November 2025
Tips to Ease Thanksgiving Travel at PHX
As Thanksgiving approaches, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and its friendly volunteer Navigators, who this year celebrate their 25th anniversary, are preparing to welcome thousands of holiday travelers. Known as one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving bring significant increases in both passenger volume and roadway congestion.
To help travelers enjoy a smooth airport experience, Phoenix Sky Harbor is sharing tips and reminders, emphasizing that planning ahead can make all the difference.
Reserve parking early
Reserve parking in advance at skyharbor.com/parking. Spaces fill quickly during the holidays, and a reservation helps ensure availability. Even with a reservation, allow extra time to park and reach your terminal.
Plan ahead
Before heading to the airport, passengers and those picking up at the airport 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.
Avoid congestion with PHX Sky Train® and cell phone lots
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the weekend following the holiday will be some of the busiest times on the airport’s roadways. Bypass traffic directly outside the terminals by picking up or dropping off travelers at the 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train® stations, which offer convenient, free access to the terminals. The 24th Street Station is ideal for travelers coming from the west, while the 44th Street Station is best for those arriving from the east.
Avoid circling the terminals and use one of the free 24-hour cell phone waiting lots located east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage or at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station. Drivers should watch for freeways signs with real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.
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. Before packing, review the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page for guidance.
Accessibility and passenger support
Travelers with special needs and caregivers may request a Compassion Cacti™ lanyard, which signals to airport staff that the traveler may need additional time or assistance. For more support, passengers can also schedule a Navigator Guide to assist throughout the travel process.
Ask Amelia
Use our new digital assistant AI tool, Amelia, now available on the skyharbor.com homepage, to get quick answers to common airport-related questions about amenities, services, shops, parking and more. Amelia is available at any time for both desktop and mobile users.
Stay connected
For real-time updates on airport conditions, roadway alerts and other important information during the holiday travel period, follow Phoenix Sky Harbor on X @PHXSkyHarbor.
Have a question while you’re here? Ask a Navigator
Since 2000, thousands of friendly Navigators in purple have been a key part of customer service at America’s Friendliest Airport®, helping passengers with directions, assistance and tips.
More travel tips
For more holiday travel tips, visit skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.