Checking In

Everything you need to know about checking in at Memphis International Airport (MEM), including when to arrive, where to go, self-service kiosks, and how to check in before arriving at the airport.

International Traveler Services

When should I arrive?

Arrive at least 2 HOURS before a scheduled flight departure.

Where do I go once I arrive?

Memphis International Airport has three terminals where you check in designated A, B and C, and a single concourse where all flights arrive and depart. Please see the chart below to determine the terminal where you need to check in.

Ticketing Lobby by Airline

Allegiant
Frontier Airlines
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
United Airlines
Southern Airways Express — Operates out of the Signature Flight Support terminal.
Vacation Express — Shares ticketing counter with Allegiant.

Please return to this page, or view the latest airport map, before any future travel.

What do I do before check-in?

To help ensure a smooth check-in process, you can take several actions before your trip:

Pack carry-on luggage in a manner suitable for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening.
Understand the different parking options available to you, and come with a plan of where you will park or be dropped off.
Check your flight status
Leave your checked bags unlocked or use one of the Transportation Security Administration-approved locks, to accelerate your luggage screening by TSA.
Have your photo ID ready when you go to the ticketing counter to claim your boarding pass, if you didn’t print it at home or save it to your mobile phone.
Once you have claimed your boarding pass and checked your luggage, head to the security checkpoint. We recommend arriving at the security checkpoint early to allow yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the airport’s shops and restaurants before your flight.

How do I comply with luggage rules and regulations?

Please be aware that most airlines charge fees for checked baggage. Fees vary by airline, size/weight restrictions and number of bags.

Get to know your airline’s baggage fees before arriving at the airport.

Carry-on luggage is restricted by federal regulation to one carry-on bag plus a personal bag (i.e. purse, backpack or laptop case) per passenger.

Remember to keep important personal items, including IDs, documentation and prescriptions in your carry-on.

Please keep your bags with you at all times.

Self-Service Check-In

Some airlines allow you to check in at a self-service kiosk in the ticketing area. These kiosks offer a quick, easy and secure alternative to traditional check-in desks.

Use a major credit card, frequent flyer card or a driver’s license/passport with a magnetic strip to ID yourself at the kiosk. The kiosk will print your boarding pass after successful check-in. Then, take your checked baggage to a ticketing agent, or head to security if you have no bags to check.

Airline staff will be on hand if you need assistance. Not all airlines have self-service kiosks. When you don’t see one, proceed to the ticketing counter to speak with an airline agent.

Check-In Online Before Arriving

You can make your check-in experience even easier by printing your boarding pass at home up to 24 hours before coming to the airport.

Some airlines also allow mobile check-in, accessing your boarding pass on your mobile phone through either a text or email from the airline.

All you will have to do upon arrival at the airport is drop off your checked bags at the ticket counter for your airline, or proceed to security if you have no checked bags.

Boarding

Typically boarding starts for domestic flights at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time and 60 minutes for international flights.

I’m traveling with children. What should I do to prepare?

See our tips and services for traveling with children.