vegas) that has rides for all ages.

If you get tired of spending time within the Las Vegas city limits, rent a rar and take a daytrip to the Grand Canyon. The closest rim of the canyon is only 280 miles away. That's not enough? Visit www.vegaskids.info for a complete listing of kids activities in and around the Las Vegas area. There is something for EVERYONE!

Third: Do you love food? Do your friends refer to you as a "Foodie"? Then don't miss out on your chance to dine at one of Wolfgang Puck's FOUR Las Vegas restaurants including Spago. Feast on foods from Paris chefs Guy Savoy or Joel Robuchon; New York experts Mario Batali adn Bobby Flay; or sink your teeth into the finest cuisines from Chicago chefs Jean Joho and soon experience the delectable morsels of chef Charlie Trotter. And you definitely don't want to miss out on experiencing the wonderful tastes only found at the M&M World! If you want a full list of all the savory things available in Las Vegas, visit the Epicurious website.

Really - I could go on and on and on and on about all there is to do in Las Vegas. It is more than lights and card games. It's an exciting place for kids and adults alike!

August 18, 2011 -- Tackling The Mile High City

I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days in Denver. Let me just say, if you like being outdoors, this is the city for you! With street malls, outdoor cafes, bicycles you can rent right on the sidewalk and the mountains just waiting to be explored, this city is a delight!

Let me back up and tell you folks how I got to Denver. We now have Frontier Airlines going nonstop to The Mile High City and I had never flown with Frontier. So, I visited www.frontierairlines.com and bought a ticket in the Classic Plus fare class. What is that fare class all about? Glad you asked! Frontier has Economy, Classic and Classic Plus fares. You get their same great service, leather seats and comfortable ride in the Airbus A319 on all the fares. With Classic, you get two free checked bags and some other great features. Buy Classic Plus and you get the two free checked bags, stretch seating, free DirectTV and lots of other added bonuses! Here is a little more about each fare class – FARE OPTIONS. Just remember, if you are checking bags, you might want to consider those Classic and Classic Plus fares. Even though Economy looks cheaper, it might not be once the bags are added onto the fare.

I’ll just say a couple more things about the flight and then we will "land" in Denver! If you like extra leg room, be sure to check into the stretch seating on Frontier. These special seats give you up to five extra inches of space and, let me tell, it makes a big difference! (It’s free with Classic Plus!) Also, any flight that leaves after 10 a.m. serves fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! When the Flight Attendants started down the aisle with those cookies…still warm and gooey…it was like the plane had suddenly turned into snack time and we were all at home with mom again! In this harried and stressful world, something as simple as a warm chocolate chip cookie can be a big deal! After a wonderful flight where I entertained myself with the DirectTV in the seatback in front of me (also free with the Classic Plus fare), I landed in the beautiful city of Denver.

I had been to Denver before but it was in the winter and I had visited a couple of ski destinations like Vail and Breckenridge (I highly recommend those by the way!) but I had never been to Denver in the summer. It was warm, sunny and had low humidity! That was a very welcome change from the sauna that has been East Tennessee this summer! The Rocky Mountains in the distant were even still snow capped. Does that snow ever melt? Guess not!

Like I said before, if you like being outdoors, then this city will immediately appeal to you. Hiking, biking, shopping…yes, I count that as an outdoor activity when there is a street mall…are all waiting! Everything from casual to fine dining is close by and I found the people of Denver to be helpful and friendly. I even made it to my first major league sporting event where I watched the Colorado Rockies take down the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Being from East Tennessee myself, I had to go cheer on fellow native Todd Helton and he did not disappoint!

Although my stay was short, Denver again impressed me and made me think of going back. Isn’t that what makes a good destination? The fact that when you are leaving, you are already thinking about when you will return! I would love to go back and do some hiking, go skiing, catch a Denver Bronco’s game at Mile High Stadium, hit the thrill rides at Elitch Gardens (Denver has a theme park right in the middle of the city…who knew?!) and the list goes on and on…

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

April 29, 2011 -- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I have been to Orlando more times than I care to count. I got married there. I tackle the theme parks with a battle plan rivaling those created in war rooms of military strategists. Let's just say I know a thing or two about vacationing in Orlando...with kids...and a husband...in the heat...but with a cool head!

