Passengers should arrive at airport a minimum of 2 hours before departure time
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 6, 2024) – Approximately 45,000 people are expected to pass through the TSA checkpoint at Memphis International Airport (MEM) during the Spring Break travel period, which will take place March 7-11. The peak days are expected to be March 8 and March 10 with projected throughputs of 9,500 and 10,000, respectively.
After a record breaking 4.8 million origin and destination passengers in 2023, MEM traffic is continuing its upward trend in 2024. In January and February 2024, a total of 369,186 people had passed through the checkpoint compared to 352,790 in January and February 2023. Last month was TSA’s busiest February at MEM since 2008.
MEM continues to strongly recommend that passengers arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before their scheduled departure time. This is especially important for travelers with early morning flights between 4-7 a.m.
Passenger Travel Tips
- MEM recommends that travelers arrive at the airport a minimum of TWO HOURS before their scheduled departure time.
- Prior to coming to the airport, passengers can also save time by checking in online via their airline’s website.
- Passengers should check directly with their airlines to monitor schedules.
- Airlines rather than the airport are responsible for all aspects of ticketing, scheduling, gate operations and baggage handling. Check with your airline if you have questions about these subjects.
- MEM parking lots are likely to reach capacity during peak travel days. When this occurs, additional signage will be added, and additional parking staff will help direct drivers to available parking spots. MEM has added nearly 300 parking spaces ahead of Spring Break.
- For convenience, drivers parking in the blue or yellow lots may want to drop off luggage and other passengers at the terminal before parking.
- Shuttles are operating between the blue and yellow parking lots and the terminal.
Music at MEM
Live music will return to MEM at the rotunda stage with the following Spring Break performances:
- Friday, March 8: Memphis Symphony Orchestra (10:30-11:30 am)
- Monday, March 11: Music Export Memphis Send-Off Show featuring Rachel Maxann (10-11:45 am)
- Friday, March 15: Flamenco Memphis (10 am – noon)
Ole Smoky Moonshine Tasting
Paradies Lagardere and Athens Distributing will host an Ole Smoky moonshine tasting at the Distillery District on Friday, March 8 from 11:30 am – 1 pm (must be at least 21 years old and present valid ID).
TSA
- TSA uses Computed Tomography (CT) equipment at MEM. With the improved security capabilities of CT equipment at the MEM checkpoints, passengers can now leave their laptop computers, electronic devices and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags for screening.
- There are size limitations for these CT units and all items must fit into the grey divesting bins. The height of the item must not exceed the CT tunnel height. Nothing can be placed directly on the moving belts. All oversized bags must be checked at the airline ticket counters because they will not be accepted for screening at any TSA checkpoint. Bin size dimensions are as follows:
- Width: 19.5 inches
- Length: 24.5 inches
- CT Tunnel Height: 16.5 inches
- Passengers must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Light items should be placed at the bottom of the bin to avoid anything falling out into the tunnel and causing an unnecessary bag jam.
- Passengers are also reminded to bring a maximum of one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.
- Travelers are encouraged to examine carry-on luggage to ensure no prohibited items are contained within, and review the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) list of prohibited items.
- Firearms in carry-on bags are prohibited by federal law. Firearms can be transported in checked baggage if they are properly declared to the airline and packed in accordance with TSA guidelines.
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