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America's Friendliest Airport

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Sky Harbor Construction Roadway Restrictions

Construction at Sky Harbor will slow roadway traffic entering the Airport from the east beginning August 26. These roadway restrictions are expected to last nearly a year – through June 2009.

From August 26, 2008 through June 2009 westbound lanes of Sky Harbor Boulevard south of Terminal 4 will be reduced from three to two lanes of traffic while construction crews improve the “C” Checkpoint at Terminal 4. Four security screening lanes are being added to Checkpoint “C” to create a total of eight. Because the C checkpoint is located on a bridge over Sky Harbor Boulevard, the construction will result in roadway delays. The bridge is being widened by 120 feet. Additional roadway traffic restrictions will take place during overnight hours.

In addition, the eastbound loop return from the upper level on the north side of Terminal 4 will be closed during this time frame. Drivers are encouraged to watch for roadway construction signage.

Drivers should expect roadway delays when entering Sky Harbor from the east. This includes drivers coming from the Loop 202, State Route 143 and 44th Street.

Sky Harbor is offering the following tips for drivers:


Please view our map of Roadway Restrictions

Pardon Our Dust provides more information.

Volunteer Opportunities at Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s nationally recognized Navigator volunteer program is looking to boost its ranks!

Sky Harbor Navigators are a group of friendly volunteers whose mission is to make the customer experience through Sky Harbor faster, easier and more enjoyable. Navigators provide directions, information and friendly assistance. Volunteers serve a four-hour shift each week.

Qualifications/Requirements for the position:

A two-day summer training session will be held July 29th and July 31st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prospective Navigator volunteers must attend both days and go through “on-the-job” training and mentoring for the next seven weeks.

Individuals interested in applying should call (602) 273-4017 or email navigator.staff@phoenix.gov.

Phoenix Goodyear Named Airport of the Year; Goodyear Tower Also Recognized

Phoenix Goodyear Airport has been named the state’s 2008 Airport of the Year by the Aeronautics Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation, (ADOT). Phoenix Goodyear is owned and operated by the city of Phoenix, but is located in the city of Goodyear. It was honored for its excellence in community relations, airport management, airport maintenance activities as well as innovative activities and programs implemented at the airport.

In the past year, Phoenix Goodyear, a general aviation airport, has provided services for private and corporate pilots arriving for the Super Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, Phoenix Coyotes games and NASCAR events. The Airport recently welcomed its first fixed base operator (FBO) to better serve arriving and departing pilots.

“We are thrilled by the honor,” said Airport Manager Barney Helmick. “When you look at the selection criteria, it attests to the fact that it’s not just about one person - it’s about the entire organization. That’s what makes us successful.”

The air traffic control tower at Phoenix Goodyear also received a major honor recently, when it was named the Air Traffic Facility of the Year by Serco Management Services, Inc. Serco contracts with the Federal Aviation Administration to operate 57 air traffic control towers in the western United States. Serco also named Goodyear Air Traffic Controller Jennifer Bartley Controller of the Year for contract towers.

“I am so proud of our Airport and especially proud of our staff and tenants who helped us to achieve these honors,” Helmick said.

Passports Needed for Travel Outside U.S.

U.S. citizens must have passports when traveling by air anywhere outside the country, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

It may take six weeks to receive a passport once an application is submitted, so it is very important to submit applications well in advance of travel.

For information on getting a new passport, visit travel.state.gov or visit one of more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the country. Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and many county and municipal offices.

To get a passport, two passport-size photographs are needed, together with proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. Additional information is also available at www.cbp.gov or www.dhs.gov.

A Special Place for Military, Veterans

Members of the military, veterans and their families have a quiet, private space set aside for them at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Military and Veterans Hospitality Lounge, in Terminal 2 is equipped with comfortable sofas and chairs, a computer, a large-screen TV, games and even a children’s play area for families.

The amenities in the lounge were either donated or purchased through the fundraising efforts of the Phoenix Military Veterans Affairs Commission. The Phoenix Police Airport Bureau collected donations among the officers and furnished a game room for the lounge in honor of Marine Corporal Christopher Lapka. Corporal Lapka, son of Phoenix Police Officer, Kenneth Lapka, was killed in action in Iraq in October 2004.

