The holiday travel season has ramped up, with Phoenix Sky Harbor experiencing the bustle of near-record numbers of travelers. As per TSA reports, almost 3 million individuals passed through security checkpoints nationwide on December 28, 2025. While many flights across the country were delayed or canceled due to severe weather, Phoenix remained relatively unscathed. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, only four flights were canceled at Sky Harbor on December 29, with nearly 150 delays reported.
Despite the disruptions elsewhere, passengers landing in Phoenix were greeted with sunshine and warmth, a respite from the colder climates they departed from. Travelers like Amari Myers, who experienced significant delays due to a winter storm in Iowa, expressed relief upon arrival. "Finally, after some flight delays, we finally got in the air and, yeah, so much better to be here," Myers told FOX 10 Phoenix. The sentiment was shared by Marques Brown, coming in from icy Seattle, ready "to take this off," referring to his heavy attire unsuited for Phoenix's milder weather.
Some passengers turned travel hurdles into opportunities. Paul George-Blazevich, facing an eight-hour flight delay out of Madison, Wisconsin, found a silver lining to his predicament. "We were able to take advantage of more time to see family, see friends a little bit more, and just get some coffee," he conveyed in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. On the other hand, the preparedness seemed to play a significant role in the overall travel experience. "You've gotta make sure you check in, make sure you have your parking situated," traveler Brown emphasized, delineating the steps to avoid last-minute airport stress.
While Phoenix Sky Harbor managed largely to avoid severe disruption, AZ Family reports the airport wasn't without its challenges. FlightAware statistics showed over 480 flights delayed and 19 cancellations as of late Sunday evening. Passengers like Jeff Johnson, who flew in from Washington, felt fortunate not to encounter any trouble, stating, "It hasn’t been busy at all. It’s really easy to navigate, get around, no problems." Abbey Van Hulle arrived from Wisconsin also noted the airport’s efficiency, remarking, "But we still got through security quickly," even with the additional responsibility of traveling with a dog.
Travel advice wasn't in short supply, as some travelers shared their strategies. "I love listening to music, so I just make sure I have my AirPods. I love a good book," advised Myers in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, offering tips on staying entertained during delays. And for those looking to add a little luxury to their journey without breaking the bank, traveler Candice Burning shared her technique: "So I book on American and I book really early, and then I check in," she revealed. "If you check in exactly 24 hours before, then you get the same-day first class option for really cheap—so like $100."
The flurry of holiday travel is set to continue, with AAA projecting 8 million domestic flyers by the time the season wraps up on January 1, as reported by AZ Family. The combination of careful planning, advanced booking, and adjusting expectations appears to ease the strain of travel during this high-volume period.
