Hello! I'm a blogger who loves to travel and takes flights several times a year.

Today, I want to talk about Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the gateway to Phoenix where I live and a place I use frequently as if it were my own home.

I remember struggling at large and complex airports like LAX or JFK when I first came to the U.S.

However, from the first time I used Phoenix Sky Harbor, I was impressed, thinking, "Wow, this is better than I expected!"

Among the major airports in the U.S., even if the distances are long, you can get to the terminal by going straight and then making a 90-degree turn.

This makes it one of the most intuitive and clean airports. But there can't be only good points, right?

I'll honestly share my thoughts on the terminal size, airline information, and tips for transfers and international flights based on my frequent visits!

First, the romantic name Sky Harbor dates back to the late 1920s.

This kind of airport name is very rare in the U.S. Most airports are named after famous people, but Phoenix Airport has been using the whimsical name Sky Harbor for over 100 years, which sounds like something out of a science fiction novel.

Looking back at history, in the late 1920s, as the aviation industry was just starting to take off in the U.S., there was a trend of comparing airplanes to "ships flying in the sky" and airports to "harbors in the sky."

In 1928, J. Manuel, a shareholder of the Acme Investment Company, which first planned this airport, was inspired by this intuitive metaphor and suggested the name "Sky Harbor," meaning "harbor in the sky."

In 1929, when it opened with just one runway, this name was officially adopted.

Even after the Phoenix city government took over the airport in 1935, they recognized the historical significance and uniqueness of the name and kept it unchanged.

The name embodies the romantic vision of an era of exploration, where airplanes safely dock and rest at a harbor.

Right Next to Downtown! Unmatched Accessibility

First of all, the location is truly excellent. It's only about 5 kilometers east of downtown Phoenix, so you can get there in just 10 minutes by car.

It's quite rare for a major city airport in the U.S. to be this close to the city center.

Looking at the airport structure, there are currently only 2 operating terminals.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which were used in the past, have been closed and are now part of history, with only Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 actively in operation.

Some people worry about moving between terminals, but the airport's pride, the free automated shuttle train, the "PHX Sky Train®," runs diligently 24 hours a day.

This train connects not only Terminals 3 and 4 but also the external parking lots, rental car center, and the downtown light rail (Valley Metro Rail) station directly. So, you don't have to wait for a shuttle bus to the rental car center like before; just hop on the Sky Train, and you're done, making the transit really convenient.

What Airlines Are Here? (Featuring the Holy Land for Mexico Travel)

Sky Harbor is large, so it has a robust lineup of airlines.

* Terminal 4: This is the massive hub for American Airlines, the airport's mainstay. It has an extensive domestic network, providing direct flights to most cities in the U.S. Major international airlines like British Airways also primarily use Terminal 4.

* Terminal 3: This terminal is mainly home to Southwest Airlines, a representative low-cost airline in the U.S., and Delta Airlines.

For international flights, due to its geographical proximity, there are a variety of direct routes to Mexico.

There are also some routes to Canada and parts of Europe, making it quite convenient for Western travel.

However, for Korean residents in Phoenix or travelers frequently visiting Korea, the downside is the lack of direct flights to Korea.

To go to Korea, you must take a domestic flight to a gateway airport like LAX, SFO, or SEA and then transfer.

While you don't need to retrieve your luggage, the total travel time to Korea increases significantly when you factor in the layover, making this the most physically exhausting and disappointing aspect. I can only hope that a direct flight with a national carrier will be established someday.

Aside from this downside, I honestly think the service quality of the airport is among the best in the U.S.

Unlike LAX or JFK, where you feel overwhelmed by crowds every time you go, that's not the case here at all.

The TSA wait times are noticeably shorter and more efficient compared to other major airports.

In recent years, the airport has undergone extensive remodeling, and many local eateries and famous cafes have opened, greatly improving the quality of food and beverage facilities.

There's a McDonald's, and also a Panda Express, a burger joint, and many bars.

Of course, there are a few smaller airports nearby, like Scottsdale Airport and Chandler Airport, but those mainly cater to private planes and charters, making Sky Harbor essentially the only option for international and domestic travel for regular travelers like us.

With intuitive transfers, proximity to downtown, and pleasant facilities, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a great airport for travelers, except for the one downside of not having direct flights to Korea.

If you're visiting or using Phoenix, just remember the Sky Train routes!