I've lived in Phoenix for the last 10 years, thus I have flown in & out of Sky Harbor multiple times or picked up friends and family. Sky Harbor is a major hub and is always busy! I think this is a much older airport than most carpeting and fixtures are outdated. However, I'm sure with the completing of the new tram shuttle line the airport will be given a make over at least this is my hope.
The high points are You can reach most departure gates going through baggage claim of the arrivals side. there are 2 cell phone lots on either wing of the airport for waiting. Lastly if you're in a hurry you can maneuver through traffic by routing through the airport reaching the 51,202, 10, & 143 depending on which direction your headed to or coming from.