Traveling for Thanksgiving? What to know before heading to Memphis International Airport
Kim Chaney
Memphis International Airport leaders said they expect 90,000 people to pass through the checkpoint there during the Thanksgiving holiday.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For anyone traveling this Thanksgiving holiday, Memphis airport officials recommend getting to the airport at least two hours early.
Memphis International Airport leaders said they expect 90,000 people to pass through the checkpoint there during the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2. The busiest day is expected to be Friday, Nov. 22 with more than 10,000 people expected.
Airport officials recommend:
- Get to the airport at least two hours early, especially if you are traveling early in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
- Check in online with the airline before going to the airport.
- Monitor schedules directly through the airlines.
- Questions about ticketing, scheduling, gate operations, and baggage should be directed to the airlines themselves, not the airport.
- Expect parking to be full during peak travel times. There will be additional signage and parking staff when that happens.
- Shuttles will operate between the blue and yellow parking lots and the terminal.
Screening for carry-ons
- The TSA screening equipment allows for passengers to leave laptops, electronics, and ‘3-1-1 compliant liquids’ to be carried in carry-on bags for screening.
- All items must fit into the gray bins for screening and nothing can be placed on the moving belt. Oversized bags will need to be checked in at the airline ticket counters. The bins are:
- Width: 19.5 inches
- Length: 24.5 inches
- Tunnel Height: 16.5 inches
- Every carry-on item must be placed into the bin for screening.
- Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item through screening.
- Make sure to check the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) list of prohibited items.
- Firearms can be placed in checked baggage if they are properly declared to the airline and packed in accordance with TSA guidelines.
Keep in mind there is construction going on at the airport, so make sure to use crosswalks.
Live music returns to the airport on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.