Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure time
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (November 20, 2024) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects approximately 90,000 people to pass through the checkpoint at Memphis International Airport (MEM) during the Thanksgiving travel period, which will take place from November 22–December 2. The peak day is expected to be Friday, November 22 with more than 10,200 people expected to pass through the checkpoint.
Passenger Travel Tips
- MEM recommends that travelers 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.
- 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.
- Some 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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
MEM on the Move: Construction Update
Construction has begun on the creation of the new commercial ground transportation lane outside baggage claim. Due to the active construction and barriers that are in place, passengers should only utilize crosswalks when walking to and from the terminal. This phase is expected to be completed in mid-December. MEM is targeting the end of March for the relocation of Uber and Lyft to the new commercial lane and the closure of existing commercial lanes.
Music at MEM
Live music will return to MEM on Wednesday, November 27 with Deb Swiney performing at the rotunda music stage. Sponsored by Memphis Tourism, the performance will take place from 10 am until noon.
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