Memorial Day weekend is the start of the busy summer travel season. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport anticipates Thursday, Friday and Monday as the busiest travel days with passenger traffic about 15-20 percent higher than an average day. America’s Friendliest Airport® offers you the following tips for your holiday travels:
Use our best kept secret – Pick-up and drop-off at the 44th Street and Washington PHX Sky Train® station. This convenient option allows you to avoid the busy terminal curbs. The station features Early Bag Check and kiosks where you can print boarding passes. It is only a five-minute ride from the station to Terminal 4 and a seven minute ride to Terminal 3. There is a free cell phone waiting lot at the station and four-hour parking meters for those who would like to ride the train into the Airport to meet their party. To access the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station from the 202 Red Mountain Freeway, exit at 44th Street and head south. The PHX Sky Train station is on the southwest corner of 44th Street and Washington.
A handy service – Early Bag Check. Travelers flying American/US Airways, Southwest or United can check their bags before they arrive at the terminals and avoid the ticket counter lines. The Early Bag Check service is available at East Economy Parking, the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station® and at the Rental Car Center. The service is free, though airline bag fees apply. For hours of operation and more information, visit skyharbor.com/earlybagcheck.
Added convenience at a discounted price – Prepaid Discount Parking is an easy-to-use online reservation system that gives travelers the ability to book and prepay for parking in the Terminal 2, Terminal 3, or Terminal 4 garages. Those using Prepaid Discount Parking should take a ticket when entering the garage, then present the ticket and the prepaid parking confirmation (printed or on a smartphone) to the cashier upon exit. To reserve parking, visit skyharbor.com.
A special note about Terminal 3 – Construction is underway on Terminal 3 modernization. As a reminder, Spirit and Sun Country Airlines relocated earlier this spring to Terminal 2. Additionally, the north inner lanes of Terminal 3 are closed. This impacts drivers entering Sky Harbor from the West. Drivers can still use the north outer lanes for pick-up and drop-off, but should watch for detour signs, proceed with caution, and give themselves extra time.
More tips:
· Always give yourself extra time. Arrive at the Airport two hours before your flight departs, especially if you are parking in economy areas or checking bags.
· Be sure to look through your purse or carry-on bag before you come to the Airport. A forgotten weapon can cause you delays, hassles, and even fines. Visit tsa.gov for information about what can be placed in your carry-on.
· For updated information on parking lot and garage availability, visit skyharbor.com/FindASpot or call our 24-hour parking hotline at 602-273-4545.
· Visit skyharbor.com on your smartphone or tablet to access our mobile website to find out which restaurants and shops are near your gate as well as other Airport information.
