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 November 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.

MEM predicts 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, a 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.

The airport is urging passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time, especially for early morning flights between four and seven a.m. Passengers can also save time by checking in online and monitoring schedules through the airline’s website.

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. 

New parking rates went into effect November 1. More information about MEM parking can be found here.

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