Sky Harbor Navigators reach milestone year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is marking 25 years of its Navigator program, a team of volunteers who guide and assist the more than 130,000 passengers who move through the terminals each day.

Navigators provide directions, answer questions and offer the human help many travelers rely on, especially during peak travel seasons.

Matt Metz, who has been a Sky Harbor Navigator for 13 years, joins “Arizona Horizon” to talk about the program’s impact and what keeps him coming back.

“On a day to day basis, everybody’s issue is their own problem and if we can be rewarded with a quick solution to them or advice on where they can go and they come in crying and go smiling thats what makes the day for us,” Metz said.

If you’re interested in becoming a navigator, you’ll first undergo six weeks of training. Afterward, navigators are expected to serve one four-hour shift every week.

The navigators are very supported by the airport and according to Metz there is a volunteer week where they change all the signs to purple. “We constantly have people coming up to us thanking us for what we do. And its a very rewarding experience. If people are looking for positive feedback, they will find it as a navigator.

And for those traveling this holiday season, Metz’s big tip is “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”