Phoenix, Arizona – Sky Harbor is offering new airport amenities as well as tips for getting through security this Thanksgiving holiday.

New Security Rules

Many passengers who are traveling this Thanksgiving holiday have not traveled since the restrictions on liquids were implemented at the security checkpoints. Sky Harbor is advising passengers to pack all non-necessary liquids in their checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration does allow travel size liquids past the security checkpoint as long as the containers are three ounces or less, inside a plastic quart-size zip top bag. Only one bag is allowed per traveler. Exceptions include baby formula and medications, which travelers will need to declare to a screening agent at the checkpoint. The TSA website ( www.tsa.gov) has an explanation of these new restrictions, as well informational videos and flyers to help educate travelers.

Parking – Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year in the Economy Lots

If you’re traveling out of Sky Harbor for Thanksgiving be sure to give yourself plenty of time and call ahead if you plan to park. Sky Harbor is recommending that travelers arrive two hours before flight time. Call the 24 hour parking hotline at 602-273-4545 for up-to-the minute information on available space. Parking office employees will direct drivers to the nearest, available parking area. If standard economy lots fill, the overflow lots will be opened, however passengers are advised not to travel to the overflow lots unless directed there by signage or airport staff.

A New Way to Pick Up Passengers on the East Side of the Airport!

Due to the popularity of the Stage & Go waiting lot on the west side, the airport has just opened a second temporary lot on the east side! Those picking up loved ones can wait with their vehicle in the new lot for free! The lot has 88 parking spots, a large sign with the airlines' phone numbers, and a portable restroom. If you entering the airport on the east side, look for signage directing you to the new lot, which is just east of Terminal 4 high profile lot. The airport has opened the lot on a temporary basis over the holidays after which it will evaluate its success.

Express Pay - a fast and easy way to pay for airport parking.

Express Pay has now opened in the East Economy Garages A & B. Express Pay allows travelers to pay for their parking at a kiosk in the garage lobby instead of waiting in a line of cars to pay at a toll booth with a cashier.

When travelers park in the east economy garages A or B, they are advised to take their ticket with them. When they return to the East Economy garages A or B, they can pay for their parking at an easy-to-use kiosk in the elevator lobby. They then will be able to exit the parking garage through a dedicated lane for Express Pay customers so that they do not have to wait at a toll both behind other vehicles waiting to pay.

Additional Security Checkpoint Lanes

A newly-remodeled six-lane checkpoint is now open in Terminal 2. Security lines have been moved from the center to the west side of the lobby, creating much more room for visitors meeting arriving passengers. The Terminal 2 security lines are also more efficiently designed so that lines no longer extend into ticketing and baggage claim.

The B Security Checkpoint in Terminal 4, one of four checkpoints at the airport’s busiest terminal, has been expanded from 4 lanes to 6 lanes with the potential to grow to nine. The B checkpoint, which serves mostly US Airways flights, is located on the northeast side of the terminal.

Extra Firefighters, Police and airport staff in the terminals

The airport has added extra customer service staff in all terminals. To ensure the safety of our travelers, there are also extra Phoenix Firefighters and Police on bikes riding throughout the terminals. Often, in the case of a medical emergency, the units on bicycles are able respond to the emergency the fastest.

Additional travel tips for the holidays:

Before leaving home, check with your airline on possible flight delays and baggage weight limits.

Do not bring wrapped gifts in your carry-on luggage or checked bags. Screeners may have to un-wrap them.

Remember, lighters are no longer allowed through the security checkpoint.

Remember to put identification tags inside baggage as well as outside in case tag comes off of the bag. Laptops, cell phones and other electronics should have identification on them too.

For additional travel tips, visit Sky Harbor’s website at www.phxskyharbor.com, and the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov.