MEM expects over 90K people to pass through for Thanksgiving
Nov 27, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Thanksgiving rush has already begun as Wednesday marks the busiest day of the holiday travel season.
Memphis International Airport expects more than 90,000 people to go through the checkpoint with 10,000 people on Friday alone.
The Transportation Security Administration says the busiest travel days will be Wednesday and Sunday, with about 3 million travelers flying daily.
They say they are working to keep passengers moving with screening wait times predicted at less than 30 minutes for regular flyers. That time will drop to 10 minutes for those with TSA pre-check.
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"Passenger volumes are the highest we've ever seen and fortunately, our staffing in TSA is also at the highest levels that they have ever been," said David Pekoske, TSA administrator.
Memphis International Airport recommends arriving at least two hours early especially if your departure time is between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. The airport also warns that some of its parking lots could reach full capacity in the run-up to Thanksgiving.
Additional signage and staff will direct drivers to available spots. Shuttles will operate between the blue and yellow parking lots and the terminal.
Deb Swiney will also perform at the Rotunda Music Stage on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until noon.