Parking at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Question

Hi, all! Quick question for my son who attends NAU in Flag. He usually flies out of AZA but has an upcoming 6am flight out of PHX (too early for the Groome shuttle). He's on Delta, so Terminal 3. Any thoughts on using a Parking Spot lot versus East Economy Uncovered or the 24th St Station? Thanks in advance.

~ Colleen

Answer

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers several parking options for travelers, and choosing the right one depends on convenience, cost, and flight time. Since your son has a very early 6am flight from Terminal 3 on Delta, parking close to the terminal or using a reliable off-site lot with shuttle service will be important.

Here are details on the options you mentioned:

East Economy Uncovered: This is an official airport lot located a short distance from Terminal 3. It is generally the most economical airport-owned option. The lot has shuttle service to all terminals, which runs frequently, but since your son’s flight is very early, it’s important to check if shuttles operate on a 24-hour schedule. It’s usually reliable, but there may be a short wait in the early morning.
Parking Spot lots: Off-site lots such as Parking Spot provide reserved spots with shuttle service directly to the terminal. These lots often operate 24/7, making them a good option for very early flights. They can be slightly more expensive than airport economy lots, but they provide guaranteed parking and frequent shuttles. Some locations allow online reservations to secure a spot ahead of time.
24th Street Station (Valet and Park & Ride): This is an off-airport facility that provides shuttle service to all terminals. It is convenient if your son prefers a guaranteed pick-up, especially for early morning departures. Pricing is competitive with other off-site lots, and the shuttle service typically runs early enough for pre-dawn flights.

Additional tips for early flights from PHX:

For a 6am flight, aim to arrive at the parking lot at least 45–60 minutes before the recommended airport arrival time (around 4:30–4:45am), factoring in shuttle time to the terminal.
Check each lot’s shuttle schedule for early morning hours to ensure service will be running when needed.
Reserve your parking spot online if possible. Early reservations guarantee a space and can sometimes lock in a lower rate.
If your son has a handicap placard, verify that the lot has designated accessible spaces near the shuttle pick-up to minimize walking.

In summary, for very early departures, off-site lots like Parking Spot or 24th Street Station are usually the most reliable due to 24/7 shuttle service and guaranteed spots. East Economy Uncovered is cheaper and close to the airport, but confirm shuttle availability at that early hour. Reserving in advance will reduce stress and ensure timely arrival at Terminal 3 for the Delta flight.