Early flight questions

Question

Hi all

We’re a family of four (kids will be 12 & 14), and considering staying in Phoenix for one night before an early-ish flight to LA.

Which location should we be looking at for a hotel - do we need to be right by the airport or is there a downtown area that is nice to spend the evening in?

And on that, how early do we need to be at the airport for a domestic flight, and is google maps going to give me accurate enough drive times?

Lastly, would it be easy enough to drop the hire car somewhere near the hotel and take public transport to the airport if we don’t stay out near the airport?

Thanks!!

Answer

For a family staying in Phoenix before an early flight to Los Angeles, you have a couple of good options depending on whether you prioritize convenience or a pleasant evening experience.

If your main goal is to minimize morning stress and maximize sleep before an early flight, staying near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the simplest choice. Many airport hotels offer free shuttle service, which makes getting to the terminal fast and easy. This is especially helpful if your flight is early in the morning, as it eliminates the need to drive across the city with traffic concerns.

Alternatively, staying in downtown Phoenix can provide a more enjoyable evening with restaurants, light shopping, and sightseeing. Downtown hotels are generally 15–20 minutes from the airport without heavy traffic, which can work if your flight is mid-morning or later, but you would need to account for early morning traffic and allow extra time for airport check-in.

Airport area hotels: Convenient for early flights, shuttle service available, minimal stress in the morning.
Downtown Phoenix hotels: Offers more evening activities and dining options, about 15–20 minutes to the airport under normal traffic, but plan extra time if flying very early.

For domestic flights, airlines generally recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before departure. For early morning flights, you might still want to aim for 90–120 minutes to accommodate security lines and check-in. Google Maps is usually accurate for estimating drive times, but add an extra 10–15 minutes buffer for early morning variables, like airport traffic and security delays.

Regarding public transport, Phoenix has Valley Metro buses and light rail, but these are limited for early morning flights. Most families find it easier to either take an airport hotel shuttle, use a rideshare service, or drive and park at the airport. If you want to drop off a rental car, many airport hotels allow you to return your rental there, or you can return it directly at Sky Harbor’s rental car facility, which is connected to the terminals via a short shuttle ride.

Airport shuttles are convenient and often included in hotel rates.
Rideshare or taxi from downtown hotels is a viable option, especially if you have luggage.
Returning a rental car at the airport is usually simpler than coordinating public transport from downtown early in the morning.

In summary, for an early flight, staying near the airport reduces stress and is logistically easier. Downtown Phoenix is better if you want to enjoy a nice evening before your flight, but plan for extra time in the morning. Allow at least 90 minutes for domestic check-in, and consider shuttle or rideshare for easy airport access.