HO, HO, GO
Bob Long of Las Vegas walks in Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday.
The Transportation and Security Administration predicts it will screen 42 million passengers over the holiday travel season — an increase of 3.9% from last year. To accommodate the rise in passengers, airlines are running an additional 884 daily flights to accommodate more than 72,000 additional passengers each day.
To give you an idea of what that looks like for just one airline in Phoenix, American Airlines has 5,214 total scheduled flights over that time to serve an estimated 635,106 customers at Sky Harbor.
But, the crowds at the airport don’t have to ruin your holiday cheer. Here are some hacks and tips to make your travel a little more merry if you’re flying through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Busiest and lightest days to fly
The holiday travel season official began Thursday and runs through Sunday, Jan. 5.
In its annual holiday report, Airlines for America predicted the number of air travelers will increase by 3% compared to 2018.
These are expected to be the busiest days:
❚ Friday, Dec. 20.
❚ Saturday, Dec. 21.
❚ Friday, Dec. 27.
❚ Saturday, Dec. 28.
These are expected to be the lightest days:
❚ Christmas Eve.
❚ Christmas Day.
❚ New Year’s Eve.
Check status before leaving home
Nobody likes to spend more time than necessary at the airport. So check your flight status before you head there. It’s a lot easier to make calls or rebook flights from your living room if need be.
While you’re checking your flight status, also check the security wait times at www.skyharbor.com and be sure to arrive with plenty of time to get through the line.
Roads to and at the airport will be jammed, so pay attention to the freeway overhead signs for traffic updates and possible alternate routes. Once at the airport, watch your speed and heed the officers directing traffic.
By the way, if you’d rather receive advice from an adorable representative of the airport, check out the tips from Sky Harbor’s Navigator Dogs on Instagram and Twitter under the hashtag #DogsDashingThruPHX.
Download your airline’s app
Airline apps do more than just download your boarding pass. Airlines are adding more features to make traveling more efficient and enjoyable.
The American Airlines app has rolled out new features such as the ability to scan your passport or order a meal for your flight. People on overbooked flights can bid how much money they’d accept to take a later flight.
“Just like a retailer would be preparing their systems for getting ready for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, we do the same,” said Maya Leibman, American’s executive vice president and chief information officer.
Many airlines offer free in-flight entertainment through their apps. Southwest’s app lets you measure your bags to see if they’ll fit overhead or under the seat. Some apps let you prepay baggage fees and skip that line at check-in.
Avoid the Sky Harbor traffic
To skip the traffic snarls near the terminals, make plans with your friends, family or ride-share driver to use the PHX Sky Train station. It’s at the corner of 44th and Washington streets. There’s a Valley Metro rail stop nearby, as well as a cellphone lot where you can drop off or pick up travelers. It’s a quick, free ride on the Sky Train to terminals 3 and 4.
Sky Harbor parking options
If you’re parking at the airport, planning ahead can save you a few bucks.
You can book parking in advance online at a discount for the terminal garages as well as the East Economy Garage and lot.
There’s valet parking at Terminal 4. Oil changes and fuel fill-ups are available if you want to check some items off your to-do list while you’re gone.
Off-airport parking lots such as Blue Sky, The Parking Spot and PreFlight offer shuttle service to the terminals.
Where to catch Uber/Lyft
There are designated areas for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at each terminal:
❚ Terminal 2: Outside Door 8.
❚ Terminal 3: Level 1, south curb outside Door 4.
❚ Terminal 4: Level 1, north curb outside Door 1.
❚ Terminal 4: Level 1, south curb outside Door 8.
Note: Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave Sky Harbor in January after the Phoenix City Council voted Dec. 18 to raise fees on ride-share companies starting Feb. 1. Neither company has given a departure date, but you might need a backup plan for transportation.
What is OK through security
The Transportation Security Administration has a website and an app where you can find out what items are allowed in your checked and carry-on luggage.
General rule of thumb: Anything liquid, gel or spreadable must be checked or be less than 3 ounces to carry on.
If you have a medical condition or disability, TSA has a help line to answer questions about screening procedures and what to expect at security. Call 855787-2227.
Check Trusted Traveler status
PreCheck and Global Entry have to be renewed every five years. If you’ve had yours for a while, double-check to make sure it’s still valid. The good news is you can renew PreCheck online.
If you don’t have PreCheck or Global Entry, consider enrolling for future trips. The cost is $85 for PreCheck and $100 for Global Entry, which also includes PreCheck. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is your best bet. If you travel mostly domestically, PreCheck is sufficient.
Before you pay, check your credit card because some offer reimbursement or allow you to use points to pay the fee. TSA has a list of some credit cards that offer this benefit.
Check out a lounge
The new swank AmEx Centurion lounge isn’t open yet. However, a makeshift lounge has opened in Terminal 4. If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, it’s free to enter.
If you don’t have one of those cards, you can purchase entry for $30 at the door.
Say good-bye to Terminal 2
This is the last holiday travel season for Terminal 2. Built in 1962, it is scheduled to be torn down in early 2020. The airlines housed there will move to Terminal 3.
If you’re flying through Terminal 2, make sure to appreciate Paul Coze’s mural “The Phoenix” in the lobby before the artwork is moved to the Rental Car Center. Also, say hi to Sky Harbor’s longest-serving employee, skycap Lou Davis. Davis has worked for the airport since Terminal 2 opened in 1962.
Problem? Send a DM to airline
You may wonder if tweeting at your airline is the best way to get help if something goes wrong with your flight. Know that airlines’ social media teams are staffed with problem-solving experts who are trained to react quickly. It’s not impolite to send them a direct message. Just be specific and pleasant.
Start planning for Real ID
Starting Oct. 1, 2020, your identification needs to be Real ID-compliant to board a domestic flight in the United States. Make a note to replace your drivers license with one that meets Real ID standards before the rush begins.
How do you know if your Arizona drivers license is a Real ID? If it has a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, you can use it to board a plane. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to get a new ID or use another compliant ID such as a passport or military ID.