Updated April 2026

Memphis International Airport Security Wait Times & MEM Queue Guide 2026

Memphis International Airport (MEM/KMEM) security wait times by hour and day of week. Queue estimates for the single central checkpoint, TSA PreCheck pricing and lane hours, CT scanner status allowing laptops and liquids to stay in carry-on bags, peak periods and the quietest windows at MEM, home of the FedEx Express global Superhub and hub airport for eight airlines serving 36 nonstop destinations from the Mid-South.

1
Checkpoint
4.9M
Passengers (2024)
$78
TSA PreCheck (5yr)
23
Gates

Memphis International Airport Security Wait Times Today

The Memphis International Airport security wait time estimate below reflects the typical queue at the single central checkpoint for this hour and day of week. Memphis International (MEM/KMEM) operates one terminal building with three landside ticketing halls and a single security checkpoint past the Terminal B ticketing area. After clearing security, all passengers enter the Y-shaped Concourse B where all 23 active gates are located. There are no concourse-specific checkpoints, no separate zones by airline and no airside transfers required. Every passenger at MEM, regardless of airline or gate, passes through this one checkpoint. The checkpoint opens around 3:00 a.m. daily. Because all passenger volume funnels through one screening area, queues build quickly during early morning departure waves and during the afternoon peak, though MEM’s compact footprint and CT scanner technology keep typical waits well below those of larger multi-checkpoint airports.

Main Checkpoint · Standard Lane · Typical now
11
minutes · standard lane
Based on MEM historical patterns · updated
TSA PreCheck · Typical now
5
minutes · PreCheck lane
Based on MEM historical patterns · updated
💡
How these Memphis International Airport security wait time estimates work. Memphis International Airport does not publish an official live checkpoint wait time display. The estimates above are pattern-based calculations from documented MEM peak periods, airline departure schedules and historical checkpoint throughput data. For current conditions, use the MyTSA app (iOS and Android) or check flymemphis.com. Use the MEM arrival time calculator below for your specific flight.

How Long Is Security at Memphis International Airport?

Security wait times at Memphis International Airport depend primarily on what time you arrive. During the quiet midweek midday window from 09:00 to 15:00, most passengers clear the standard lane in 10 to 15 minutes. During the morning peak from 04:00 to 07:00, the official MEM Spring Break 2026 advisory specifically identifies early morning flights between 4 and 7 a.m. as the most time-sensitive window of the day, and third-party tracking sources record waits of 20 to 25 minutes in the standard lane during these hours. On the busiest holiday travel days, waits of 30 to 40 minutes in the standard lane are possible at the morning peak.

One meaningful advantage MEM has over many comparable airports is its CT scanner deployment. TSA completed installation of Computed Tomography equipment at the Memphis checkpoint in October 2022. With CT scanning in operation, passengers can leave laptop computers, other electronics and 3-1-1 compliant liquids inside their carry-on bags. All items must still go into the grey divesting bins for the CT tunnel, and bags must not exceed the CT unit’s height dimension. The result is a faster conveyor process than at airports still running standard 2D X-ray, because passengers are not individually unpacking and repacking electronics and liquid bags at the bin station.

TSA PreCheck members at MEM typically clear the dedicated PreCheck lane in under 8 minutes at most hours. PreCheck routes you to a separate, shorter-queue lane with lighter volume, which provides the main practical speed advantage at MEM regardless of scanner type. Memphis International Airport does not have CLEAR biometric lanes, so TSA PreCheck is the only dedicated expedited program available at the checkpoint. Unlike some hub airports that have multiple checkpoints covering different concourses or terminals, MEM has a single checkpoint for all 23 gates. There is no risk of entering the wrong checkpoint zone, no need to navigate between concourses and no airside connections to manage. The trade-off is that when early morning departures create a surge, every traveler in the building experiences it at the same location.

Memphis International Airport Security and the 2026 Screening Setup

Memphis International Airport uses CT scanner technology at its central checkpoint as of April 2026. CT installation was completed at MEM in October 2022, making it one of the earlier US regional airports to complete the rollout. The official flymemphis.com security page and the March 2026 Spring Break travel advisory both confirm that passengers can leave laptop computers, other electronic devices and 3-1-1 compliant liquids inside their carry-on bags during CT screening. Every carry-on item must still be placed in one of the grey divesting bins before entering the CT tunnel; nothing can be placed directly on the conveyor belt. Bags that are taller than the CT tunnel opening must be checked at the airline ticket counter, as oversized items are not accepted at the MEM checkpoint.

