As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) is prepared to welcome passengers with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and accessibility.
While this time of year isn’t traditionally one of BNA’s busiest, the airport is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth travel experience. These include managing parking availability, maintaining optimal staffing levels, and deploying customer service volunteers known as Flying Aces.
Easily recognized in royal blue uniforms, the Flying Aces are stationed throughout the terminal to assist travelers with directions, questions, or general guidance—creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Accessibility and Assistance: The Sunflower Program
For travelers who may need a bit more time, support, or patience, BNA offers the Sunflower Program, a discreet way for individuals to signal hidden disabilities or special assistance needs. Sunflower lanyards can be picked up at the Information Center on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. While the lanyard doesn’t offer expedited screening, airport staff are trained to respond with empathy and support.
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience:
Bring a TSA-approved ID
As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID compliance is mandatory for state-issued licenses and IDs used at TSA checkpoints. Make sure your identification is up to date. TSA currently accepts 16 forms of valid ID.
Use Short-Term Parking
To ease congestion on Terminal Drive, visitors picking up travelers are encouraged to use the convenient short-term parking garages rather than continuously circling the airport.
Free Cell Phone Waiting Lot
A new cell phone lot is available at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike, offering free parking and real-time flight status boards. Visitors waiting for arriving passengers can relax here until their party is ready for curbside pickup—typically 20 to 30 minutes after landing.
Whether flying out for the long weekend or arriving to kick off summer, BNA is ready to ensure every traveler starts their journey with ease.