Last June, my family and I hit Universal's Islands of Adventure. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had just opened six days before. Just to be clear, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just one part of Universal's Islands

of Adventure. It's a $300 million part, but still just a small part of a much larger theme park that also features Marvel Super Hero Island and Seuss Landing just to mention a few of the other "islands".

Let me just say that Universal did an amazing job with Harry's World! If you have seen the movies or read the books, they actually come to life right before your eyes! Want to get a sweet treat at Honeydukes? Chocolate frogs and other treats are there! How about shopping in Zonko's Joke Shop? It's there with plenty of practical jokes just waiting to be bought.

However, if you are a true fan of Harry Potter, then one of your first stops has to be Ollivanders. Want an exact replica of the wands used by Harry, Ron, Snape or Hermione and all the others? They will gladly sell it to you after you have shopped in Ollivanders and watched as wands actually choose some of the customers!

As for the attractions, you can't miss Hogwart's castle! Your tour of the castle is the line for the ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". While waiting, which doesn't seem like waiting much at all, you see talking portraits, get a greeting from headmaster Albus Dumbledore before joining Harry, Ron

and Hermione in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Here Harry and pals conspire to rescue the poor muggles (us non-magical folks).

So, off you go toward the ride. Along the way,the Sorting Hat (used in the books/movies to place Hogwarts students into their "houses") gives you some rules for the ride. Before you know it, you are being loaded on a four person vehicle that is suspended from above. Be prepared for high flying adventure that involves following Harry through all sorts of adventures.

I'll let the rest be a surprise! (WARNING - This ride takes place in the dark and involves images that might be too scary for some people. Also, if you are wearing flip flops, like I was, you might want to sit on them or they could fly off!) I would advise heading to this attraction FIRST as the line becomes longer as the day passes.

After our tour of Hogwarts, my family and I headed over to the Three Broomsticks for an early lunch. I would advise eating here either early or late and not attempting it right at lunch time. The meal was actually very good and we got our first taste of Butterbeer (a non alcoholic drink featured in the books/movies). I say go for the frozen version of the Butterbeer but my oldest son swears by the regular version!

When you have had your fill of food, shopping and rides, be sure to make one final stop at the Owl Post and send yourself a postcard. It will show the Hogsmeade postmark. They are even kind enough to sell you Harry themed stamps so you can mail that postcard.

All in all, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an incredibly detailed experience for those who are fans of Harry and friends. If ever you wanted to step into a book or movie, this would be your chance...it is that real!

So, how can you get to Orlando and see this magical place (and all the other magical places in Orlando)? We have two airlines that offer nonstop, low fare service that will be daily this summer! Visit www.AirTran.com or www.AllegiantAir.com to book your tickets. Please be aware that AirTran Airways flies into Orlando International Airport and Allegiant Air arrives and departs from Orlando Sanford Airport. What's the difference? Orlando International is about 20 to 30 minutes closer to the Universal/Disney World theme park areas.

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

April 4, 2011 -- Carry-on or Steamer Trunk! Decisions. Decisions.
I can't tell you the number of times my husband has said, "Becky, we are only going for a week! Do we really need ALL of this stuff?" To him I reply simply, "Yes".

Whether you're taking the whole family on vacation or heading out for a quick business trip, I'm sure I am not alone when I say packing can be a challenge. The pressure of making sure that EVERYONE has packed everything they will need is very stressful, practically dreadful! Am I right?

Well, packing should be fun. Yes, I said FUN! You should be excited about the trip and all the memories you will be making - not worrying if you packed your hair dryer or the sunscreen. That's why we have decided to tackle packing as a topic on a recent segment of Becky & Beth Tackle Travel on WVLT's East TN & Company. Check out this video for packing pointers. Be patient with the video. It takes it a few minutes to start rolling once you are on our YouTube Channel.

As promised, we have included an extensive packing checklist from one of the industry's leading travel organizations, TravelSmith. This checklist is good for both business and leisure packing for adults. And if you are traveling with smaller children, they need special things. Try this checklist from ivillage.com.

So, when you are packing for your next flight out of McGhee Tyson Airport, simply download these lists for each member of your family. Believe it or not, the kids could actually help YOU pack this time!

March 25, 2011 -- Vision Airlines Arrives
Did you know that just under seven years ago, McGhee Tyson Airport had no nonstop service to Florida? That's right, zip! If travelers wanted to visit the Sunshine State, they had to connect at a hub airport. Today, Vision Airlines' first flight departed to Destin, Florida. That brings the total number of Florida nonstop destinations to SEVEN! Better yet, the majority of new nonstop destinations are available on LOW FARE airlines! Check out all our low fare service by clicking here - Low Fares.

