TSA Wait Times at Memphis International Airport (MEM)
MEM airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
MEM airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Memphis International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
28 min
Thursdays at 5 AM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
29 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 10m | 8m | 5m | 8m | 11m | 5m | 8m |
| 4 AM | 17m | 13m | 14m | 23m | 13m | 11m | 12m |
| 5 AM | 23m | 22m | 21m | 28m | 15m | 21m | 15m |
| 6 AM | 25m | 20m | 18m | 14m | 13m | 12m | 13m |
| 7 AM | 19m | 9m | 13m | 20m | 13m | 15m | 14m |
| 8 AM | 10m | 26m | 9m | 19m | 9m | 20m | 10m |
| 9 AM | 13m | 11m | 14m | 11m | 10m | 12m | 19m |
| 10 AM | 14m | 18m | 12m | 12m | 14m | 13m | 13m |
| 11 AM | 15m | 21m | 14m | 15m | 12m | 20m | 12m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 13m | 14m | 12m | 6m | 10m | 12m | 11m |
| 1 PM | 14m | 22m | 13m | 8m | 8m | 12m | 10m |
| 2 PM | 10m | 12m | 10m | 7m | 9m | 5m | 10m |
| 3 PM | 10m | 8m | 8m | 9m | 10m | 4m | 8m |
| 4 PM | 11m | 7m | 8m | 17m | 11m | 2m | 10m |
| 5 PM | 10m | 7m | 5m | 16m | 10m | 4m | 10m |
| 6 PM | 12m | 6m | 2m | 13m | 9m | 7m | 7m |
| 7 PM | 11m | 3m | 1m | 2m | 7m | 2m | 8m |
| 8 PM | 2m | 2m | 1m | 4m | 5m | 1m | 5m |
| 9 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | - | 3m |
| 10 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | - | - | - | 3m |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for MEM Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
MEM TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Memphis International Airport?
TSA wait times at MEM vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 28 minutes on Thursdays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 29 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at MEM?
The best times to go through TSA security at MEM are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 29 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Thursdays around 5 AM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for MEM?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Memphis International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at MEM airport?
For domestic flights at Memphis International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Thursdays at 5 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 28 minutes.