Memphis International Airport – MEM

I have flown in here before but more back in the day when it was a Northwest hub. Then Delta took over and shortly after changed its hub status. Flying on United I transited through Terminal C which has a lot of dead space. There are a few places to eat but you can tell that it has a lot of room available. However, I think MEM still deserves a 3. It does have free wifi. The new rental car center is now attached instead of rental lots being offsite that required a shuttle bus. Terminal C has all of the basic amenities.
This airport is located close to I-​55 and not that far from downtown, Beale Street, Graceland, etc.

This airport is pretty odd. I mean, so many gates, so little traffic in and out of the airport. More FedEx planes take off here than any other plane — which makes sense because Memphis is the FedEx hub. This airport was so empty. It was good to know they were planning on making renovations for the unused terminals. A lot of wasted space.
I can’t remember if I ate in this airport or not. I think I did. A place that had burgers. My burger was good. Nothing spectacular. Food is food.

If nothing else it’s a strong 3 star review! For a small airport it’s easy to get around in and signage is decent. Though the walk to car rental is still far too long!!!

i know its dumb to rate an airport, because people are going to fly through it regardless if they’re trying to come to your city. but hopefully management sees some of our Unilocal comments and makes improvements to the airport!
memphis airport is fine. its not the greatest thing in the world, and its also not trash like LGA is. but there are certain things that could be improved about it.
PROS:
–small airport
–easy in and out
–free 30 min parking
–classy remodeled parking garage
–TONS of rental car options
–easy cell phone area
–quick TSA checkpoints
–starbucks in the lobby
–free wifi
–allegiant /​frontier make it pretty affordable to fly in and out of memphis
–quick to get to from just about anywhere in the memphis area
CONS:
–free wifi for only 30 min
–starbucks is only in the lobby/​limited eating options once you’re inside the gate, so be aware of that!
–HIGH COSTLY EXPENSIVE flight costs (sometimes i even book to leave from little rock or nashville and it STILL is cheaper than flying out of memphis)

I’m giving 4 stars because of the music that blares through this airport! Lol this is the only airport I know that has the BEST music, I mean what do you expect from a music town! You’ll find yourself walking and moving your head side to side smiling and singing like. Stevie Wonder! Picture the walking dead with soul music and bbq and you have the Memphis airport! Although this place is almost always empty whenever you cross paths with employees they are always smiling and friendly.
I can’t help but think how much fun it would be to get a few skateboards and segways with a group of fellow crazies and roll through this joker with a rib in tow. When I fly out of here I’m NEVER in a rush as this place isn’t busy like it used to be! It’s sad to see this airport just go down. The airport surrounding area has really changed for the better, it’s beautiful pulling up to the airport and departing the music symbols and blue lights match the air traffic of a major airport 4 –5 years ago! Leave it to Memphis to always be delayed but hopefully it’ll turn around!

First time flying out of MEM. My biggest plus is that it’s not that crowded. We strolled at a relaxed pace from the covered parking garage to our gate with ease.
$ 6.00 long term parking? I’ll take it! Didn’t have to ride a bus to the terminal, another plus.
I thought it was well laid out and plenty of amenities for an airport this size.
It’s a three hour drive for us to the airport. I will certainly check flights from Mem from now on.

This airport makes me sad. And depressed. And nostalgic for the days that it was a bustling hub.
Now it’s in need of a tremendous makeover and more airlines for competition. Northwest was the big airline back in the day and, of course, FedEx is still there (but it doesn’t impact the consumer side of things).
The seats in the waiting areas are not the most comfortable and while I don’t love running through airports that are so crammed with people that navigating is difficult, it’s creepy when you’re the only one walking down these long corridors.
Also, Delta really needs to get their stuff together… I paid an INSANE amount of money for a direct flight from NYC to Memphis. I sent a letter of complaint (to Delta) b/​c it really feels like price gouging. On top of everything, the plane was TINY.
Would love to see Jet Blue get some flights in here.

