With the Phoenix heat still tipping the thermometers on the side of uncomfortable, an escape over Labor Day weekend to cooler destinations sure has an appeal.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has recently ranked the 11th busiest airport in the world and 9th busiest in the U.S. for passenger traffic, according to statistics released by Airports Council International.

As you fly away for Labor Day, we offer valuable travel tips and guidance for keeping the stress out of your travel plans.

Remember to check your flight status with your airline before coming to the airport, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time. If you are flying domestically, arrive at least two hours prior to your flight departure and three hours if you are traveling internationally.

Reserve your parking and book online, prepay, then scan the QR code when you enter and exit Sky Harbor garages. For updated information on uncovered parking and garage availability, visit skyharbor.com/parking or call our 24-hour parking hotline at 602-273-4545.

View security checkpoint wait times on skyharbor.com or on one of the flight information display boards in each terminal. Did you know you can use any security checkpoint in Terminal 4 to access any gate? And make sure to take advantage of the PHX RESERVE program, which allows guests to schedule a specific time for their TSA security screening. All you need to do is reserve your time and show up at your assigned checkpoint at your appointment time. See more at skyharbor.com.

Visit the interactive maps on skyharbor.com on your smartphone or tablet to find out which restaurants and shops are near your gate and other Airport information.

Finally, look for our Navigators dressed in purple.  Navigator volunteers serve all over the Airport by providing directions, information, and friendly assistance. They serve as a welcoming presence to more than 120,000 passengers daily, making it America’s Friendliest Airport®.

If you are picking up someone from the airport or dropping someone off, avoid traffic by using the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station. It offers a FREE option to get to and from terminals, avoid roadway traffic, and curb congestion. Get picked up or dropped off there and catch the PHX Sky Train®, which operates 24 hours a day and arrives every 3-5 minutes. A free cell phone waiting lot is also available. See more at skyharbor.com/PHXSkyTrain.

Travelers with special needs can now arrange to pick up a Compassion Cacti Lanyard before their trip and even schedule a Navigator guide to accompany them through the travel process. The Compassion Cacti Lanyard signals Airport employees that customers may need extra assistance or time as they pass through Sky Harbor.

For more travel tips, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/BeforeTraveling/TravelTips.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport^®, has an annual economic impact of more than $38 billion. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 1,200 aircraft and more than 125,000 passengers arrived and departed from Sky Harbor daily. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.