TSA ended its mandatory shoe removal policy nationally in July 2025, so passengers at MEM are no longer required to remove shoes at the checkpoint. TSA also uses Advanced Imaging Technology at the MEM checkpoint for passenger body screening, which scans for concealed metallic and nonmetallic threats without physical contact. REAL ID enforcement began at all US airports on May 7, 2025, and from February 1, 2026, passengers without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification have the option to pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID for identity verification, a process that can take up to 30 minutes. A REAL ID-compliant state driver’s licence (marked with a star) or a US passport is required to avoid the ConfirmID process. Passengers who arrive without an acceptable ID and do not wish to use ConfirmID may be denied entry to the checkpoint.

The Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP) is the most significant infrastructure project in MEM’s recent history. Demolition of Concourse A began in 2025 to make way for a new administration and baggage inspection building. The upper outer commercial drive is being replaced over a two-year programme that is ongoing in 2026. Construction barriers are in place and the airport advises passengers to use marked crosswalks when walking between the kerb and the terminal entrance. The Pedestrian Tunnel between Terminal B and the Pedestrian Plaza was closed from October 2025 and was expected to reopen by Spring 2026; confirm the current status at flymemphis.com before travelling. TMSP does not affect the checkpoint location or Concourse B gate operations in 2026, and all 23 active gates remain accessible via the single checkpoint. Memphis International Airport is also in the process of being renamed in honour of Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx, a change that was underway in 2025 and 2026. The official IATA code MEM is unaffected.

⚠️
TMSP construction and REAL ID at Memphis International Airport (2026): The Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program is ongoing. The outer commercial drive is being replaced, construction barriers are in place across kerb and pedestrian areas, and the Pedestrian Tunnel between Terminal B and the Pedestrian Plaza has been closed since October 2025. Use marked crosswalks and allow extra kerb and drop-off time. Separately, REAL ID has been mandatory at all US airports since May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant state ID (look for the star marking) or a US passport is required to clear the MEM checkpoint without paying the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee, which can add up to 30 minutes to your security experience.

Memphis International Airport Security Checkpoint: What to Expect

Memphis International Airport operates one security checkpoint for all passengers. The checkpoint is located in the main terminal area past the Terminal B ticketing hall on the upper level. Passengers checking in at Terminal A or Terminal C ticketing halls walk to the checkpoint area via the upper-level concourse. After clearing security, the passage opens into Concourse B, the Y-shaped airside concourse that contains all 23 active gates. Gates are numbered B1 through B23 along the central stem and southeastern leg, with the southwestern leg used for international charter arrivals and customs processing rather than standard departures.

The checkpoint has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane alongside the standard CT scanning lanes. There are no CLEAR biometric lanes at MEM. A Global Entry interview facility operated by US Customs and Border Protection is available at MEM by appointment only (open Monday through Wednesday, closed on federal holidays), for conditionally approved applicants who need to complete their in-person interview. Nursing rooms are available between Gates 4 and 6, Gates 10 and 12 and Gates 13 and 15 inside the secure zone. A children’s play area is located near Gate 7. The rental car centre is accessed via a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks from the lower level of the terminal, adjacent to the economy parking facility.

Delta Air Lines at Memphis International Airport

DL
Delta Air Lines at MEM
Gates B12, B14, B16 and B18 · Atlanta hub and select routes · Terminal A check-in · Delta Sky Club on site

10 to 15 minutes off peak on weekdays. During the morning peak from 04:00 to 07:00, expect 20 to 25 minutes in the standard lane. Delta operates four gates at MEM (B12, B14, B16 and B18), primarily serving its Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson hub and select connecting routes. Delta passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck use the dedicated PreCheck lane at the MEM checkpoint. Delta SkyMiles members who travel through other airports with CLEAR available can combine CLEAR with PreCheck for maximum speed, but CLEAR is not available at MEM itself.

