Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Memphis International Airport (MEM) gives travelers a useful mix of full-service, low-cost, and regional airlines. Passengers can fly nonstop to major airline hubs, large business markets, and popular leisure destinations, then connect onward to cities throughout the United States and abroad.
Airline schedules at MEM change throughout the year, so a route shown in this guide may operate daily, only on selected days, seasonally, or during a limited travel period. Always confirm the flight dates on the airline’s website before making nonrefundable plans.
Quick Answer
The passenger airlines serving Memphis International Airport are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, they offer nonstop service to more than 30 destination markets, although routes and operating days can change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Eight passenger airlines currently serve Memphis International Airport.
- American, Delta, Southwest, and United provide useful connections through several major airline hubs.
- Allegiant, Breeze, and Frontier focus heavily on lower-fare or leisure-oriented routes, but optional fees can raise the total price.
- Southern Airways Express provides small regional flights and operates from Signature Flight Support rather than the main passenger concourse.
- Southwest now uses assigned seating, and most of its lower fare bundles no longer include two free checked bags.
- MEM’s current published nonstop list is domestic. Seasonal international vacation flights may be offered separately in some years.
Which Airlines Fly Out of Memphis International Airport?
The official Airlines at MEM directory lists eight passenger carriers. The table below shows examples of the nonstop markets associated with each airline on MEM’s current route list. It is not a guarantee that every route operates every day or throughout the year.
| Airline | Sample Nonstop Destinations | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater | Leisure trips and travelers who can pack light and use limited-frequency schedules |
| American Airlines | Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington Reagan | Travelers who need broad connecting options through American’s hub network |
| Breeze Airways | Pensacola, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, and Tampa | Point-to-point leisure routes and passengers with flexible travel days |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Salt Lake City | Business travel, SkyMiles members, and connections through major Delta hubs |
| Frontier Airlines | Denver, Orlando, and Phoenix | Travelers prioritizing a low base fare who can manage separate bag and seat fees |
| Southern Airways Express | Harrison and Hot Springs, Arkansas | Short regional trips on small aircraft |
| Southwest Airlines | Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa | Travelers who value flexible change policies and a broad domestic network |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, and Newark | Star Alliance travelers and connections through United’s domestic and international hubs |
Warning: A destination appearing on an airport route map does not necessarily mean it operates every day. Leisure routes are especially likely to run only on selected weekdays or during part of the year. Check both your outbound and return dates before booking hotels or activities.
Delta Air Lines: Flying Out of Memphis
Delta Air Lines remains one of the larger passenger carriers at MEM, but Memphis is no longer a Delta hub. According to the airport’s official history, Delta announced in June 2013 that it would stop maintaining hub operations in Memphis.
Delta currently provides nonstop access to several important markets, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Salt Lake City. Atlanta is especially useful for connecting to Delta’s wider domestic and international network.
Available onboard features depend on the route and aircraft. Passengers may find Main Cabin, Comfort, First Class, complimentary entertainment, Wi-Fi, and snack or beverage service, but not every feature is offered on every flight. SkyMiles members can earn and redeem miles subject to Delta’s current program rules.
Delta is a practical option for travelers who value schedule choices, loyalty benefits, premium seating, or connections through Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, and Salt Lake City. Compare the complete itinerary rather than assuming Delta will be the fastest choice simply because it once operated a Memphis hub.
Southwest Airlines: Flying Out of Memphis
Southwest Airlines offers nonstop service from Memphis to several major domestic markets, including Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa. Its network can also provide one-stop itineraries to many other cities.
Southwest no longer uses its former open-seating system. Flights now have assigned seats, with Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom options. The seat a passenger can choose—and when it can be selected—depends on the fare bundle, Rapid Rewards status, credit card benefits, availability, and any separate seat purchase.
The current fare bundles are Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Basic passengers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in. Choice includes Standard seat selection at booking, Choice Preferred includes a Preferred or Standard seat, and Choice Extra includes an available Extra Legroom seat or another available seat.
Note: Southwest’s old two-free-checked-bags policy no longer applies to every passenger. For mainland travel booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026, the airline lists first- and second-bag fees of $45 and $55 for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two free checked bags. Status, credit card, military, and vacation-package exceptions may apply. Review Southwest’s current optional travel charges before booking.
