Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing for an increase in travelers as spring break approaches and major events such as Cactus League Baseball Spring Training, NASCAR weekend in March, and the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four are expected to draw visitors to the area.
March is typically the busiest month at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The airport has released a set of recommendations to help passengers navigate peak travel periods more efficiently.
Travelers are advised to reserve parking ahead of time at skyharbor.com/parking, as spaces tend to fill quickly during busy seasons. Even with a reservation, extra time should be allowed for parking and reaching terminals.
Passengers are encouraged to check the Transportation Security Administration’s “What Can I Bring?” page before packing. For those attending Cactus League games, all baseball bats—including souvenir bats—must be packed in checked baggage.
The airport also recommends checking flight status with airlines prior to leaving home. Arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights is suggested.
For drop-offs and pickups, using the 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train stations can provide free access to terminals. To avoid traffic congestion around terminal areas, travelers can use one of three free cell phone waiting lots located east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage, or at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
An Early Bag Check service is available at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking locations. This allows passengers to check their bags before heading into the terminal, which may save time and lighten loads. More information about this service can be found at skyharbor.com/EarlyBagCheck.
Security wait times can be managed by reserving a spot in line through PHX RESERVE, a free program available in both terminals where reservations can be made up to six days in advance.
For additional tips—including details on TSA ConfirmID—travelers are directed to visit skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.
“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.”
Breeze Airways began operating from Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Terminal 3 on November 2, 2022 with flights twice weekly between Phoenix and Charleston, South Carolina as well as Provo, Utah (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2437).
On August 15, 2022, Roxann Favors was named Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department after nearly two decades working within city management (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2447).
Jay DeWitt was also appointed on August 15, 2022 as Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department; he oversees planning and environmental efforts along with design/construction services and financial management (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2448).
