Sunny Phoenix is enticing with its constant sunshine, warm weather, and vacation rentals. The Valley of the Sun offers various Phoenix airports. The easiest way to reach the largest city in Arizona is to fly into PHX/Sky Harbor International Airport. Other smaller airports serving the Greater Phoenix region include the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (which primarily deals with Allegiant Air) and the Phoenix Deer Valley airport (located 15 miles north of downtown).

Sky Harbor International Airport

Owned by the city of Phoenix since 1935, Sky Harbor International Airport airport serves over 100,000 passengers daily and consists of three parallel runways and 116 aircraft gates at the following terminals:

  • Terminal 3: Completed in 1979, is also known as the John S. McCain II Terminal. This facility includes 23 gates. It is used by JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Most international flights come through this terminal.
  • Terminal 4: Also known as the Barry M. Goldwater Terminal. This facility has 86 gates that service American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Condor, Southwest Airlines, Volaris, and Westjet.

What to Do at Sky Harbor

If you’re traveling in business or first class, United, Delta, British Airways, and American all have lounges. For a small fee, you can also gain access to the Club at PHX, an independent lounge available to anyone.

Each terminal has stores and eateries both pre- and post-security. the Phoenix Airport Museum has rotating exhibitions at each of the terminals, as well as at the off-site Rental Car building.

Transportation

Phoenix airport includes both covered and uncovered parking with some spaces by the terminals. Money-saving coupons are often available on the website for holiday weekends. If you’re expecting a pickup, your ride can wait for you free-of-charge at the 24-hour Cell Phone Waiting Lots.

You can also take the free shuttle to the Rental Car Center, which is located in its own building. Intercity shuttles, van services, limousines, and taxis are also available. Several locations at all three terminals allow for pick-ups from rideshare services.

For public transportation, the most convenient method is to take the free PHX Sky Train ® from Terminal 3 or 4 to the 44th Street Station. From there, you can take Valley Metro Rail for access to Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe.

Assistance

If it’s your first time at PHX or you just need information, look for the Navigator volunteers in the purple shirts. Enthusiastic and friendly, their job is to give directions or offer assistance for an easier and more enjoyable experience at the airport.

All employees are dedicated to keeping SkyHabor International Airport in Phoenix “America’s Friendliest Airport®.” If you need additional help, from locating your car in a crowded lot or jump-starting a dead battery, get in touch with the free motorist assistance program. They can help speed you to your vacation rental.