To kick off our seventh Florida nonstop, Destin, we threw a beach party in the Vision Airlines' gate. Passengers on the inaugural flight enjoyed food, fun and beach music! The party continued as the Vision Airlines' 737 pulled up to the jet bridge and we welcomed the first passengers from Florida to Knoxville.

Many people don't think about it, but when we get nonstop service, it allows the travelers from the destination city access to all the wonderful things East Tennessee has to offer. That is good news for the businesses in our area! New nonstop destinations are a win-win!

After a ceremony to officially launch the new Destin service, passengers boarded the plane ready for their flight to the Emerald Coast! As the plane taxied out, the airport firefighters were on hand with our impressive aircraft rescue vehicles to help celebrate the new service with a water cannon salute! Shortly afterwards, the plane took off with almost 100 passengers bound for sun, sand and relaxation!

I certainly wish my family and I had been on board. I mean, who doesn't want to hit the beach and relax?! Destin also offers so much more than just the beach! Be sure to read Becky's blog post below on fun things to do in the Destin area.

It's now easier than ever to head to the Emerald Coast and Vision's fares can get families to the beach in under an hour and a half instead of stuck in a car for nine hours!

Go ahead and visit www.VisionAirlines.com today to learn how you and your family can head to Destin on vacation. Or maybe you and your significant other need a second honeymoon where you can sleep late and treat yourselves to great seafood! How about a girl's weekend sinking your toes in the sand, relaxing in the sun and sharing laughs with your best friends? Perhaps you are looking for a guy's golf trip where the stress of life melts away with every swing. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!

March 22, 2011 -- Airfare for $19 each way? Are you kidding me?

It's not a typo. It's TRUE!!!! Vision Airlines is celebrating the launch of their new nonstop, low-fare service from Knoxville to Destin, Florida, with the ultra-low price of $19 each way (plus taxes and fees - check out the Vision website for more details). Book your ticket between now and 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 24, 2011, to get in on this awesome sale fare. A limited number of seats are available and your trip
must be taken between March 25, 2011, and May 21, 2011. To learn more about the sale fare, visit www.VisionAirlines.com.

Destin is a wonderful vacation destination for everyone in the family! They have excellent deep water fishing, world-class golf courses, and adventure watersports. And if lounging on the sugar-white beaches and surfing in the emerald water isn't enough for you, buy a ticket for a glass-bottom cruise. And for the kid in all of us, visit Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park with 40 water features and cool thrill rides.

Are you a history buff? Don't miss the Destin Fishing Museum where the oldest seine-fishing boat, The Primrose, is located. While at the museum, learn about life in the Gulf through exhibits depicting the region's animal and plant life.

And you can't miss the Gulfarium! Located just 15 minutes outside of Destin, the young and young at heart can enjoy live bottlenose dolphin and sea lion shows while visiting exhibits filled with river otters, sharks, penguins, stingrays, loggerhead turtles and alligators! WOW...there is so much to do in DESTIN!

At $19 each way, what are you waiting for? Book your family's next vacation at www.VisionAirlines.com.

March 11, 2011 -- Ready for Spring Break?
All the snow and rain we've seen over the past few weeks is making me wish I was on vacation somewhere warm. And with Spring Break just around the corner, I'm betting some of you were counting down the days until you are having fun in the sun! Then again, there may be some of you who WISH you had planned a Spring Break getaway before now. It's not too late! There are low fare seats still available to warmer climates!

But before you head out to the airport, here are a few things you should know:

Check your ticket. Sounds pretty simple but you wouldn't believe the complications that can arise if you haven't checked to make sure that the name on your ticket matches your identification perfectly. You should also double check the departure time and date printed on your boarding pass or on your online reservation. It is really easy to check the wrong box when booking last minute travel and have a ticket that doesn't match your desired vacation dates.

Know what you can take with you. Before you zip up your luggage for the final time, make sure you visit www.TSA.gov for the most current list of prohibited items. I'd also make sure to check your children's luggage too. Standing in line at the security checkpoint is the last place you want to find a toy water gun!

Pack your medications, jewelry and other important items in your carry-on bags. You may even want to throw an extra luggage tag inside your checked bag or tie a colorful bandana to the handle of your bag. Both are good ways to identify your bag when you reach your vacation destination.

