PHOENIX — Editor's note: The above video is from a previous newscast.
With up to one million people expected to visit the Valley for Super Bowl LVII this weekend, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing with additional staff and resources.
Super Bowl LVII is taking place on Sunday, Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Friendly volunteer Navigators in purple jackets will be available to answer questions while passengers are in the Airport. They will be stationed with Super Bowl volunteers who can answer questions about Super Bowl events.
“Our staff has been working with airlines, the TSA, the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, law enforcement, our restaurant operators and other partners to ensure we are ready to welcome visitors coming in for the Big Game," said Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky. “Phoenix Sky Harbor is no stranger to welcoming visitors to big events and to town for the Super Bowl. With our focus on service as well as recent enhancements we've made to our facilities, we look forward to providing our visitors with an exceptional experience."
Feb. 13, the day after the Super Bowl, is anticipated to be one of Phoenix Sky Harbor's busiest days on record with a projected 50% increase in traffic, a release says.
Here are some tips from Phoenix Sky Harbor to make traveler's experience easier:
Rental Car
If you are planning to rent a car, make sure to reserve your car in advance. Phoenix Sky Harbor is anticipating an increase in car rentals around the Super Bowl and vehicles may be limited for walk-up customers.
If you are not renting a car, use Valley Metro Rail to travel between the Airport and downtown Phoenix. The free PHX Sky Train offers an easy connection between all airport terminals and Valley Metro Rail. After disembarking from the PHX Sky Train, make sure to purchase your pass from the Valley Metro fare vending machine.
For more information visit Valley Metro Rail.
Tips for departing passengers
Phoenix Sky Harbor asks passengers to remember 5-4-3-2-1.
- 5 hours before departure - Check out of your hotel
- 4 hours before departure – Turn in your rental car
- 3 hours before departure – Check in at the Ticket Counter
- 2 hours before departure – Get in line at the TSA Security Checkpoint
- 1 hour before departure – Be at your gate.
Passengers can save time and skip the airline ticket counter by using the Early Bag Check. People can check their bags before boarding the PHX Sky Train at the 44th Street Station or at the Rental Car Center Station.
Bags must be checked a minimum of 90 minutes before the flight. This service is available for those flying American, Delta, Southwest, or United. No additional charge though individual airline bag fees apply.
This service will be available on Sunday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 13 only. More information can be found here.
Travelers with a Super Bowl program must place it in their carry-on bag.
Travelers can visit skyharbor.com to check flight status and see what shops and restaurants are near their gate. Many shops both before and after security will be selling an assortment of merchandise for the Big Game.
People can also view security wait times and book a place in line here.
Get all the latest news and updates about what is going on around the Valley for Super Bowl LVII.