Southwest still includes one carry-on bag and one personal item, subject to its size rules. Rapid Rewards members can earn points based on the fare purchased, and several fares include free same-day change or standby benefits. Review the airline’s fare benefits because the cheapest bundle may not provide the best total value after bags and seats are added.
Allegiant Air: Flying Out of Memphis
Allegiant Air focuses on nonstop leisure service from Memphis to destinations such as Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater. Some routes may operate only on selected days or during specific travel seasons.
Allegiant’s low advertised fares can be attractive when its schedule matches your trip. However, the basic price may not include a full-size carry-on, checked luggage, advance seat selection, or priority boarding. Travelers should price the same bags, seats, and services they will actually use before comparing Allegiant with a traditional airline.
Allegiant can work especially well for a flexible vacation trip when a nonstop flight avoids a connection. It may be less suitable when you need daily service, a last-minute schedule change, or many alternative flights during a disruption.
Pro Tip: When considering Allegiant, compare the airline’s arrival airport with your actual destination. Orlando Sanford and St. Petersburg/Clearwater may be convenient for some travelers but farther from certain attractions than Orlando International or Tampa International.
American Airlines: Flying Out of Memphis
American Airlines connects Memphis with several of its major hubs and focus markets. Current examples include Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington Reagan.
This network makes American useful when MEM does not have a nonstop flight to your final destination. Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte provide extensive domestic connections, while Miami and Philadelphia can offer access to selected international itineraries.
Compare connection time, terminal changes, baggage fees, seat-selection costs, and the final arrival time. A lower fare with a tight or lengthy connection may offer less value than a slightly more expensive itinerary with a better schedule.
Breeze Airways: Flying Out of Memphis
Breeze Airways provides point-to-point service from Memphis to markets such as Pensacola, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, and Tampa. These routes can save time when they eliminate a connection through a large hub.
Breeze routes often operate on fewer days than flights offered by the largest network airlines. Check both directions carefully, particularly for a short trip, because a route may not operate on the day you want to return.
Like other lower-fare carriers, Breeze sells several bundles with different bag, seat, and flexibility benefits. Compare the complete bundle price rather than relying only on the first fare displayed.
Frontier Airlines: Flying Out of Memphis
Frontier Airlines serves selected leisure and hub markets from Memphis, including Denver, Orlando, and Phoenix on MEM’s current route list. Service dates and frequencies can vary.
Frontier uses an unbundled pricing model. A low base fare may not include a standard carry-on bag, checked bag, advance seat assignment, or flexible changes. The airline can still be economical for passengers who travel with a small personal item and do not need many extras.
Before purchasing, calculate the round-trip cost for every traveler in your party. Families who need adjacent seats and several bags may find that another airline has a higher starting fare but a lower final total.
Southern Airways Express: Regional Flights From Memphis
Southern Airways Express provides small-aircraft regional service from Memphis to Harrison and Hot Springs, Arkansas. Unlike the other listed passenger airlines, Southern Airways Express operates from Signature Flight Support rather than the main passenger concourse.
Confirm the terminal location, check-in deadline, baggage limits, and aircraft restrictions before departure. Regional aircraft can have different carry-on procedures from the larger jets used by major airlines.
United Airlines: Flying Out of Memphis
United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Memphis to Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, and Newark. These airports provide onward connections across the United States and to many international destinations.
United can be especially useful for MileagePlus and Star Alliance travelers or for passengers heading to destinations well served through Chicago, Denver, Houston, or the New York area. As with other network carriers, the best connecting airport depends on the final destination, weather, layover time, and total fare.
Are There International Flights From Memphis?
MEM’s current official nonstop destination list shows domestic scheduled routes. Travelers heading outside the United States will generally connect through airports such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Miami, Newark, New York, or another airline hub.
Memphis has offered limited international service in the past. For example, Vacation Express operated seasonal package flights to Cancun in 2025, and Air Canada previously flew between Memphis and Toronto. Those older services should not be treated as current unless the airport or operator announces new dates.
For international travel from Memphis, the most useful comparison is often not the first flight alone. Compare the full itinerary, connection airport, layover length, baggage rules, and arrival time at your final destination.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Memphis Trip
The best airline depends on where you are going, when you need to travel, and which services you need. Start by checking whether a nonstop flight is available. A nonstop itinerary usually reduces travel time and removes the risk of a missed connection, but it is not always the cheapest option.
