Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the largest and busiest airport in Arizona, and one of the most strategically significant airports in the whole American Southwest region. The airport is located just 3 miles (5 kilometers) from downtown Phoenix, AZ 85034, and its official address is 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd, serving as the main aviation transportation center of the Greater Phoenix metro area that includes such cities as Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.

In 2025, PHX was named the 11th-largest airport in the USA and the 39th-largest airport in the world by number of passenger boardings per year, with more than 51 million passengers using the services provided there annually. The airport is a main hub of American Airlines and a focus city for Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, with over 1,200 flights to over 100 destinations within the country and 22 abroad each day.

PHX Airport Contact Details

Airport Address: 3400 Sky Hbr Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Airport Number: +16022733300

Airport Website: https://www.skyharbor.com/

Airlines Operating At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

There are 24 domestic and international airlines that fly at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it one of the most connected airports in the western United States.

Concourses of Terminal 3 (John S. McCain III Terminal) – Airlines:

Terminal 3 is the location for concourses E and F, comprising 25-27 gates. Airlines using Terminal 3 are:

• Alaska Airlines
• Air Canada
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines 
• JetBlue Airways
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Concourses of Terminal 4 (Barry M. Goldwater Terminal) – Airlines:

• American Airlines 
• Southwest Airlines 
• Aeroméxico
• Air France
• British Airways
• Breeze Airways
• Allegiant Air
• Volaris
• WestJet
• Flair Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

Tip for Travellers: Do not forget to check your terminal always as some airlines can change terminals seasonally. Look at your boarding pass or on the airline’s official site.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Baggage Claim

The baggage claim area at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) can be found on Level 1 (arrivals level) of Terminals 3 and 4. The facility is easy to navigate and is designed to ensure that arriving travelers are efficiently moved from their gates to ground transportation.

Baggage Claim Area in Terminal 3:

In Terminal 3, the baggage claim area can be found on Level 1 (ground level) of the terminal. Passengers traveling through this area must take the escalator or elevator down from Level 4 (gate level) to reach the baggage claim area. There are clear signs indicating the appropriate carousel by the flight number and airline.

Baggage Claim Area in Terminal 4:

At Terminal 4, the baggage claim area can also be found on Level 1. This is the busiest baggage claim area at PHX, and it handles baggage for American Airlines, Southwest, and international arrivals. International travelers will pass through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint on Level 1 north before heading to the baggage claim carousels.

Ground Transportation from Baggage Claim Area:

There is a choice of ground transportation from the baggage claim area in either terminal, including the following options:

• PHX Sky Train®
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
• Taxis
• Hotel Shuttle
• Car Rental Shuttle

Baggage Lost:

If an item is lost aboard the plane or at the departure gate, the passenger should contact the airline. Items lost at a security checkpoint will have to be reported to the TSA through their official website. The Phoenix Airport doesn’t provide any baggage storage facilities; thus, passengers should find other ways to store their luggage.

Pro Tip: The ATM machines are available near the baggage claim area carousel in both terminals.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Lounges

With a total of 10 airport lounges spread throughout both terminal buildings, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is among the best-equipped airports in the Southwest to offer such amenities. With either an airline status membership or a travel credit card, most passengers will find some lounge facilities available at PHX. 

Terminal 3 Lounges

• Delta Sky Club: Terminal 3: At the end of Gate F8, the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 3 operates between about 4:45 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. The lounge provides a complete set of amenities typical for the Sky Clubs, including complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, comfortable chairs, and flight information monitors.
• United Club: Terminal 3: Near Gate E3 of Terminal 3, the United Club is open from about 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi access, and quiet atmosphere are provided in this lounge.
• Escape Lounge: Terminal 3: This lounge in Terminal 3 can be found on the Mezzanine level, between concourses E and F.

Lounges in Terminal 4

American Airlines Admirals Club: There are three lounges belonging to American Airlines’ Admirals Club in Terminal 4:

• In between Gates A7 and A9
• In between Gates A19 and A21
• In between Gates B5 and B7

Centurion Lounge by American Express: Located near Gate B22, the Centurion Lounge in Phoenix is regarded as one of the best Centurion Lounge facilities in the country. The lounge has dishes prepared by a Phoenix chef nominated for the James Beard award, an open bar, spa services, shower suites, and premium seats.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club: This lounge is near Gate D11 and is exclusive to the holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and Priority Pass Select members. The lounge has high-end refreshments and beverages.

