NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2015


Arrive Early, Plan Ahead: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Offers Holiday Travel Tips

MESA, Ariz. — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is taking steps to ensure the travel experience for passengers and their loved ones is just plane easy this holiday season, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Getting around during the holidays can be a challenge, but passengers can take a few simple measures to ensure a pleasant holiday experience.

Here are a few tips from Gateway staff:

  • Passengers should arrive at Gateway two hours before their scheduled departure;

  • Arrive at your departure gate no later than one hour prior to departure;

  • Allow for traffic delays en route to the airport and while getting into the terminal area as the terminal parking lot frequently fills to capacity during peak periods;

  • Remember to park in Gateway’s economy lot to save money. Rates are $11 a day at the terminal and $7 a day at the Ray Road Economy Lot;

  • Individuals coming into the terminal to pick up passengers can enjoy free parking for the first 30 minutes in the Hourly Express Lot – and it’s only $1 per each additional half hour.

“We urge our passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for check-in and screening to keep travel stress to a minimum,” Public Information Officer Brian Sexton said. “We want everyone flying through Gateway to arrive at their destinations in great holiday spirits.”

TSA Checkpoint Tips
The Transportation Security Administration allows passengers to carry one quart-size bag of the items as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less. The limits apply to toiletries as well as foods such as jams and jellies. Larger quantities of medically necessary liquids are allowed only at the discretion of TSA screeners.

If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.

Wrapped gifts are allowed, but not encouraged as the TSA may have to inspect the item. For questions about security screening, visit www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips

About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
The Airport Authority is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, which consists of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix, and Apache Junction. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service to 38 cities via Allegiant. Gateway has 1,000 acres of undeveloped land available for future job growth in the East Valley. For more information, visit www.phxmesagateway.org.

###

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Brian Sexton
Phone: 480-988-7618
Email: bsexton@phxmesagateway.org