Aug 16, 2015, 4:52 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
Quick Links
PHX Links
Official Website of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
PHX Sky Harbor: Frequently Asked Questions pages(Dining, shops, parking, art, museum)
Link to archived posts 2009-2013.This is to give travelers an idea how to navigate through PHX (locals call it "Sky Harbor").
NOTE: There are an increasing number of flights arriving at Phoenix/Mesa Gateway airport (the former Williams Air Force Base). This is NOT PHX/Sky Harbor. Typically Allegiant and charter flights will arrive/depart from Gateway. Official Website of Phoenix-Mesa/Gateway Airport.
PHX Terminal 4 - AA uses the four concourses shown as "A" and "B"
The terminal map website is PHX T4 Map It includes terminal maps plus shops and restaurants by terminal.
AA in PHX
AA operates flights out of Terminal 4 (also called the Barry Goldwater Terminal), concourses A and B (basically the North side of T4). There are four concourses on the north side of terminal 4. The west two are the A concourses, and the east two are the B concourses. They are served by the A and B security checkpoints respectively.
The A and B concourses are divided into low and high, based on the gate numbers. The low A and B gates are directly across from the the security checkpoints. The high A and B require a trip down a walkway.
General Rules for Gates
Check-in
At PHX, you must be checked in:
Security
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day and by concourse. Generally, wait times seem to be longer at the B gates, but that is my personal experience.
AA has priority lines at both of the A and B security checkpoints in T4. Some days, it could be a wash or even longer, while others it can save a considerable amount of time. Personally, as a AA elite, I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes.
If non-elite, waits vary considerably. Ig is possible to wait for 45+ minutes.
Connection Times
Domestic Connections
Connecting flight info monitors can be found at the start of each concourse, except for the High B concourse, then also at the following locations -
High A concourse: in front of gates A19, A23 & A24;
Low A concourse: in front of gates A3, A5, above the payphones between A8 & A10;
Low B concourse: in front of gates B3, B5, B10;
High B concourse: across from the Cinnabon, in front of gates B19 & B21.
It takes an average of 5 minutes to walk the length of a concourse, ie: from Gate A17 down to Gate A30, etc. If you are going from one concourse to another it takes 5 minutes if you just sit on the moving sidewalks and let the machine haul you (sometimes out for repair). So to get from Gate A30 to: Gate A13 would take about 15 min; to Gate B13 - 20 min and to Gate B28 - 30 min. Walking on the moving sidewalks will cut the time down by about 40%. Just remember - when on the moving sidewalks, in the USA we stand on the right, walk on the left and if you look down on the start platform of each one you will see images reminding you that NO strollers, wheelchairs or baggage trollies are allowed on the moving sidewalks.
Passenger Assistance Counters can be found next to Gates A19, A4, B4 and B19.
Baggage Storage
"Unfortunately, due to federal security restrictions imposed by the Transportation Security Administration, we do not offer any storage at the airport. We recommend that you check with the airline you are flying to see how early you can check in your luggage or other items.”
Transportation
Parking
PHX-Sky Harbor Airport operates long-term parking (East and West economy lots) as well as in-terminal parking. More info here
However, it is becoming more common to use off-airport parking. There are several companies including (but not limited to): PreFlight, FastTrack, and Parking Spot. Discounts abound, and it can be less for covered parking off-airport than non-covered in an economy lot.
Rental Cars
PHX Airport Rental Cars
There is a single airport rental car center located about 3 miles West of the airport. A single shuttle makes rounds from the terminals to the center.
Note: you may save some money (could be rather significant) if you rent from an off-airport location. With the Phoenix light rail, it may be possible to take the rail and/or have them pick you up. Alternatively, some hotels (especially resorts) have a car rental desk on-site.
Taxi
Taxi – a minimum $15 to leave the airport (others, help me out).
Public Transportation
Bus & Light Rail information and Schedules
PHX Sky Train connects the terminals, economy parking, the rental car center, and the light rail.
Food, Drinks & Lounges
Where to Eat
Inside Security
Low A Concourse has Modern Burger, Olive & Ivy and Panda Express; table service is at Blanco Tacos & Tequila.
