The guide to easing your international arrival to Memphis
Apr 4, 2005 | 8:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oklahoma City, OK - NWA Gold - AA Gold - Hilton Diamond - Marriott Gold
Programs: NW, CO, WN, HH
Posts: 409
The guide to easing your international arrival to Memphis
It's not a guide right now, but after reading through this forum, I think so many of you have tips, hints, and recommendations you could write to help other travelers make their international trips connecting through Memphis run a lot smoother.
This, to me, is a little more unique of a trip since Memphis deals with one twin-aisle jet arriving each day. Recommendations by travelers who've made flown this leg could really help maximize other people's trips.
Hopefully this thread can become an easy source to refer new travelers to if they have questions in the future.
So please, post any help you feel could be beneficial.
This, to me, is a little more unique of a trip since Memphis deals with one twin-aisle jet arriving each day. Recommendations by travelers who've made flown this leg could really help maximize other people's trips.
Hopefully this thread can become an easy source to refer new travelers to if they have questions in the future.
So please, post any help you feel could be beneficial.
Apr 4, 2005 | 9:40 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oklahoma City, OK - NWA Gold - AA Gold - Hilton Diamond - Marriott Gold
Programs: NW, CO, WN, HH
Posts: 409
If you have a connection less than 2 hours from arrival, try to sit as close to the exit door as possible. Memphis customs isn't known for their speed or ease of admission back into the States.
Apr 4, 2005 | 9:44 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA 1K, DL 1MM/Silver
Posts: 1,615
There's not really much to it. Obviously there aren't many flights arriving internationally (AMS, Carribbean/Mexico flights... not sure what else). My only experience was returning from CUN last spring. Easy trip through. You pop up into MEM somewhere around gate B35 and there is an agent waiting at the top to provide connecting gate info.
Definetly not the hussle and bussle of IAH that we toured at peak time Saturday on the Continental Flyertalk Tour.
Definetly not the hussle and bussle of IAH that we toured at peak time Saturday on the Continental Flyertalk Tour.
Apr 4, 2005 | 11:27 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 469
To ease you back to US...Right after you go through customs (it's pretty fast and easy since I don't think they have that many international flights), you should head to Corky's BBQ for some good ol' American BBQ. It's on your right as you go up the escalator 
Apr 5, 2005 | 3:07 am
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Louisville, KY, US
Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold
Posts: 6,106
Originally Posted by TopDawg4OU
If you have a connection less than 2 hours from arrival, try to sit as close to the exit door as possible. Memphis customs isn't known for their speed or ease of admission back into the States.
The TSA is not exactly known for their speed with luggage re-check screening and the 2 lane WTMD checkpoint. All pax, even those terminating in MEM must clear security to enter the terminal because of the setup.
As such, try to get off the aircraft first and if you have checked luggage, pray it is one of the first off so that you can re-check it with the TSA before the lines get really bad.
It can be a zoo, especially if you're on a full DC-10 and you arrive shortly after one of the flights from Mexico does. I suggest sticking with hand luggage only if possible.
SDF_Traveler
Last edited by SDF_Traveler; Apr 5, 2005 at 3:46 am
Apr 5, 2005 | 8:59 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MSY
Programs: NW Gold and now Delta Gold
Posts: 3,072
I agree getting the baggage can be slow
The last time I arrived at MEM (February) they also took me aside and swabbed my checked baggage after I picked it up. I really feel if there is any suspicion of possible evil-doing, the bags should have been swabbed in AMS -- and I'm guessing they probably were, since I got checked out pretty well over there.
Oh well I guess they have to check it themselves rather than relying on the other guy. <shrug> Still seems a tad mistrustful of our European allies though. Perhaps they were looking for the evil weed rather than bombs, who knows.
Oh well I guess they have to check it themselves rather than relying on the other guy. <shrug> Still seems a tad mistrustful of our European allies though. Perhaps they were looking for the evil weed rather than bombs, who knows.
Apr 5, 2005 | 11:13 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oklahoma City, OK - NWA Gold - AA Gold - Hilton Diamond - Marriott Gold
Programs: NW, CO, WN, HH
Posts: 409
I agree that the international arrivals TSA personnel aren't the speediest of folk. Part of getting off the plane first is praying for the lottery of luggage to score in your favour. Hopefully your bags come off first. The 2 lanes are the biggest pain compared to NW's two other hubs.