Passengers should arrive at airport a minimum of 2 hours before departure time
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 30, 2025) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects more than 59,000 people to pass through the checkpoint at Memphis International Airport (MEM) during the Fourth of July weekend travel period, which will take place between July 1-7. The peak days are projected to be Thursday, July 3 and Sunday, July 6, with approximately 10,000 people expected to pass through the checkpoint each day.
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.
- Passengers are encouraged to download their airline’s app in order to get real-time scheduling updates.
- 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
- REAL ID: Passengers without a compliant form of REAL ID can expect possible delays and/or additional screening at the TSA Checkpoint. For more information, visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id.
- 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:
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- 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
The recent construction affecting the B terminal crosswalk access has been completed and all crosswalks are currently open. Work continues on other elements of the project and due to active construction and barriers that are in place, passengers should utilize crosswalks when walking to and from the terminal. The Concourse A demolition is scheduled to begin on July 7. The airport will first use the Concourse A area for storing construction materials needed for the modernized terminal project. In addition, this area will be the site of a new MSCAA administration building and new checked baggage inspection system (CBIS). The demolition is expected to be completed in late 2025/early 2026.
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