You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers we hope will help smooth your journey through Tucson International Airport (TUS).
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To the Airport Check-in Info TSA Security
To the Airport
What address should I use for GPS to the airport?
7250 S Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85756 is the address for the commercial airline terminal. If you are driving directly to Economy Parking, use 2650 E Corona Road. Courtesy shuttles operate about every 15-20 minutes 24/7 between Economy Parking and the terminal.
What hours is the airport open?
The airfield and the commercial airline terminal are open and operational 24/7 but tenants, including the airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, retail shops, food and beverage outlets and rental car companies set their own hours determined by flight operations. Information about airline counter hours is here, TSA security is here, food and retail concessions is here and rental cars is here.
Where do I park?
The Tucson Airport Authority has more than 7,500 parking spaces in six locations from which to choose, and all are close to the terminal, including three that are within walking distance. Click here for information.
How early in the morning do the shuttles start from Economy Parking, how often do they run and where do I meet them?
Courtesy shuttles from both the Economy and Economy Covered lots on Corona Road operate 24/7 about every 15-20 minutes. In the Economy Lot the shuttle will often meet arriving vehicles where they park, otherwise passengers should go to one of the covered shuttle stops to be picked up. In Economy Covered, passengers should stand by their vehicle to be picked up or passengers can wait at a covered shuttle stop in the Economy Lot, just beyond the fence of the covered parking lot.
Are reservations required for any of the parking lots?
No, reservations are not required but for your convenience, peace-of-mind and to provide a touch-free experience, they can be made online. Reservations should be made at least a day in advance of arrival and there is an additional $2 fee. Information about parking facilities, including availability and links to make reservations can be found here.
How long may I leave my vehicle parked at the airport?
As long as you like but if you’re planning to leave a vehicle longer than 30 days, please call Ace Parking at (520) 573-4710 to let them know unless you have made a reservation for the longer period of time.
May I just be dropped off?
Yes, passengers can be dropped off curbside for each airline. Stopping can only be permitted to drop off passengers. Vehicles cannot be left unattended. Curbside bag check has been suspended by most airlines so passengers must check bags at check-in counters inside the terminal. American Airlines has reinstated curbside bag check using a third-party vendor, Bags, Inc., which charges a $3 per bag convenience fee in addition to any airline baggage fees.
Where is my airline in the terminal?
Tucson International Airport has A and B Gates and checkpoints, which are in reverse alphabetical order as you approach the terminal.
- B gates – American, Alaska and Delta
- A gates – Southwest, Sun Country and United
See the airlines page here for more.
What other options are there for getting to the airport besides driving?
Services that can get you to Tucson International Airport include (click on each for more information):
- Taxis
- Mobile app ride services Lyft and Uber
- Reserved car and shuttle services
- Sun Tran public transit
All of these services, except Sun Tran, drop off passengers curbside outside each airline. The Sun Tran stop is on the commercial roadway in front of baggage claim on the lower level in front of the main terminal.
How do I arrange for a wheelchair?
Include the request for a wheelchair as part of your airline reservation. When you get to the airport, personnel at the departures curb can assist you. If wheelchair help is not readily available please inform a skycap or a Tucson Airport Authority traffic officer that you need a wheelchair.
Check-in Info
What time do airline check-in counters open?
Each airline sets its own counter hours. Airlines with multiple flights each day open check-in counters about 2 hours before the first departure of the day and close about 15 minutes before the final flight of the day departs. Most airlines with less-than-daily service open check-in counters 2-3 hours before scheduled flight time and close 45 minutes before flight departure. Specific information for airlines at TUS is here.
How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight?
Each airline has its own recommendation, but a good guideline is to be at TUS at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Some airlines encourage passengers to check in 2 hours ahead of flight time and close check-in 45 minutes before departure. Allow more time if you have special circumstances and around holidays.
Can I carry-on my bag or will I have to check it?
Each airline determines its own baggage policies regarding size, weight and cost. For your convenience the Tucson Airport Authority has installed scales near airline check-in counters in the main terminal. Links to information about each airline’s baggage policy are below:
Alaska Airlines Baggage Information
American Airlines Baggage Information
Delta Air Lines Baggage Information
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policies
Sun Country Airlines Baggage Information
United Airlines Baggage Information
Is there a cut-off time for checking in?