✓ CT scanners deployed (October 2022)✓ Laptops stay in carry-on bag✓ 3-1-1 liquids stay in carry-on bag✓ Shoes no longer required to be removed (July 2025 national policy)✓ TSA PreCheck lane available✖ No CLEAR lanes at MEM✔ All items must still go into grey divesting bins
Delta Air Lines (Gates B12, B14, B16 and B18)

Delta Air Lines operates from four gates at Memphis International and is one of the airport’s largest legacy carriers by gate count. Delta’s primary service connects MEM to its Atlanta hub, with connecting itineraries to destinations across the US and internationally via ATL. Delta Sky Priority, available to Diamond Medallion and Platinum Medallion members and premium cabin ticket holders, provides priority check-in and boarding benefits at Delta’s MEM gates but does not include a separate security lane at the checkpoint. A Delta Sky Club is available in Concourse B near Gate B18 for eligible passengers. Delta check-in desks are in Terminal A, Doors 2 to 4.

American Airlines at Memphis International Airport

AA
American Airlines at MEM
Gates B2, B4 and B6 · Dallas Fort Worth and Charlotte hub connections · Terminal A check-in · Central checkpoint, all lanes

Identical to overall checkpoint patterns. American Airlines operates three gates at MEM (B2, B4 and B6) and primarily serves its Dallas Fort Worth and Charlotte Douglas hubs. American passengers with TSA PreCheck use the dedicated PreCheck lane at the central checkpoint. There is no Admirals Club or separate American priority security lane at MEM. The gate walk from the checkpoint to Gates B2, B4 and B6 near the front of the Concourse B stem is among the shortest in the terminal, typically 3 to 5 minutes on foot.

✓ TSA PreCheck lane available✖ No AAdmirals Club at MEM✖ No AA priority security lane✓ CT scanners: laptops and liquids stay in bag
American Airlines (Gates B2, B4 and B6)

American Airlines operates from Terminal A (Doors 2 to 4) for check-in and serves connections to Dallas Fort Worth and Charlotte Douglas, providing onward access to American’s domestic and international network. American passengers holding AAdvantage status do not benefit from a priority security lane at MEM; TSA PreCheck is the recommended programme for expedited screening. American check-in desks are in Terminal A on the upper level.

United Airlines at Memphis International Airport

UA
United Airlines at MEM
Gates B11, B13 and B15 · Houston and Chicago hub connections · Terminal C check-in · Central checkpoint, all lanes

Identical to overall checkpoint patterns. United Airlines operates three gates at MEM (B11, B13 and B15) and primarily serves its Houston George Bush Intercontinental and Chicago O’Hare hubs. United check-in is in Terminal C on the east side of the terminal building. All United passengers use the same single checkpoint past the Terminal B ticketing area. There is no United Club or separate priority security lane at MEM. Gate B11, B13 and B15 are in the mid-section of the Concourse B stem, around 5 to 7 minutes on foot from the checkpoint.

✓ TSA PreCheck lane available✖ No United Club at MEM✖ No United priority security lane✓ CT scanners: laptops and liquids stay in bag
United Airlines (Gates B11, B13 and B15)

United Airlines check-in is located in Terminal C, which has a separate entrance on the east side of the terminal building from Terminal A. Spirit Airlines also checks in from Terminal C. All passengers proceeding to security walk from Terminal C to the checkpoint area past Terminal B ticketing. There are bright orange wayfinding signs throughout the TMSP construction zone to assist navigation. United passengers with MileagePlus status receive priority boarding at the gate but there is no separate security lane at MEM.

Southwest Airlines, Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit and Breeze Airways at MEM

UL
Other Airlines at MEM
Southwest (B5, B7), Allegiant (B22), Frontier (B23), Spirit (B1, B3), Breeze (varies) · All gates in Concourse B · Same single checkpoint

All five additional carriers at MEM use the same single checkpoint as Delta, American and United. Southwest Airlines operates from Gates B5 and B7 and checks in via Terminal A (Doors 2 to 4). Southwest allows mobile check-in beginning 24 hours before departure. Allegiant Air operates from Gate B22, Frontier Airlines from Gate B23, and Spirit Airlines from Gates B1 and B3 via Terminal C. Breeze Airways operates from common-use gates that vary by scheduling and checks in via Terminal A. From May 1, 2026, Allegiant, Frontier and Breeze moved their ticketing counters to Terminal B. Wayfinding signage and airport staff are in place to assist passengers navigating to and from all terminal halls during the TMSP construction period.

