Fly internationally and help Sky Harbor get additional air service

Phoenix Sky Harbor served almost 45 million passengers last year, making it one of the top 50 busiest airports in the world, according to Airports Council International.

Beyond that, though, fliers are impressed by the service, employees, and shops, with 92 percent rating it the friendliest airport in the United States, according to the International City/County Management Association.

It makes sense to use Phoenix Sky Harbor when booking a trip overseas. Here are six reasons to fly internationally from Sky Harbor.

Convenient flights and location

With more than 120 international and domestic destinations and 1,200 daily flights — 500 of which are nonstop — Sky Harbor is a convenient hub for travelers who want direct flights with plenty of options to choose from. There are 18 airlines that offer competitive prices.

Perhaps most convenient of all, the airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Phoenix.

Free train

Travelers can get to Sky Harbor with the free PHX Sky Train which transports passengers between the 44th Street station and the airport.

It’s designed for travelers carrying luggage and offers its services 24/7. Trains arrive every 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the time of day.

New international flights

In 2019, American launched nonstop service to London from Phoenix. This year-round, daily service is in addition to the service already offered on British Airways. Volaris added new service to Puerto Vallarta, while American added a second daily flight to Hermosillo and announced new service to Chihuahua.

Additionally, Sky Harbor continues to offer numerous flights to Canadian destinations and seasonal service to San Jose, Costa Rica.

To make international trip planning even easier, Terminal 4 offers foreign currency services, so travelers can buy or sell currency in one location.

Fast wait times shown online

A great aspect of Sky Harbor is, despite its high passenger load, customs and security wait times remain low.

This summer, the average wait time for a U.S. citizen to pass through customs was 7 to 10 minutes, while non-U.S. citizens averaged only 12 minutes, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Security wait times are quick and easy, as well. Sky Harbor’s home page updates security wait times at each terminal, with an average of less than 10 minutes for all lines.

Discount parking that can be booked in advance

Airport parking is convenient and affordable at Phoenix Sky Harbor and offers a discounted price for reservations made online. Travelers can reserve parking up to six months in advance, with parking available in the terminal garages and the East Economy Lot.

Travelers simply need to select a date, time, and parking facility, then enter their details to book.

Big plans for the future

Travelers who fly through Sky Harbor may notice updates being made to the terminals. This is part of a continuing effort to meet the demands of passengers and offer the conveniences of modern technology. Terminal 2 will be demolished in 2020 to make way for updated facilities and bus gates, which will act as stops for passengers who can board buses that will take them to their planes on the tarmac.

Sky Harbor’s 20-year plan also calls for the construction of new concourses, a redesign of Sky Harbor Boulevard for better connectivity, and the acquisition of additional land for future expansion.

To plan your next trip or to check out what else is new at Phoenix Sky Harbor, visit skyharbor.com