Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Guide

At PreFlight Airport Parking, we have been making trips easier for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport travelers for over 20 years and helping more than 50,000 travelers annually by providing convenient off site airport parking. Each year, we learn more about Phoenix's international airport. With what we have learned so far, here is our guide to help make your next adventure easier.

Fun Facts

Sky Harbor was nicknamed "The Farm" in 1935 because of its isolation from everything else. It's amazing to see how developed it has become over the last 100 years!
Sky Harbor is known as America's Friendliest Airport, with its award-winning restaurants, largest airport museum, and activities before your flight.
There isn't a Terminal 1 at Sky Harbor because the building was torn down in 1991 and is now the cell phone waiting lot. A neat thing about it is that the air traffic control tower was made of underground fuel storage tanks that were welded together.
There was a Terminal 2 as well, but it closed in 2020. The Coze mural depicting Phoenix's history that is now in Terminal 3 was originally located in this terminal.

Popular Travel Times

The busiest days and times are weekdays from 6:00 to 8:30 AM and 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Sundays from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Travel Tip: Arrive at least 3 hours early so you have enough time to navigate the airport and breeze through security. There is plenty to see and do at the airport, so consider arriving even earlier to make the most of it!

PreFlight Airport Parking Distance

It's about a 5-minute shuttle trip from PreFlight to the airport. The shuttle will go to/from each terminal within 7-12 minutes between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. If your flight is outside of these times, please call 480.925.9630 for pick-up.

Phoenix PreFlight Parking Amenities

Free tire inflation and battery jumps
EV vehicle charging stations
Wheelchair-accessible shuttles (please call 480.925.9630 to schedule 24 hours in advance)

Security Tips and Checkpoint Wait Times

TSA screening times vary, depending on departure times. Mid-day, they range from 5-20 minutes.

The security checkpoints differ depending on the terminals

Terminal 3
- Open 24 hours a day
Terminal 4
- Check Point A: open 24 hours a day
- Check Point B: 4:15 am to 8:30 pm
- Check Point C: 3:15 am to 10:30 pm
- Check Point D: 3: 15 am to 7:30 pm
If you are using PreCheck
- Terminal 3 is open from 5 am to 2 pm
- Terminal 4, all checkpoints are open from 5 am to 7 pm

Make sure you enter through the right terminal, as going to another terminal means going through security again.

You can track security wait times directly on the airport website or schedule an appointment to get through security faster. For TSA screening tips and to make your experience easier check out our guide.

Sky Harbor Conveniences:

Sky Harbor provides free WiFi at all terminals. PHX Sky Train connects Terminals 3 and 4.
There is a play area in Terminal 3 called the Play-viation, near Gate F6
If you have some spare time and are looking to explore, there is a sightseeing trail around the airport with fun facts about the airport, Phoenix, and the area around the airport.
The largest airport museum is located at Terminal 3, and there is a history exhibit where you can learn more!
There is a water refill station in each bathroom area.

Lounge Information

There are 10 lounges, the majority of them in Terminal 4. Three are American Airlines Admirals Club, Chase Saphhire Lounge, Escape Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and USO Lounge. Three are in Terminal 3: Delta Sky Club, United Club, and Escape Lounge.

Food & Drink at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport

There are over 50 different food options throughout the Phoenix airport

Best options for early morning coffee: Peet’s Coffee and Tea (Terminal 4), Starbucks (all terminals).

Want to eat before dropping off your car? Some locations near our facility include:

Vegan/ Vegetarian Options at Sky Harbor Airport

There are 57 locations across the airport that offer vegan or vegetarian options.

Matt's Big Breakfast

Terminal 4 on level 3
They offer sandwiches and salad options

Humble Pie

Terminal 4 on level 3
They offer pizzas, salads, and breakfast options

Olive & Ivy

Terminal 4 on level 3
They offer coffee, paninis, and salads

To look at all of the options, check out Sky Harbors Vegan Foods

Baby Care

There are 12 nursing areas within the airport: 7 in Terminal 4, 4 in Terminal 3, and 1 in the rental car center.

Pet Relief

There are 7 areas for your pets, 3 in Terminal 3 and 4 in Terminal 4, all within a short walk, no matter where you are in the airport!

Lost and Found

If you lose something in the common areas, buses, or parking areas, you can contact the Sky Harbor Lost and Found office at 602-273-3333 or by e-mail at lostandfound@phoenix.gov. They only hold onto items for 10 days unless they are keys, in which case it's 30 days.

If you lose something at a checkpoint, you must fill out a TSA form.
If you lose something on a plane, you must contact the airline directly.
If you are still at the airport, you can also go to an information counter to request assistance.

Information Counters

There are information kiosks at each section of gates. There are 3 in Terminal 3 and 6 in Terminal 4.

These are also locations where you can request wheelchairs, ask for directions, or flight information.

For Terminal 3:

Level 1 near Door 3 and another by Door 9
In the Post Security Lobby

For Terminal 4:

Level 1 near Door 2 and another by Door 8
Level 3 between the B and C checkpoints and another between A and D checkpoints
Level 3 between Gates B15-28 and another close to Gated D1-9

Accessibly Options

Navigating the airport: Sky Harbor offers wheelchair assistance throughout the airport. If you are at arrivals, simply ask your flight attendant at the end of your flight to request wheelchair assistance when you land. If you are departing, there is a curbside unloading area at each terminal with yellow marks on the road for airport attendant support.

Restroom Access: All bathrooms are ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. Most wheelchair users agree that SkyHarbor is extremely accessible and offers Family restrooms if you need more space.

TSA Process: There is a TSA Care option to offer assistance through the security process

For hearing-impaired travelers: They offer a Hearing Loop/ T-coil to help alert them to announcements and remove background noise.

Sensory Sensitive Travelers: There are also sensory rooms in the Compassion Corner, in the pre-security area in Terminal 4 by the B Checkpoint right near the B elevator.

For Low-Vision or Blind Travelers: the Aira app provides audio descriptions of your surroundings. Normally, it requires a subscription, but Sky Harbor offers this service for free when you're at the airport.

Sky Harbor also offers a Compassion Cacti program, which gives a lanyard to passengers who may need extra assistance to allow airport staff to know more support may be required. You can fill out a form to request a lanyard or to receive support from a customer service staff during your trip through the airport. This program is available to anyone and doesn't have any requirements, so if you or a loved one wants or needs help, check out the program to make your experience less stressful.

Check out our article on traveling with a wheelchair for more tips.

Travel Tip: Track your flight during your commute to the airport and while you’re away from your gate. Link to tracking your Flight.

Use the interactive map, to help navigate the airport and keep up with flight updates without needing to be near a flight board. It will also track a path to wherever you want to go and how long it will take to get there. Happy Travels!