Choose by Destination and Schedule
Begin with MEM’s current destination list. If two or more airlines serve the same city, compare departure time, arrival time, operating days, and backup flights. A carrier with several departures may be easier to work with after a cancellation than an airline operating the route only a few times each week.
Compare the Total Price
Add all likely costs before choosing a fare:
- Carry-on and checked-bag charges
- Seat-selection charges
- Priority boarding
- Change or cancellation restrictions
- Food or onboard purchases
- Transportation from the arrival airport
- Hotel costs caused by an inconvenient schedule
Consider Connection Quality
If no nonstop flight is available, compare the connecting airport as well as the airline. Allow enough time to move between gates, especially when traveling with children, reduced mobility, or checked luggage. Weather-prone hubs can also affect reliability during certain seasons.
Use Loyalty Benefits Carefully
Elite status, airline credit cards, lounge access, companion benefits, and free bags can change which airline offers the best value. However, loyalty should not outweigh a much better schedule or a significantly lower total fare when the trip is time-sensitive.
Tips for Booking Flights to or From Memphis
Track Fares Instead of Relying on One Booking Rule
There is no single number of days in advance that always produces the lowest fare. Start monitoring prices early, compare nearby dates, and use fare alerts when your travel schedule is flexible. Holiday periods, school breaks, festivals, and major events can sell out sooner than ordinary travel dates.
Check Separate One-Way Tickets
A round trip on one airline is often convenient, but two one-way tickets on different airlines may produce a better schedule or price. Before splitting the booking, remember that each airline will have separate change rules, baggage policies, and customer-service responsibility.
Review the Operating Airport
Some metropolitan areas have multiple airports. Memphis routes may use Dallas/Fort Worth or Dallas Love Field, Chicago O’Hare or Chicago Midway, Orlando International or Orlando Sanford, and New York-area airports such as JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. Confirm which airport is closest to your plans.
Arrive at MEM Early
Memphis International Airport advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure. Check your airline’s baggage cutoff and boarding deadline because arriving at the terminal two hours early does not override an airline’s check-in rules.
Before leaving home, check the flight status, verify the ticketing area, review parking or drop-off plans, and make sure every traveler has acceptable identification. The airport’s check-in guide provides current terminal and arrival information.
Protect Important Items
Keep identification, medication, keys, electronics, travel documents, and one change of essential clothing in your carry-on or personal item. Do not place irreplaceable documents or time-sensitive medication in a checked bag.
If you plan to carry photography equipment, the guide to the best travel camera backpacks can help you organize cameras and accessories while staying within your airline’s size and weight limits.
Exploring Memphis: Must-See Attractions
Memphis combines music history, civil rights landmarks, Mississippi River views, museums, and Southern food. Visitors with limited time should group attractions by neighborhood instead of crossing the city repeatedly.
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home, is one of the city’s best-known attractions. Tour options may include the mansion, exhibits, aircraft, vehicles, stage costumes, and other items connected with Presley’s career. Graceland is also close to Memphis International Airport, making it practical near the beginning or end of a trip.
The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Its exhibits examine slavery, segregation, the civil rights movement, and the continuing struggle for human rights.
Other major attractions include Beale Street, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, the Memphis Zoo, Shelby Farms Park, and Sun Studio. Reserve enough time for ticketed attractions and verify current hours before arriving.
Pro Tip: Graceland and the airport are south of downtown, while Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and several music museums are closer together downtown. Grouping nearby attractions can reduce driving and rideshare costs.
Memphis: A Food Lover’s Destination
Memphis is especially known for barbecue, including pork ribs, pulled-pork sandwiches, smoked meats, dry rubs, and sauces that vary by restaurant. Popular establishments can have long waits during weekends and major events, so check hours and reservation policies before making a special trip.
Central BBQ is a well-known local barbecue choice, while Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is associated with spicy fried chicken rather than barbecue. The city also offers soul food, catfish, burgers, bakeries, breweries, vegetarian dishes, and international restaurants.
Memphis food is broader than barbecue. Leave room for soul food, fried chicken, local bakeries, neighborhood restaurants, and the city’s growing range of international cuisine.