Yes, each airline sets its own policy regarding check-in times. The most common policies require baggage be checked at least 45 minutes ahead of scheduled departure and that passengers be at the gate 30 minutes before departure. Some airlines close their check-in counters 45-30 minutes before flight departure and require passengers to be checked in by the time the counter closes.
What do I need to do if I'm flying with a pet?
Each airline has its own policy for traveling with your pet. Below are links to the policies for the airlines at TUS:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also has information on this page: Taking your human on a plane: what every pet needs to know
What time do I have to be at my departure gate?
A boarding time will often be noted on your boarding pass. Most airlines require passengers be ready for boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure so the aircraft can be secured and pushed back on time from the gate. Reservations, even those where a boarding pass has been issued, are subject to cancellation if the passenger is not on board on time, which is usually 10 minutes ahead of departure time. This allows the airline to accommodate standby passengers and begin procedures for departure. Once an aircraft’s cabin door has been secured, agents cannot allow additional passengers to board without restarting the security process which would delay departure of the flight.
When is the airport busiest?
At Tucson International Airport the busiest times for departing flights are in the early morning hours before 8 a.m. and at mid-day. Because Tucson and Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time the mid-day busy hours shift. From early March to early November when DST is in effect in the U.S., the mid-day busy hours are 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. From November to early March during Standard time it is an hour later from 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Days of the week that tend to be busier are Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, except around holidays.
May I check my bag at the curb?
Only American Airlines offers this service using a third-party vendor, Bags, Inc., which charges a $3 per bag convenience fee in addition to any airline bag fees. All other airlines at TUS require bags be checked at kiosks or counters inside the terminal.
TSA Security
Where can I get answers to questions about going through security?
There’s a whole page for that, including answers to questions specific to Tucson International Airport. You will find it here.
In the Terminal
I have an emergency, how do I report it?
Dial 9-1-1 from a mobile phone or any airport courtesy phone to reach Tucson Airport Authority Police, Fire and emergency medical technicians (EMT).
What services are available for people with physical challenges or disabilities?
Information about accessibility resources at Tucson International Airport is here.
What is there to eat in the terminal?
Information about food and beverage offerings in the terminal can be found here.
I am a nursing mother, is there a place where I can find some privacy?
Yes, lactation suites that are part of the Mamava network are available on the two concourses of the main terminal. For passengers departing from the A gates, the suite is near gate A3 and for passengers departing from the B gates it is at the mid-way point of the concourse near El Charro Café and across from the restrooms. To gain access to the suite, download the Mamava app here or call (520) 573-8182.
Where can I find out more about the art in the terminal?
A good place to start is our Arts & Culture page here.
Where is an animal relief area?
Animal relief areas pre-security are outdoors on both the east and west sides of the lower level from Baggage Claim of the main terminal. Use the exits near baggage carousels 1 and 7. Bags and a container for solid waste are provided. Post-security animal relief facilities are available on the A and B concourses just beyond the TSA checkpoints.
Where is a good place for me to work on my laptop?
Counter tops with electrical outlets suitable for laptops are located near the gates on the two concourses of the main terminal. Also, there are Business Centers located just beyond the TSA Checkpoints for the A and B concourses. These services are not available at the C gates.
How do I page someone in the terminal?
Please call (520) 573-8100 from any phone to have someone paged in the terminal.
How do I reach Lost and Found?
Tucson International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration and each airline all have their own Lost and Found procedures depending on where you might have left an item. Information is on our Lost and Found page here.
Is there a mailbox in the terminal?
Yes, there are two U.S. Postal Service mailboxes pre-security on the second level of the terminal. One is in the airline ticketing lobby area east of Southwest Airlines’ check-in counter and the other is on the west side of the terminal on the wall next to American Airlines’ counter.
Are there drop boxes for express shipping in the terminal?
A Federal Express drop box is near the United Airlines check-in counter on the east side of the terminal.
Do you have a USO or military lounge?
Yes, the Military Lounge is open 24/7 and currently limited only to active-duty military personnel traveling through the airport. It is in baggage claim on the lower level, near carousel 5 (Southwest Airlines). More about the Military Lounge is here. It is not an affiliated United Service Organizations (USO) Center.
Where is a currency exchange?
There is no currency exchange in the TUS terminal. If you are still planning your trip or if you have returned from a trip with foreign currency, your bank or credit union will usually offer the best exchange rates and lowest fees. If that is not an option, consider withdrawing foreign currency from an ATM at your destination, preferably one that is affiliated with your bank or credit union to pay the lowest transaction fees. Another option is to use a currency exchange at a connecting airport.
