Phoenix Sky Harbor ranked seventh best airport in the nation

Photo courtesy of Phoenix Sky Harbor

Earlier this month, Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport the seventh best airport in the nation. More than 500,000 readers responded to the survey, giving Sky Harbor high marks for dining experience and travel convenience.

Condé Nast highlights the recent renovation of Terminal 4 as one of the biggest strengths of the airport. The terminal hosts a wide variety of dining options, including high-end restaurants like Chelsea’s Kitchen or healthy options such as Wildflower Bread Company. Local chicken-and-waffles joint LoLo’s even has a location in Terminal 4, which provides a unique experience to visitors and a homey experience for Arizona natives.

Sky Harbor representative Greg Roybal explains that creating a balance of locally and nationally recognized restaurants is crucial for a positive travel experience. “Travelers like having the choice of a national brand they can recognize (Wendy’s or Starbucks, for example) or a unique, local offering,” Roybal states. “We want to represent our community and provide a taste of Arizona, which has a thriving, nationally recognized food and beverage scene in its own right.”

Roybal notes that the airport will continue to prioritize its dining experience and center development around its restaurants. “Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor is undergoing a modernization program, and this means a new concourse is scheduled to be opened by early 2019,” he continues. “Terminal 3 will also get exciting local and national dining and retail options, including: The Parlor, Shake Shack, The Original Chop House, San Tan Brewery, The Tavern from legendary Phoenix Chef Mark Tarbell, and Christopher’s from local James Beard award winner Chef Christopher Gross.”

However, the perks of Sky Harbor extend past its dining experience. The airport offers other amenities for travel convenience, such as the PHX Sky Train®; although the airport constructed the train in 2013, it continues to expand and will soon extend to the Rental Car Center. Additionally, the airport offers miscellaneous services, such as two express spa centers, therapy dogs, and an urgent care. These luxury offerings provide for an unparalleled airport experience.

Roybal points out that 60 percent of airport traffic originates from citizens of the greater Phoenix area, but the airport experience is designed to accommodate people from around the nation. And clearly, based on the results of the survey, they are succeeding in doing just that. Sky Harbor has the self-proclaimed nickname of “America’s Friendliest Airport,” and they are proving why that title is well-deserved.