Alright, my biggest problem with this airport is the people who work here. It doesn’t hurt to smile and be nice, promise. Don’t worry, no matter how standoffish you are, I’ll still be friendly. This airport is depressing. It looks like it’s dying. The food and drink choices aren’t as bad as everyone makes them out to be, but the atmosphere feel prisonish. Definitely not a place I’d wanna spend a long layover in.

You should expect to receive somewhere between a 2 – 3 star experience when flying in/​out of the Memphis International Airport. I’ve had some wonderful experiences that were a solid 3 and I’ve also experienced some very low 2 star visits. It’s good to see they had their first increase in passenger flights last year compared to the multi-​year decreases in flights over the past ten years. They had just under 4 million flights last year compared to over 11 million flights ten years ago.
The good: The people are friendly and eager to help you. It’s usually very clean. The airport is super easy to get to from either downtown Memphis or from out east in the Germantown area. The’ye been doing a lot of updates to make your experience a better one such as bring the car rentals onto the airport property. You can walk to the rentals now. It’s easy to find your gate regardless of which terminals your flying out of. There are plenty of places to charge your mobile devises.
Some areas they could improve on: As I mentioned you can walk to the rentals now — however be prepared to do A LOT of walking, so stop and get your coffee before getting your rental. oh and you may want to do some stretching to prevent leg cramps :-) They need more places for people to work on their lap tops between flights. Better coffee and dinning options would also make this airport a better experience.

So this is my first review of my new home town and it somehow feels appropriate that it’s of the airport :)
My plane arrived in terminal C and it was cool that the baggage belt # is written on the exit door of the gangway and then it was an easy walk to baggage claim and I quickly got to the correct belt for baggage pick-​up. I then walked out and there was the parked car, so first impressions are that it was easy and breezy!
Oh, btw I didn’t see any of the Fedex planes mentioned by most other folks in their reviews, until we were driving out, but that was a pretty neat sight!

Memphis is a music town and you know it as soon as you step foot inside Memphis International Airport.
I love when I land and hear music from local greats pumping through the airport speakers.
It also helps that everyone who works at the airport is so ridiculously nice.
The layout of the airport is also super easy to maneuver.
I look forward to the day when the airlines match the service at the airport — by making the cost to fly out of Memphis International Airport more agreeable.

Out of all of the airports I have flown through this is my least favorite. It is old, outdated and has very little options when it comes to food and drinks. I have a hard time believing there is no money for some updates to this airport.
There always seems to be a long wait for your luggage to get to the baggage area. I really pictures that they must have 2 people loading and unloading luggage.
I hate having to fly here but sometimes it is the only option.

Not very crowded, which makes security and getting around really quick. However with Delta reducing its presence in past years there’s now lots of unused gates and as a result fewer people and fewer food/​retail options. I had to walk all over the place just to find some breakfast. Trying to find healthy food is almost impossible.
The interior could badly use an update. Everything is grey and blah, á la 1980s.
Still though, new low fare airlines like Southwest and Frontier, along with the convenience and super cheap parking, make it a good experience.

A great little airport as far as I can tell. We flew in direct and had no problem reading signage to baggage and rental cars.
Upon flying out, we arrived at 6:30am on a Sunday and there was only a handful of people there. At security, there was literally no other passengers. From baggage check to my gate took less than 5 minutes.
I noticed a few shops, Memphis stuff, Brighton, PGA among others. Food options, I noticed a sub shop, Starbucks, and some sit down type restaurants.
I will say TSA at this airport is quite a ragamuffin bunch and didn’t instill much faith in my security, can’t blame MEM for that. It’s troubling to hear TSA agents refer to their X-​ray as garbage, another discuss her two dates with married men and another butcher the English language but I made it through and the plane didn’t crash.
For the size, this a great little airport when compared to towns Memphis’ size.