Where may I smoke?
Designated smoking areas are outside the east and west entrances of the main terminal on both the ticketing and lower levels. In compliance with Arizona law, smoking or vaping, including use of any type of e-cigarette, is not permitted inside buildings at Tucson International Airport. Smokers must use outside designated smoking areas, staying at least 20 feet away from an entrance ensuring that tobacco smoke does not enter the building and that persons entering and leaving the building have a clear pathway where they are not subjected to breathing tobacco smoke. Although possession of limited amounts of marijuana is legal in Arizona, it is not legal to smoke it in public places.
Do you have lockers for storing luggage?
No, due to federal security regulations Tucson International Airport is not able to offer lockers in the terminal.
Is there WiFi in the terminal?
Yes and it is free. Look for Fly-Tucson-Free-WiFi in your settings.
Arrival Information
How can I check the arrival status of a flight?
Up-to-the-minute information on flight arrivals and departures is on our Flight Status page here. If you are in the terminal, Flight Information Display monitors can be found in several locations, including two at the A and B Welcome Lounges which also display active flights on their way to/from TUS.
Where can I meet arriving passengers in the terminal?
In the main terminal, there are two locations for arrivals, depending on the airline:
- Southwest, Sun Country and United arriving passengers can be met in baggage claim on the lower level at the foot of escalators coming down from the A Concourse.
- Alaska, American and Delta passengers can be met in baggage claim on the lower level at the foot of escalators coming down from the B Concourse.
Can I buy something to eat or drink while waiting?
The only option currently open in baggage claim on the lower level are vending machines near the Welcome Lounge for the B gates. Options one floor up on the second level, are Barrio Brewing and Arroyo Trading Post.
Where should I park if I'm meeting someone?
The closest is the Hourly lot directly in front of the terminal. The cost is $1 per each 30 minute period (to a maximum of $13 per day).
Where may I wait if I don’t want to park and come in the terminal?
A Cell Phone Waiting Lot is off Airport Drive, the last right turn as you approach the terminal area. Parking here is free as long as the driver remains with the vehicle. Please ask your arriving party to call you after they have collected their bags as federal security regulations prohibit TAA Traffic Officers from allowing vehicles to stop and wait in front of the terminal. Vehicles can only be permitted to stop for active loading of passengers.
My checked bag didn't arrive, where do I report it?
Report it to your airline’s baggage office, usually near the carousel for your arriving flight, or contact your airline using the information on the Lost and Found page here.
Where do I pick up an animal being shipped to me?
This is something that should be confirmed at the point of origin by the party doing the shipping. Make sure they give you the arrival airline and flight number and provide you with the necessary paperwork or information to retrieve the animal. Each airline has its own procedure for retrieving live animals.
- American and Delta deliver animals at their cargo offices. Information regarding airline cargo offices is here.
- United delivers animals at its contracted cargo facility: Air Support Inc., 5990 S. Country Club Road, Suite 180. Phone: 1-800-346-8169.
- Southwest and Sun Country do not accept live animals not traveling with a passenger.
- Alaska Airlines does not accept live animals for shipping to/from Tucson.
Please be aware that no airline will ship live animals to or from Tucson during the summer.
Leaving the Airport
What transportation options are available from Tucson International Airport?
There are several options (click on each for more information):
- Taxis
- Mobile app ride services Lyft and Uber
- Rental cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National
- Sun Tran public transit
- Reserved car and shuttle services which should be arranged in advance
Where are the rental cars?
All car rental firms are in the Rental Car Center just outside the east exit of the main terminal, excpct for SIXT, which will require using a shuttle bus to reach the facility. That shuttle bus can accessed by turning left instead of right near the Rental Car Center.
How late do the car rental counters stay open at night?
Car rental companies’ hours are here. In cases of delayed flight arrivals, they will make arrangements to accommodate customers with reservations. Passengers who are delayed enroute should advise their rental car company of their situation.
Where are the taxis?
The taxi stand is on the commercial roadway in front of the main terminal. Passengers arriving on airlines at the A and B gates should exit baggage claim on the lower level toward the main parking lots and cross the first roadway to the second island where taxis will be on your left. From the C gates, the most direct route is to cross the roadway in front of the terminal and go east toward the taxi stand. Information about taxis at Tucson International Airport is here.
How late are taxis available at night?