✓ TSA PreCheck lane at central checkpoint✖ No CLEAR lanes at MEM✓ CT scanners: laptops and liquids stay in carry-on✖ No carrier lounges for ULCC passengers
Southwest Airlines (B5, B7)Allegiant Air (B22)Frontier Airlines (B23)Spirit Airlines (B1, B3)Breeze Airways (common use)

Ultra-low-cost carriers at MEM include Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit and Breeze, each offering non-hub point-to-point service to leisure and secondary markets. None of these airlines operate a lounge, priority security lane or separate checkpoint access at MEM. TSA PreCheck is the only program that provides a meaningfully faster security experience for passengers on any of these carriers. Southwest, while typically a high-frequency carrier at other markets, operates a modest two-gate footprint at MEM focused on leisure point-to-point routes.

💡
CT scanner rules at Memphis International Airport (April 2026): MEM has operated CT scanning technology since October 2022. Laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids can remain inside carry-on bags during screening. All carry-on items must still go into the grey divesting bins before the CT tunnel; nothing can be placed directly on the belt. Bags taller than the CT unit’s tunnel height must be checked at the ticket counter. Shoes are no longer mandatory to remove under the national TSA policy that took effect in July 2025. TSA PreCheck members continue to benefit from a dedicated shorter-queue lane regardless of CT scanner deployment.

Memphis International Airport Security Peak Hours and Best Times to Fly

The two busiest windows at Memphis International Airport security are 04:00 to 07:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. The official MEM Spring Break 2026 advisory specifically called out early morning flights between 4 and 7 a.m. as the period requiring the most care, and peak Spring Break days saw over 10,000 passengers pass through the single checkpoint in a single day. Because all passenger volume funnels through one screening area for 23 gates, there is no alternative entry point when the standard lane is busy. Fridays, Mondays and Sundays carry the heaviest load at MEM. Sunday evenings see a concentrated return wave of leisure and weekend travelers that builds the afternoon and evening peak particularly sharply.

Holiday travel periods add substantially to all baselines. Thanksgiving week, the Christmas and New Year period, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend generate the longest queues of the year at the MEM checkpoint. During these periods, waits of 30 to 40 minutes in the standard lane are possible during the morning peak. The quietest windows at Memphis International are 09:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 on any day. A Tuesday or Wednesday midday departure during a non-holiday period is the most relaxed combination available at MEM. The very early window from 03:00 to 04:00 is also quiet immediately after the checkpoint opens, but builds as early morning departures begin boarding around 05:00.

Time of DayTypical MEM Security Wait (Standard Lane)Status
03:00 to 03:59Under 8 min (checkpoint just opened)Quiet
04:00 to 04:5912 to 16 minModerate
05:00 to 06:5920 to 25 min (30 to 40 min on holidays)Peak
07:00 to 07:5913 to 18 minBusy
08:00 to 09:5910 to 14 minModerate
10:00 to 14:598 to 12 minQuiet
15:00 to 15:5911 to 15 minModerate
16:00 to 18:5918 to 25 minBusy
19:00 to 19:5911 to 15 minModerate
20:00 to last departure8 to 11 minQuiet
📅 Quietest Days at MEM
Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently carry the lightest queues at Memphis International. A Wednesday midday departure outside summer peak season and holiday periods represents the most relaxed combination available, with standard lane waits typically well under 12 minutes.
📅 Busiest Days at MEM
Fridays, Mondays and Sundays carry the heaviest load. Sunday evenings see a concentrated return wave from weekend leisure travelers. The Spring Break and Thanksgiving periods push the morning peak checkpoint volume to over 10,000 passengers per day, with waits potentially reaching 35 minutes in the standard lane.
🏘️ Holiday Peaks at MEM
Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Year travel, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend all generate substantially longer queues. Allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes beyond typical estimates during these periods. The single checkpoint means there is no alternative route when it surges, so arriving earlier than usual is the only buffer available.
✈️ Live Wait Information
Memphis International Airport does not publish an official live wait time display. Use the MyTSA app (iOS and Android) for checkpoint estimates based on throughput data and TSA staffing patterns. Check in the 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to leave for the airport, particularly if your flight departs during the 04:00 to 07:00 morning window.