High A Concourse has Delux, Humble Pie Pizza and Pei Wei; table service is at Four Peaks Brewery.
Low B Concourse has Burger King, Carvel, Pizza Hut, Quizzno's, and Starbucks; table service at The Roadhouse 66.
High B Concourse has Cinabonn, Kokopelli Deli, TCBY, Pretzel Yetzel, Pizza Hut; table service at the Home Turf. Outside Security If one has sufficient time between connecting flights or before a flight, the food selection, variety and quality is far superior outside of security than inside it. The area outside of security at gate level has undergone major renovations over the past few years.
Coffee
There is one Starbucks in PHX AA Terminal area, in High B. Peets is just off of the moving walkway as you approach the High A side.
Any other recommendations?
Lounges
Admirals Club
There are three lounges in PHX, one each in the low A and low B, and one in the high A area. Unless you have a flight from nearby, I would recommend NOT using the High A lounge; it is small and can get extremely crowded. From personal experience, the B lounge is generally not as busy as the others. (Note: check the LOUNGE DASHBOARD for information about lounge closures for refurbishment.)
Other Lounges
The Centurion Lounge is located across from Gate B21 and open 9AM to 7PM. Must be an American Express Platinum card holder to enter.
The Escape Lounge is also located across from Gate B21 and is open 8AM to 8PM. American Express Platinum card holders get free access, $40/day fee prebooked, $45/day walk-up fee.
Shower Facilities
"We do have very limited shower facilities. In Terminal 4 on the east end of Level 1 (baggage claim), the ladies and men's restrooms each have one shower stall. There is no fee for the use of these stalls. These are the only public showers in the Airport. All of our family restrooms have showers, but they are not intended for use by the general public. They are for people with special needs or passengers who are traveling with small children who have an unexpected need for shower facilities."
The "family restroom" with shower in T4 is located next to the men's room across from Gate A17; as mentioned, this restroom is not intended for general public use other than as noted.
Miscellaneous
Services
Other Airlines/Changing Terminals
Southwest, British Airways, AeroMexico all share T4 with American Airlines. It can be challenging getting from a high A gate to the new WN D gates behind security; there is a bridge from the high B area that connects with C (Southwest's area).
Other airlines/terminals:
Terminal 2: United (with a United Club) and others are in the 'old' terminal (there is no longer a T1).
T2 info
Terminal 3: T3 info
Getting between the terminals can be a chore. You must first exit security, then take the Sky Train between Terminals 3 and 4. There is a walkway between Terminals 2 and 3. Just follow the signs.
Wireless Internet
"Free Wi-Fi is provided in all terminals on both sides of security, in retail and restaurant areas and near the gates. Laptops or other devices configured to operate in a wireless mode will automatically connect to the Internet when powered up near the shops and gates."
Layover Q&A
Do I have time to go into town?If your layover is more than three hours (and I’m sure this is debatable), you may have time for a quick trip into the city.What to do in town? How do I get there?
Quick Links
PHX Links
Official Website of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
PHX Sky Harbor: Frequently Asked Questions pages(Dining, shops, parking, art, museum)
Link to archived posts 2009-2013.This is to give travelers an idea how to navigate through PHX (locals call it "Sky Harbor").
NOTE: There are an increasing number of flights arriving at Phoenix/Mesa Gateway airport (the former Williams Air Force Base). This is NOT PHX/Sky Harbor. Typically Allegiant and charter flights will arrive/depart from Gateway. Official Website of Phoenix-Mesa/Gateway Airport.
PHX Terminal 4 - AA uses the four concourses shown as "A" and "B"The terminal map website is PHX T4 Map It includes terminal maps plus shops and restaurants by terminal.
AA in PHX
AA operates flights out of Terminal 4 (also called the Barry Goldwater Terminal), concourses A and B (basically the North side of T4). There are four concourses on the north side of terminal 4. The west two are the A concourses, and the east two are the B concourses. They are served by the A and B security checkpoints respectively.