And finally...adhere to TSA's 3-1-1 Rule when packing your carry-on bags. The 3-1-1 Rule means that each passenger can take their 3 oz (travel-sized) liquids/gels/aerosols and put them in 1 quart-sized zip-top bag. If you want to take larger sized items, they need to be put in your checked luggage.

Dress the part. Wear comfortable clothes that don't have a lot of buttons or metal pieces. You should also wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. Leave the bulky belts at home and be sure to let the security screeners know if you have special needs when entering the checkpoint.

Arrive early. Spring Break is a busy time at our airport and sometimes the lines at the ticket counters and security checkpoint can get long. Be at the airport at least one hour before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight.

Carry your film with you. I know, I know. Most of you have digital cameras these days which go through screening easily but some of our guests still like the feel of their film cameras. So those passengers should put all undeveloped film and cameras that have film in them in their carry-on bags. We don't want you to have problems capturing the memories you will be making while spending time with your family and friends!

Traveling with kids. Once that bag is packed, think about snacks that you might be able to stash away. Being able to pull out your child's favorite gummy snacks or other treat might mean that difference in a breakdown and a quiet snack time. Just make sure you don't take juice boxes that have liquid that exceeds the 3 oz limit set by TSA or you will be throwing that item away. Just purchase your drink after the security checkpoint or on the plane.

Make sure to include activities to pass the time. Such things as coloring books and crayons, handheld games and portable DVD players can make the time pass quickly for children while waiting in the gate area, on the plane or even while waiting on luggage and the rental car when you get there. There are so many more things you can do to help make the trip fun for your kids. We are planning to do a full blog post on the topic later this year but in the meantime, watch our video on traveling with children to get a few more ideas.

I could keep going and going and going....about all the things you can do to help make your time in McGhee Tyson Airport run more smoothly. Check back to our blog often to learn more about your airport or email me at TackleTravel@tys.org if you have questions. Have a wonderful, safe Spring Break!

March 2, 2011 -- Welcome Frontier Airlines!
On June 7, 2011, McGhee Tyson Airport will welcome "a whole different animal" - Frontier Airlines! Known for their affordable fares and commitment to customer service, Frontier Airlines is a leader in the low fare airline industry. The announcement of this service comes after almost a decade of discussion between the airport and Frontier. I can't tell you how excited we are to welcome this airline to our "family" at McGhee Tyson Airport!

So, what does that mean to you, the traveler? Obviously, it means that you will be able to fly to Denver nonstop in a new way on lower fares! It also means that travelers from McGhee Tyson Airport can enjoy the flight to Denver on Frontier's 136-seat Airbus 319 aircraft. The large jet is outfitted with leather seats and DirectTV is available! Want a little more leg room? Well, Frontier offers the option to upgrade to stretch seating! Let's recap...low fares nonstop to Denver, great airplane with leather seats, TVs in the seat backs with DirectTV as an option and more leg room if you want it. I'm ready to buy a ticket...aren't you?!

If your travel plans include going further west than Denver, Frontier offers connections to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle and more! Not only will Denver be more affordable, the West Coast opens up with this new service like it never has before from our airport! Want to see all the destinations? Check out Frontier's route map - Route Map.

Now that you know where you can go and in what style you can get there, let's talk about the "a whole different animal" part of it. Frontier Airlines has some of the most recognizable airplanes in the sky. Each Frontier airplane has a specific animal on the tail. In fact, the animals that fly high on the tails of the planes actually are referred to as "spokesanimals". Frontier says that the spokesanimals represent their character, commitment to service and humor. Their television commercials are well known for their entertaining as much as informing. Check out the spokesanimals - "You're Still The One" Frontier Commercial, Low Fares Frontier Commercial, Foxy Frontier Commercial.

There you have it! New airline, low fares, great planes and fun spokesanimals. In the airport business, it doesn't get much better! I hope that all of you will visit www.FrontierAirlines.com and learn more about this great airline. To read about those spokesanimals, go to Fun Stuff on Frontier's website. While at FrontierAirlines.com, be sure to book a ticket! You will get the guaranteed lowest fare available on the website and who doesn't want that?!

This is Beth from Becky and Beth Tackle Travel
wishing you on-time flights, fabulous destinations
and wonderful travel memories!