Memphis International Airport Priority Security: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Priority security at Memphis International Airport runs through one primary program: TSA PreCheck. Memphis does not have CLEAR biometric lanes at its checkpoint, making PreCheck the only dedicated expedited screening option available at MEM. There is no airline-managed priority security lane at the airport for any carrier. Delta Sky Priority provides priority check-in and boarding at Gate B18 but not a separate security lane. United MileagePlus and American AAdvantage status confer no security queue benefit at MEM. The one meaningful way to move through the MEM checkpoint materially faster is TSA PreCheck, available at the checkpoint every day the airport operates.

✅ TSA PreCheck
$78 for a five-year membership via the TSA website. The PreCheck lane at MEM routes you to a dedicated, shorter-queue lane separate from the standard CT lanes. Most PreCheck members clear in under 8 minutes even during the morning departure peak. The on-site IDEMIA enrollment center at MEM is currently closed; enroll at IDEMIA locations in the Memphis area (Mendenhall Park Place or Mount Moriah Road) or at tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov before your trip.
🌎 Global Entry
$100 for a five-year membership and includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. Global Entry has an interview facility at MEM for conditionally approved applicants, open Monday through Wednesday by appointment (closed federal holidays). Memphis International serves some international charter arrivals processed through the southwestern leg of Concourse B, but most MEM travel is domestic. Global Entry is recommended for travelers who also use connecting international airports like Atlanta or Chicago regularly.
✖ CLEAR Not Available at MEM
CLEAR biometric lanes are not available at Memphis International Airport as of April 2026. CLEAR operates at over 150 US airports but MEM is not among them. If you hold a CLEAR membership, it cannot be used at the MEM checkpoint. TSA PreCheck remains the recommended program for regular MEM travelers regardless of CLEAR membership status at other airports.
🗒️ CT Scanners Already Help Everyone
Because MEM has deployed CT scanning across its checkpoint since October 2022, even standard lane passengers benefit from not needing to remove laptops or liquids from bags. The main remaining advantage of PreCheck at MEM is the dedicated shorter queue, not a differential screening process. Enrolling in PreCheck before a holiday travel period through MEM is still strongly recommended.
TSA PreCheck is the best investment for regular MEM travelers. At $78 for five years, that is $15.60 per year or under $3 per trip if you fly five times annually. During the 04:00 to 07:00 morning peak at MEM, standard lane waits of 20 to 25 minutes are common. The PreCheck lane at the same time typically clears in under 8 minutes. Because MEM has one checkpoint and no alternative entry point, being in the PreCheck lane during a morning surge is one of the most time-efficient decisions a regular Memphis traveler can make. The on-site IDEMIA enrollment center at MEM is currently closed, so enroll at a Memphis area IDEMIA location or online before your next trip.

Recommended Arrival Times at Memphis International Airport

Memphis International Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your scheduled domestic departure, with particular emphasis on early morning flights between 4 and 7 a.m. where the morning departure peak creates the most acute pressure on the single checkpoint. The two-hour recommendation accounts for parking or kerb drop-off, ticket counter check-in or bag drop, the security queue and the gate walk. For travelers with checked bags, add 15 minutes for bag drop at your airline’s counter. During holiday travel periods, add 30 minutes beyond the two-hour recommendation regardless of PreCheck status, because parking, ground transport and bag drop times are not affected by security programme membership.

The TMSP construction is adding complexity to the kerb and pedestrian approach to the terminal in 2026. The outer commercial drive is being replaced, construction barriers are in place, and the Pedestrian Tunnel between Terminal B and the Pedestrian Plaza was closed from October 2025. Bright orange wayfinding signage is in place and airport staff are positioned throughout the terminal halls to assist navigation. If driving, allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes for the kerb approach and crossing time. Ride-share and taxi pickup and drop-off has been relocated to a new lower-level commercial vehicle lane inside the parking structure, indicated by bright orange signage. MATA Route 28 provides a public transit connection between the airport and the William Hudson Transit Center downtown, offering a predictable alternative to driving during the construction period.

