$39 Cheap Flights to Cherokee, NC

Flights to Cherokee at a glance

Getting to Cherokee is easy with a variety of options for your flight. You can choose from full-service or low-cost carriers and compare flight schedules to find the cheapest flight that fits your budget and travel plans, making it simple to explore the city's iconic sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Cherokee: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
• Closest (typical) airport to Cherokee: McGhee Tyson Airport, TYS (around 44 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,200+ flights arriving across Cherokee airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Cherokee: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Cherokee

Cherokee is a charming city that appeals to visitors seeking outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and romantic getaways. Travelers flock to Cherokee for its family-friendly atmosphere and eco-conscious offerings. Conveniently, the city is served by two major airports, including Asheville Airport and Western Carolina Regional Airport, making access easy for your travel plans.

• McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Situated in Blount County, Tennessee, approximately 44 miles from Cherokee, this airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, with connections to over 185 domestic locations and more than 30 international spots. Travelers can opt for upgraded service to premium economy or first class, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Found in Buncombe County, North Carolina, about 44 miles from Cherokee, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking passengers to around 140 domestic cities and 15 international destinations. Travelers can enhance their journey by selecting first class or premium economy seating, subject to the airline and flight. Key carriers at this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Cherokee

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $90
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Denver (DEN) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with one-way tickets available from around $65
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Boston (BOS) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with one-way flights starting at around $90

Cheapest routes to Cherokee

• Denver (DEN) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Miami (MIA) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Cherokee (TYS/AVL), with low one-way fares from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Cherokee

• American Airlines: This airline operates flights to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), contributing about 51% of arrivals to Cherokee. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $260, with premium service options potentially including first class, depending on the route.
• Delta: Providing services to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Delta accounts for approximately 28% of Cherokee's arrivals. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of around $270, with premium cabins possibly offering premium economy and first class, subject to the route.
• United: Serving both McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), United represents nearly 18% of arrivals to Cherokee. The average fare for a one-way flight is about $290, with first class as a potential premium cabin option, depending on the specific route.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Frontier Airlines makes up around 1% of arrivals in Cherokee. The average one-way fare is approximately $190, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
• Southwest Airlines: Also flying into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Southwest Airlines accounts for about 1% of arrivals to Cherokee. Travelers can anticipate an average one-way fare close to $250, providing another economical option for reaching the area.

Best time to fly to Cherokee

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Cherokee are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Cherokee can reach up to 54.1°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 65.8°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $226, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, July, and February offer average one-way fares of around $240, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Cherokee

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Cherokee is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Cherokee hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Cherokee flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Cherokee

Cherokee welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Cherokee efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cherokee, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Cherokee is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Cherokee on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Cherokee

• Bryson City: Located 8 miles drive away from Cherokee, Bryson City is a charming destination known for its breathtaking outdoor experiences and scenic views. It serves as a gateway to adventure, with attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offering a glimpse into local culture. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfect for hiking and enjoying the stunning landscapes. Families can also explore the Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and the local water park, making Bryson City a great spot for a day trip filled with fun and exploration.
• Whittier: Whittier is located 4 miles drive away from Cherokee and is a delightful spot for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas and the nearby Sequoyah National Golf Club, which offers a beautiful setting for golf enthusiasts. The stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a major draw, providing ample opportunities for hiking and nature walks. With its blend of scenic beauty and leisure activities, Whittier is an ideal location for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
• Maggie Valley: Maggie Valley is located 13 miles drive away from Cherokee, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor adventures. This delightful destination is particularly popular among ski enthusiasts, with access to ski resorts and fields during the winter months. Visitors can also enjoy events at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and explore the intriguing Wheels Through Time Museum, which showcases vintage motorcycles and memorabilia. With its stunning mountain backdrop and diverse activities, Maggie Valley offers a perfect escape for adventure and family fun.

Tips for short-haul flights to Cherokee

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Don't forget to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Cherokee

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer the option to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, feel free to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Cherokee

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Cherokee on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Cherokee. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Cherokee. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Cherokee, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Cherokee

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Cherokee in 2026 starts from $78, while one-way tickets start from from $39. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Cherokee. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Cherokee

Allegiant Air, United, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Cherokee. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Cherokee and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Cherokee, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Cherokee. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Cherokee plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Cherokee

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Cherokee.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Cherokee are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Cherokee. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Cherokee for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Cherokee. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Cherokee flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Cherokee. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.