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.
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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.
AA Guide: PHX / Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Apr 28, 2015, 7:02 pm
#121
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NY burbs
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, MR Silver, HH Diamond.
Posts: 101
Funny about Boise - we were connecting in PHX on 4/23 from JFK to BOI and although we took off from JFK a couple minutes early we were fighting headwinds and arrived at the gate about 15 minutes late, leaving 17 minutes for the connection between gates B12 and B24. I had tweeted USAir about the probable missed connection but didn't hold out much hope that they would be able to do anything.
We were in row 10 of the incoming flt, so my much-younger sister took off running for the BOI gate while I fast-hobbled behind. Arrived to see the door closed but the jetway still attached. The gate agent said he couldn't do anything. He also mentioned that they were leaving more than 50 pax behind but that we should go get rebooked. The only other direct PHX-BOI flt was a USAir 8-10 hours later. As I started to call to get rebooked, there was a PA announcement that the flight was closed and less than 2 minutes later, the GA announced that they would board us.
For some reason, they decided to move me from an exit row aisle to a middle seat a couple of rows behind. And then apparently right after that, the FAs told the other 50 or so pax to just take any open seat. I was a little irritated but very happy that I would get to BOI on the original flt. I checked and our take-off was exactly 16 minutes late. Not great for all of the original pax, but there were dozens of us that were very happy that they relented...
We were in row 10 of the incoming flt, so my much-younger sister took off running for the BOI gate while I fast-hobbled behind. Arrived to see the door closed but the jetway still attached. The gate agent said he couldn't do anything. He also mentioned that they were leaving more than 50 pax behind but that we should go get rebooked. The only other direct PHX-BOI flt was a USAir 8-10 hours later. As I started to call to get rebooked, there was a PA announcement that the flight was closed and less than 2 minutes later, the GA announced that they would board us.
For some reason, they decided to move me from an exit row aisle to a middle seat a couple of rows behind. And then apparently right after that, the FAs told the other 50 or so pax to just take any open seat. I was a little irritated but very happy that I would get to BOI on the original flt. I checked and our take-off was exactly 16 minutes late. Not great for all of the original pax, but there were dozens of us that were very happy that they relented...
It is definitely doable with the timing but I don't like cutting things so short. If they are both US Airways and on mainline planes most likely you'll be in the A Concourse but there is always a chance you are in B which is a slightly longer walk than lower A to upper A. Then you have to account for the unknown stuff that can happen. As I was boarding Monday morning for MKE we were next to a flight to Boise. After they closed the door about 10 people showed up running (at different times but all were within 8 minutes of the door closing) and they missed the flight. It was all due to the jetway operator not being able to get the jetway to cooperate and getting it to their connecting plane. The agent said she called in to operations to get a slight hold but they said no and the plane took off on time without them. Now this was the first flight out in the morning and they had a later flight to Boise which may have been able to accommodate them all so that might be why they refused the hold and took off on time so your case of it being the last bank out they might be more "accommodating" but I never bet on that. I've been left over 1 minute and I've had a plane held for 10 minutes for me so I try to leave myself time for those "unknowns" that always seem to happen when i'm running tight on time.
So it's doable but make sure you are ready to miss that connection just in case.
So it's doable but make sure you are ready to miss that connection just in case.
Apr 28, 2015, 8:38 pm
#122
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Lower A to lower B is the same as lower A to upper A. Lower A is right in the middle of lower B and upper A.
At a leisurely stroll for many people. I know this will depend on each individual but I think it is fair to say that the average person in average shape can do this in a lot less than 15 minutes. There's moving walkways pretty much the whole way between piers and there are often carts waiting to take people.
I'm no Olympic athlete and on occasion where the A, B, and C security had long lines, I've gone through D security and walked all the way around to the A gates in 15 minutes.
At a leisurely stroll for many people. I know this will depend on each individual but I think it is fair to say that the average person in average shape can do this in a lot less than 15 minutes. There's moving walkways pretty much the whole way between piers and there are often carts waiting to take people.
I'm no Olympic athlete and on occasion where the A, B, and C security had long lines, I've gone through D security and walked all the way around to the A gates in 15 minutes.
Apr 29, 2015, 8:05 pm
#123
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Gold, WN A+ & CP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 3,246
Like I said, depends on the person. And I mean absolutely no disrespect by that. It really does depend. Curious though did you walk on the walkways or stand on them? I could see it taking 15 minutes if you walked to the moving walkway and then stood on them. I think you'd have 6 of them to get through high A to high B and not walking on them I could see it taking 15 minutes.
Jun 15, 2015, 12:23 pm
#124
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: US Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 15
I will be in PHX with my wife for a 3 hour evening layover before a red-eye back east and plan to use a free admission to an AA lounge. Based on aa.com, the "low A" club is closed for renovations. Among the other ones ("high A" and "low B") are they pretty much the same, so I should just use the closest one, or is there an appreciable difference between them?
