Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the busiest and most traveler-friendly airports in the United States. Among the airlines that operate at this hub, Southwest Airlines plays a major role, serving a vast network of domestic routes and a handful of international destinations. If you’re flying Southwest to, from, or through Phoenix, understanding the layout, amenities, and services available at the Southwest terminal PHX can greatly enhance your travel experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Southwest terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor—also known as Terminal 4—including check-in procedures, security, dining options, gate information, ground transportation, and insider travel tips.
Overview of Terminal 4 – The Home of Southwest at PHX
Southwest Airlines operates exclusively out of Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Terminal 4 is the largest and most trafficked terminal at PHX, handling nearly 85% of the airport’s total passenger volume.
Key Facts:
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Terminal: Terminal 4
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Concourses: D and C
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Gates: Southwest uses gates C1–C10 and D1–D18
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Open: 24 hours a day
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Primary Airlines: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Volaris, Air Canada, British Airways
Terminal 4 is modern, spacious, and packed with amenities. It features four security checkpoints, multiple concourses, and a wide array of shopping, dining, and passenger services.
Check-In and Baggage Drop
If you’re flying Southwest, your check-in process will take place at Level 2 of Terminal 4, where all airline ticket counters are located.
Southwest Check-In Details:
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Location: Level 2, North End of Terminal 4
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Hours: Opens 2 hours before the first departure, closes after the last flight
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Self-Service Kiosks: Available and highly recommended to save time
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Bag Drop: Located next to the check-in counters
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Curbside Check-In: Available during peak travel times
Make sure to arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights, especially during holidays or weekends.
TSA Security at Terminal 4
Terminal 4 has four TSA security checkpoints: A, B, C, and D. Southwest passengers should use Checkpoint C or D, depending on your gate assignment.
Tips for Security:
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Use TSA PreCheck if eligible to speed up the process.
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During peak hours, Checkpoint D typically sees shorter lines.
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Always check your gate before entering the checkpoint to avoid extra walking.
Southwest Gates at PHX
Once you’re through security, you’ll find yourself in the C or D concourses, where Southwest’s departure gates are located.
Gate Assignments:
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Concourse C: Gates C1–C10
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Concourse D: Gates D1–D18
Both concourses are connected airside, meaning you can walk between them without exiting the secured area. This is especially helpful if you have a connecting flight.
Dining and Shopping at the Southwest Terminal
One of the perks of flying through Terminal 4 is the excellent selection of dining and shopping options. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, there’s something for every taste and schedule.
Dining Options:
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Pei Wei Asian Diner (Near Gate D1) – Fast casual Asian cuisine
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Matt’s Big Breakfast (Concourse C) – Local favorite for hearty breakfast fare
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La Madeleine (Center Concourse) – French café with pastries, coffee, and sandwiches
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Four Peaks Brewery (Concourse D) – Local Arizona beer and pub-style food
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Panera Bread (Pre-Security) – Great for early arrivals
Coffee & Snacks:
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Starbucks (Concourse C & D) – Multiple locations
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Dunkin’ (Near Gate D10) – For coffee and donuts
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Panda Express (Concourse C) – Quick and familiar
Shopping:
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Hudson News – Magazines, snacks, travel essentials
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Tech On The Go – Electronics and accessories
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Arizona Highways – Local souvenirs and travel gifts
All amenities are designed for convenience, and many shops offer contactless payment options.
Lounges at Terminal 4
Southwest Airlines does not operate its own lounges, but Terminal 4 features several third-party lounges.
Available Lounges:
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The Centurion Lounge (Concourse B) – Available for American Express Platinum and Centurion members
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Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner (Near Gate B22) – Open to all passengers for a fee or with certain credit cards
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USO Lounge – Available for active-duty military personnel
Although these lounges are not located in the Southwest concourses, you can still access them before walking to your gate post-security.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Wi-Fi:
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Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 4.
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Connect to: “PHX Boingo Free WiFi”
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No time limits, though occasional ads may appear.
Charging:
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Charging ports and workstations are located near most gates.
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Look for high-top counters with outlets or built-in power at seating areas.
Ground Transportation Options
Terminal 4 offers a variety of transportation options for arriving and departing passengers.
Rental Cars:
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PHX uses a centralized Rental Car Center.
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To get there, take the Rental Car Shuttle from Level 1 outside baggage claim.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
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Pickup location: Level 1, North Curb
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Follow the signs for “Rideshare Pickup” after exiting baggage claim.
Taxis:
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Available curbside on Level 1.
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PHX has set fares to popular destinations like Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
Valley Metro Light Rail:
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The PHX Sky Train® connects Terminal 4 to 44th Street/Washington Station, where you can board the Valley Metro Rail.
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Great for budget travelers heading to downtown or Arizona State University.
Parking at Terminal 4
If you’re driving to the airport, Terminal 4 offers several parking options:
Terminal Garage:
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Closest to the terminal
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$30/day
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Ideal for short trips or convenience
East Economy Lot:
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Accessible via PHX Sky Train
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$14/day
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Best for long-term parking
Cell Phone Lot:
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Free lot for those picking up passengers
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Located just minutes from Terminal 4
Accessibility Services
Phoenix Sky Harbor is a fully accessible airport, with services designed to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
Services Include:
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Wheelchair assistance (request in advance via Southwest or at the airport)
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Accessible restrooms and family bathrooms
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TTY telephones and visual paging
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Service animal relief areas
If you need help, look for Airport Navigators, volunteers in purple shirts who are available throughout the terminal.
Flight Connections and Layovers
Phoenix is a major connecting hub for Southwest Airlines, so many passengers find themselves with a layover at Terminal 4.
Layover Tips:
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Most Southwest connections happen within Terminal 4 (no need to switch terminals).
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Minimum connection time: 40 minutes, but aim for 1 hour to be safe.
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Use your extra time to enjoy a meal or walk around the terminal art exhibits, which feature work from local artists.
Southwest International Flights at PHX
Though Southwest primarily focuses on domestic travel, it does offer international flights to Mexico.
Southwest International Destinations from PHX:
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Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
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Cabo San Lucas (SJD)
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Cancun (CUN)
These flights depart from the D gates, which are equipped with U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities.
Art and Culture in Terminal 4
If you appreciate art, you’ll love Terminal 4’s cultural offerings. PHX features rotating exhibitions, permanent installations, and interactive exhibits throughout the terminal.
Highlights:
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Indigenous art displays
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Desert-themed sculptures and murals
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Live music performances during peak travel seasons
This commitment to culture helps make PHX more than just an airport—it’s an introduction to Arizona’s vibrant artistic heritage.
Final Travel Tips for Southwest Flyers at PHX
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Check Your Gate Early: Southwest sometimes changes gates. Use the Southwest app or terminal monitors.
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Use EarlyBird Check-In: Great for getting an “A” boarding group if you forget to check in 24 hours in advance.
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Hydrate: Phoenix has a dry desert climate—use the water bottle refill stations post-security.
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Be Weather Aware: Summer heat and monsoon storms can affect flight schedules.
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Boarding Process: Remember that Southwest uses open seating, so board in your group for the best choice of seats.
Conclusion
Flying with Southwest Airlines through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4 is a smooth and traveler-friendly experience. With its efficient layout, convenient amenities, strong transportation links, and Southwest’s dependable service, this terminal is well-equipped to handle both seasoned flyers and first-time travelers.
Whether you’re connecting through PHX or starting your journey here, you’ll find Terminal 4 to be accessible, well-organized, and full of Southwest’s signature customer-first approach. Just give yourself plenty of time, make the most of the great dining options, and enjoy the journey.
