Sky Harbor is easily one of the easiest airports to get in and out of.
Their terminals have always had decent food, but now theyve added a lot of smaller versions of local valley restaurants which is cool. They also offer free wifi.
The main concourse is always clean and easy to move thru. Ive flown out of here several times when it was super busy and everytime the security line as been neat and relatively fast moving. Every airport employee Ive encountered has been nice/cordial and helpful.
As far as picking people up/dropping them off: im convinnced that you cant beat this place. There is always open parking in their multiple garages, and its relatively cheap. All their signs to terminals are easy to follow, and each one is set far enough apart that you dont get caught in exiting traffic. There are plenty of taxis readily avaiable just outside of the north entry to baggage claim, and theyre pretty efficient as well.
I would say the only drawback is that the rental car building is pretty far, but thats what shuttles are for, right?