BNA fall break travel: What to know before you go

Flying out of Nashville for fall break? Airport officials say to arrive early and watch for traffic changes as construction continues at Nashville International Airport.

BNA calls fall break its busiest travel period of the year. The rush runs Oct. 1-26, with peak travel days expected Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25.

The airport is adding staff to help with parking, valet service and shuttles. Metro Nashville police will also help airport officers manage traffic on busy days.

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Before you leave home, check your flight’s status. Plan to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures, with extra time for parking.

Several traffic and parking changes are already in place:

• Terminal Garage 1: The exit is closed for construction. Drivers can reach Terminal Garage 2 through connections on levels 2-6. Parking capacity remains unchanged.
• Rental cars and valet: Drivers leaving these areas now use a new traffic signal. Follow posted signs. If you’re arriving from Interstate 40 for valet parking, use Exit 216B.
• Economy Lot B: The entrance and exit are now directly on Terminal Drive. Stay in the far-right lane and follow signs.
• Central Core: Level 5 remains closed. Pedestrian access to the terminal is available on Level 1.

The work is part of BNA’s $3 billion New Horizon expansion program.

Picking someone up? Airport officials recommend using the free cell phone waiting lot at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike instead of circling Terminal Drive. Allow about 20-30 minutes after landing for passengers to reach the curb.

Terminal garage parking is also free for the first 30 minutes. Stays longer than 30 minutes through one hour cost $18. Longer stays cost $36, which is the daily maximum.

Inside the airport, additional space will be available for security lines. TSA is adding staff and preparing to use canine screening during busy periods.