Escape Lounge: The Terminal 4 Escape Lounge is situated in Concourse B, opposite Gate B22. The lounge is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. It can be accessed by everyone without any restrictions as far as the airline or flight type. The cost of a day pass is $40 prepaid or $45 walk-in price.

USO Lounge: At the eastern end of Terminal 4, on the 2nd floor (ticketing level), there is the USO Lounge, which can only be accessed by active military personnel and their families free of charge.

Traveler Tip: Should you not have elite status in any airline, your best pay-per-use lounges are the Escape Lounges located in both terminals. Booking online will save you $5 per entry.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Maps

Finding one’s way around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) becomes easy due to the two-terminal design, well-maintained signs, and several maps provided both online and in the airport.

Airport Layout:

There are two terminals currently operating at PHX:

• Terminal 3 (John S. McCain III Terminal): Smaller in size with 25-27 gates on the concourses E and F. The 1st floor is the arrivals/claim area, the 2nd floor is the security checkpoint/Sky Train, and the 4th floor is departures/gates.
• Terminal 4 (Barry M. Goldwater Terminal): Largest terminal with 92 gates on the concourses A, B, C, and D. The 1st floor is the arrivals/baggage claim area, 2nd floor is ticketing, and 3rd floor is departures/several security checkpoints.

Maps of Official PHX Airport:

An interactive map of the official airport is available at maps.skyharbor.aero and at the official Sky Harbor site at skyharbor.com. It helps travelers:

• Find any gate, restaurant, lounge, shop, or amenity
• Obtain turn-by-turn directions inside the terminal building
• See approximate time to reach the destination point
• Identify the location of security checkpoints, restrooms, nursing stations, and pet relief facilities

Terminal Maps Level by Level:

Each terminal is divided by levels as follows:

Terminal 3:

• Level 1: Arrivals, baggage claims, and ground transportation
• Level 2: Security checkpoint and PHX Sky Train station
• Level 4: Gates (E1-E10, F1-F15), shops, and restaurants

Terminal 4:

• Level 1: Arrivals, baggage claims, international customs, and ground transportation
• Level 2: Check-in counters (USO Lounge located here)
• Level 3: Departures, all security checkpoints (A-D), pre-security dining and shopping, and PHX Sky Train station

Pro Tip: When connecting in PHX and changing terminals, allow yourself at least 10–15 minutes for the train and walking to the next gate. Don’t forget to check the monitors inside each terminal.

PHX Airport Parking

There is a huge variety of parking available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is suitable for all kinds of travelers — whether they plan to drop people off curbside or need to leave their vehicle for longer periods of time.

Available Parking at PHX

Each of the terminals has its own parking garage that will provide the shortest distance to the terminal building:

• Terminal 3 Parking Garage: It is located adjacent to Terminal 3 and suits well for short-term and daily parking. Several levels with an elevator and escalator access to the Terminal building.
• Terminal 4 Parking Garage: The shortest way to get to Terminal 4. Convenient for travelers who would like to check in faster.

This kind of parking would suit best the travelers with short-term stays, meeters/greeters and business travelers who have a limited time for their trip.

Economy Parking: East Economy Lot
This economy parking facility is the most commonly used one among travelers looking to park their cars in this location for several days. This garage is linked to both terminals using the free PHX Sky Train® transport.

Economy Parking: West Economy Lots

This economy parking facility contains covered and surface lots equipped with shuttle bus service to Terminals 3 and 4. Buses arrive frequently and lots are illuminated and guarded. This is the cheapest parking option provided at PHX.

Valet Parking

There are valet services offered both at Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, designed to give travelers a convenient car delivery without any stress on both departure and arrival levels. Valet attendant parks your car on the departure curb and gives it back to you upon return at the arrivals level. This is the top choice for your short to medium trips.

PHXReserve Parking Program

PHX provides a reservation program, PHXReserve, where passengers can make a reservation for their car parking lot in advance, avoiding possible problems with finding an available parking lot – particularly in high season. Booking options are available online at skyharbor.com. 

Parking Fees

Parking fees depend on the parking lot you choose and the time of stay there. The cheapest daily rates will apply to economy lots, whereas terminal garages will cost travelers more due to the convenience of being close to the airport. The current rates are available on the official PHX website. Booking in advance will ensure the most favorable rates that will be set before the peak period starts.

