Summer at PHX will be busy with vacationers and family travelers, including fans headed to international soccer tournaments
Summer travel is right around the corner, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing to welcome travelers and family groups heading out on long-awaited vacations. The airport will also see fans flying from PHX to support their favorite teams in major international soccer matches across the country in June and July.
With so many different groups on the move, America’s Friendliest Airport® is reminding everyone that a little preparation goes a long way.
Plan Parking Before You Go
If you plan to park at the airport, book your spot early at skyharbor.com/parking. Spaces fill quickly during peak travel periods. Even with a reservation, allow extra time to park and reach your terminal.
Pack with Purpose
Before you pack your suitcase, visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page. A quick review so you don’t pack prohibited items in your carry-on can help prevent delays at the checkpoint.
Check Your Flight Status
Before leaving home, confirm your flight details with your airline. Knowing your flight status ahead of time can help you avoid surprises.
Arrive with Time to Spare
Plan to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours ahead of an international departure. Early arrival is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress, especially when traveling with children or groups.
Use Early Bag Check
Travelers using the PHX Sky Train® can take advantage of Early Bag Check at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking. This free service allows passengers flying domestically on select airlines to check their bags before entering the terminal and skip airline ticket counter lines to save time. It is especially helpful for families and seniors. Car seats or sporting equipment must be checked at the airline ticket counter.
Support For Travelers with Special Needs
Created as a dedicated space for travelers with special needs or sensory challenges, the Compassion Corner on Level 3 of Terminal 4 near the B elevators includes an all-faiths chapel, an office that assists passengers with accessibility needs, and a sensory room that offers a quiet break from the busy terminal environment.
Passengers who may need a little extra time or assistance can request a Compassion Cacti™ lanyard before their flight. This lanyard discreetly alerts airport staff that someone in the party may benefit from added support. Travelers can also schedule a Navigator Support Guide for help throughout the airport experience.
For travelers who are blind or have low vision, the Aira mobile app offers a free‑of‑cost way to navigate throughout Terminal 3, Terminal 4, PHX Sky Train® and the Rental Car Center, with real‑time visual interpreting and wayfinding assistance from the convenience of a phone. Passengers are advised to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and set up a customized profile prior to traveling.
Going Through Security
For travelers who arrive at the checkpoint without a REAL ID or an acceptable form of identification, TSA now offers an alternative. TSA ConfirmID provides a modern, fee-based identity verification process that helps passengers move forward with their journey even when their ID is unavailable.
Phoenix Sky Harbor offers several options to help expedite the security checkpoint process for travelers.
- Travelers without TSA PreCheck can use PHX RESERVE, a free program that lets you schedule a security screening time in advance. Reservations are available up to six days ahead at skyharbor.com/PHXRESERVE.
- TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID is available in both terminals and uses facial recognition to verify identity so passengers can move through screening without pulling out a physical ID. Participation is an opt-in feature through your airline.
- CLEAR+ members now have access to new eGates, which use biometric technology for a streamlined identity check.
Move Through Customs More Quickly
- Enhanced Passenger Processing provides a free and touchless way to move through the international arrivals process more quickly.
Need Help at the Airport
If you need directions or general guidance, keep an eye out for the volunteer Navigators in purple. These knowledgeable helpers are stationed throughout the terminals and are happy to answer questions.
Ask Amelia
Use Amelia, the digital assistant AI tool available on skyharbor.com, to get quick answers to common airport-related questions about amenities, services, shops, parking and more.
Explore Art, Amenities and Food Options
Phoenix Sky Harbor features more than 100 restaurants, shops and services. Travelers can browse the Phoenix Airport Museum collection, which highlights Arizona’s artistic and cultural heritage, or stop by the family-friendly PHX Free Little Library post-security in Terminal 3 to pick up a book for their trip.
Interactive maps on skyharbor.com and interactive directories in the terminals make it easy to find dining and shopping options near your gate, along with other services and amenities.
Airport Conditions and Roadway Restrictions
To help meet future passenger demand, several major construction projects are currently underway that require temporary roadway restrictions at the airport. Visit our Roadway Restrictions page for construction-related traffic updates.
The Taxiway Uniform project now under construction will connect the north and south airfields on the west side of the airport and improve airfield safety and operations. Download the Taxiway U app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to receive project‑related construction and roadway restriction updates.
Drivers are advised to slow down in construction areas, watch for signs and allow extra time for travel.
For real-time updates on airport conditions, roadway alerts and other important information, follow Phoenix Sky Harbor on X @PHXSkyHarbor.
For additional travel tips, visit skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.