Sky Harbor Launches Free Early Bag Check Service | The Locally Times

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport introduced a new passenger service on February 11, 2026, but the financial terms of its operation by a private company remain undisclosed.

Bags, a Metropolis company, operates the new service. The service allows domestic passengers flying with Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United airlines to check up to two bags and print boarding passes. Early Bag Check counters operate daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking. Passengers must check bags at least 90 minutes and no more than four hours before their scheduled departure. While the service itself is free, standard airline baggage fees still apply, the press release states. ## Undisclosed Financial Details The airport's press release does not specify the financial arrangement between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bags, a Metropolis company, for operating this service. The airport's stated funding model relies on airport revenue, not tax dollars. However, the press release does not detail how the "free" service aligns with this model or the procurement process used to select Bags, a Metropolis company. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has not publicly released information regarding the contract's terms or how the service is funded without direct cost to passengers or tax dollars.