Use these tips to combat congestion in and around Sky Harbor Airport this week

PHOENIX – The Thanksgiving holiday creates intense congestion at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as travelers make their way into and out of the Valley for the long weekend.

The airport’s roadways will be jammed starting Wednesday through the weekend.

Here are some tips for those who will be visiting the airport during this time:

• Pick up or drop off passengers on either end of the airport at the 24th or 44th streets PHX Sky Train Stations.
• Do not circle the terminals. Use the cell phone parking lots located east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage and at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
• Reserve a parking space ahead of time via skyharbor.com/parking.
• Check your flight status with the airline before heading to the airport as a passenger.
• If you are a passenger flying domestically, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight and three hours if you are flying internationally.
• Passengers can reserve a time, up to six days in advance, to go through the TSA Security Checkpoint by using the PHX RESERVE program.
• Look for the airport “Navigators.” These volunteers, who are dressed in purple, can be found throughout the airport. They provide directions, information and friendly assistance.

More travel tips are available online.

Meanwhile, The 12 Days of Gratitude, a program designed to treat holiday travelers to fun activities during the busy travel season, is underway. It concludes after 12 days of giveaways on Dec. 19. Visit  skyharbor.com/12daysofgratitude for more information.