Spring Travel Tips
Spring is in the air, and so are the travelers, headed in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for Spring Break. Arizona is a popular destination this time of year for our warm weather and highly anticipated events, festivals and sights dotting the calendar all season long. March is the busiest month at America’s Friendliest Airport®, but don’t let that intimidate you. We’ve prepared some helpful tips so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the moments you have.
Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays are typically the busiest days at the Airport.
Check your flight status online and give yourself extra time. Arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight, or three hours if you’re flying internationally. Give a buffer for unanticipated occurrences along your way, such as higher than usual traffic.
Check out the different parking options available and book in advance. Visit our parking page to learn more about choices like premium parking or valet.
Review the TSA requirements for carry-on and checked baggage. TSA’s Travel Checklist may help remind and identify what is allowed through security.
Many airlines have free apps you can access on your phone to download a mobile boarding pass or check your flight status before you even set foot in the airport. This can save a great deal of time especially if you aren’t checking luggage.
Take advantage of new services such as PHX RESERVE to get you into the TSA Security Checkpoint line faster. This free pilot program allows travelers to schedule a time to get in line and reduce the time waiting in general travel lines.
Traveling out of Terminal 4? Remember - All Checkpoints. All Gates. You can use any of the security checkpoints to access your gate so if you see one checkpoint line has a longer wait, feel free to use any of the others to get you to your gate faster.
Utilize the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station when picking up or dropping off. This location is ideal to avoid heavy traffic and curb congestion at the terminals. The PHX Sky Train® is free and will effortlessly take you to or from both terminals. Learn more.
Consider updating to an approved Arizona Travel ID (driver license or ID card). Only this form of ID or other federally approved identifications will get you through TSA airport security checkpoints beginning May 3, 2023. Don’t delay!