The A and B concourses are divided into low and high, based on the gate numbers. The low A and B gates are directly across from the the security checkpoints. The high A and B require a trip down a walkway.
- Low A: Gates A1-A14
- High A: Gates A15-A30
- Low B: Gates B1-B14
- High B: Gates B15-B28
General Rules for Gates
- International flights (from Mexico and SJD) will arrive in the High B's area, as do other carrier international flights (BA from LHR) and depart ~B25
- While international flights (from other than YVR/YYC/YEG/YYZ) park at the high B gates, pax will pass through customs underneath the concourse and must exit outside the B security checkpoint and re-clear security for further flights.
- Flights from Mexico and Costa Rica will arrive at gates B23-B28 (Gate B22 is about to become an international arrival gate as well) and go down two levels to go through customs, et al, and will deposit outside security checkpoint B. Giving yourself an average of 45 min just to get from off the plane to the checkpoint is a good estimate. If your flight arrived at the same time as British Airways add another 30 min to that estimate.
- Eagle operated flights will depart only from Gates B1, B3, B5, B7, B9, B15, B16, B17, B18, B19, B20, B21, B22, and sometimes B24.
- Early and late night flights (first bank in the AM and red eyes to PHL, CLT, JFK, BOS, etc), usually leave from the low A concourse, gates 1-14 (more likely the end of that 10-14)
- Note some gates are close to each other and announcements can be confusing due to their proximity.
Check-in
At PHX, you must be checked in:
- At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
- At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to airports outside of the United States
- AA Executive Platinum / oneworld Emeralds Elites can use the First Class check-in, located towards the middle of the check-in level (note: it is sometimes faster to use the non-elite kiosk area)
- Non-elites have options of the main full-service ticketing line, or using one of the many kiosks towards the West end of the ticketing level (under the A concourse)
- If you've done online check-in, there is a desk on the right side of the kiosks that can do bags only (however, I've found it sometimes easier to just use a regular kiosk)
- International travel has its own check-in, toward the East side of the check-in level, marked by balloons
- Group travel also has its own marked check-in at the far East side of the check-in level
- There are also kiosks by every security check point (very convenient for checked baggage free travelers)
Security
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day and by concourse. Generally, wait times seem to be longer at the B gates, but that is my personal experience.
AA has priority lines at both of the A and B security checkpoints in T4. Some days, it could be a wash or even longer, while others it can save a considerable amount of time. Personally, as a AA elite, I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes.
If non-elite, waits vary considerably. Ig is possible to wait for 45+ minutes.
Connection Times
Domestic Connections
- MCT Domestic AA to AA is 0:25, AAdomestic to AA or AY is 0:25. A reasonable 45 minute scheduled connection time should be sufficient for domestic connections (ie: SFO-PHX-BOS or ORD-PHX-MRY)
- STANDARD.D/D...D/I...I/D...I/I.
ONLINE 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
OFFLINE 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
** OR * ARE ALL
AA-AA ID 1.30 FLT 6100 - 6779 - FLT 1 - 6099
AA-AA ID .25 CANADA - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00
AA-** ID 2.30
Connecting flight info monitors can be found at the start of each concourse, except for the High B concourse, then also at the following locations -
High A concourse: in front of gates A19, A23 & A24;
Low A concourse: in front of gates A3, A5, above the payphones between A8 & A10;
Low B concourse: in front of gates B3, B5, B10;
High B concourse: across from the Cinnabon, in front of gates B19 & B21.
It takes an average of 5 minutes to walk the length of a concourse, ie: from Gate A17 down to Gate A30, etc. If you are going from one concourse to another it takes 5 minutes if you just sit on the moving sidewalks and let the machine haul you (sometimes out for repair). So to get from Gate A30 to: Gate A13 would take about 15 min; to Gate B13 - 20 min and to Gate B28 - 30 min. Walking on the moving sidewalks will cut the time down by about 40%. Just remember - when on the moving sidewalks, in the USA we stand on the right, walk on the left and if you look down on the start platform of each one you will see images reminding you that NO strollers, wheelchairs or baggage trollies are allowed on the moving sidewalks.
