MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Travelers at Memphis International Airport (MEM) are waiting in long lines Thursday morning as Transportation Security Administration officials said they are expecting to experience the busiest Labor Day travel period in history.
TSA officials expect over 48,000 people to pass through MEM's checkpoint for 2024's Labor Day weekend, according to the airport's spokesperson. More than 9,900 are anticipated to come through Friday, Aug. 30.
An ABC24 reporter witnessed the huge crowds going through the airport Thursday, with some travelers telling him they were probably going to miss their flight.
TSA agents are prepared to screen over 17 million people as the busiest Labor Day travel period runs Thursday, Aug. 29, through Wednesday, Sept. 4, with Friday expecting to become the peak travel day, according to the transportation agency.
Air travel volumes this summer are the agency's highest ever. TSA's top 10 busiest travel days have all happened since May 2024. Passenger volumes are expected to be 8.5 percent higher than this same time in 2023. TSA had screened nearly 240 million people since Memorial Day weekend, averaging 2.7 million a day. On July 7, over 3 million people were screened in a single day, a new milestone.
“People are traveling more than ever this summer and TSA along with our airline and airport partners stand ready to close the busiest summer travel period on record during this upcoming Labor Day weekend,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a press release. “I commend our vigilant workforce, from our TSOs on the front lines at airport security checkpoints across the country to those behind the scenes, working hard to keep the transportation system secure—especially as we continue to roll out new checkpoint technology that improves security effectiveness, efficiency, and the passenger experience.”
MEM released the following passenger travel tips for those planning to fly.
- 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.
- 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's top travel tips for quick passage through security are available HERE.