Aviation Press Releases

Nov. 20, 2009

Sky Harbor Offers Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is prepared for a busy travel week. The Thanksgiving rush will begin tomorrow and continue all weekend, through next Monday. On the busiest day, Wednesday, an estimated 125,000 passengers will travel through Sky Harbor, about 40 percent more than a typical Wednesday of 90,000.

If you are planning on parking in Sky Harbor’s terminals over Thanksgiving, a 40% off coupon takes the full-day rate of $25 to only $15 from November 18-30. This is an effort by America’s Friendliest Airport® to encourage parking in the airport terminals, which are often under utilized during the holidays. It means no waiting for buses - just drive to your terminal, park, and walk directly to your gate. Coupons are available now at skyharbor.com. Economy parking continues to be available at $8-$10 in the east and west lots and atop the Terminal 2 garage. For 24-hour parking information call 602-273-4545.

Just in time for the holidays, the airport has 7 additional security lanes across four different checkpoints. Checkpoint C’s two new lanes add to the previous 4. These expansions are helping passengers to get through security more quickly and efficiently. Two checkpoints in Terminal 3 and two in Terminal 4 have been expanded since 2005.

Additional travel tips:

• Have your claim check or ID ready at baggage claim when you return to Phoenix so that if you are approached by staff, you won’t be delayed looking for this information.
• Mark your bags clearly so you recognize them immediately, and they stand out as unique to you. Tie a colored ribbon on your bag for easier ID.
• Check flight status before coming to the Airport.
• Arrive two hours before your flight departs if you are parking in remote lots, checking bags or traveling internationally.
• If you are carrying gifts, don’t wrap them as the TSA may need to check inside.
• Most liquids and gels brought through the checkpoint must be in 3 oz containers or less, carried in a zip top bag, one bag per passenger and screened separately. Larger quantities of medically necessary liquids are allowed only at the discretion of TSA screeners.
• Bring a snack or meal for the plane. Food may be carried through security and beverages may be purchased past security and brought onto the aircraft.
• Use the cell phone lots to wait for arriving passengers and avoid circling the terminals.
• Wear shoes that are easy to remove at the checkpoint.
• Remove large electronics from your carry-on bags and place them in their own TSA bin.