by Once you leave State Farm Stadium and head to the airport, it might seem like everyone at Super Bowl 57 followed you there.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport staff anticipate massive passenger traffic in the immediate aftermath of Super Bowl 2023, as airlines fly fans back to Philadelphia, Kansas City and other destinations after the game is over and throughout the day of Monday.
At least 180,000 passengers are expected at Sky Harbor the Monday after the Super Bowl. That’s about 60,000 more people than a typical day, and 5,000 more than the day after the 2015 Super Bowl, the last time the game took place in greater Phoenix.
The airport has worked with airlines, the Transportation Security Administration, the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, law enforcement and others to ensure Sky Harbor is ready to handle the crowds of passengers, said Chad Makovsky, director of aviation services at the airport.
“Phoenix Sky Harbor is no stranger to having visitors at major events and in town for the Super Bowl,” he said. “With our focus on service, as well as the recent improvements we’ve made to our facilities, we look forward to providing our guests with an exceptional experience.”
More airport staff and volunteers will be on duty
Airport staff are also working with airlines, TSA and car rental companies to ensure special operating plans are followed, airport spokeswoman Tamra Ingersoll said.
This includes additional customer service staff in key areas of the terminals to assist visitors and extra TSA agents to screen passengers.
Airport Navigator volunteers will also have an enhanced presence, answering travelers’ questions about the airport. They will work alongside Super Bowl volunteers who will answer questions about the game.
“We hope to have all hands on deck for this busy travel period,” said Ingersoll.
How far in advance should I arrive at the Phoenix airport after the Super Bowl?
Airport spokesman Eric Everts advised travelers to follow the “5-4-3-2-1 rule” to make the process of catching their flights after the Super Bowl as smooth as possible. This means allowing:
- Five hours before departure to check out of the hotel.
- Four hours before departure to return a rental car.
- Three hours before departure to check in at the ticket counter.
- Two hours before departure to queue at the security checkpoint.
- One hour before departure to arrive at your gate.
How do I return a car at the Phoenix airport?
The Car Rental Center is about 2 miles from Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Thousands of people will return cars, so allow plenty of time to drop yours off and arrive at your gate.
The Rental Car Center is located at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South, just south of Buckeye Road. It is accessible from Interstate 10 Exit 149.
After returning your car, take the PHX Sky Train from the Rental Car Center to Terminal 3 or Terminal 4. The Sky Train departs every three to five minutes. It can travel to Terminal 3 in six minutes and to Terminal 4 in eight minutes.
Here’s an easier way to check your bags
To reduce crowds in drop-baggage areas, American, Delta, Southwest and United Airlines are offering a special Early Bag Drop service on February 12th and 13th only.
Travelers can drop off their luggage at two drop-off locations near the airport. Employees at Staff With Bags Inc. will be in two locations to check passengers’ luggage and transport it to the airport:
- 44th Street Sky Train Station: 3 pm to 8 pm, February 12; 4am-1pm February 13th.
- Car rental center: 8 pm to midnight, February 12; 4:00-6:00 pm February 13th.
After travelers drop off their bags, they can head straight to their gates and skip the lines at check-in counters.
Bags can be checked in as soon as the drop off locations open and must be checked in no later than 90 minutes before the flight. The service is free; airline baggage fees still apply.
“A service like advance bag drop gives passengers an additional way to check their bags, as well as helping to reduce queues or crowds at traditional bag drop locations such as sidewalks and ticket counters,” said Ingersoll.
Please contact the reporter at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.
