PHX Water Refill Stations Added

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has significantly expanded its water bottle refill station network throughout Terminal 4, the airport’s largest and busiest terminal. These hydration stations represent a major commitment to traveler convenience and environmental sustainability in one of America’s hottest cities.

Water Refill Station Locations at PHX

Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor now features 12 water bottle refill stations strategically positioned throughout the concourses. Here’s where you can find them:

Terminal 4 North Concourse: Refill stations are located near gates N1-N8, with additional stations positioned outside the main restroom areas. Look for the distinctive blue-and-white hydration station signage near the food court adjacent to gate N5.

Terminal 4 South Concourse: Multiple stations serve the S gates, including one near the popular La Grande Orange restaurant and another positioned between gates S3 and S7. The South Concourse installations prioritize high-traffic areas where passengers wait for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines departures.

Pre-Security Areas: The main terminal lobby features two refill stations near the TSA checkpoint entrances, allowing travelers to fill up before or after clearing security.

Benefits of Airport Hydration Stations

The expansion of water refill infrastructure at PHX addresses several critical traveler needs:

Environmental Impact: Each refill station tracks bottle usage, and PHX estimates these 12 stations will eliminate over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles annually. The filtered water dispensers encourage travelers to bring reusable bottles, reducing plastic waste that often ends up in landfills.

Health Benefits: Air travel is notoriously dehydrating. The combination of low cabin humidity (typically 10-20%) and recycled air means passengers lose moisture rapidly. Staying hydrated before, during, and after flights helps reduce jet lag symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. Phoenix’s desert climate makes this especially important, as outdoor temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months.

Cost Savings: Airport bottled water typically costs $4-6 per bottle. A reusable bottle and free refill stations can save frequent travelers hundreds of dollars annually while ensuring access to clean, filtered water.

Tips for Staying Hydrated During Travel

Maximizing your hydration while traveling through PHX requires some planning:

Bring an Empty Bottle: TSA regulations prohibit liquids over 3.4 ounces through security checkpoints. However, empty water bottles are completely permitted. Pack a collapsible or regular reusable bottle in your carry-on, then fill it immediately after clearing security.

Hydrate Before Your Flight: Drink at least 8-16 ounces of water while waiting at your gate. The PHX refill stations provide chilled, filtered water that tastes significantly better than typical fountain water.

Continue In-Flight: Request water from flight attendants regularly, or bring your filled bottle on board. Aim for approximately 8 ounces per hour of flight time to counteract cabin dehydration.

Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: Both act as diuretics, increasing fluid loss. If you enjoy coffee or alcoholic beverages while traveling, match each serving with an equal amount of water.

TSA Rules on Water Bottles

Understanding TSA regulations helps you navigate security efficiently:

• Empty water bottles of any size are permitted through security
• Frozen water bottles are allowed, provided they are completely frozen solid at the checkpoint
• Bottles with any liquid over 3.4 ounces will be confiscated or require you to dispose of the liquid
• Some airports offer water bottle filling stations before security, but PHX’s main stations are post-security

Other Airports with Excellent Hydration Options

PHX joins a growing list of airports prioritizing water access:

San Francisco International (SFO): A pioneer in airport sustainability, SFO banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in 2019 and installed over 100 refill stations throughout its terminals.

Denver International (DEN): Features Elkay bottle filling stations throughout all concourses, with the distinctive counters showing environmental impact statistics.

Seattle-Tacoma (SEA): Installed filtered water stations in all concourses, with particularly convenient locations near the A and B gates.

Los Angeles International (LAX): The Tom Bradley International Terminal features multiple hydration stations as part of its recent modernization.

Looking Forward

Phoenix Sky Harbor’s water refill station expansion reflects a broader airport industry trend toward sustainability and passenger wellness. Terminal 3, which serves several domestic carriers, is scheduled to receive similar installations in the coming months. The airport authority has indicated plans to eventually eliminate single-use plastic water bottle sales entirely, following San Francisco’s pioneering model.

For travelers passing through PHX, these hydration stations represent a simple but meaningful improvement to the airport experience. Whether you’re connecting to another flight or beginning your Phoenix adventure, take advantage of these free, filtered water stations to stay healthy and hydrated throughout your journey.