Update ¹²⁄₁₂:
I still rate the airport the same due to the small size and it’s not usually that crowded. Otherwise, ehhh.
There isn’t much passenger air traffic like in previous years, so many of the stores and restaurants have closed. The places that remain have mediocre food and service, and the prices are definitely higher than the norm.
Airport cleanliness is probably a 2.5−3 on a scale of 1 – 5.
Just set your expectations low and you won’t be disappointed.

Easy to get from I 55 to airport. Airport is the biggest cargo hub in the US and 2^nd in the world. Easy to find parking, rental and returns. Easy to get around inside. Maps of the air port at Hallway intersections. The do have overhead mounted departure screens, they could use some more of those. At least 2 EasyTSA check points. There are 3 terminals, so there may be another. One Starbucks before checkpoint at terminal B. One Starbucks in terminal C. There really isn’t much selection, but there are a few convenience type stores. They keep it clean and everyone was pleasant. Lots of electric outlets at Gate 29, but could use a lot more.

Sweet Jesus save me… this place is dirty, fithy and then covered in a pile of gross. But what makes it all the more interesting is the mean people that work there, massive disorganization and total disregard that this is someplace they might want to, you know, greet tourists?
Next time, I’m flying to Nashville and driving 3hours. Or maybe I’ll just skip Memphis…

Where oh where do I want to start…
I come to this airport because my parents live not that far from here. Walking through the airport is not bad. Looks like some updates should occur. Everything from the chairs to the TV’s, floors and then some. Is it clean? Yes indeed.
Some people look approachable at this airport while others don’t. I can’t lie, I have that look on my face too in person, but Im one of the sweetest people ever once you get me talking lol. From my experience, there wasn’t a person that didn’t assist me with questions if I had any. Attitude is there and present. If you experience it, remember, overcome them with kindness. No need to add fuel to the fire. :o)
On a serious note, can somebody call one of these home, hotel, business remodeling shows so this place can come at least into the 2000’s where the rest of us are? Its almost 2016 and this place takes me back (on so many levels) and even I want to reach down in my Barney bag, pull out a brush and paint a wall and decorate myself. Im sorry but that cold, jail-​cell, snyder-​block, meat locker look is not where it is at. Everything is so grey and drab. Lets see some colors (that pop) at the least mixed in with the grey. There are a few spots of color. Somewhere down gate B there is color in the floor and a few sparkles. Also down that hallway, there are pics of places around Memphis. Most are historical and revolve around music.
I can say the only airport by far that you will hear gospel music playing in. Thats how I knew I was back home. Im having church singing and clapping while Im waiting on my ride lol. It does look like they doing construction outside the building. They had downstairs pick up blocked off. Hopefully changes are coming…

Checking in was quick and easy. Security was a breeze. There are some decent food options. That being said there are not many options. Getting around is easy. It is not too large and the layout is simple.
There are some problems though. This airport is in desperate need of a full renovation. It is extremely dated.
Also, the rental car center is technically on site, but it quite a distance away. Not a deal breaker, but not exactly convenient.
This is an ok medium size airport. It is ok for quick in and outs. A long layover or delay would be quite painful here.

Easy to get around, but super slow security, particularly for no bigger than this airport is. Not a ton of amenities, and for the most part, it’s pretty outdated in terms of design and décor. One of the things I always hated back in the days of Northwest Airlines was that they’d want to always route their flights through MEM, even if it meant backtracking… I’d still rather stop here than ATL or O’Hare anyday. On a high note, there is some pretty cool music-​related stuff around the airport, so bonus points for that (see what I did there? High note — I crack myself up when I haven’t slept…).

Memphis International is a solid 3 in my book. I have been here a few times and it has always been empty. You just don’t need much time to check a bag and make it through security. I think it took me longer to walk from the car rental facility compared to everything else.
Super friendly service… plenty of seating and free wifi. I didn’t see many food options… at least in the C Terminal. A few plug in towers scattered throughout to recharge your gear. They could use some more, but this is a complaint I have at most airports.

