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Sky Harbor Offers Thanksgiving 2017 Travel Tips

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is predicting that approximately 51 million Americans will be traveling over 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving 2017. Although a majority of people are expected to travel by automobiles, a significant portion will also be flying to their destinations during the upcoming holiday travel period spanning from Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 26.

“Thanksgiving kicks off the start of a busy holiday season, and more thankful Americans will travel to spend time with friends and family this year,” said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, Travel and Publishing. “A strong economy and labor market are generating rising incomes and higher consumer confidence, fueling a strong year for the travel industry, which will continue into the holiday season.”

Airfare is down 23% from last year, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is expecting their busiest travel times will be the day before Thanksgiving and Sunday.  Here are some tips if you are looking for some ways to stay ahead of the rush:


Terminal 3
Sky Harbor wishes to remind all travelers of its Terminal Modernization process and released the following statement: “Travelers can expect a longer walk through the terminal due to construction. It is easy to call for wheelchair assistance. Travelers can make a request for a wheelchair at the Information Counter or with a Navigator.”

Real ID Act
The TSA will continue to accept valid driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by all states until January 22, 2018. After that, DHS has stipulated that passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight.

General Suggestions
Confirm your plane ticket/reservation matches the name on your driver’s license or other government issued identification. Contact the airline you will be traveling with at least two days before your flight to confirm that your schedule has not changed. Arrive 2 hours prior to flight for US travel, 3 hours prior for international travel. Review the TSA list of prohibited items.