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Simple Flying is delighted to introduce a brand-new feature for 2023 - Airport Of The Month. Each month, we will celebrate an airport that has gone above and beyond in providing exceptional passenger experience, and is investing to make our time spent in transit even better in the future.

For February 2023, Simple Flying has picked Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as our Airport Of The Month!

Phoenix Sky harbor Airport Getty
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
IATA/ICAO Code
PHX/KPHX
Country
United States
CEO
Chad Makovsky
Terminals
Terminal 3 | Terminal 4

Over the last few years, Phoenix has heavily invested in upgrading its facilities, introducing some of the newest and most groundbreaking technologies to improve the passenger experience. From augmenting the reach of the Sky Train to introducing the first self-driving cars ever seen at an airport, PHX is setting the bar when it comes to modernization.

Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky told Simple Flying,

“Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is honored to be recognized as airport of the month for February 2023. We have recently implemented many large-scale improvements to our airport, including the opening of the award-winning Terminal 4 Eighth Concourse and a 2.5-mile extension of our PHX Sky Train® to the Rental Car Center, which included two new stations and 1,600 new economy parking spaces.

"New technological advancements keep us aligned with industry trends to fulfill the evolving needs of our growing customers. We became the first airport in the world to provide access to fully autonomous ground transportation rides and introduced our Roadmap to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions that outlines our commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

"The momentum has carried into the new year as we’ve already introduced new routes and a new airline and are preparing to welcome a record-number of visitors to Arizona for the Super Bowl. As America’s Friendliest Airport® our goal is to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of our passengers, and over the next five years, we’re moving forward with $1.6 billion in development to accommodate our continued growth.

"A new taxiway is currently being designed for the west end of our airport and plans for a new north concourse at Terminal 3 and a post-security passenger walkway connecting our two terminals are being developed. We look forward to continuing to deliver excellent service to our customers, as we welcome the world to our city.”

Read on to learn all about Phoenix Sky Harbor, how it's preparing for next weekend's Superbowl game, its top routes and airplane types, and much more.

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
    Photo: Shutterstock
  • Your Guide To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

    Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of the USA's busiest airports, but it also aims to be one of the friendliest. Navigation is relatively easy, given that it only has two terminals (named terminal 3 and terminal 4). But, of course, that requires getting there first.


    Our guide will help you navigate the options for getting to the airport and away, as well as getting around the terminals once you're there.

    How To Get To, From & Around Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
    • Phoenix Airport Lounge Guide

      PHX houses a number of airline lounges across its two terminals, including a Delta Sky Club and freshly renovated United Club in Terminal 3, and an Admirals Club in Terminal 4. There is also a fabulous Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge, open for a wider range of passengers. Here's what you need to know about finding and accessing these lounges at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

      What Lounges Does Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Have & How Can You Access Them?
    • Investing In PHX - Modernization

      From a new taxiway to self-driving cars, PHX has invested heavily in the latest and greatest technologies for a better passenger experience. Here's what's been going on at the airport in recent years.

      A Look At Phoenix Sky Harbor's Biggest Updates In 2022
  • shutterstock_2245844939
    Photo: Robin Guess / Shutterstock
  • Superbowl LVII: What You Need To Know About Flying Into Phoenix

    Superbowl LVII is set to take place this weekend, on February 12th, 2023. It will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. With some 180,000 passengers expected to arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to watch the game, here are some top tips to get you through arrival and departure from PHX with ease.

    Traveling To Phoenix For Superbowl LVII? What You Need To Know...
    • Which Airlines Are Adding Capacity For Superbowl?

      The 2023 Superbowl is fast approaching. Held this year in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12th, it will be between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Naturally, the match has seen airlines add many flights to Phoenix to accommodate the much higher demand. Here's our rundown of the airlines with the most services in and out of Phoenix for the game.

      US Airlines Are Adding Flights To Accommodate Superbowl Fans
    • FAA Advises To Leave Drones At Home

      Superbowl LVII will be a No Drone Zone. The game has been designated as a National Security Special Event, prompting additional unmanned aircraft restrictions to be implemented before, during, and after the game. Here's what you need to know...