Passenger Assistance Counters can be found next to Gates A19, A4, B4 and B19.
Baggage Storage
"Unfortunately, due to federal security restrictions imposed by the Transportation Security Administration, we do not offer any storage at the airport. We recommend that you check with the airline you are flying to see how early you can check in your luggage or other items.”
Transportation
Parking
PHX-Sky Harbor Airport operates long-term parking (East and West economy lots) as well as in-terminal parking. More info here
However, it is becoming more common to use off-airport parking. There are several companies including (but not limited to): PreFlight, FastTrack, and Parking Spot. Discounts abound, and it can be less for covered parking off-airport than non-covered in an economy lot.
Rental Cars
PHX Airport Rental Cars
There is a single airport rental car center located about 3 miles West of the airport. A single shuttle makes rounds from the terminals to the center.
Note: you may save some money (could be rather significant) if you rent from an off-airport location. With the Phoenix light rail, it may be possible to take the rail and/or have them pick you up. Alternatively, some hotels (especially resorts) have a car rental desk on-site.
Taxi
Taxi – a minimum $15 to leave the airport (others, help me out).
Public Transportation
Bus & Light Rail information and Schedules
PHX Sky Train connects the terminals, economy parking, the rental car center, and the light rail.
Food, Drinks & Lounges
Where to Eat
Inside Security
Low A Concourse has Modern Burger, Olive & Ivy and Panda Express; table service is at Blanco Tacos & Tequila.
High A Concourse has Delux, Humble Pie Pizza and Pei Wei; table service is at Four Peaks Brewery.
Low B Concourse has Burger King, Carvel, Pizza Hut, Quizzno's, and Starbucks; table service at The Roadhouse 66.
High B Concourse has Cinabonn, Kokopelli Deli, TCBY, Pretzel Yetzel, Pizza Hut; table service at the Home Turf. Outside Security If one has sufficient time between connecting flights or before a flight, the food selection, variety and quality is far superior outside of security than inside it. The area outside of security at gate level has undergone major renovations over the past few years.
Coffee
There is one Starbucks in PHX AA Terminal area, in High B. Peets is just off of the moving walkway as you approach the High A side.
Any other recommendations?
Lounges
Admirals Club
There are three lounges in PHX, one each in the low A and low B, and one in the high A area. Unless you have a flight from nearby, I would recommend NOT using the High A lounge; it is small and can get extremely crowded. From personal experience, the B lounge is generally not as busy as the others. (Note: check the LOUNGE DASHBOARD for information about lounge closures for refurbishment.)
Other Lounges
The Centurion Lounge is located across from Gate B21 and open 9AM to 7PM. Must be an American Express Platinum card holder to enter.
The Escape Lounge is also located across from Gate B21 and is open 8AM to 8PM. American Express Platinum card holders get free access, $40/day fee prebooked, $45/day walk-up fee.
Shower Facilities
"We do have very limited shower facilities. In Terminal 4 on the east end of Level 1 (baggage claim), the ladies and men's restrooms each have one shower stall. There is no fee for the use of these stalls. These are the only public showers in the Airport. All of our family restrooms have showers, but they are not intended for use by the general public. They are for people with special needs or passengers who are traveling with small children who have an unexpected need for shower facilities."
The "family restroom" with shower in T4 is located next to the men's room across from Gate A17; as mentioned, this restroom is not intended for general public use other than as noted.
Miscellaneous
Services
- There is a Currency Exchange cart near Cinnabon, next to Gate B15, on the high B concourse. It has limited hours.
- Shoe Shine Stand are located next to Gates A17 and B15.
- The Duty Free store can be found next to Gate B17.
Other Airlines/Changing Terminals
Southwest, British Airways, AeroMexico all share T4 with American Airlines. It can be challenging getting from a high A gate to the new WN D gates behind security; there is a bridge from the high B area that connects with C (Southwest's area).
Other airlines/terminals:
Terminal 2: United (with a United Club) and others are in the 'old' terminal (there is no longer a T1).
