The next two months during the holiday travel season, travelers will encounter the holiday crowds even before stepping into the airport.  

The time period between Thanksgiving and early January is one of the busiest times of the year, not just in the skies but on roads around the airport.

It's always a good idea to arrive two hours before your flight (three hours if flying internationally) but travelers who plan to visit the Rental Car Center or park in one of our terminal garages or economy lot should allow extra time to get to the terminals. 

If you plan to park at the airport, reserve your parking in advance. Book your parking at skyharbor.com/parkphx. Come early even if you have a reservation. We will be busy so allow for extra time to enter the parking facilities and find a space. You can also Use our Find A Spot tool to see parking availability.

Picking up or dropping off family and friends can be potentially stressful too. Here are some easy tips to avoid the congestion on airport roadways and outside terminals.

Take advantage of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station for pick-up and drop-off. This will help you avoid terminal curb congestion and roadway traffic. The 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station is centrally located on the southwest corner of 44th and Washington streets, and can easily be reached from highways, major streets and Valley Metro Rail.

Avoid circling the terminals. Use the Cell Phone Lots. The lots are east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage and at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station.

See more tips on our press release, Start Planning for the Holiday Season with These Helpful Tips.