Christmas Day travel rush hits Memphis as holiday plans take flight

MEMPHIS, Tenn — Christmas Day marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of Americans heading out to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Memphis is no exception, as travelers fill highways and airports across the Bluff City.

At Memphis International Airport, tens of thousands of passengers are expected to take to the skies during the holiday travel rush. Airport officials told ABC24 that preparation and patience are key to avoiding unnecessary stress.

“With the increase in holiday travelers, that could mean longer lines,” said Glen Thomas, a spokesperson for Memphis International Airport. He encouraged passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure.

“That gives you plenty of time to park, check in, and get through security and to your gate,” Thomas said. “Worst-case scenario, you end up with extra time to grab a sandwich or visit one of our retail shops.”

Thomas also said the airport is operating with normal staffing levels and does not anticipate major issues, barring weather-related disruptions. However, he stressed the importance of staying in close contact with airlines.

“Weather could be fine here, but bad at your destination,” Thomas said. “Things can change quickly, and the airline is going to have the most up-to-date information on scheduling or rescheduling.”

According to Thomas, they expect to see 127,000 travelers between December 19 and January 5. He said that’s a 2 percent increase from 2024.  

Not everyone is flying; however, for some Memphians, Christmas travel means hitting the road. Trevor Hooper, who is traveling by car for work during the holiday week, said traffic is noticeably heavier.

“It’s definitely a lot busier during the holidays,” Hooper said. “You’ve got to give yourself a lot more time to prepare for unexpected things. As long as you plan…it’ll be pretty smooth.”

Hooper said he also pays close attention to weather conditions and makes sure he’s fully prepared before driving.

“I’m always double-checking my pockets and my things,” he said. “Just making sure I have everything in order.”

For others, Christmas travel is about leaving the cold behind. Angela Martin, who runs Travel Well Concierge, said many Memphians are opting for warmer destinations.

“We have a lot of trips to places like St. Lucia and St. Thomas,” Martin said. “Even people without passports want that Caribbean feel, so they’re looking for hot, tropical environments.”

Martin said while most clients plan trips six months to a year in advance, December is one of the busiest months for departures, especially for large group travel.

“They want everything handled seamlessly on the back end,” she said. “The goal is a smooth, stress-free experience.”

Whether traveling by plane or car, officials agree the advice is simple: plan early and give yourself extra time.

Thomas added that ongoing construction at Memphis International Airport could impact parking, urging travelers to allow even more time and download their airline’s app to stay updated on flight information.