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Nashville International Airport: The Gateway to Music City

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a major international airport located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is the primary airport serving the city of Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region. BNA is a hub for Southwest Airlines and serves as a focus city for Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines.

Airport Overview

History

BNA was originally known as Nashville Municipal Airport and opened in 1937. It was renamed Nashville International Airport in 1983. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the Nashville area.

Location and Transportation

BNA is located approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Nashville in the suburb of Antioch. The airport is easily accessible by car via Interstate 40 and Interstate 24. There is also a Music City Star commuter rail line connecting BNA to downtown Nashville.

Terminals and Facilities

BNA has two terminals, A and B, which are connected by an airside walkway. The terminals offer a wide range of amenities and services, including:

45 gates
23 domestic and international airlines
Concessions, restaurants, and shops
Free Wi-Fi
Currency exchange
ATMs
Business center
Pet relief areas

Airport Statistics

Passenger Traffic

In 2022, BNA handled over 18 million passengers, making it the 18th busiest airport in the United States.
The airport has experienced consistent growth in passenger traffic over the past decade, with an average annual increase of 5%.
Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at BNA, accounting for over 40% of passenger traffic.

Cargo Traffic

BNA is also a major cargo hub, handling over 1 million tons of cargo annually.
The airport is a major gateway for the automotive, healthcare, and technology industries in the Nashville area.
Nashville International Airport serves as a foreign-trade zone, providing tax and duty benefits for businesses that import and export goods through the airport.

Destination and Airlines

BNA offers nonstop flights to over 100 destinations in the United States and 15 international destinations. The airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines and serves as a focus city for Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines.

Domestic Destinations

Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Houston
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Miami
New York City
Orlando
Philadelphia
Phoenix
San Francisco
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

International Destinations

Amsterdam
Cancun
Frankfurt
London
Montego Bay
Montreal
Nassau
Paris
Punta Cana
Reykjavik
Toronto
Vancouver

How to Get to and from BNA

Rental Cars

There are several car rental companies located at BNA, including:
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
Rental cars can be reserved in advance online or at the airport.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at BNA, and the fare to downtown Nashville is approximately $25.

Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at BNA.

Public Transportation

The Music City Star commuter rail line connects BNA to downtown Nashville. The fare is $8 one-way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not arriving at the airport early enough. BNA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Not checking in online. Checking in online can save you time at the airport.
Not having your boarding pass ready. Having your boarding pass ready will help you expedite the security screening process.
Not being aware of the liquids rule. The TSA limits the amount of liquids you can carry on board a plane.
Not being prepared for security screening. Remove all metal objects from your pockets and put them in your carry-on bag before going through security.

Step-by-Step Approach to Navigating BNA

1. Arrive at the airport early.
2. Check in online or at the airport.
3. Go through security screening.
4. Find your gate.
5. Board your flight.

Why BNA Matters

BNA is a major economic engine for the Nashville area, generating over $4 billion in economic impact annually.
The airport supports over 20,000 jobs in the region.
BNA provides access to the world, connecting Nashville to major destinations in the United States and abroad.

Benefits of Flying through BNA

Convenient location and easy access to downtown Nashville.
Wide range of airlines and destinations.
Modern terminals and amenities.
Efficient security screening process.
Helpful and friendly staff.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A family traveling from Boston to Nashville missed their flight because they arrived at the airport late. They had to rebook their flights and pay an additional fee.
Lesson: Arrive at the airport early, especially if you are traveling with children or have a lot of luggage.
Story 2: A businessman traveling from Nashville to New York City had his laptop and tablet confiscated by the TSA because he did not remove them from his carry-on bag before going through security.
Lesson: Be aware of the TSA's liquids rule and remove all metal objects from your pockets and put them in your carry-on bag before going through security.
Story 3: A group of college students traveling from Nashville to Cancun had their flight delayed for several hours due to weather. They were not prepared for the delay and had to purchase food and drinks at the airport.
Lesson: Be prepared for possible flight delays and pack snacks and drinks in your carry-on bag.