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
Jun 15, 2015, 2:16 pm
#125
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Gold, WN A+ & CP, HH Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, National Executive Elite
Posts: 3,246
I will be in PHX with my wife for a 3 hour evening layover before a red-eye back east and plan to use a free admission to an AA lounge. Based on aa.com, the "low A" club is closed for renovations. Among the other ones ("high A" and "low B") are they pretty much the same, so I should just use the closest one, or is there an appreciable difference between them?
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
Jun 15, 2015, 2:46 pm
#126
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: PHX
Posts: 323
I will be in PHX with my wife for a 3 hour evening layover before a red-eye back east and plan to use a free admission to an AA lounge. Based on aa.com, the "low A" club is closed for renovations. Among the other ones ("high A" and "low B") are they pretty much the same, so I should just use the closest one, or is there an appreciable difference between them?
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
Also, any word on when the "low A" club will reopen? Maybe that will be the nicest when it does.
The high A club is on the 1st floor, it can be louder because of that, it is also smaller but we don't avoid it if our gate is in that area.
Jun 19, 2015, 11:28 am
#127
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: DL-Platinum / AS-PlatPro / Hyatt - Glob / Hilton-Diamond
Posts: 1,573
One thing to keep in mind is that (IMHO) the concourses in T4 are not numbered logically.
I'd think it would be done as if you were looking "down" at the terminal on a map, with north to the top. Then going left to right the 4 concourses would be in the order of Low A, High A, Low B, High B.
Instead, they did it thinking of where you enter the "airside" as being the starting point.
There are 2 security checkpoints to get from landside to airside. Standing landside and facing north towards airside, the checkpoint on the left end is "A" and the right end "B" (though you can enter at either and get to any T4 gate).
As you clear security, the exits from place you airside at one of the center 2 of the 4 concourses. Since you start airside at one of these points, those 2 concourses are considered the "low" ones. To get to the "high" you take a moving sidewalk away from the "starting" point.
This means the High A is to the left of Low A yet High B is to the right of Low B.
So left to right on a map it's High A, Low A, Low B, High B
The Low B club was remodeled recently (last year ??) and is the nicest of the 2 open clubs. It's also significantly larger than High A.
It usually isn't crowded, but I haven't been there since Low A was closed (today will be my 1st visit).
While I prefer Low B, if I was connecting and arriving & departing High A, it wouldn't be worth the walk. In the America West days, the small High A was my favorite as it was the newest/freshest at that time.
While Low B is freshly re-modeled, it isn't the design that has recently been announced as the new standard. It's mostly various shades of grey. I'm curious if High A will math Low B or the new standard (which from pictures, I don't like).
I'd think it would be done as if you were looking "down" at the terminal on a map, with north to the top. Then going left to right the 4 concourses would be in the order of Low A, High A, Low B, High B.
Instead, they did it thinking of where you enter the "airside" as being the starting point.
There are 2 security checkpoints to get from landside to airside. Standing landside and facing north towards airside, the checkpoint on the left end is "A" and the right end "B" (though you can enter at either and get to any T4 gate).
As you clear security, the exits from place you airside at one of the center 2 of the 4 concourses. Since you start airside at one of these points, those 2 concourses are considered the "low" ones. To get to the "high" you take a moving sidewalk away from the "starting" point.
This means the High A is to the left of Low A yet High B is to the right of Low B.
So left to right on a map it's High A, Low A, Low B, High B
It usually isn't crowded, but I haven't been there since Low A was closed (today will be my 1st visit).
While I prefer Low B, if I was connecting and arriving & departing High A, it wouldn't be worth the walk. In the America West days, the small High A was my favorite as it was the newest/freshest at that time.
While Low B is freshly re-modeled, it isn't the design that has recently been announced as the new standard. It's mostly various shades of grey. I'm curious if High A will math Low B or the new standard (which from pictures, I don't like).
Aug 15, 2015, 7:01 pm
#128
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 26
1 hour connection time in PHX - should I worry?
I'm in a bit of a panic because AA just changed my schedule -- a month before scheduled trip -- and I need to grab a new flight. The only option that looks possible now is a US Air flight that arrives in PHX @ 9:10 AM and connects to a US Air flight to Kauai that leaves PHX at 10:15 AM. We're in first class, so should be able to get off the first flight quickly. Is the 9:10 - 10:15 connection do-able?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 15, 2015, 9:01 pm
#129
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
I'm in a bit of a panic because AA just changed my schedule -- a month before scheduled trip -- and I need to grab a new flight. The only option that looks possible now is a US Air flight that arrives in PHX @ 9:10 AM and connects to a US Air flight to Kauai that leaves PHX at 10:15 AM. We're in first class, so should be able to get off the first flight quickly. Is the 9:10 - 10:15 connection do-able?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 16, 2015, 9:54 am
#130
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
Extremely doable. I wouldn't worry about it. You don't state where you're originating, but generally flights in the morning are less prone to delays, and PHX itself, which doesn't have many weather delays, is one of the hubs in the US with among the best on time percentages owing in large part to the lack of exciting weather.
