Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is continuing to streamline the passenger experience with the launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing, a new initiative designed to help eligible travelers move through customs more quickly and efficiently.
Introduced in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the program gives U.S. citizens arriving on international flights a faster, touchless option in the customs inspection area. Phoenix Sky Harbor is the 23rd airport in the country to offer the free service, adding another convenience-focused tool to the airport’s broader passenger experience strategy.
A Faster Way Through Customs
Enhanced Passenger Processing is a voluntary program for U.S. citizens, and no pre-enrollment is required. Travelers who choose to participate simply arrive at the CBP inspection area, where a camera captures their image and matches it to the document information already on file with the agency.
The process takes only seconds to complete. By streamlining a key step in the international arrivals experience, the program helps travelers move more quickly through customs while supporting a secure and efficient inspection process. It also allows CBP officers to focus more directly on travelers and the inspections.
“This initiative is the result of the strong collaboration between our Technology and Operations teams, the airlines, and CBP,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to grow its international travel market, and this exceptional new program is yet another way we reinforce our brand of being America’s Friendliest Airport.”
Collaboration and Operational Impact
Like many successful airport initiatives, Enhanced Passenger Processing reflects close coordination among airport teams, airline partners, and federal agencies. Implementing new technology in international arrivals and customs requires the right infrastructure and strong collaboration across operational, technological, and regulatory partners.
For Phoenix Sky Harbor, the launch of the program also supports the airport’s continued focus on improving the overall passenger experience. It is one of several services the airport offers to reduce friction and improve convenience throughout the travel journey.
Other options include TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, CLEAR+ eGates, PHX Reserve, biometric exit for international departures, and Early Bag Check for select domestic travelers. Together, these services reflect the airport’s broader effort to create a smoother, more efficient experience from arrival to departure.
Part of the Broader Industry Focus on the Passenger Experience
Across the industry, airports are continuing to look for practical ways to streamline the customer experience at every stage of the journey. That includes reducing wait times, expanding self-service options, and using technology to make travel more predictable and convenient.
Programs like Enhanced Passenger Processing reflect that broader shift. Airports are increasingly taking a more connected approach to the passenger journey, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen service, and reduce friction from curb to gate and beyond.
For Phoenix Sky Harbor, Enhanced Passenger Processing is one example of how airports are putting that approach into practice. By investing in tools that improve both convenience and operations, airports can better support a seamless, customer-focused travel experience.