Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport (PHX) Flights & Flight Status

Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has been serving the Southwest since 1928 and has grown into one of the busiest airports in the country. Having travelled countless times from and to PHX, I’ll show you how to get to and from the airport, as well as providing an overview of Sky Harbor’s security procedures.

Finally, I’ll give you all the important information on parking and other amenities. So, whether you're connecting, departing, or just passing through, this guide has everything you need to know about navigating Sky Harbor International Airport like a pro.

How to get to and from Sky Harbor International

Given its proximity to downtown Phoenix, I love how easy it is to get to and from Sky Harbor International Airport. I’ve found the easiest way to arrive at the airport is to use the Sky Train, a light rail offering free service to and from Sky Harbor.

Using the rail

The rail has stops at Terminals 3 and 4, stations at 24th and 44th streets in Phoenix, and a parking garage if you want to park and ride to the airport. I usually prefer the bus service to the airport that terminates at the 24th Street Sky Train station.

Ride-share and taxi service

Ride-share options and traditional taxi services are available throughout the area. If you are a cyclist, you will find it easy to get to and from Sky Harbor, with the 44th Street station. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the station is equipped with bike racks to keep bikes secure while traveling.

There are plenty of parking options outside Terminals 3 and 4, with flexible reservations and touchless parking. Premium and valet parking services are also available, allowing you to park as close to the terminal as possible. Add-ons such as car washing and detailing are also available for an additional fee.

Airport Storage

Should you need to store items before your flight, be aware that there are no storage lockers available at Sky Harbor, however, I’ve found many options for storage close to the airport. My favorite is the Stasher app, which connects you with local hotels and shops that will securely store your bags for a small fee, so you can just head over on your way to the airport.

PHX terminal information

Sky Harbor International is split between two terminals: Terminal 3, operating domestic flights, and Terminal 4, which handles international departures and arrivals. I was confused at first about the absence of Terminals 1 and 2, but then learned that the airport decided against changing the names of 3 and 4 due to flier familiarity, even though 1 and 2 have been retired.

If you are looking for the bus gates, you will find them on the former Terminal 2 site, ferrying passengers directly to planes on the tarmac. Terminal 3, which opened in 1979, currently has 25 gates used primarily for domestic and pre-cleared arrivals, including Frontier Airlines. When I fly domestically this is my favourite terminal.

This is because the Terminal offers 24-hour access to the airport’s PHX Reserve security line via the TSA security checkpoint, which provides reservations to help speed up the security process. However, keep in mind that those with TSA PreCheck cannot use their benefits in tandem with the service.

Terminal 4 opened in 1990 and has 92 gates; it’s used for international flights as well as by American and Southwest Airlines. Terminal 4 also offers PHX Reserve reservations, but keep in mind that hours are limited to 3:45 am to 7 pm at the security checkpoint.

Things to do during a layover at PHX

If you find yourself caught in a layover at Sky Harbor, you’ll have no shortage of things to help you pass the time. Having spent a significant part of my life in airport layovers, I am always seeking ways to pass the time without constantly scrolling on my phone. In PHX, I have found some great alternatives.

Phoenix Airport Museum

One of the more unique options is the Phoenix Airport Museum, which has a rotating collection of Arizona artists, with over 120 currently exhibiting works there. If you’re an aviation geek like me, the museum also features an aviation history collection for air travel fans, including artifacts, ephemera, and memorabilia related to Phoenix Sky Harbor and nearby Deer Valley and Goodyear airports.

Food and beverages

If you're in the mood for something to eat before taking to the skies, Sky Harbor has you covered with a few different options, including Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes at Ajo Al's, a family-run Arizona restaurant since 1986.

The airport also offers culinary delights, including my all-time favorite, Bobby’s Burgers by acclaimed chef Bobby Flay. When I crave something lighter, I often choose an acai bowl from Berry Divine. For American cuisine, Cowboy Ciao is a great option, while local brews from Tempe, Arizona's Four Peaks Brewing Company and The Tavern by legendary Phoenix chef Mark Tarbell provide other delicious choices.

If you are after a quick pick-me-up, you'll find several Starbucks locations scattered throughout the airport, while locally-owned options like The Refuge and Cartel Roasting Co. offer fresh coffee from beans roasted in Phoenix.

Shopping and leisure

For a Phoenix souvenir, plenty of shops offer items from local artisans, like Earth Spirit, where you can get jewelry, pottery, and home goods. Sonora Southwest Living features home accessories and furniture. I always find time to stop at the Phoenix Public Market for local Arizona gourmet snacks, candy, and pre-made meals and drinks.

If you have a longer layover, I suggest grabbing a quick massage at Shell at Sky Harbor to relax after a long flight. Other shopping destinations worth exploring include Johnston & Murphy, Tumi, and No Boundaries.

As much as I need my screen-free time, there are moments when staying connected is essential. I had some work to do between flights on my last visit and was happy to be able to use Sky Harbor’s fast and free Wi-Fi to connect my laptop to the internet for a couple of emails during my layover.

Lounges at PHX

There are several options for those seeking lounge access at Sky Harbor. Terminal 3 is home to Delta’s Sky Club, which has snacks, beer, and wine, free Wi-Fi, televisions, and flight monitoring. Escape Lounges, the Centurion Studio Partner, offers a relaxed but upscale lounge setting with a dining area and bar where you can get freshly prepared hot and cold food and drinks.

In 2022, United unveiled one of their United Clubs, a beautiful 6,000 square-foot space. I love this space, designed by local Arizona artists. It provides everything from a wellness area where mothers can nurse and others can meditate or pray to semi-private seating nooks with plush seating and built-in tables.

In Terminal 4, there are three different American Airlines Admirals Clubs, all of which feature a full bar, food and drinks, and fast, free Wi-Fi. The recently redesigned lounges feature large seating areas, so there’s plenty of space to stretch out and relax before your flight. Thanks to the fast internet connection, I find myself drawn to the specific lounge, when I need to work.

American Express cardmembers can access The Centurion Lounge and enjoy locally-inspired food, shower suites, workspaces, and a premium bar. The food is prepared by chef Doug Robson, a native of Mexico City who trained at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute before opening two acclaimed restaurants in Phoenix: Gallo Blanco and Otro Café.

Terminal 4’s Escape Lounges is a family-friendly option (children two and younger get in free) with complimentary daily food and drink. The space features a lounge, dining area, full bar, free Wi-Fi, and a business center.

Members of the military and their families can access the USO Phoenix, a comfortable lounge space where families can stretch out on a sofa and enjoy computers, large-screen televisions, games, a kitchen, and a children's play area. Snacks, soft drinks, and water are complimentary.

Pet relief areas

Since I often travel with my small dog, having nine separate pet relief areas within Sky Harbor is a blessing. These include the Paw Pad in Terminal 3, decorated with native Arizona plants, and the Boneyard in Terminal 4, where my small dog can stretch her legs, get water, and relieve herself before the next flight.