T2 info
Terminal 3: T3 info
Getting between the terminals can be a chore. You must first exit security, then take the Sky Train between Terminals 3 and 4. There is a walkway between Terminals 2 and 3. Just follow the signs.
Wireless Internet
"Free Wi-Fi is provided in all terminals on both sides of security, in retail and restaurant areas and near the gates. Laptops or other devices configured to operate in a wireless mode will automatically connect to the Internet when powered up near the shops and gates."
Layover Q&A
Do I have time to go into town?If your layover is more than three hours (and I’m sure this is debatable), you may have time for a quick trip into the city.
What to do in town? How do I get there?
Downtown Tempe/Mill Ave
See: US Airways HQ (company store open to public), Tempe Town Lake (boat rentals, fishing, walk/run paths), 'A' Mountain (an easy climb), as well as a multitude of restaurants, bars, shops....oh and don't forget ASU, including Sun Devil Stadium
Eat: House of Tricks, Culinary Dropout
Go: Easy via PHX Sky Train to light rail, rail to either Mill Ave or Stadium stops. Rail cost is currently $2.00 each way/$4.00 for All-Day pass.
Downtown Phoenix
See: The Arizona Center, Chase Field (where the Diamondbacks play, but most locals still call it, "BOB"), Talking Stick Resort Arena (where the Phoenix Suns play, but most locals still call it, "AWA" or, "America West Arena")
Eat: Pizzaria Bianco (the 'best' pizza in the USA), Hard Rock Cafe, Alice Cooperstown, Arrogant Butcher, Durant's
Go: Although it is possible to take the rail, the easiest way is cab. Bus also goes, depending on day of week/time of day.
Old Town Scottsdale
See: Fashion Square Mall, art galleries, restaurants, shops
Go: Easiest by cab. Possible by bus (with connection).
Phoenix Zoo/Botanical Gardens
Possible via PHX Sky Train to rail (stop Priest/Washington) to bus or about a mile walk from rail. Easiest via cab.
Biltmore Shopping Center
Outdoor shopping mall, many shops and restaurants. Possible via bus (with connection), easiest by cab.
Is the Phoenix area safe?
In a word, yes. If you are going during daylight hours and are headed to any of the tourist locations you’ll be fine. Areas such as South Phoenix “may” be risky.
If you are going at night, the same areas that are safe during the day should be okay at night.
Can I get from PHX to Tucson? How long will it take and how expensive will it be?
With no traffic, driving from PHX to Tucson is roughly 2 hours. Although you will be traveling on a heavily used section of I-10, traffic usually moves. That said, if there is an accident, chaos and scrambling for any alternate (of which there are few) will happen. Rush hour will also impact this drive. The two cities seem to be growing closer and closer together. There is a rest stop about 15 miles past the Phoenix area. Casa Grande and Eloy also make good pit stops along the route.
{anyone have info on public transit}
Can I get from PHX to Sedona/Flagstaff/the Grand Canyon? How long will it take?
With no traffic, driving from PHX to points north is an extremely scenic drive. The I-17 has some nice climbs/downhills and it should be about 1-1/2 hour to Camp Verde (Verde Valley), a great place to stop. From there--
Flagstaff, another hour (about 2-1/2 to 3 hours total).
Sedona, around 30-45 minutes (the AZ-179 has been under construction for years it seems), about 2 to 2-1/2 hours total
Grand Canyon--you have 2 choices, go through Flagstaff or take the I-40 West and through Williams. Nothing against Williams, but I find the Flagstaff route nicer (and more options for stopping). Plan for 4-5 hours from PHX to the South Entrance, or 5-6 hours to the East Entrance (a bit further but worth the effort during busy periods).
{anyone have info on public transit}
Can I get from PHX to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego? What are my options?
While it certainly is possible to drive between PHX and these areas (many in the PHX area do it daily), once outside the PHX area, drives can be long, through vast stretches of nothingness. Flights from PHX to these areas are usually about 1 hour (-v- 5+ hours driving) and rather reasonable in price. For trips to Vegas, Hoover Dam crossing can add 30+ minutes to the drive.
