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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
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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.

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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 Jan 30, 2015, 7:17 am
  #91  
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
That is a tight connection. It all depends on where you are seated and where your gates are.

I made a 31 minute connection (family of four) at PHX over Christmas - going from A21 to B27 - gates that are literally on opposite ends of T4. We did get in about 10 minutes early, and it took 15 to 16 minutes to go from gate to the other. So, that is a good barometer.

There is no guarantee on where your gates are going to be - although if you are on Mesa, you're likely going to be in the B gate area. That may not help since a lot of flights to the east coast seem to be on the A gate side. What would help is to be as far to the front of the plane as you can be.
IADCAflyer is offline  
Old Jan 30, 2015, 9:34 am
  #92  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Scotland
Programs: Starbucks Gold
Posts: 581
Im in row 2 in first..maybe i should try and get an earlier flight??
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Old Jan 30, 2015, 8:12 pm
  #93  
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
Originally Posted by jock
Hi Everyone

Just used some Avios in the UK to fly US from Oakland-Phoenix-Orlando.

BA booked me on US 5588 Oak-Phx, 10th April which arrives in at 11.42am T4

BUT.. they've then got me booked on US 566 to Mco T4 but I've only got 32 mins to change aircraft..that's if everything runs to schedule. I've been told that I've enough time but just wondered if anyone has done this flight before. Is it likely that I'll not catch my connecting flight? Do the Oakland flights and Mco flights park near to each other? Should I pay to change this flight maybe?

many thanks
You probably have a better chance of making such a connection in PHX than most places.
I've had a lot of connections under 40 minutes in PHX, and I've made every one of them (including treks between the furthest concourses). I'd suggest sitting as far forward in the first aircraft as possible. And if you're on an RJ on the first flight, don't have a large carry on that will have to be valet checked.
aamilesslave is offline  
Old Jan 31, 2015, 2:44 am
  #94  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Scotland
Programs: Starbucks Gold
Posts: 581
Decided this morning that I didn't need the stress during my holiday, so I changed my ticket. Avios bookings don't give me all the choices that I'd like, so originally this flight was all I could get. Now more stuff has become available, so I just booked SFO-PHX, which saves me traipsing all the way to OAK. It now means I get into PHX at 11.10am..giving me now 1hr to change gates instead of 32 mins. Also the SFO-PHX uses a A321 rather than a CRJ..more space and less likely to take my cabin bag off me too. Thanks for all your help.
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Old Jan 31, 2015, 8:39 am
  #95  
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Originally Posted by jock
Decided this morning that I didn't need the stress during my holiday, so I changed my ticket. Avios bookings don't give me all the choices that I'd like, so originally this flight was all I could get. Now more stuff has become available, so I just booked SFO-PHX, which saves me traipsing all the way to OAK. It now means I get into PHX at 11.10am..giving me now 1hr to change gates instead of 32 mins. Also the SFO-PHX uses a A321 rather than a CRJ..more space and less likely to take my cabin bag off me too. Thanks for all your help.
1 hr should be good. Another option is to book a cash ticket for the OAK-PHX leg, then use avios PHX-MCO. I fly Bay Area-PHX quite often and if you book in advance its common to find tickets for under $100. The disadvantage is that you're now on two separate tickets and the possible issues that come with it.

Last edited by Lost; Jan 31, 2015 at 8:47 am
Lost is offline  
Old Jan 31, 2015, 2:05 pm
  #96  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Gold, WN A+ & CP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 3,246
Originally Posted by george 3
The burritos are pretty good at the burger/dog/burrito restaurant by gate A5/A7. And it does suck that all the 4Bux are now landside.
All the Starbucks are not landside. Assuming the one is still there by the high B's (which was stated in the post you quoted), there is also one right as you come through the D security.
justhere is offline  
Old Jan 31, 2015, 2:30 pm
  #97  
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Originally Posted by justhere
All the Starbucks are not landside. Assuming the one is still there by the high B's (which was stated in the post you quoted), there is also one right as you come through the D security.
D or C? I thought the one by D was Peet's.

I'm pretty sure the one by B15 is still there, but I rarely have a flight out of that pier.
Lost is offline  
Old Jan 31, 2015, 10:32 pm
  #98  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Gold, WN A+ & CP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 3,246
Originally Posted by Lost
D or C? I thought the one by D was Peet's.