Volunteers staff the Military and Veterans Lounge at Sky Harbor. Many service men and women spend layovers watching television, making telephone calls or checking e-mail in the lounge. Some military families also use the lounge as a private area to spend quiet time before a loved one departs. It is a quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy airport terminal. “We will never forget the sacrifices that members of the military continue to make for us,” said Mayor Gordon. “This is just one small way that we can show our appreciation.”

Free Wi-Fi

America's Friendliest Airport™ provides visitors with free Wi-Fi service. All three terminals at Sky Harbor offer free Wireless Internet Service. Wi-Fi is available on both sides of security, in retail areas and near the gates. If your laptop or wireless electronic device is configured to operate in a wireless mode, it will automatically connect to the Internet when powered up near the shops and gates at Sky Harbor. Questions? Download a wireless internet instruction and troubleshooting guide (158.7Kb PDF1).

Sky Harbor Recognized by FAA for Safety

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport just completed its annual Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification inspection with zero discrepancies for the third consecutive year.

Major airports must undergo a comprehensive inspection each year to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Federal officials audit employee training records, fueling procedures, inspection records, and emergency response procedures. Officials also conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire airfield to ensure that it is safe for air traffic.

“Sky Harbor’s staff has worked hard to partner with all stakeholders here at the Phoenix airport to ensure excellent communication and consistent methods of operation,” said Phoenix Assistant Aviation Director, Carl Newman. Mr. Newman is also past Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Operations, Safety and Planning Committee.

One of the Phoenix Aviation Department’s most important safety advancements has been the development of an Airfield Standards Committee. In the past, it was possible for contractors working at the airport to individually interpret FAA guidelines for airfield markings, lighting and signs in different ways. The Airfield Standards Committee produced one set of standards for all contractors at Sky Harbor to ensure consistency for pilots taking off and landing at the airport.

Sky Harbor attributes the discrepancy-free inspection to the collaborative efforts of airport, airline, and local FAA staff who work hard each and every day to ensure the airport consistently exceeds standards. The airport was reported to have an exceptionally clean and well maintained airfield, and has had zero runway incursions in the last year.

The inspection results demonstrate the airport's commitment to aviation safety. Airport officials will continue to work to ensure Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is not only America's Friendliest Airport, but also America's safest.

Security Screening Lanes Coming to Terminal 3

In a continued effort to improve customer service and enhance the travel experience, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is currently undergoing the expansion of security checkpoints in Terminal 3.

Upgrades to the South Checkpoint which serves American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and Midwest Airlines, were completed in November 2007, doubling the number of lanes from two to four.

Work will soon be complete on the North Checkpoint which serves Air Tran Airways, Delta Air Lines, Northwest/KLM, Frontier Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. The expansion will increase the number of lanes from four to six.

Travelers making their way through Terminal 3 need not worry about disruptions due to the checkpoint expansion project. Construction has been taking place during non-peak hours, for example between midnight and 4 a.m., and all lanes are remaining open. “There is no effect on the traveling public. We are working to ensure that travelers are not impacted,” said Senior Project Manager Sam Hanna.

RCC Bus Operations Facility Honored

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) recently announced that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Rental Car Center bus operations and maintenance facility is a winning project in the 2008 Tilt-Up Achievement Awards Program.

Each year, “those organizations, people and projects that have successfully illustrated the variety, beauty and flexibility of Tilt-Up construction” are honored by the TCA. “The TCA Achievement Awards program honors projects that use site-cast Tilt-Up concrete to introduce new building types, advance industry technology and provide unique solutions to building programs,” according to the TCA.

The Rental Car Center (RCC), located at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South, opened for business in January, 2006. The RCC accommodates all airport rental car companies, their rental counters and vehicles. Shuttles provide transportation for passengers to and from the RCC from airport terminals.

Tilt up is a cost effective construction technique for low buildings that uses modular concrete elements formed on building floors or on temporary concrete casting surfaces near building footprints, according to Wikipedia.com.

After the concrete has cured, the elements are tilted from the horizontal position to the vertical with a crane and braced into position until the remaining building structural components (roofs and intermediate floors) are secured. Unlike prefabrication, tilt-up molds are designed for specific buildings, Wikipedia.com specifies.

