Accessibility
Memphis (MEM) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Memphis International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair assistance from your airline at booking or at the ticket counter; wheelchair service for departing passengers is available at all airline ticket counters and airlines can arrange it in advance of arrival. For additional help, call the airport directly at 901-922-8000.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MEM security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before you fly (weekdays 8am-11pm ET, weekends/holidays 9am-8pm ET) or submit a request at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares; a Passenger Support Specialist can meet you at the checkpoint and guide you through screening.
Security lanes
MEM does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
Indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) are located beside B Checkpoint on the secure side (next to the family restroom) and between the Rotunda and Gate 9. Outdoor pet/service animal relief areas are at Baggage Claim A (grassy area to the left after exiting) and Baggage Claim C (grassy area to the right after exiting).
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
MEM does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. MEM does not have a dedicated sensory/quiet room for travelers with sensory sensitivities. The Meditation Room in the Main Terminal is the closest quiet space available to all travelers. Travelers with hidden disabilities can also request a free Sunflower Lanyard at an information desk to discreetly signal they may need extra time or assistance from staff.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
MEM does not operate an independent wheelchair/mobility-cart rental counter. Wheelchair assistance is provided free through your airline (request at booking or the ticket counter). Travelers who need a personal mobility device beyond airline wheelchair service should arrange a rental in advance through a Memphis-area medical equipment supplier before arriving.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
MEM has 134 covered accessible parking spaces positioned nearest the terminal walkways and elevators in every parking facility, plus a hearing loop installed in the concourse floor for hearing-impaired travelers and the Aira visual-assistance app for low-vision travelers — ask any information desk to get set up with either.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at MEM airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at MEM is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from MEM?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MEM security checkpoint at no cost.
Does MEM airport have a family security lane?
Memphis International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. MEM does not publicly document a dedicated family/special-assistance security lane. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint for accommodation, or arrange a Passenger Support Specialist escort in advance through TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227).
Where is the service animal relief area at MEM airport?
Indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) are located beside B Checkpoint on the secure side (next to the family restroom) and between the Rotunda and Gate 9. Outdoor pet/service animal relief areas are at Baggage Claim A (grassy area to the left after exiting) and Baggage Claim C (grassy area to the right after exiting). Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: MEM TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · MEM security tips
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