MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
The Memphis International Airport (MEM) is gearing up for a busy holiday travel season. AAA predicts 4.69 million Americans will fly between Nov. 17 and 27, 2023, the highest number since 2005.
During that time, about 90,000 passengers are expected to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at MEM. The peak travels days are expected to be November 17 and 26.
"The lines have been good," Memphis International Airport president Terry Blue said Friday. "TSA has been well-staffed to stay on top of the anticipated volumes.”
MEM predicted the Thanksgiving travel period will continue this year's trend of heavy traffic at the Memphis International Airport. According to the TSA, nearly 260,000 people passed through MEM in October 2023, an 18.2% increase from October 2022.
MEM also recorded its highest number of Fall Break travelers in history, with 50,698 people screened during the five-day period.
"I just parked at the Fast Track, and on the way here it was all Ole Miss students," said Christina Eggert, who was traveling back home from Oxford, Mississippi, herself. "I saw everybody."
The airport is urging passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time, especially for early morning flights between four and 7 a.m. Passengers can also save time by checking in online and monitoring schedules through the airline's website.
"If you are traveling with a family, perhaps you want to consider dropping them off while you're out parking your car," Blue said.
MEM also recommends checking the TSA's travel checklist and list of prohibited items before heading to the airport.
In the event of parking lots reaching capacity during peak travel days, there will be additional signage and parking staff to help direct drivers to overflow lots.
Drivers can drop off luggage and other passengers at the terminal before parking in an overflow lot. Shuttles will also operate between overflow parking lots and the terminal.
“We will have our overflow lots operational, signage and personnel out there to assist our travelers,” Blue said.
New parking rates went into effect Nov. 1. More information about MEM parking can be found here.