✈️ All Domestic Flights (Single Checkpoint)
Arrive 2 hours before departure. All 23 gates in Concourse B are served by one checkpoint. There is no wrong checkpoint to enter at MEM. If checking bags, add 15 minutes for bag drop at your airline’s counter (Terminal A for most carriers, Terminal C for United and Spirit). Add 30 minutes during any peak holiday period.
🗒️ With TSA PreCheck
PreCheck members can reduce the recommendation to 90 minutes during off-peak periods. During peak holiday travel, still allow the full 2 hours regardless of programme membership, as parking, bag drop and ground transport times are not reduced by PreCheck. Allow extra time for the TMSP construction kerb approach in 2026.
⏳ Gate Walk Times at MEM
All 23 gates are in the Y-shaped Concourse B. Gates at the near end of the stem (B1 to B6) are 3 to 5 minutes on foot from the checkpoint. Gates at the far ends of the Y (B22, B23 and B18) are up to 10 minutes on foot. No shuttles, trains or people movers operate inside the terminal.
🚌 Getting to MEM in 2026
TMSP construction affects the outer commercial drive and kerb approach. Ride-share and taxi pickup is via the new lower-level commercial vehicle lane inside the parking structure (orange signage). MATA Route 28 connects MEM to the William Hudson Transit Center downtown. The Pedestrian Tunnel between Terminal B and the Pedestrian Plaza was closed from October 2025; check flymemphis.com for current status before travelling.

When Should I Leave for Memphis International Airport? Calculator

Enter your flight departure time below to get a recommended time to be inside the MEM terminal. The calculator factors in the typical Memphis International security wait at your departure hour, gate walk time, bag drop time and a safety buffer. All standard passenger flights at Memphis International are domestic.

Be inside the terminal by
11:00
Adjust the fields above for your flight.

Tips to Beat Memphis International Airport Security Queues

A few practical decisions can significantly reduce your time at the MEM checkpoint regardless of when you are flying.

Memphis International Airport Layout and Terminal Overview

Memphis International Airport (MEM/KMEM) is located seven miles southeast of downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee, at 2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116. It is owned and operated by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA). The airport set an all-time passenger record of 4.9 million origin-and-destination travelers in 2024, and averages over 80 passenger departures daily across 36 nonstop destinations served by eight airlines in 2026. Memphis International is also home to the FedEx Express global Superhub, the world’s busiest cargo sorting facility, which processes approximately 484,000 shipments per hour in a separate cargo facility entirely distinct from the passenger terminal. Memphis is additionally one of the largest UPS hub operations in the country. Cargo traffic operates predominantly between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and does not affect passenger checkpoint operations.

The passenger terminal is a single building with two levels. The upper level houses three landside ticketing halls (A, B and C), curbside check-in and departures. The lower level contains baggage claim for each hall, the Ground Transportation Center (taxis, ride-share, shuttles) and a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks connecting to the rental car centre in the economy parking facility. All three ticketing halls feed into the same TSA security checkpoint past the Terminal B area, and all gates are in the Y-shaped Concourse B on the airside. Concourse B was renovated in 2022 with wider corridors, higher ceilings and new concessions and holds 23 active gates numbered B1 through B23 along the central stem and southeastern leg. The southwestern leg of Concourse B handles non-pre-cleared international charter arrivals and customs processing. Since all passenger flights depart from Concourse B, there is no need to transfer between concourses. As of 2025, Memphis International Airport is in the process of being renamed in honour of Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx; the IATA code MEM is unaffected by this change. For the full terminal layout, gate locations and navigation guide, see our Memphis International Airport map and terminal guide.

Memphis International Airport Security: FAQ

How long is security at Memphis International Airport in 2026?

Security wait times at Memphis International Airport typically run 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak weekday hours. During the morning peak from 04:00 to 07:00, waits of 20 to 25 minutes are common in the standard lane, reaching 30 to 40 minutes on the busiest holiday travel days. The afternoon and early evening peak from 16:00 to 19:00 produces similar conditions. TSA PreCheck members typically clear in under 8 minutes. Memphis International does not publish an official live wait time display; use the MyTSA app for checkpoint estimates at MEM.

Does Memphis International Airport have CT scanners in 2026?