-----------
If you have other ideas for this kind of thread, please let me know or please add your information or updates.
AA Guide: PHX / Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Nov 25, 2014, 6:09 am
#61
Formerly known as jlars77
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ORD
Posts: 361
Cell Phone Lot Moved
FYI for those travelling into PHX this week and have family picking them up. A bit confusing as they route you all the way around T4. Not sure if it will relieve congestion or create more problems 
Nov 25, 2014, 8:58 am
#62
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
Dec 28, 2014, 7:13 am
#63
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
We had a theoretical connection from hell at PHX last week. 31 minute scheduled connection time (connecting through the last flight of the night).
To my horror, I found then that the flights were booked to park at A21 and then have our connecting flight depart off of B27. That's a long walk.
Granted we made it in 10 minutes early, but it still took 16 minutes for a party of four to walk that distance. Also helped that we were in row 2...
I was also told that US may hold last departure flights on the final bank and if there is sufficient passenger load. On my flight, we were told there were 24 people connecting to the flight in question from our flight....
To my horror, I found then that the flights were booked to park at A21 and then have our connecting flight depart off of B27. That's a long walk.
Granted we made it in 10 minutes early, but it still took 16 minutes for a party of four to walk that distance. Also helped that we were in row 2...
I was also told that US may hold last departure flights on the final bank and if there is sufficient passenger load. On my flight, we were told there were 24 people connecting to the flight in question from our flight....
Dec 28, 2014, 8:16 pm
#64
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Gold, WN A+ & CP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 3,245
We had a theoretical connection from hell at PHX last week. 31 minute scheduled connection time (connecting through the last flight of the night).
To my horror, I found then that the flights were booked to park at A21 and then have our connecting flight depart off of B27. That's a long walk.
Granted we made it in 10 minutes early, but it still took 16 minutes for a party of four to walk that distance. Also helped that we were in row 2...
I was also told that US may hold last departure flights on the final bank and if there is sufficient passenger load. On my flight, we were told there were 24 people connecting to the flight in question from our flight....
To my horror, I found then that the flights were booked to park at A21 and then have our connecting flight depart off of B27. That's a long walk.
Granted we made it in 10 minutes early, but it still took 16 minutes for a party of four to walk that distance. Also helped that we were in row 2...
I was also told that US may hold last departure flights on the final bank and if there is sufficient passenger load. On my flight, we were told there were 24 people connecting to the flight in question from our flight....
Dec 30, 2014, 11:16 am
#65
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UK
Programs: GGL (2021-), BA Emerald (1999-2021), SPG Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 267
Gate / Connection Info US406 -> US614 (LAS -> JFK)
Hi all,
I am booking a TP run for BA and I have DUB-LCY-JFK-PHX-LAS // LAS-PHX-JFK-LCY-DUB
I wanted to know whether 30mins is realistic for a connection at PHX.. both on the return (LAS->JFK) and on the incoming JFK-LAS..
Thanks everyone.
I am booking a TP run for BA and I have DUB-LCY-JFK-PHX-LAS // LAS-PHX-JFK-LCY-DUB
I wanted to know whether 30mins is realistic for a connection at PHX.. both on the return (LAS->JFK) and on the incoming JFK-LAS..
Thanks everyone.
Dec 30, 2014, 12:27 pm
#66
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
I would want closer to one hour to make the connection, unless missing your second flight wouldn't cause any major issues.
Edit: i'm assuming you're on BA/US. Remember there's a BA PHX-LHR non stop most evenings if you need it.
Last edited by Lost; Dec 30, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Jan 9, 2015, 2:33 pm
#67
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
Short Layover experience In Phoenix
I am planning on booking a flight and checking in bags for a flight from SJC to Cancun via Phoenix.
The flight gets into Phoenix at 12:39pm and leaves for Cancun at 1:30pm.
Is this too short a layover (40 mins) for bags to go through to Cancun and are both flights from the same terminal building?
I have never flown with US airways and I am worried that i will miss my connection and maybe even my baggege due to the short connections times in Phoenix.
