With the 2024 NCAA Final Four men's basketball tournament arriving in Phoenix this week, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is bracing for a travel rush.
While the Phoenix airport is well equipped to accommodate large crowds during major sporting events – The 2023 Super Bowl was here last year − travelers should keep in mind that crowds at the airport mean it will take longer to get there.
Higher than normal passenger traffic is expected as people arrive for the Final Four tournament to be played April 6-8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and prepare to depart on April 9.
Here's what to know if you'll be passing through the Phoenix airport during March Madness 2024.
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Where is the Final Four in Phoenix?
The 2024 NCAA Final Four tournament will be played April 6-8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
The tournament was last held in the Phoenix metro area in 2017, when the venue was known as University of Phoenix Stadium.
Other Final Four events include the March Madness Music Festival at Hance Park in downtown Phoenix and Final Four Fan Fest at the Phoenix Convention Center downtown.
What is the busiest day at the Phoenix airport for the Final Four?
The Final Four's highest passenger traffic days are expected on Thursday, April 4; Friday April 5; and Tuesday, April 9, airport spokesman Eric Everts said. They did not give an estimate of how many people are expected to fly in during the Final Four.
Final Four Car Rental 2024
Make your Final Four car rental reservation before you arrive. Everts said the airport expects an increase in car rentals during the Final Four and walk-in customers may have limited options.
Does the Phoenix light rail go to the airport?
Yes. People can ride on the Valley Light Rail Transit between Sky Harbor Airport and downtown Phoenix.
To take the light rail from the airport, take the free PHX Skytrain from Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 to the 44th Street Station, then purchase a pass at the Valley Metro ticket machine and take the light rail on westbound rail to downtown Phoenix. The cost is $2 per trip or $4 per day.
Use the Third Street/Washington Station for events at the Convention Center, Footprint Center and Chase Field. Use the Roosevelt/Central Avenue or McDowell/Central Avenue stops for Hance Park.
Where do you pick up passengers at PHX?
Everts suggests picking up and dropping off passengers at the 24th Street or 44th Street Sky Train station.
The PHX Sky Train connects Terminals 3 and 4 to these stations, and Everts said pickups and drop-offs near the stations provide a “convenient alternative” to using terminal sidewalks, which tend to get crowded at rush hours. Taking the Sky Train is free.
What time should I arrive at the Phoenix airport?
Because Sky Harbor is expecting more passengers than usual on Sunday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 9, Everts advised travelers to follow the “5-4-3-2-1 rule” to make the process of catching their flight as smooth as possible. fluid as possible. possible. This means allowing:
- Five hours before departure to check out of your hotel.
- Four hours before departure to return a rental car.
- Three hours before departure to check in at the counter.
- Two hours before departure to queue at security check.
- One hour before departure to arrive at your doorstep.
Phoenix Airport Travel Tips
Everts offers these tips for navigating Sky Harbor Airport:
- Check the status of your flight before heading to the airport. Check with your airline or go to skyharbor.comwhich also contains information on what restaurants, shops and services are close to your door.
- Pack your Final Four program in your carry-on bag. Glossy magazines are made with materials that can trigger security scanners and slow down the baggage check-in process.
- Get through security faster with the free service PHX Reserve program, where you can reserve a spot in the TSA line up to six days in advance. You can also check wait times at online security.
- Anyone with questions about the airport can ask one of Sky Harbor's Navigator volunteers, identified by their purple uniforms. NCAA volunteers will also be on hand at the terminals to answer questions.
- Travelers with a hidden disability such as dementia or autism can book a Cactus Compassion Cord, which signals to airport staff that its wearer needs more time, assistance or patience in the travel process. Sky Harbor also has a sensory room for people needing a quiet space, plus other services for travelers who need a little extra care.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as a travel reporter for The Arizona Republic focuses on helping readers overcome travel stress and get the best value for their money for their vacation. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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