Everything you need to know about traveling to PHL and getting around the airport.
In this guide:
- Getting to Philadelphia Airport
- Arriving at the airport
- Philadelphia Airport Check-In
- PHL Airport Security
- Boarding & Connecting Flights at PHL
- PHL Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
- Philadelphia Airport Shops
- Philadelphia Airport Duty Free
- Philadelphia Airport WiFi
Arriving & Checking In
Getting to Philadelphia Airport
How to get to Philadelphia Airport depends on your upcoming trip. Factors such as the size of your group, how much luggage you have, how long you’re traveling for, the costs of each option, and more, all play a part in your final decision.
Getting to Philadelphia Airport is easy by a number of different methods. Driving is a common choice for many travelers, but you can also make use of local bus links, rail lines, and airport shuttles from local hotels and parking lots.
You can get directions to Philadelphia Airport by entering the destination into your satnav. Follow the route given to reach the airport on time. Offsite Philadelphia Airport parking from Airport Parking Reservations is a great way to keep costs down, and you can use a shuttle transfer to get to and from the airport.
Arriving at the airport
How early to get to Philadelphia Airport is determined by the airline you’re flying with and the time of your flight:
- Passengers for PHL domestic flights should arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
- Travelers on PHL Airport international flights should get to the terminal three hours before take-off.
During busy periods, queues and wait times may be longer than usual. Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to get through to the departure lounge and your flight.
Philadelphia Airport Check-In
Philadelphia Airport check in locations and times vary by airline and the time of your flight. Confirm with your airline for final Philadelphia Airport check in times so you can arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Philadelphia Airport curbside check in may also be available with certain airlines. Your airline will make it clear if this is an option for your trip.
Philadelphia Airport Security Screening
You’ll find PHL security wait times vary with how many flights are departing, and during holiday season. Busier periods mean longer PHL TSA wait times, so plan ahead to make sure you give yourself plenty of leeway to reach your flight.
PHL TSA PreCheck is available at Terminal A-East, Terminal C/D, and Terminal E.
Boarding & Connecting Flights at PHL
You can use the screens to get the latest PHL flight status information, so you know what gate to be at and when your flight is boarding. You can also use an online tracker to stay up-to-date wherever you are in the airport.
Connecting flights in Philadelphia Airport are common, with domestic and international connections well-catered for. Follow the signs to reach your next terminal and flight easily.
Facilities & Services
PHL Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
With a great selection of restaurants at Philadelphia Airport, you can choose from trusted favourites or trying something new.
The fantastic selection available includes sit down restaurants, cafes, and bars, and you can choose from popular options such asDogs on the Fly, Mezzogiorno, Bar Symon, Noobar, among many others.
Philadelphia Airport restaurants are available in every terminal, with eateries before and after security.
Philadelphia Airport Shops
There’s a huge range of Philadelphia Airport stores across every terminal, with choice before and after security.
Philadelphia Airport shops present a perfect opportunity for shopping before your flight, whether you need to pick up a forgotten travel essential or you’re looking for something new. Stores include Heritage Books, Brooks Brothers, Tech Showcase, Beauty On The Fly, and many more.
Philadelphia Airport Duty Free
Philadelphia Airport duty free can be found in Terminal A-East, Terminal A-West, and Terminal D once you’ve cleared security.
Philadelphia Airport duty free stores include The Everything Travel Store and Duty Free by 3Sixty.
Philadelphia Airport WiFi
Philadelphia Airport WiFi is free and unlimited for passengers in every terminal of the airport, so you can get the latest information on your flight, keep working, and stay in touch with friends and family.
Looking for things to do near Philadelphia Airport? Well, you’re in luck! Our blog offers some inspiration if you need to keep busy during long waits and layovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Philadelphia Airport have TSA precheck?
TSA PreCheck is available at certain terminals in Philadelphia Airport. Terminal A-East, Terminal C/D, and Terminal E all offer PreCheck to reduce waiting times are security checkpoints.
Does Philadelphia Airport have curbside check in?
Curbside check in may be available at Philadelphia Airport, but this depends on the airline you’ve booked with. Check with them directly to find out what check in options are available for your trip.
Can you walk between terminals at Philadelphia Airport?
The layout of Philadelphia Airport means it is possible to walk between terminals as needed, even after security. Terminal A West to Terminal F is a 45-minute walk, however there are regular shuttles should you need to move quickly.
Does Philadelphia Airport have free WiFi?
All passengers in Philadelphia Airport have access to free and unlimited WiFi in every terminal, so you can stay connected while waiting for your flight.
What restaurants are in Philadelphia Airport?
Philadelphia Airport has a range of places to eat before and after security in every terminal. The choice of cuisine, food styles, and eateries means there’s something for everyone, such as Chickie’s & Pete’s, Vino Volo, Smashburger, and more.
Is there a smoking area in Philadelphia Airport?
Designated smoking areas are located outside of the terminals. These are well sign-posted from the entrance or each terminal. There are no smoking areas inside the terminals or past security.
What time do stores open in Philadelphia Airport?
The stores in Philadelphia Airport open and close at various times depending on terminal and brand. As the airport is open 24-hours a day, you can expect some facilities to be open at all times while others will close during quieter hours.
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