America’s Friendliest Airport® expects a busy travel season with spring break, MLB Spring Training, and major events including the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four and Spring NASCAR Weekend March 7-8. Many area residents also plan school-break getaways.
These travel trends, combined with large event crowds, historically make March the busiest month at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Here are some travel tips and reminders to help passengers enjoy a smooth experience.
Before You Fly
- Plan Ahead: Before heading to the airport, passengers and those picking them up or dropping them off should check their flight status with their airline. If flying domestically, arrive at least two hours early. For international travel, allow at least three hours.
- Packing Your Bags: Before packing, review the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” pageto see what is and isn’t allowed in your checked and carry-on baggage.
- Going Through Security: Save time by reserving a spot in the security checkpoint line through PHX RESERVE, a free program available in both terminals. Reservations can be made up to six days in advance at skyharbor.com/PHXRESERVE.
- Reserve a Rental Car in Advance: Our Rental Car Center has several major rental car companies to help you get around town. It’s recommended that rental cars by reserved in advance since vehicles are limited for walk-up customers.
- Reserve Parking Early: Reserve parking in advance at com/parking. Spaces fill quickly during busy travel seasons, and a reservation helps ensure availability. Even with a reservation, allow extra time to park and reach your terminal.
- Use Early Bag Check: Use this convenient option to check your bags before heading to the terminal to travel lighter and save time. Counters are located at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking. Learn more at com/EarlyBagCheck.
- Smooth Drop-Offs and Pickups: Use the 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train®stations, which offer convenient, free access to the terminals.
- Avoid traffic congestion with cell phone lots: Avoid circling the terminals and use one of the free 24-hour cell phone waiting lotslocated east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage or at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train®
For more travel tips, visit skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.