Yes. Memphis International Airport completed CT scanner installation at its central checkpoint in October 2022. Passengers can leave laptops, other electronic devices and 3-1-1 compliant liquids inside carry-on bags during screening, as confirmed by the official flymemphis.com security page and the March 2026 Spring Break travel advisory. All items must still go into the grey divesting bins for the CT tunnel; nothing can be placed directly on the belt. Oversized bags that exceed the CT unit height must be checked. Shoe removal has not been mandatory at US airports since July 2025 under the national TSA policy change.

When is Memphis International Airport security busiest?

The two busiest windows at Memphis International are the morning peak from 04:00 to 07:00 and the afternoon and early evening peak from 16:00 to 19:00. The official MEM Spring Break advisory identifies early morning flights between 4 and 7 a.m. as requiring the most careful timing. Because there is one checkpoint for all 23 gates, there is no alternative entry point when the queue builds. Fridays, Mondays and Sundays are the most congested days. The quietest windows are 09:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and after 20:00 on any day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at midday represent the most relaxed combination at MEM.

What time should I arrive at Memphis International Airport?

Arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic departure. This is particularly important for flights departing between 4 and 7 a.m. when the morning peak is at its most acute. The two-hour window accounts for parking, the TMSP construction kerb approach, check-in, security and the gate walk. For checked bags, add 15 minutes for bag drop. During holiday travel periods, add 30 minutes regardless of PreCheck status. MATA Route 28 connects the airport to downtown and removes construction traffic uncertainty from your journey time.

What is TSA PreCheck at Memphis International Airport and how does it work?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and routes you to a dedicated, shorter-queue lane at the MEM checkpoint. In the PreCheck lane you keep shoes on and, because MEM uses CT scanners, laptops and liquids do not need to be removed from bags in standard lanes either. PreCheck still provides a meaningfully faster experience by directing you to a separate lane with lighter volume. The on-site IDEMIA enrollment center at MEM is currently closed; enroll at IDEMIA locations in the Memphis area or via tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov. Global Entry ($100, 5 years) includes PreCheck and has an interview facility at MEM for conditionally approved applicants. Memphis does not have CLEAR biometric lanes.

Which airlines operate at Memphis International Airport in 2026?

Eight airlines offer scheduled passenger service at MEM in 2026, all operating from Concourse B. Delta Air Lines (B12, B14, B16, B18), American Airlines (B2, B4, B6) and United Airlines (B11, B13, B15) are the primary legacy carriers. Southwest Airlines (B5, B7), Allegiant Air (B22), Frontier Airlines (B23), Spirit Airlines (B1, B3) and Breeze Airways (common use) round out the carrier mix. Terminal A serves most carriers; Terminal C serves United and Spirit. All passengers use the same single checkpoint regardless of airline or ticketing hall.

Does Memphis International Airport have a live security wait time display?

Memphis International Airport does not publish an official live security wait time display. The official flymemphis.com security page provides screening guidance and REAL ID information but does not include a real-time checkpoint tracker. The MyTSA mobile app is the most reliable tool for checkpoint estimates at MEM. Third-party sites including tsawaittimes.com publish estimated wait times for Memphis International based on historical throughput patterns. The March 2026 MEM Spring Break advisory confirmed peak days can see more than 10,000 passengers pass through the single checkpoint, underlining the value of checking the MyTSA app before travelling during busy periods.

Does Memphis International Airport have priority security for premium passengers?

Memphis International Airport does not have a separately managed airline priority security lane beyond the TSA PreCheck programme lane. A Delta Sky Club is available in Concourse B near Gate B18 for eligible passengers but does not include a separate security bypass. American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and the ultra-low-cost carriers do not operate lounges at MEM. TSA PreCheck, available at the main checkpoint, is the only programme that provides a materially faster security experience at Memphis International. A USO lounge is available in the terminal for active military personnel and their families. Enroll in TSA PreCheck before travelling through MEM if you fly regularly through the airport.

Written & verified by

Independent airport guide. Not affiliated with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, Memphis International Airport, TSA, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines or any carrier. Wait time estimates on this page are calculated from documented MEM peak periods, official airport Spring Break travel advisories, airline departure patterns and historical checkpoint throughput data for the Concourse B central checkpoint. CT scanner facts confirmed via the official flymemphis.com security page and the March 2026 MEM Spring Break press release. For real-time conditions, use the MyTSA app or check flymemphis.com.

Published: 14 March 2026 Updated: 26 April 2026