      The FAA Warns Super Bowl Fans To Leave Their Drones At Home
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor History

    Located three miles east of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a joint civilian-military airport. A hub for American Airlines and a base for Southwest Airlines, PHX is today the 8th busiest airport in the United States and the 11th busiest in the world, handling more than 1,200 flights a day. This is its story.

    The History Of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
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    Photo: John Gress Media Inc / Shutterstock
  • Analyzing Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

    Phoenix is the USA's 9th busiest airport in Q1 2023 (January-March), based on Cirium data. It has just shy of 49,000 departing flights and is sandwiched in-between Las Vegas in 7th and Newark in 9th. Across all carriers, Phoenix has an average of 543 departing flights daily, and is American Airlines' sixth-largest hub. Here's what its operations look like this quarter.

    American Airlines’ 6th Largest Hub: Inside Phoenix Sky Harbor
    • The Top Airlines At PHX In 2023

      Across all airlines, Phoenix has 32,882 departures in February/March. But which are its top 10 airlines? Let's take a look...

      Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Top 10 Airlines
    • The Top Plane Types Being Used From Phoenix This Year

      Phoenix Sky Harbor has a head-spinning 32,882 departures in February and March, more than Las Vegas, LaGuardia, and Houston Intercontinental. Put more understandably, Phoenix has an average of 557 outbound services daily. However, because of the Superbowl, it rises to 631+ on February 13th, the day most attendees go home. But what of Phoenix's most popular aircraft?

      Phoenix Sky Harbor's Most Used Aircraft Types
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    Photo: Kate Scott / Shutterstock
  • FAQs About Phoenix Sky Harbor

    How long does security take at PHX?

    TSA screening times vary, but are usually no longer than five to 25 minutes. You can check the wait times on the Phoenix Sky Harbor website, or on informational boards around the terminals.


    What rules do I need to know about security?

    Liquids must be less than 3.4 oz and placed in a clear plastic one-quart bag. Remove your laptop and large electrical items for screening, and have your boarding pass and ID readily available. You will probably need to remove your shoes, so wear some that are easy to take off and get back on.


    How can I get wheelchair assistance at the airport?

    Wheelchair service is provided by the airlines. When you make your flight reservation or when you check in for your flight, be sure to tell your airline you will need wheelchair assistance for your trip, so it can be added to your entire trip reservation.


    Can I nurse my baby at Phoenix Airport?

    Yes! There are nursing stations in both terminals and at the Rental Car Center. For Terminal 3, there are rooms on level 5 (pre-security) and on level 4 near gate F5 (post-security). In Terminal 4, they are next to the family restroom on Level 3, and also near Starbucks at the south end of gates B15 - 22 and on the north end of the A17 - 30 concourse.


    Nursing station at Phoenix Sky Harbor
    Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport


    Can I bring my pet with me?

    Transportation of pets is at the airline's discretion. Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have a need, and the airport provides various pet relief areas to accommodate these animals. The Paw Pad is on level 1 of Terminal 3, and the Bone Yard is on the west side of Terminal 4. There are also animal relief areas near the Sky Train stations. 


    Are there therapy animals at the airport?

    Phoenix Sky Harbor has a therapy dog program called Navigator Buddy. They circulate both terminals and passengers are welcome to come and pet the dogs and enjoy some quality time with these friendly pooches. 


    Phoenix Sky Harbor navigator buddy
    Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport


    Is there a children's play area at PHX?

    There is - the Play-viation park is in Terminal 3, and has soft carpeting, a slide and great views out over the apron.


    Phoenix Sky Harbor play area
    Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport


    Does the airport have WiFi?

    PHX offers Free WiFi in all terminals. You can connect by tapping "Free PHX Boingo WiFi" on your device. If you tap on Complimentary WiFi, an ad will play, then you will have 24-hours of free, uninterrupted WiFi. Premium WiFi is also available for a fee.


    Are you traveling through PHX soon? What else would you like to know? Ask us in the comments!