The Thanksgiving travel surge is in full effect at Memphis International Airport, where over 90,000 people are anticipated to shuffle through security. As reported by WREG, the airport experienced one of its busiest days on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with an expected 10,000 travelers on Friday alone. Echoing the sentiments of packed terminals, FOX13 Memphis highlights the airport's advice to passengers, encouraging them to arrive two hours early, primarily for flights scheduled from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
In preparation for the steady stream of passengers, the Transportation Security Administration has put forth efforts to keep the process smooth with screening wait times expected at less than 30 minutes for regular flyers, and down to 10 minutes for those with TSA PreCheck, as stated by TSA Administrator David Pekoske. Still, parking is a critical issue, lots are filling up with unprecedented speed, some reaching full capacity as travelers arrive to commence their holiday journey.
Action News 5 offers a peek into the other side of airport operations, noting the heightened sense of awareness around security not just within the terminal but also across parking structures and property. "Airport safety is multifaceted. We do have TSA for the checkpoints. We have on our police department that patrols not only the terminals but the parking garages and the property around the airport that the airport owns," said Glen Thomas, MEM director of Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Despite the efforts, worries blossom among some travelers after an investigation revealed an increase in car thefts at airports nationwide. MEM has seen 185 cars stolen from its public parking areas since 2021, with the 2024 figures showing a decrease to 27 incidents. "We believe one is too many and we're going to keep focusing on it," Thomas promised, according to Action News 5. To bolster a sense of security, measures such as pop-up security barriers, tiger teeth at lot entrances, and enhanced camera surveillance are in force, along with augmented patrols by airport police and contracted security guards.
Travelers like Shervita Mason, who voiced her plans in an Action News 5 interview, are taking no chances with their vehicles. "I wasn't going to leave my car here," said Mason. "This is Memphis, so I'm not leaving my car." As the holiday haste endures, the airport assures it will direct drivers to available parking spots and will continue to provide shuttle service between lots, thereby attempting to alleviate at least one aspect of the Thanksgiving travel trial.