Changes, Improvements in Terminal 2

Terminal 2, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s oldest terminal, has undergone a series of changes, additions and improvements including a new security checkpoint, a roomier area for visitors and more shops and restaurants.

A new, six-lane security checkpoint in Terminal 2 with security lines on the west side of the lobby created a roomier, more comfortable area for visitors meeting arriving passengers.

New shops and restaurants have or will open throughout the terminal over the next few months. In the lobby, pre security, Terminal 2 now features: Ocotillo Sun (full-service, sit-down restaurant); Phoenix Express (news and sundries); Rocky Mountain Chocolate; and Jake’s Coffee.

Past security, restaurants and shops include: Round Table Pizza; Vito’s Grab & Go; Indigenous (featuring the works of Arizona’s Native American Tribes); The Phoenix (souvenirs and signature local products); The Phoenix Travel Mart (news and sundries); Shades of Time (sunglasses and watches); and a CNBC News store.

Opening soon past security will be the Phoenix All Star Sports Bar, Wendy’s, Paradise Bakery and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

The renovation of Terminal 2 includes upgrades to other facilities, including the restrooms. “We also have all new carpeting in Terminal 2,” said Becky Gawin, Deputy Aviation Director for Facilities and Services. “These are improvements that passengers are likely to notice.”

Where's My Car?

A push of a button is all it takes to summon help finding a lost vehicle at Sky Harbor. The airport now has parking Assistance Call Boxes in its parking lots and garages. The boxes are located near the elevators and throughout parking areas. If visitors can’t find their car, all they need to do is press a button on the Assistance Call Box and a parking attendant arrives within minutes. The boxes are equipped with blue lights on the top which make them easier to locate. Parking attendants are experts at finding lost vehicles, and usually locate them within minutes.

Visitors may also call for help if they have a flat tire, lock their keys in their vehicle or need a jump start. Customers are already taking advantage of the service, at a rate of about 35 calls per day. The boxes also offer a separate emergency button which, when pressed, connects the visitor to the airport emergency dispatcher. Any time a button on the Assistance Call Box is pressed, a two way conversation is initiated between the customer and the employee answering the call. The system is set up so that the Phoenix Sky Harbor Communications Center and parking office automatically know the location of the call box being used.

There are nearly 150 Assistance Call Boxes in parking lots at Phoenix Sky Harbor. They are located in both short term and economy parking facilities. “This is just one more way for Phoenix Sky Harbor to provide world class service to our customers,” said Phoenix Assistant Aviation Director, Carl Newman. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this amenity to airport visitors.”

New Air Service in 2007

So far this year, more than 20 new flights to the Valley of the Sun have been announced, increasing the frequency of flights to existing destinations as well as adding service to new locations.

“Phoenix has so much to offer that people are choosing to live, work and play here now more than ever, and businesses are opening and relocating in the Valley at a staggering pace,” says Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “Those businesses and our citizens need flights around the country and the world to serve their needs.”

New flights announced so far in 2007 are:
American Airlines – will offer its first ever daily nonstop service between Phoenix and Miami effective Dec. 13, 2007. This new route offers convenient nonstop service to South Florida, with easy connections to AA’s many destinations in Central and Latin America, as well as to the Caribbean.
Delta Air Lines – added four daily trips to Los Angeles in July.
Southwest Airlines – added first ever service to Manchester, N.H. offering convenient service to the Boston area starting Aug. 26, 2007. Additional service was added to Salt Lake City.
Allegiant Air – just announced 12 cities so far to be served from Williams Gateway Airport: Bellingham, Wash.; Billings Mont.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Fargo, N.D.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Missoula, Mont.; Peoria, Ill.; Rapid City, S.D.; Rockford, Ill.; Santa Maria, Calif.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Stockton, Calif.

The Airport works closely with airlines domestically and internationally to meet the demands of travelers. When there is a strong market for a particular destination, airlines evaluate the route and determine if it makes sense for their business operations.

Phoenix Aviation Director, Danny Murphy says, “Our goal is to best serve our customers through the excellent partnerships we have with our airlines. We provide them with information and data to help them in their route evaluation processes.”