For a more local experience, explore neighborhoods such as Cooper-Young, Midtown, South Main, and Overton Square. Restaurant schedules can change during holidays and slower weekdays, so confirm opening hours directly.
The Music Scene in Memphis
Memphis played a major role in the development of blues, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Beale Street remains the city’s best-known live-music district, but performances also take place in Midtown, Overton Square, South Main, and other neighborhoods.
Sun Studio is widely promoted as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and is associated with performers such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, and Carl Perkins. Guided tours explain the studio’s role in Memphis recording history.
The Stax Museum focuses on American soul music and the artists connected with Stax Records. The Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum explores how musicians crossed racial and economic barriers to shape internationally influential music.
Festival dates, performers, and venues change each year. Check the official event schedule before planning a flight around a specific music festival or concert.
Where to Stay in Memphis
Downtown is convenient for Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the riverfront, FedExForum, and several museums. It offers luxury properties, large chain hotels, and smaller accommodations at a range of prices.
The Peabody Memphis is known for its historic lobby and resident ducks, which march between their rooftop Duck Palace and the lobby fountain. Travelers interested in this tradition should verify current march times with the hotel.
Midtown, Cooper-Young, and Overton Square provide easier access to neighborhood restaurants, bars, music venues, and local shops. These areas can suit visitors who prefer a residential atmosphere over a central tourist district.
Accommodations near Graceland and the airport can be convenient for short visits, early departures, Elvis-focused trips, and travelers who do not plan to spend every evening downtown. Before booking any property, compare parking charges, neighborhood location, cancellation rules, and transportation costs.
Transportation and Getting Around Memphis
Rental cars, taxis, hotel shuttles, private shuttles, Uber, Lyft, and public transportation are available at or near Memphis International Airport. The most practical option depends on where you are staying and how many parts of the city you plan to visit.
A rental car offers the greatest flexibility for attractions spread across the metropolitan area, including Graceland and Shelby Farms Park. Downtown visitors may be able to combine walking, rideshare trips, and hotel transportation instead.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority operates Route 28 to the airport. Service is limited compared with a dedicated airport rail line, so review the current timetable before depending on it for an early-morning or late-evening flight. MEM’s ground transportation page lists the current pickup location and available transportation services.
When using Uber or Lyft, follow the airport’s current signs to the designated ride-app pickup area. Construction and terminal modernization can change vehicle lanes and pickup points.
Note: Memphis attractions are spread across downtown, Midtown, East Memphis, and the airport/Graceland area. Check actual travel times on the day of your visit rather than judging distance from a city map alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly out of Memphis International Airport?
The passenger airlines serving MEM are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Which destinations can I fly to nonstop from Memphis?
MEM publishes nonstop service to more than 30 destination markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. Some routes operate only on selected days or during part of the year.
Which low-cost airlines operate from Memphis?
Allegiant, Breeze, Frontier, and Southwest offer fare structures commonly associated with lower-cost or value-focused travel. Their included bags, seats, flexibility, and other benefits differ, so compare the final trip price rather than only the base fare.
Does Memphis have nonstop international flights?
MEM’s current published scheduled nonstop list is domestic. International travelers generally connect through another U.S. airport. Limited seasonal vacation flights to international destinations have operated in previous years, but availability must be confirmed for the specific travel dates.
Is Memphis still a Delta hub?
No. Delta stopped maintaining hub operations at Memphis in 2013. It still serves MEM and offers nonstop flights to several major markets, including Atlanta and other Delta connection points.
Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
Not for every fare. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred generally have checked-bag fees, while Choice Extra includes two free checked bags. Some Rapid Rewards status holders, credit cardmembers, active-duty military travelers, and vacation-package customers receive additional allowances.
How early should I arrive at Memphis International Airport?
Memphis International Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before scheduled departure. Allow additional time during holidays, peak travel periods, road construction, or when checking bags.
Sources
- Memphis International Airport — Airlines at MEM — current passenger-airline roster and terminal information
- Memphis International Airport — Nonstop Destinations — current airline and destination pairings
- Memphis International Airport — Checking In — arrival-time, ticketing, baggage, and check-in guidance
- Memphis International Airport — Airport History — end of Delta’s Memphis hub operations
- Southwest Airlines — Fare Types and Benefits — assigned seating and current fare-bundle benefits
- Southwest Airlines — Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag and optional-service fees