I would like to hear some experiences of connections in Phoenix and decide if I should book these flights
The flight gets into Phoenix at 12:39pm and leaves for Cancun at 1:30pm.
Is this too short a layover (40 mins) for bags to go through to Cancun and are both flights from the same terminal building?
I have never flown with US airways and I am worried that i will miss my connection and maybe even my baggege due to the short connections times in Phoenix.
I would like to hear some experiences of connections in Phoenix and decide if I should book these flights
Jan 9, 2015, 2:36 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,537
Most US Airways flights leave from Terminal 4. If your incoming flight is on time, you've got a decent shot at making the flight. If it's even 10 minutes late, you're likely to misconnect.
I'd certainly try to have 90 minutes between a domestic an international flight in PHX, from Terminal 4. At least 120 minutes (150 minutes preferred) if you have to change terminals.
I'd certainly try to have 90 minutes between a domestic an international flight in PHX, from Terminal 4. At least 120 minutes (150 minutes preferred) if you have to change terminals.
Jan 9, 2015, 3:12 pm
#71
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PHX these days
Programs: US Chairman, M&M FTL
Posts: 222
It is 51 minutes (which is why they are selling it and it is legal connection) and US-US is T4 for sure but I echo the rest of the answers - it is too risky. It is doable but if even one thing goes wrong, you are in trouble. Bags will make it - in the days when I did not live here, bags almost always made it on connections through here - but I not always managed to.
Jan 9, 2015, 3:21 pm
#72
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 93
US @ PHX has 4 sets of gates all on the North side of the terminal Concourse A (gates 1-14, 15-30), Concourse (B gates 1-14, 14-28), Numbers may be a little off. International departures are around gates B24-28).
According the FITPHX map (https://m.skyharbor.com/Services/FiTPHX.aspx)
The distance From gate A28 to B28 it is about 3554 feet (that is what the map says), which is a good 10 minute walk assuming that you are dodging passengers and are carrying a bag. On the other hand if arrive at gate B22 it would a a short stroll. So it all depends on where you arrive, where you are in the plane (first to get off or last) and if the flight is on time. There are these electric carts who can take you to your gate for a tip but they need to be available where you are.
Suggestion is sit in front of the aircraft, be familiar with the terminal using the PHX map and be prepared to run if you have to.
https://skyharbor.com/mapsfoodshops/terminalFour.html
According the FITPHX map (https://m.skyharbor.com/Services/FiTPHX.aspx)
The distance From gate A28 to B28 it is about 3554 feet (that is what the map says), which is a good 10 minute walk assuming that you are dodging passengers and are carrying a bag. On the other hand if arrive at gate B22 it would a a short stroll. So it all depends on where you arrive, where you are in the plane (first to get off or last) and if the flight is on time. There are these electric carts who can take you to your gate for a tip but they need to be available where you are.
Suggestion is sit in front of the aircraft, be familiar with the terminal using the PHX map and be prepared to run if you have to.
https://skyharbor.com/mapsfoodshops/terminalFour.html
Jan 9, 2015, 3:30 pm
#73
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
Forgot to add that I will be travelling in First (if i book it), but even then not sure if i should take the risk.
Jan 9, 2015, 3:31 pm
#74
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 462
Phoenix at least has two Cancun flights a day which helps a little in case you miss it. All US and AA flights are within T4, there is no switching terminals. Even though international there's not any additional security or anything to go through. It's tight but I've done 40 minutes connections often.
But yes, ideally I'd say 60 minutes to give a cushion.
But yes, ideally I'd say 60 minutes to give a cushion.
Jan 9, 2015, 3:52 pm
#75
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 93
Worst case is about a 10 minute walk run. If you are at A28, then I would tell the gate agent that you are in first and to call the gate agent at the Cancun gate.
If the fares are right, I would take a chance, 51 minutes should be OK, especially as you are not going to another terminal. So let us say the flight is 10 minutes late, it takes 5 minutes to get off the flight and another 10 minutes to get to your gate. You still have about 25 minutes. Not ideal but doable. Obviously things can get worse. I have missed connections when I had about 2 hours between flights, so I would do it but ymmv.