The Phoenix Aviation team encourages airlines to fly to the Phoenix metropolitan area, but that doesn’t mean just to Sky Harbor. Phoenix is also a member of the Williams Gateway Airport Authority along with the cities of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and the Gila River Indian Community. New flights to the East Valley are considered big wins for everyone. As mentioned above, Allegiant Air recently announced its commitment to at least 13 new flights from Williams.

“We’re really proud of the progress that we’ve made on the domestic front and we know there is significant opportunity on the international front. It’s a matter of finding the right mix of business and leisure travelers between here and the destination that will make the flight successful,” says Jim Peterson, Phoenix Air Service Development Manager.

Phoenix Sky Harbor is among the top 10 busiest airports in the country with 91 nonstop U.S. destinations and 16 international non-stops including four to Canada, one to Central America, 10 to Mexico and one to Europe for a total of 107 nonstop markets, served by 20 airlines.

Smoke-Free Act

The Smoke-Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and in enclosed places of employment. At the airport, as in other public places and places of employment, the law stipulates that smoking is not allowed indoors and that smoke may not enter the 20-foot smoke-free zone at entrances, open windows and ventilation systems of buildings and facilities.

Additionally, smoking is not allowed in city of Phoenix vehicles or in Airport Shuttle buses. Sky Harbor Airport has designated outside areas where smoking is permitted in compliance with the new Arizona law. There are two designated smoking areas around Terminal 2; one on the east side of the terminal, the other just west of T2. Terminal 3 has four designated smoking areas on the ground level; on the east, west, north and south. There are 7 designated smoking areas on the ground level of Terminal 4; four on the north side and three on the south; and there are four more smoking areas on level 2 of T4, two on the north side and two on the south.

Please note that according to the law, individual violations are punishable with penalties beginning at $50. Under the Arizona law, individuals are responsible for not smoking where smoking is prohibited and individuals must stop smoking immediately when requested to do so by a proprietor. For more information, contact Smoke-Free Arizona at 1 (877) 297-8677 or visit www.smokefreearizona.org.

Aiding Travelers in Crisis

Help is available for stranded travelers or who find themselves in difficult situations while at the airport, thanks to Travelers Aid operated through the Sky Harbor Chaplaincy.

The Sky Harbor Chaplaincy, that operates Travelers Aid, has been assisting stranded and distressed travelers since 1987. Housed in the All Faiths Chapel in Terminal 4, level 3 pre-security near the B checkpoint, the program has grown significantly over the years.

Professional and volunteer chaplains offer a caring presence in moments of stress together with counsel, guidance and prayer. Through the program, stranded travelers have access to discounts on Greyhound Bus tickets and free phone cards among other things. The Chaplaincy also assists victims of domestic abuse who need to leave Phoenix for their own safety and collaborates with shelters and agencies to arrange travel assistance for abused women and their children.

To meet the growing needs, a Travelers Aid Case Manager works with Airport Chaplain Al Young to ensure the special needs of the traveling public are met. Additionally, the chapel provides Sky Harbor travelers and employees a place for quiet reflection and prayer. Travelers in crisis may call Chaplain Young or the Travelers Aid Case Manager at (602) 244-1346.

The Sky Harbor Interfaith Chaplaincy is not legally affiliated with the city of Phoenix and its operation of Sky Harbor International Airport.

Look for Traveler Totes and Sky Slippers

We keep you comfy. Sky Slippers are available at security checkpoints in case you’re uncomfortable going through the checkpoint barefoot. We provide them free as a customer service.

Airport Vehicle Inspections

Sky Harbor reminds travelers and visitors to the airport that their vehicles may be subject to random inspections as part of continuing efforts to ensure the highest level of security and safety.

When they do occur, inspections usually take less than two minutes per vehicle and are not generally disruptive to traffic flow. The ever-present possibility of vehicle inspections is yet another reason Sky Harbor recommends that passengers arrive two hours before their flights depart to allow time to park, check-in and pass through security.

You may find more information about security at Sky Harbor on this link or by visiting the Transportation Security Administration site at www.tsa.gov or the Department of Homeland Security at www.dhs.gov.