Complete travel information for your September journey
Direct nonstop service from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) is limited and may be seasonal; most itineraries in September include one connection through hubs such as Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP), or Denver (DEN). Expect multiple daily options with one stop offered by major carriers like American, Delta, and United. Check carrier schedules and search for 'Madison to Phoenix flights September' to compare real-time availability.
Total travel time for one-stop itineraries from MSN to PHXA in September commonly ranges from about 4.5 to 7 hours depending on connection length and routing. Nonstop flights (if offered seasonally) reduce that time to roughly 3.5 to 4 hours; always include layover time when estimating total journey time. Use specific flight-time searches to find the fastest Madison to Phoenix flights this September.
Yes — midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and late-September travel windows often offer lower fares as business travel dips and summer demand falls. Booking 3–8 weeks in advance typically yields the best prices for September travel, and flexible date searches can reveal weekday savings. Use price alerts and compare carriers to lock in the cheapest Madison to Phoenix flights.
Madison in September typically sees mild fall weather with average daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s °F (18–23°C) and cooler mornings. Occasional rain and early fall storms can cause delays, so leave extra time for airport security and check-in. Pack a light jacket and monitor forecasts before your trip from Madison to Phoenix.
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) offers short-term and long-term parking, on-site shuttles, rideshare pickup zones, and rental car counters — all convenient for September departures. During college football season and weekends, demand for parking can increase, so reserve long-term parking if available or arrive earlier. Consider pre-booking a car rental or checking shuttle schedules when planning your Madison to Phoenix trip.
For domestic travel from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) within the United States, you must have valid government-issued photo ID (such as a state driver's license or REAL ID-compliant card) for airport security in September and year-round. International documents are not required for domestic routes, but verify ID rules before departure and enable mobile boarding passes to speed through the checkpoint.
The PHXA designation refers to all Phoenix-area airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), and smaller regional fields that service the metro area. For Madison travelers, most commercial flights route into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) depending on the airline and connections. Confirm your arrival airport on your itinerary before planning ground transportation to Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, or central Phoenix.
September in the Phoenix area is warm with average highs ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s °F (29–33°C), and significantly milder evenings compared to July and August. Expect mostly dry conditions with a decreasing chance of monsoon storms as the month progresses, making it a pleasant time to arrive from Madison. Bring sun protection and light clothing, but pack a light layer for air-conditioned venues.
Transportation options include rental cars, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and public transit (Valley Metro buses and the PHX Sky Train at Sky Harbor). From Phoenix Sky Harbor, the Sky Train provides a quick connection to the rental car center and light rail access toward downtown; Mesa and Scottsdale are reachable by direct rideshare or regional buses. Book rental cars early for September, as demand fluctuates with regional events and conventions.
Late-September events such as the Arizona State Fair (typically late September through October) can increase local demand for flights and hotels, especially near downtown Phoenix. Business conferences and seasonal tourist spikes may lead to higher rideshare pricing and limited rental car availability, so plan transfers in advance and compare fares. Monitoring event calendars for Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa helps reduce surprises when arriving in September.
Yes — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway provide ADA-compliant services, wheelchair assistance, modified restrooms, and accessible shuttles. Request assistance from your departing airline at least 48 hours before travel, and confirm arrival arrangements for mobility support. Availability is generally reliable in September but reserve services early to ensure smooth connections.
September hosts several events in both Madison and the Phoenix area that can influence travel schedules and pricing for the MSN→PHXA route. In Madison, college football season (University of Wisconsin Badgers home games) typically begins in September and can raise local demand for flights and hotels. In Phoenix, the Arizona State Fair often starts in late September and runs into October, increasing arrivals to the metro area and raising rideshare and hotel prices near downtown. Additionally, regional conferences and business events in both cities can create short-term spikes in fares and limited rental car availability.
For September travel from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), the best time to fly for low fares is midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) and off-peak hours (late morning or early afternoon). If your priority is a shorter total trip time, book early-morning flights from MSN to catch the earliest connecting departures out of major hubs like ORD or MSP. Avoid weekend return flights during University of Wisconsin home-game weekends in September, as those can raise prices and reduce availability.
Nonstop flights (when available) from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections, making them ideal for shorter itineraries in September. However, direct options may be limited or seasonal and often carry a premium. Connecting flights through ORD, MSP, DEN, or DFW usually offer more schedule flexibility and lower fares; choose connections with at least 60–90 minutes for domestic transfers to reduce stress. For September travel, consider whether the fare savings of a connecting option are worth the longer total travel time.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines commonly provide one-stop service between Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) via their respective hubs (ORD, MSP, DEN, DFW). Southwest may offer competitive fares and flexible change policies but often routes through nearby larger airports or departs from Milwaukee or Chicago for the Phoenix market. Comparison factors for September travel include baggage fees, seat selection, change/cancellation policies, and connecting times. Loyalty program members should weigh mileage earnings and status perks that can speed connections at major hubs.
September travel from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) blends cooler Madison mornings with warm Phoenix afternoons — pack light layers to adapt to desert heat and air-conditioned airports. Plan for possible college-football-related demand in Madison and late-September events in Phoenix that may affect hotel and ground-transport prices. For better value, travel midweek and consider one-stop itineraries if nonstop options are limited or costly. Always check live weather and airline notifications within 48 hours of departure to avoid surprises.
Average total travel time for one-stop itineraries from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in September usually falls between 4.5 and 7 hours depending on connection length. If a seasonal nonstop operates it typically takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Common connecting hubs include Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Denver (DEN). Morning departures from MSN can yield shorter overall trip times and better connection reliability; evening options often have longer layovers but more competitive fares.
To find cheap flights from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in September, prioritize flexible dates, midweek travel, and alternative routing through major hubs (ORD, MSP, DEN). Look for early-bird deals released by carriers in August and early September and compare one-stop itineraries that may significantly reduce price versus limited nonstop options. Use fare alerts, incognito searches to avoid price creep, and check nearby airports such as Milwaukee (MKE) or Chicago (ORD) for additional low-cost options if your schedule allows. For best results, book 3–8 weeks out and consider using airline miles or flash-sale promo codes to cut costs.