Taxis are supposed to be available after each scheduled flight arrival. If cabs are not at the taxi stand, please call (520) 573-8100 to have one dispatched. Contact information for the taxi companies is here.
Where do I meet my Lyft or Uber driver?
Arriving passengers who have requested a ride through the Lyft or Uber app meet their driver and car on the commercial roadways in front of the main terminal. Passengers arriving on airlines at the A and B gates exit Baggage Claim on the lower level toward the main parking lots and cross the first roadway where your car and driver will arrive to your left. Cars and drivers do not wait at the pick-up location but will arrive when ordered through the mobile app.
Where will I find my hotel's transportation?
Exit baggage claim and cross the roadways to the third island directly in front of the main terminal. At the walkway turn left to the third island. Hotels and resorts offering airport transportation and their contact information can be found here.
Is there public transportation?
Yes, two routes of Tucson’s public bus system Sun Tran make regular stops at the airport. The bus stop is located with other ground transportation services on the commercial roadway in front of the main terminal. Follow signs for ground transportation and exit baggage claim, then cross the first roadway where the Sun Tran stop is to your right.
Is there a shared-ride shuttle van service in the terminal?
Not in the terminal. There are several shared-ride van services at TUS, but all require reservations and are met outside baggage claim on the third island across the roadways as you exit from baggage claim to Ground Transportation. Contact information for all car and shuttle services is here.
What's the best way to get to the University of Arizona campus?
If you have just landed and haven’t made other arrangements, the quickest alternative is probably a taxi. They meet every scheduled arriving flight. The trip to campus should take about 25 minutes in normal traffic and cost between $25 and $35. You might also consider one of the app ride services if you have the Lyft or Uber app.
The most economical choice is Sun Tran. Both bus routes from the airport require a transfer and normal travel time to campus is about an hour. Regular cash fare is $1.75 paid as you board each bus for a total of $3.50 each way. If you intend to use Sun Tran often, you can save money by purchasing a SunGO card and having it mailed to you in advance of your trip (allow 10 days). The fare with a SunGo card each way between the airport and campus is $1.60. Learn more about SunGO here.
If you are still planning your trip, there are many reserved car and shuttle services that will meet your party if you have reservations.
I need to go outside the Tucson area, what options do I have?
A list of options, all of which require reservations, can be found near the bottom of the page here.
Can I drive a rental car from the Tucson airport into Mexico?
Yes, the car rental companies at Tucson International Airport have cars that can be driven into Mexico provided certain conditions are met. The conditions vary among companies, but all require advance reservations by phone (preferably with the Tucson office), that the vehicle be returned to the United States and customers must purchase Mexico auto liability insurance from the car rental company. Phone numbers for car rental firms at Tucson International Airport are here.
Is there a bus or shuttle that goes into Mexico from the airport?
Not directly from the airport but taxis, Lyft and Uber can take passengers from TUS to two nearby bus terminals where there is frequent daily service into Mexico. Omnibus Mexicanos, a division of Transportes Pacifico (TAP), is about 7 miles (9 km) from the airport at 910 W. Irvington Road in the Placita Del Rio Center (520) 573-7033, and Tufesa, is about 5½ miles (7.3 km) away at 5550 S. 12th Ave. (520) 294-3780. Both companies offer Deluxe (De Lujo) or Executive (Ejecutivo) Class as well as First (Primera) Class buses. There are also shuttle companies but most only operate to the border so passengers going into Mexico will have to make other arrangements for their onward journey.
I lost my parking ticket, how do I get my vehicle out?
Not a problem. Vehicles parked in TAA facilities are inventoried nightly by license plate. The Hourly, Daily or Economy lots have cashiers in the booths at the exit gates who can assist you based on the license plate number. In the Garage, customers can use the intercom at the EasyPay machine where in many cases the charges and a ticket to exit can be produced at the machine. Some cases may require an in-person visit by a supervisor. There is no penalty fee but customers are charged the full-day’s rate based on the number of nights (plus the day you are departing) the vehicle was inventoried.
About the Airport/Other FAQs
Are there places to stay overnight near the airport?
Yes, there are 17 lodging properties within 2 miles of the airport terminal. You will find a map and contact information here.
How much does an airline ticket cost?
