Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) Security and TSA Wait Times
On average, Phoenix Sky Harbour security wait times range between 5 and 20 minutes. During peak hours and holiday seasons, this wait can increase to more than 30-40 minutes. However, the PHX Airport has measures like multiple expediting programs at all its checkpoints for skipping the security queues. These programs include Global Entry, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and PHX Reserve with specific operational hours.
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Phoenix Sky Harbour Security Checkpoints and Wait Times
The Phoenix Airport security wait times are usually between 5 and 20 minutes. However, it can reach up to 30-40 minutes at peak hours or with large passenger volumes. The airport has several checkpoints and fixed operating hours at both terminals.
| Checkpoint | Operation Hours | TSA Precheck Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 3 | 24/7 | 5:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint A | 24/7 | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint B | 4:15 am to 8:30 pm | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint C | 3:15 am to 12:30 am | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint D | 3:15 am to 7:30 pm | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm |
Overview of Phoenix Airport Security Wait Times
Throughout the day, the PHX security wait times keep changing and depend mainly on peak hours, holiday seasons, and staff availability. The shortest security lines are during the afternoons and late nights, and the longest during 3 am to 4 am.
TSA Wait Times at PHX Airport
TSA Wait times at PHX Airport are generally between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and staff availability. This time can be reduced by utilising the TSA PreCheck facility available at all checkpoints.
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TSA Pre-Check Checkpoints
Current Average TSA Wait Times at Phoenix Sky Harbour International (PHX)
PHX Wait Times Expediting Programs
Phoenix Sky Harbour security wait times can be expedited with programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and PHX Reserve offered at the airport.
- TSA PreCheck- This program offers separate lanes which are available at all major checkpoints of PHX, and gives users the benefit of keeping specific items in their bags during screening.
- CLEAR- CLEAR program brings biometric verification lanes, which help in expediting through security at Phoenix Airport. Members can skip the security queues by utilising the dedicated lanes during their operational hours.
| CLEAR Checkpoint | Working Hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal 3 | 4:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint A | 4:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint B | Sunday, Tuesday, Saturday- 5:00 am to 6:00 pmMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday- 5:00 am to 7:30 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint C | 4:00 am to 7:30 pm |
| Terminal 4, Checkpoint D | 4:00 am to 7:30 pm |
- PHX Reserve- A free program, the PHX Reserve allows flyers to reserve a particular time for going through the TSA checkpoint. It is available at both terminals at specific hours:
| PHX Reserve Location | Operating Hours | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 3 Security Checkpoint | 24/7 | All flights are eligible |
| Terminal 4 Security Checkpoint D | 3:15 am to 7:30 pm | Flights between 4:30 am and 11:00 pm |
Phoenix Airport Customs Wait Times
The current average customs security wait times at PHX Sky Harbour range from 7 to 23 minutes. The customs checkpoint is located at Terminal 4, Level 3.
- Global Entry is available at Terminal 4, along with its enrollment centre. It allows pre-approved and low-risk travelers to expedite through the customs procedures.
- PHX also allows the use of the CBP Mobile Passport Control application, which is the only authorised app for digital customs document submission for entering the U.S.
With numerous expediting programs, Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport offers opportunities for quickly navigating through the screening procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The security at PHX airport can be cleared in 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day and peak or off-peak season.
Make sure to reach the airport 2 hours prior to domestic flights and 3 hours prior to international travel.
The early mornings and late afternoons are the busiest hours at PHX Airport security lines.
Yes, Phoenix Airport has a PHX Reserve allowing people to reserve a time slot for going through the screening procedures.