Car Rentals

The PHX Rental Car Center is located about 1.5 miles south of the terminals, at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South. To get to it, passengers need to take the dedicated extension of the PHX Sky Train® from either of the terminals. Rental companies operating at PHX include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, NU Car Rentals, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and Zipcar. The majority of the agencies have round-the-clock service.

Tip: If traveling in one of PHX’s busiest travel periods – July, August, and December – use PHXReserve to secure your parking place in advance.

Shop At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Shop at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is like Arizona, which is locally grounded, diverse, and lively. The airport provides more than 100 shops and other services, making for an exciting shopping experience before boarding your flight.

Shops in Terminal 3

In Terminal 3, there is an interesting combination of shops on the landside and airside areas (both concourses E and F). These are:

• Hudson News
• InMotion Entertainment
• Starbucks
• Panera Bread
• Shake Shack
• SanTan Brewing Company
• The Parlor
• OHSO Brewery + Distillery
• The Habit Burger Grill
• Peet’s Coffee

Shops in Terminal 4

The widest variety of shops in Phoenix is found in Terminal 4, which includes landside (Level 3 Landside) and four airside concourses (A, B, C, D).

• Barrio Café
• Blanco Tacos + Tequila
• Four Peaks Brewing Company
• Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
• Cowboy Ciao
• Berry Divine
• Zinc Brasserie to Go
• Dilly’s Deli
• The Express by Mark Tarbell
• Ajo Al’s
• Dunkin’
• PHX FLT Club

Pre-Security Dining (Terminal 4):

• InMotion Electronics
• Paradies Shops
• Brookstone

Pro Tip: The best Arizona-specific souvenirs, including locally made hot sauces, Saguaro cactus gifts, turquoise jewelry, and Native American crafts, are found at the gift shops inside the secure areas of both terminals. Shop after clearing security for the widest selection.

Smoking Areas of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Smoking at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is strictly prohibited in any of its terminals as per the Arizona law and the city’s clean air policy. Therefore, there is no smoking allowed anywhere inside Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 [of PHX].

Areas of Smokers’ Zones:

• Terminal 3: There are designated smokers’ zones outdoors outside the curb at the ground transportation area on Level 1 (Arrival Level)
• Terminal 4: Smokers’ zones are available outdoors on Level 1 on both the north and south sides, adjacent to baggage claim exit points

Security Waiting Times at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Being informed about the waiting times at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is critical if you wish to depart from PHX without hassles. PHX is often viewed as one of the most efficient airports when it comes to processing passengers through its security checkpoints. However, wait times may differ greatly depending on the time of day and time of year.

Average Security Waiting Times at PHX

In non-peak situations, security wait times at PHX fall within the range of 5 to 20 minutes for standard lanes. However, during peak periods and peak seasons, waiting times can extend to up to 30 to 50 minutes and sometimes beyond in the standard lanes.

Peak Hours (Longer Wait Times Expected):

• Early morning rush: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Evening rush: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Off-Peak Hours (Shorter Wait Times):

• Mid-day hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. offer the shortest queue times.

Busiest Months at PHX Airport: July, August, and December are PHX’s busiest months for travel. During such periods, waiting times in the standard lanes become 30-50% higher than average.

Security Checkpoints at Terminals

Terminal 3: There is one main security checkpoint at Terminal 3, which serves Concourses E and F. This checkpoint works during flight hours and is located at Level 2. Both standard TSA lanes and TSA PreCheck lanes operate here.

Terminal 4: At Terminal 4, there are four security checkpoints, namely A, B, C, and D, and thus Terminal 4 boasts the largest security capacity at PHX airport:

• Checkpoint A: Serve Concourse A (A1 – A14 gates)
• Checkpoint B: Serve Concourse B (B1 – B14 gates; two lanes)
• Checkpoint C: Serve Concourses C (C1+; three lanes)
• Checkpoint D: Serve Concourses C and D

Expeditious Security Programs for PHX

TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck service is offered at all active checkpoints in Terminals 3 and 4. Enrolled passengers have an extremely expedient process, which averages approximately 19 minutes, half of the regular lane time.

CLEAR Plus: CLEAR biometric identification is available in PHX and enables members to go straight to the actual security screening process without any lines at all, such as for ID and document checks. CLEAR is available in five checkpoints of the PHX airport and is highly useful during the busy morning departure time.

Global Entry: For arriving international passengers, Global Entry allows expedited U.S. Customs clearance upon arrival. Members use automated kiosks in Terminal 4 to expediently clear customs without any immigration line.

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