The Tucson Airport Authority cannot sell airline tickets, so we are not able to answer the question. It is best to comparison shop multiple airlines (links to their websites are here). We also offer a booking service through FlyMyAirport which can be found here. You can view all available tickets offered to your destination from TUS and compare directly on this site. There is no single public website that can sell tickets for all of the airlines at Tucson International Airport. Variables that come into play are convenience (a nonstop flight can be more expensive than a connecting flight), planning (booking a ticket 6-8 weeks in advance, or earlier during peak travel times, will often net the best fares) and, if you can, check alternate dates. You might consider using a travel agent who can do the research. They usually charge a fee, but it includes customer service support.
Can I get another copy of my receipt for parking?
Yes. Please call the parking management company Ace Parking at (520) 573-4710.
Who owns and runs Tucson International Airport?
Most of the 8,282 acres that make up Tucson International Airport is owned by the City of Tucson and operated by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) under a long-term lease that extends to October 2098. The TAA is an independent non-profit corporation created by the Arizona Legislature in 1948. It does not receive any local tax dollars and has no taxing authority. Its operations are funded through revenues paid by users. In addition to Tucson International Airport, the TAA operates Ryan Airfield, a 1,876-acre general aviation reliever airport west of Tucson. Learn more about the TAA here.
I want to work at the airport, how do I find out about available jobs?
The Tucson Airport Authority recruits and hires people for openings within its organization, including positions in operations, public safety, custodial, administration and planning and development. Current TAA openings can be found here. Airlines, terminal concessions, car rental companies, parking, the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Aviation Administration do their own hiring. Career information about those employers at TUS can be found here.
I want to do business at the airport, what should I do?
The Tucson Airport Authority welcomes the opportunity to establish business relationships for both Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). Information about potential opportunities can be found here.
How do I advertise my business in the terminal?
Lamar Airport Advertising can help you reach the desirable market of travelers through Tucson International Airport (TUS). Contact Airport Advertising Manager Holly Palomares at (616) 378-0838.
What makes TUS an international airport?
Tucson International Airport is a designated Port of Entry for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). All aircraft crossing into the United States over the Tucson sector are required to stop at the TUS federal inspection facilities unless confirmed arrangements have been made to do so at another airport. In 2021, CBP at TUS processed 15,942 international passengers arriving on 3,258 aircraft arrivals and almost $2.2 billion worth of exports and imports.
Who do I contact about flying my drone (Unmanned Aircraft System)?
The Tucson International Airport supports the safe operation of drones for recreational use and commercial purposes. There are many areas around the airport that are not safe to fly drones due to piloted aircraft operating at low altitudes. For information on the operation of drones near the airport please visit the Drone Information page here.
Where do I find the airport’s Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan?
The Tucson Airport Authority has prepared an Emergency Contingency Plan to address irregular operations such as tarmac delays. The plan is here.
What’s being done about aircraft noise?
Noise is an unavoidable side-effect of aviation. The Tucson Airport Authority is continuing to refine a program it developed in 1991 to limit the impact of aircraft noise. Information about the TAA’s noise plan is here.
Does the airport give tours?
At this time, we do not offer tours of our facilities. If tours recommence, we will announce it here and on our social media accounts.
Does the airport have speakers for community groups?
Yes, the Tucson Airport Authority welcomes the opportunity to speak to community groups on a number of topics. To reach the TAA Speakers Bureau please call (520) 573-4835.
Does the airport have meeting rooms in the terminal that can be reserved?
Yes. Please call (520) 573-8100 to make arrangements.
The airport is misspelling Tucson by using TUS as its code. Why don’t you change it to TUC or TIA?
Unfortunately, that’s not the airport’s call. Back in the 1930s when government officials adapted the old Weather Bureau’s two-letter codes for cities to three-letter codes to have more combinations, someone took the TU for Tucson and tacked on an “S”. The code is now part of the global system for identifying airports and there’s not a lot that can be done about it, especially since both TUC and TIA are assigned to other airports. If you are coming to Tucson, please make sure your baggage is checked to TUS. If it says TUC it’s going to San Miguel de Tucumán in Argentina. If it says TIA, it’s going to Tirana International Airport in Albania.
I've got an idea for the airport, where can I submit it?
Submit suggestions online here or call (520) 573-8080. We look forward to hearing from you.
My question wasn't answered here, who can help me?
If you are in the terminal, please look for a TUS Warm Welcome Volunteer wearing a blue vest with the logo pictured here. They can be found throughout the airport terminal. Or call (520) 573-8100 from a courtesy or mobile phone. If your question is for a future visit, please ask it here.