Nov. 17, 2025

Tips to Ease Thanksgiving Travel at PHX 

Reserve parking, use PHX Sky Train® for passenger drop-off and pick-up among useful tips

PHOENIX – 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. Travelers can also enjoy some holiday cheer through the airport’s Days of Gratitude program, with events on Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 11 and Dec. 16, featuring giveaways, activities and festive fun.

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

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.

Enjoy Days of Gratitude at PHX

Travelers can enjoy festive fun, with activities, giveaways and holiday surprises as part of the airport’s Days of Gratitude program. For event details, visit skyharbor.com/daysofgratitude. Travelers are encouraged to use the hashtag #DaysofGratitude and tag @PHXSkyHarbor as they participate, and to check the airport’s social media channels for #DaysofGratitude news and highlights.

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.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport^®, has an annual economic impact of more than $44 billion. On an average day, approximately 1,000 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.

Celebrating 90 Years of Ownership by the City of Phoenix