Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a popular airport for transfers, both domestically and internationally. I am often asked by travelers who intend to have a long visit at Sky Harbor, or who want to leave the airport during a long layover, where they can store their luggage.

Checked Luggage

Flights that are continuations on the same airline, or even some connecting flights on different airlines, will check your bags through so you don't have to go to baggage claim in Phoenix and then re-check the bags for your continuation flight.

Checking your bags through to your final destination airport makes your life easier in three ways:

1. You will save time making your connection. You won't have to leave the secured area, go to baggage claim, wait for your bag, go back to the ticket counter, stand on line, check your bags again and go back through security. That could save you more than an hour!
2. You will save your energy. If you can check your bags through to your final airport destination you won't have to carry them around, which becomes important if they are bulky, heavy, or if you have to change terminals.
3. You might save some money on bag fees.

When checking your bags at the airport, always make sure that the tag they put on your bag indicates the correct destination.
Carry-Ons

So, you've checked your bags and now you have a few hours to spend at the airport. Or you have more than a few hours before your next connection and you'd like to leave the airport but not with all those carry-ons. Is there a place where you can store them at Sky Harbor Airport?

Unfortunately, there are no public lockers at Sky Harbor. In other countries you can often find what are referred to as Left Luggage desks or counters where you can check your items, but we don't have that here. I'm sorry to tell you that you'll have to carry whatever you brought on the plane with you on your layover. You can plan for that in advance by trying to have all your items checked through with the airline except what you absolutely need for your flight. Hopefully, those will fit in a large purse, backpack or briefcase.

Note: If you are traveling in Business Class or First Class, check with the airline to see if (1) they have a lounge at the Phoenix airport, and (2) if there is anywhere in the lounge that you can leave your carry-on items during your layover.