New Sky Harbor program lets some passengers reserve spot in security line

PHOENIX – Arizona’s largest airport is giving some passengers a chance to save their spot in the security checkpoint line for free.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport debuted its PHX Reserve system on Tuesday. The pilot program is available only at Terminal 3 for now, but it might expand to the busier Terminal 4 in the future, Sky Harbor spokeswoman Heather Shelbrack told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“It’s a brand new program that will help travelers manage their trips and eliminate uncertainty and stress over how long it takes for them to wait in the security checkpoint line,” Shelbrack said.

Shelbrack said United and Alaska airlines are sending signup links to their passengers, but anybody traveling out of Terminal 3 can access the PHX Reserve system online at no charge.

Reservations are available on a limited basis and can be made a up to 72 hours in advance for between one and four hours before scheduled departure. The program operates between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Passengers can secure their place in a designated security line by visiting the program’s website and providing flight details, the size of their party (up to 10 travelers) and contact information.

“Once you arrive at the airport, you just show the airport staff the confirmation of your appointment on your phone and you go right into that dedicated entry point into the security screening line,” Shelbrack said.

PHX Reserve is designed for general passengers, not those who already have access to PreCheck or CLEAR services.

“We’re always looking for ways that we can improve the customer experience, and this will make travel a little bit easier for our passengers as well as help us with staffing,” she said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

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