1^st time back in MEM in years after living here previously and using it a ton working for one of the local medical device companies. I was shocked at how empty and alone it felt today. Sad to see it now compared to the bustling days as a NWA hub.
Easy in and out but feels a bit like your grandmas old house after grandpa died and she let it go.
Hoping for better days ahead for the airport and the city.

I live in Memphis. I thought I would precede this review with that.
Our airport kinda sucks…
I want to be positive about «us» and all, but, this place well, it sucks. Grit. Grind. Choose … Nothing
TSA checkpoints are a breeze because no one is flying from Memphis to anywhere worthwhile regularly anyway. I’m not sure if half the place is even being used. I am surprised at the friendliness of the people at the checkpoints. I’ve never encountered a rude or demanding officer.
It’s almost always a ghost town and when I’ve arrived from other airports and looked around at the businesses in the MEM its embarrassing. No charisma, no charm, hell, not even a smile.
I hope someday we get it back together. Until then, I’ll just fly with my head down.

Definitely one of the more dated airports that I have traveled through in the United States. As a smaller airport, it lacks some of the amenities of larger airports. If your flight is running on time, no harm no foul. Though if you end up sitting in the airport due to a delay, I could see it getting old rather quickly. Also not sure how many healthy dining options are available, so could be worth packing your own snacks.
Security lines were relatively light during my visit. TSA PreCheck had virtually no lines while I was there. The terminal is mostly an off-​white painted brick theme pretty much everywhere you look. The rental car facility is a few minutes walk down a long outdoor walkway, which does have a canopy over it in the event of inclement weather. Rental car return was a breeze. No shuttle buses to get to and from the rental car, so unlike places like DFW you don’t have to build in a ton of extra time.
In terms of accessibility, not a ton of direct flights. I flew Delta through either CVG or ATL. Prices weren’t cheap. Schedules are somewhat limited. But if you’re heading to this part of the country, I’m not sure you have much of a choice.

I wish there was more to do, look, and see in this airport. But I guess the charm is the fact that its a tiny airport and you could go through security rather quickly… i guess.

MEM, is that an acronym for «Manageable, Expensive, Minimal?
I travel for work and like MEM. Small and uncomplicated, closer and typically cheaper than Little Rock. Now, if only we could fly FedEx!
MEM is so little there are rarely lines at security, no parking problems with the awesome new long term lots, and BBQ places available while you wait.
BTW no matter who you are flying you can get to any gate after they security if you want a particular restaurant etc, just look at a floor plan map in the terminal.
Did I mention free WiFi? (Hear that ATL? Free!!)
Service is consistently good, never had a problem here except for longer than normal waits for baggage and outdated décor.
Yes — fares are high (I miss Airtran). So high at times– I just drive, that will show them!

I love how the security and everyone there extremely professional they’re kind and helpful they take their job very seriously and they’re still able to care for people at the same time we appreciate all the staff and everything that they go through day by day to keep airport safe

Can’t give this five stars as its not busy enough to have everything open. It’s Saturday but there were at least a few places closed. That doesn’t make much sense but this is a small airport so I guess it does. I’d be able to grade it better if I’d been able to experience more here. It’s clean. And the staff are nice when you check in and move through security.
Is this really an international airport? It’s tiny and I imagine every where you go you have to have a lay over somewhere. I can’t even get a direct flight home to New York.

Quickly becoming one of my favorite airports! If you’re traveling to MS or parts of AL it’s affordable and centrally located.
The rental center has been redone and is now on-​site which is a big plus. The airport offers some great food selections, plus many places to purchase mardi gras beads before you leave.
If you’re heading to the French Quarter there’s plenty of taxi’s to get you there.
And yes free internet!

It’s a small airport, but I have always had a good experience flying through here. Though I’m fortunate that I’m heading to Memphis from a major airport hub city, so I fly in direct/​non-​stop. I see from reviews that not everyone has this experience and will have to do multiple stops to fly into and out of MEM. :/
I’m OK with the airport being small. While über airports like Charlotte Douglas International are cool and all, MEM does the job fine. Plus, it’s never been crowded when I’ve gone there (which gets points from me for sure).