I'm pretty sure the one by B15 is still there, but I rarely have a flight out of that pier.
It is C. I couldn't remember off the top of my head but I knew it was right there as you come through security, just not the D security.
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Old Feb 1, 2015, 4:55 am
  #99  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Scotland
Programs: Starbucks Gold
Posts: 581
whats first like on US airways..looks pretty basic?
jock is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2015, 10:45 am
  #100  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: London
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Posts: 52
Hoping for some expert help.

I have flown US only a few times in the past but having a number of US flights upcoming on an International/States itinerary starting in the UK. My international ticket includes the final outbound flight JFK to PHX in US First arriving at 6.51pm. I have separately booked for the same evening a US flight to BUR leaving 8.05pm (also in First). I will have no checked bags.

After booking I discovered that the performance for the JFK/PHX flight was only 50% on time (although this is for Jan with NYC weather).

My queries are

i) Both flights are US metal but do US have to re-book me (there is a suitable ONT flight at 10.45pm) if the first flight makes me miss the second and is there any way I can link the two bookings?

ii) What is the likely latest time I could arrive to make the BUR flight?

iii) Can I change on to the ONT flight and what would I be charged (currently non-refundable First).

Thanks for any assistance.
oystercatcher is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2015, 1:57 pm
  #101  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 462
Originally Posted by oystercatcher
Hoping for some expert help.

I have flown US only a few times in the past but having a number of US flights upcoming on an International/States itinerary starting in the UK. My international ticket includes the final outbound flight JFK to PHX in US First arriving at 6.51pm. I have separately booked for the same evening a US flight to BUR leaving 8.05pm (also in First). I will have no checked bags.

After booking I discovered that the performance for the JFK/PHX flight was only 50% on time (although this is for Jan with NYC weather).

My queries are

i) Both flights are US metal but do US have to re-book me (there is a suitable ONT flight at 10.45pm) if the first flight makes me miss the second and is there any way I can link the two bookings? Yes, they will be responsible for re-booking you. However you never know if the ONT flight will be full or not.

ii) What is the likely latest time I could arrive to make the BUR flight? As long as you are off the plane 20 minutes before takeoff of the BUR flight you should reach your new gate before they close the door at 10 minutes until takeoff. Even if you're at opposite sides of Terminal 4 you can get there in 10 minutes.

iii) Can I change on to the ONT flight and what would I be charged (currently non-refundable First). $150 change fee plus any applicable fare difference

Thanks for any assistance.
Responses in RED

Overall, that connection time should be just fine, even if you are 45 minutes delayed. 1:15 connection time at Phoenix is plenty.
lizs is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2015, 2:32 pm
  #102  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: PHL / SFO
Programs: free agent
Posts: 797
Originally Posted by oystercatcher
iii) Can I change on to the ONT flight and what would I be charged (currently non-refundable First).
I've never actually done this myself and maybe the rules have changed, but it used to be that BUR,ONT and LAX were considered co-terminals and you could use Move Up to a co-terminal the same way as you would to the original destination.
AlphaTango is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2015, 8:38 pm
  #103  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Phoenix Desert
Programs: Hilton Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Fools Gold
Posts: 1,692
Are there any flower shops or flower vending machines in T-4? I've never had a reason to buy any so I've never bothered to look. If so, any idea on the prices? I'm going to be flying home on Mother's day and my mom will be picking me up so I'd like to have some flowers for her. Or maybe I could just find some at the Vegas airport and hope they don't get destroyed along the way
skitch23 is offline  
Old Apr 23, 2015, 4:47 am
  #104  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,060
Is a 34min connection at PHX between AA/US aircrafts too short?

As above, I have an iternary where I arrive at PHX on 11.06pm and leave at 11.40pm, both flights are operated by the former US airways.

I arrive in an Airbus 321 and leave in an Airbus 319, and since they are of similar size I'm guessing it is in the same terminal?

In the event that I miss the tight 34min connection because the inbound flight was delayed, am I entitled to compensation for the airline (i.e. hotel night). The outbound trip is a red eye.
Rommie2k6 is offline  
Old Apr 23, 2015, 5:16 am
  #105  
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Ive done this successfully at PHX. US rationalizes that they can run very late departure bank out of PHX to west coast cities (SAN, LAX, SJC, etc). as PHX usually has good weather.

Whether you make it or not will depend on your arrival, where you are sitting on the A321 and where your connecting gate is.

If you're in the back of the A321, you're going to have issues. If you're going from A27 to B21, you're talking about a 10 to 15 minute walk.

I would not want to repeat....

That being said, if you have alot of connectors who will bust, I have heard they will hold this last bank a few minutes. But, still.
IADCAflyer is offline  


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