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AA Guide: PHX / Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.

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Old Aug 16, 2015, 4:52 pm
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Last edit by: Prospero
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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
American Airlines has check-in on the North side of the check-in level of T4 (across from Southwest).
  • 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.

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AA Guide: PHX / Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.

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Old Nov 22, 2014, 5:05 pm
  #46  
kpj
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Thanks. Both flights are US airways. Looks like it should be okay.
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Old Nov 22, 2014, 5:32 pm
  #47  
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Should be fine if your inbound is on time. Where the day matters is that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the US and flights are likely overbooked. If you misconnect, the problem is getting rerouted.

It always pays to have alternatives handy and ready to read off to an agent if there is a misconnect or if you are at SJC and are delayed.
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Old Nov 22, 2014, 7:38 pm
  #48  
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Originally Posted by kpj
Hi,

I'm flying from SJC to PHX on coming Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and there is a 50 min layover at PHX before my next flight. It looks like the aircraft from SJC to PHX is coming from PHX like 40-50 mins before the departure from SJC.

Since SJC is relatively less busier than other airports and the weather at both airports should be fine, as long as the incoming flight from PHX to SJC arrives on time, I think I have a pretty good change to make the connection. But the fact that it is the day before Thanksgiving makes me uneasy.

What do you think? Should I consider standby on an earlier flight?
That day is the busiest travel day of the year. Which means there is more likely to be problems with getting everyone on board which translates to more planes arriving late. If your plane is late, you could have a problem. If the plane you're connecting to is late, you win.

Why risk it?
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Old Nov 22, 2014, 8:42 pm
  #49  
 
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50 min layover at PHX the day before Thanksgiving

Never mind. 50 min should be ample.
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Old Nov 22, 2014, 9:38 pm
  #50  
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As this is about an on-line (US Airways) connection, I'll move it to that airline's forum for more discussion. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
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Old Nov 22, 2014, 10:23 pm
  #51  
 
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50 minutes is plenty of time to make an on time connection.
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 3:15 pm
  #52  
 
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Could anyone direct me to a collection of photos - preferably electronic - of Terminal One? I am particularly interested in interior photos of the ticketing and gate area as well as any of AL/US aircraft on the ramp. Thanks.
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 3:29 pm
  #53  
 
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If

Originally Posted by JaysonW
Never mind. 50 min should be ample.
Yes, -if- the arriving flight is on time. There can be a long walk between the far-out A gates and the far-out B gates. (I think high A and High B). My guess, having done it a few times, is that it is between a quarter mile and half mile walk at the worst. If you are arriving on an US Express or American Eagle flight on an RJ, and if you yellow valet-tag (or blue-tag) your bag, I have waited as long as 20 minutes to get that bag. Carry on if at all possible.
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 5:22 pm
  #54  
 
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If

Originally Posted by JaysonW
Never mind. 50 min should be ample.
Yes, -if- the arriving flight is on time. There can be a long walk between the far-out A gates and the far-out B gates. (I think high A and High B). My guess, having done it a few times, is that it is between a quarter mile and half mile walk at the worst. If you are arriving on an US Express or American Eagle flight on an RJ, and if you yellow valet-tag (or blue-tag) your bag, I have waited as long as 20 minutes to get that bag. Carry on if at all possible.
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 9:09 pm
  #55  
 
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Connections at phx

It seems like US has a lot of 40 minute connecting flights at PHX. That seems like a very short time. The inbound flight I will be taking seems to always arrive at gate A2 or A3 but the outbound usually goes out of B27. I will be in F on both flights. Anyone have an estimate as to how long it will take to walk between these 2 gates (I see there is a moving sidewalk which hopefully will be operating)? If the inbound is on-time I will have exactly 40 minutes to connect. If it's a little late, will US give away my seat on the connecting flight if I'm not there 20 minutes ahead or are they pretty good at keeping an eye on connections?
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 9:19 pm
  #56  
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The deadline is 15 minutes, not 20 prior to departure. While the GA can see where pax are coming from, the issue arises when the flight is at risk of an oversale. In that case, if you aren't at the departure gate by T-15, you will be offloaded and an overbooked pax boarded in your place. US, like other carrers, counts on misconnects as part of its overbooking practices.
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Old Nov 23, 2014, 10:58 pm
  #57  
 
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Since you are in F, you will definitely have an advantage with getting off the plane first. A to B isn't too bad, just make sure to use the moving walkway. If you walk quickly, you can get there in 10-15 minutes. If you arrive on time, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are arriving a touch late, I'd make sure to notify the flight attendant to see if they can arrange for a cart or at least call over to the gate agent to ensure that you don't loose your seat.
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Old Nov 24, 2014, 12:43 am
  #58  
 
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FWIW, they held the last PHX-PDX flight of the day last night for a few late connecting pax. WX around PHX was a little choppy last night to say the least - there were quite a few late arrivals.

BTW, I noticed at least one of those moving walkways out out action btw the A's.
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Old Nov 24, 2014, 8:01 pm
  #59  
 
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Statistically, most people will make these tight connections in PHX, which is why so many of them exist. To its credit, the airport has one of the best, if not the best, on time percentage of the major hubs in the country. Outside of summer monsoon season and the occasional dust or sandstorm or temps >120 degrees F, the weather isn't an complicating factor in PHX.
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Old Nov 24, 2014, 9:49 pm
  #60  
 
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Originally Posted by phlwookie
Statistically, most people will make these tight connections in PHX, which is why so many of them exist. To its credit, the airport has one of the best, if not the best, on time percentage of the major hubs in the country. Outside of summer monsoon season and the occasional dust or sandstorm or temps >120 degrees F, the weather isn't an complicating factor in PHX.
^ to this. Although it's way out of the way for most places I need to go, I'd far rather connect in PHX than MSP, ORD, ATL etc for exactly this reason. I sat on a plane today for a 45 min de-icing session at MSP , which only served to reinforce this for me.
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