Aug 22, 2015, 3:08 pm
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Checked out both open lounges this afternoon.
Arrived into A21 and walked over to the B lounge. It took me about 10 minutes but I also am in my 20s and walk quickly so YMMV.
The B lounge is nice though not up to the refreshed AC standards. No food seemed to be available but it was open and airy and has a decent amount of available seating. Bar did not have a tap for beer but did have bud light and a couple others in bottles along with the usual complimentary drinks and the normal food spread.
My flight went out of A23 so I went back there for a bit before departure. Adequate though small and was quite full while I was there. Same drink and food spread.
If you are leaving and departing high A's no reason to go to B provided you can get a seat in B with access to a charger.
Both have bathrooms within the AC.
Arrived into A21 and walked over to the B lounge. It took me about 10 minutes but I also am in my 20s and walk quickly so YMMV.
The B lounge is nice though not up to the refreshed AC standards. No food seemed to be available but it was open and airy and has a decent amount of available seating. Bar did not have a tap for beer but did have bud light and a couple others in bottles along with the usual complimentary drinks and the normal food spread.
My flight went out of A23 so I went back there for a bit before departure. Adequate though small and was quite full while I was there. Same drink and food spread.
If you are leaving and departing high A's no reason to go to B provided you can get a seat in B with access to a charger.
Both have bathrooms within the AC.
Aug 23, 2015, 3:41 pm
#133
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Checked out both open lounges this afternoon.
Arrived into A21 and walked over to the B lounge. It took me about 10 minutes but I also am in my 20s and walk quickly so YMMV.
The B lounge is nice though not up to the refreshed AC standards. No food seemed to be available but it was open and airy and has a decent amount of available seating. Bar did not have a tap for beer but did have bud light and a couple others in bottles along with the usual complimentary drinks and the normal food spread.
My flight went out of A23 so I went back there for a bit before departure. Adequate though small and was quite full while I was there. Same drink and food spread.
If you are leaving and departing high A's no reason to go to B provided you can get a seat in B with access to a charger.
Both have bathrooms within the AC.
Arrived into A21 and walked over to the B lounge. It took me about 10 minutes but I also am in my 20s and walk quickly so YMMV.
The B lounge is nice though not up to the refreshed AC standards. No food seemed to be available but it was open and airy and has a decent amount of available seating. Bar did not have a tap for beer but did have bud light and a couple others in bottles along with the usual complimentary drinks and the normal food spread.
My flight went out of A23 so I went back there for a bit before departure. Adequate though small and was quite full while I was there. Same drink and food spread.
If you are leaving and departing high A's no reason to go to B provided you can get a seat in B with access to a charger.
Both have bathrooms within the AC.
Oct 21, 2015, 1:21 pm
#134
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: AA PLT, Marriott Gold
Posts: 81
Seeing a connection time of 26 minutes in PHX for a flight combo - (AA 635 connecting to AA 493). Seems ridiculously tight and I'm surprised it is being offered for sale, especially given the whole "close the door at T-10" routine these days.
That being said, it's pretty cheap (over the Christmas week) as compared to other options. Am I ludicrous for thinking about booking this (will be in row 9-10 on the inbound so close to the front)?
Have been through PHX a few times since the merger, but didn't know if there is any preferred gates for the inbounds from the East Coast or these two flights in particular that I can ballpark, or is it a total crap shoot? Still surprised that this is an option.
That being said, it's pretty cheap (over the Christmas week) as compared to other options. Am I ludicrous for thinking about booking this (will be in row 9-10 on the inbound so close to the front)?
Have been through PHX a few times since the merger, but didn't know if there is any preferred gates for the inbounds from the East Coast or these two flights in particular that I can ballpark, or is it a total crap shoot? Still surprised that this is an option.
Oct 21, 2015, 4:06 pm
#135
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
Seeing a connection time of 26 minutes in PHX for a flight combo - (AA 635 connecting to AA 493). Seems ridiculously tight and I'm surprised it is being offered for sale, especially given the whole "close the door at T-10" routine these days.
That being said, it's pretty cheap (over the Christmas week) as compared to other options. Am I ludicrous for thinking about booking this (will be in row 9-10 on the inbound so close to the front)?
Have been through PHX a few times since the merger, but didn't know if there is any preferred gates for the inbounds from the East Coast or these two flights in particular that I can ballpark, or is it a total crap shoot? Still surprised that this is an option.
That being said, it's pretty cheap (over the Christmas week) as compared to other options. Am I ludicrous for thinking about booking this (will be in row 9-10 on the inbound so close to the front)?
Have been through PHX a few times since the merger, but didn't know if there is any preferred gates for the inbounds from the East Coast or these two flights in particular that I can ballpark, or is it a total crap shoot? Still surprised that this is an option.