Curbside Check-In At Tucson Airport: What's The Deal?

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is located at 7250 S. Tucson Blvd. in Arizona. The airport is operational 24/7, but individual services such as airlines, TSA security checkpoints, food and beverage concessions, retail stores, and rental car companies set their own hours. TSA security checkpoints usually open by 4 a.m. and close with the last flight departure of the night. While the airport offers various amenities and services, this article will specifically focus on the availability of curbside check-in.

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

TUS offers a range of services and facilities to ensure a smooth and accessible experience for its passengers. The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, free water-filling stations near water fountains on Concourses A and B, and visual paging display monitors at designated locations. It also has TDD telephones for the hearing-impaired in the Lost and Found Office and the airport's communications center. Additionally, TUS offers a Military Lounge near Baggage Carousel 4, which is open 24/7 for active-duty military personnel.

TUS also provides accessible parking options, with reserved spaces available in all parking lots for those with official disability designations. The airport offers a shuttle service with wheelchair accessibility from the Corona Road and S. Tucson Blvd. long-term parking area. Rental car counters and vehicles are located directly east of the terminal in the Rental Car Building, accessible via a moving sidewalk.

TUS is a non-cash airport, meaning it does not accept cash or checks. However, for airlines that do not accept cash payments, the airport offers cash-to-credit card kiosks for added convenience. Baggage scales are provided near airline check-in counters, allowing passengers to weigh their luggage before check-in.

Curbside check-in is available at TUS through American Airlines. This service allows passengers to check in for their flight, obtain seat assignments and boarding passes, and check their bags at the curb. However, security regulations at TUS restrict curbside parking to loading and unloading only. For drop-offs and pick-ups, designated parking areas such as the Hourly Lot, Parking Garage, or the Cell Phone Waiting Lot should be utilized.

Curbside check-in with American Airlines

American Airlines offers a convenient way to check in for your flight, get your seat assignment and boarding pass, and check your bags at the curb. This service is available at many airports, including Tucson International Airport (TUS).

Tucson International Airport is located at 7250 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85706. The airport is operational 24/7, but individual airlines and services set their own hours. Airlines typically open their check-in counters 2 to 2.5 hours before their first scheduled departure and close them after their final departure of the day. TSA security checkpoints usually open by 4 a.m. and close with the last flight departure.

In addition to curbside check-in, American Airlines offers several other convenient check-in options, including online and mobile check-in. With online check-in, you can check in for your domestic flight starting 24 hours up to 45 minutes before departure. This option allows you to choose your seat and print your boarding pass from the comfort of your home or device.

American Airlines is committed to providing a seamless and efficient travel experience for its customers. By offering various check-in options, including curbside check-in at Tucson International Airport, the airline ensures that passengers can choose the most convenient and time-saving method that suits their needs.

TSA security checkpoints

The TSA security checkpoints at Tucson International Airport usually open by 4 a.m. and close with the last flight departure of the night. The airport is operational 24/7, but the TSA sets its own hours.

Tucson International Airport has implemented several protective measures for the safety of passengers and employees, including mandatory face masks, which were withdrawn on April 18, 2022, making masks optional for customers and employees. Passengers must now place their IDs or boarding passes directly on the electronic reader instead of handing them to an officer.

The TSA PreCheck program allows pre-qualified passengers to go through the screening process without removing their shoes, belts, or taking laptops out of their carry-on bags. To qualify for PreCheck, passengers must be enrolled in one of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler programs. This service is available at the checkpoints for the A and B gates but not the C gates.

Passengers with wheelchairs or strollers, as well as their travelling companions and service animals, can receive assistance through the TSA checkpoints. Passengers needing wheelchair assistance should request it when making their airline reservations. Drivers dropping off passengers are not permitted to leave their vehicles unattended at the curb.

For items left at a checkpoint or something missing from checked luggage, contact the TSA at (520) 799-9302.

Airport services and amenities

Tucson International Airport offers a range of services and amenities to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for travellers passing through.

For those arriving at the airport by car, there is a convenient curbside check-in option available through American Airlines. This service allows passengers to check in for their flight, obtain seat assignments and boarding passes, and check their bags without having to enter the terminal. A small convenience fee is charged per bag, in addition to any checked bag charges.

Once inside the terminal, passengers will find a variety of amenities to assist them. Free water-filling stations can be found near water fountains on the A and B concourses, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. For nursing mothers, lactation suites are located on both concourses, providing privacy for breastfeeding or pumping. Additionally, baggage scales are positioned near airline check-in counters, enabling passengers to weigh their luggage before check-in.

The airport also provides several specific services. A Global Entry Enrollment Centre is available for travellers interested in participating in Trusted Traveller programs such as Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST. Tucson International Airport caters to military personnel with a dedicated Military Lounge near Baggage Carousel 4, open 24/7. Moreover, the airport offers meeting rooms for rent on the second level of the terminal in the pre-security area.

Tucson International Airport also features designated outdoor smoking areas at the east and west ends of the ticketing and baggage levels of the main terminal. It is important to note that smoking, including vaping and the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside terminal buildings. The airport does not provide ATMs or currency exchange services, and some airlines do not accept cash payments. However, cash-to-credit card kiosks are available for added convenience.

Transportation to and from the airport

Tucson International Airport offers a range of transportation options for passengers travelling to and from the airport. The airport is located just 7 miles from downtown Tucson, providing easy access to the city and its attractions.

Passengers can choose from over 70 car services, limousines, and shuttle services to and from destinations throughout Southern Arizona. Some hotels and resorts also offer transportation services to and from the airport, with some providing this service complimentary for their guests.

Prime Time Shuttle is one such company offering reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation services to and from the airport. They offer a range of options, including a shared ride service, private airport shuttle services, and a luxury car service.

For those seeking a more luxurious arrival or departure, there are limousine services available. Additionally, for those with a larger group, there are 9-passenger vans that can accommodate larger groups of travellers.

It is worth noting that curbside check-in is available at Tucson International Airport through American Airlines. This allows passengers to check in for their flight, get their seat assignment and boarding pass, and check their bags without having to enter the terminal. However, a small convenience fee may apply for this service.

Frequently asked questions