Travelers heading through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will soon have a lighter load to carry. Starting Wednesday, February 11, the airport—known as America’s Friendliest Airport®—will debut its new Early Bag Checkprogram, just in time for the busy spring travel period that includes both Spring Break and Cactus League Spring Training.
The complimentary service, operated by Bags, allows passengers to check their luggage before entering the terminal. The goal: streamline the airport experience by enabling travelers to skip ticket counter lines and ride the PHX Sky Train unencumbered.
Early Bag Check will be available to domestic passengers flying with Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines. Two drop-off locations—at the airport’s Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking—will operate daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., including holidays.
In addition to checking bags, travelers can print boarding passes at the counters. While the service itself is free, standard airline baggage fees still apply. Bags must be checked no later than 90 minutes before departure and no earlier than four hours prior to the flight, per airline rules.
Airport officials said the new amenity is part of an ongoing effort to make PHX travel more efficient and traveler-friendly. For details on participating airlines and operating hours, visit skyharbor.com/EarlyBagCheck.
