Phoenix Sky Harbor advises arrive early

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is telling travelers to build in extra time before flights as Memorial Day weekend opens the summer travel season. In a May 19 advisory, the airport said it expects busy vacation travel periods tied to summer break, holidays and an international soccer tournament this summer. The airport’s guidance focused on parking, security screening, terminal traffic and heat-related preparation. Local outlet 12News also carried the airport’s travel tips on May 20. ### How early does Sky Harbor want travelers to arrive? Phoenix Sky Harbor said domestic travelers should plan to arrive at least two hours before departure. The airport framed that advice as part of its summer travel guidance as holiday traffic begins to rise. The airport said passengers should allow additional time not only for security screening, but also for parking, bag check and getting to the gate. Sky Harbor said summer break and holiday periods can produce heavier-than-usual passenger volumes. ### What is driving the warning now? Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer travel season, according to Phoenix Sky Harbor’s May 19 release. (skyharbor.com) The airport said it anticipates busy vacation travel periods beginning with the holiday weekend and continuing through summer. The airport also said an international soccer tournament this summer is expected to bring additional travelers through Phoenix, either flying out to matches across North America or using Phoenix as a base. (skyharbor.com) That note appeared in the airport’s press release and in related City of Phoenix coverage. ### What, specifically, is Sky Harbor telling passengers to do? (skyharbor.com) Sky Harbor told drivers to reserve airport parking in advance and check availability before leaving for the airport. The airport directed travelers to its parking page for current options. The airport also told passengers to review Transportation Security Administration rules before packing, including limits on liquids in carry-on bags. (skyharbor.com) Its travel tips page says travelers should keep prohibited items out of bags and have identification ready at checkpoints. Navigator volunteers, whom the airport referred to as its “coaches,” also advised travelers to use the PHX Sky Train, check terminal information before arrival and stay hydrated in Phoenix heat. (skyharbor.com) The airport said reusable water bottles can be filled after security. ### Where could delays show up first? Parking lots, terminal curbs and security checkpoints are the main pinch points in the airport’s guidance. (skyharbor.com) Sky Harbor said early arrival can help travelers absorb delays created by heavier traffic and longer lines. KTAR, citing the airport’s release, said the advice was aimed at making Memorial Day travel less stressful as Arizona travelers head into the first major holiday stretch of the summer season. 12News said the airport was planning for summer travel around the holiday kickoff. (skyharbor.com) ### Where should travelers check before leaving home? Sky Harbor’s website now carries the airport’s summer travel advisory, parking information and general travel tips. (skyharbor.com) Those pages include terminal guidance, screening reminders and airport access information. May 19 is the date on the airport’s current summer travel release, and 12News published its report on May 20. (ktar.com) Travelers heading out over Memorial Day weekend can monitor those pages for parking availability and other airport updates before leaving for Phoenix Sky Harbor. (skyharbor.com)