Welcome
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is keenly interested in serving the needs of all our travelers and we hope your travel experience through the Airport is an enjoyable one. We offer this information to familiarize you with the Airport’s services and facilities that are available to travelers with disabilities.

Many services such as skycaps, sighted guides, or electric carts and wheelchairs are provided by the airlines. The Airport does not provide these services. If assistance is necessary, advance notice may be given to the appropriate airline. This can be done by contacting your airline directly or by contacting your travel agent.

Security Checkpoints
The TSA has specially designated lanes at security checkpoints for persons with disabilities. To help expedite your passage through the security checkpoint and for information on what items are prohibited onboard the aircraft, log onto the TSA website at www.TSA.gov or call 866-289-9673. Email: tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov.

Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. The hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel.

Airport Autism Access Program
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has collaborated with autism specialists, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA), The Gray Center, and participating airlines at PHL to develop the Airport Autism Access Program. This Program provides opportunities for children with autism and their families to become familiar with traveling through PHL, and includes Social StoriesT by Carol Gray and a simulated airport experience. For more information about this Program, please contact accessibility@phl.org .

Pet Ports

Seven specially designed animal relief areas are located on the Departures Road and outside the bag claim buildings. The Pet Ports were created to provide appropriate facilities for service animals traveling with passengers as well as pets and Airport security canines.
The Pet Port areas vary in size from 250 to 600 square feet. A four-foot high fence with a latching gate contains the areas. The interior has a 4-inch deep mulch surface, a bench, faux fire hydrant, biodegradable pet waste bag dispenser with receptacle, and a concrete dog paw print. Some areas contain landscaped beds along the exterior perimeter of the fence and a concrete sidewalk to exit the area. The facilities have been designed to accommodate animals and ensure that the Airport grounds are properly maintained.
The Pet Port areas are located:

On the Departures Road

• Between Terminals A-West and A-East;
• Between Terminal B/C ticketing and the Airport Communications Center;
• After Terminal E;
• After Terminal F. 

• Adjacent to Terminal A-East bag claim along the Arrivals Roadway;
• Terminal B bag claim along the Commercial Vehicle Roadway;
• Terminal E bag claim along the Commercial Vehicle Roadway.

Mobility Assistance Throughout the Airport

Individual airlines provide wheelchair service; US Airways provides electric cart as well as wheelchair service to its passengers. When making an airline reservation, advise your airline that this service will be needed at the Airport. It is advisable to confirm this request prior to your departure day. Airline personnel at the Airport will facilitate this service.

The airlines are required, under the Air Carrier Access Act, to provide wheelchair assistance upon request. If wheelchair assistance is not provided, then the passenger may request to speak with the airline’s Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). Each airline must have at least one CRO available at each airport during times of scheduled carrier operations. The CRO can be available by telephone.
Complaints dealing with wheelchair availability or those alleging discriminatory treatment by air carrier personnel can be directed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division, which can be contacted as follows. (Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 am through 5:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time).

Voice: 800-778-4838
TDD/TTY: 1-800-455-9880
E-mail: airconsumer@ost.dot.gov
Regular Mail:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75)
U.S. Department of Transportation
W96-432 (West Building)
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590

Elevators are available between the lower and upper levels, in the bag claim areas and all parking garages. Elevators with Braille signage and raised numbers are in each of the terminals and parking garages.

Moving walkways are available in 10 locations: on the link between Terminal A-East and Terminal A-West, on the connector bridge between the Terminal A-West bag re-check area and Terminal A-East, on the 3rd floor walkway in Terminal A-West, on the link between Terminals A-East and B, between Terminals B and C behind the row of shops, on the link between Terminals C and D and along the pedestrian bridges on the way to bag claim in Terminals B, C, D and E.

Restrooms accessible to individuals with disabilities are located throughout the Airport terminal facility in approximately 47 separate locations. These facilities are indicated by the International Symbol of Accessibility. Companion Care Restrooms are situated adjacent to the men's and women's restrooms in more than 40 of these 47 locations.

All pay telephones are hearing aid compatible and have volume controls. Currently, there are approximately 30 public payphones attached with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY) located throughout the Airport in Terminals A-West through F. Signs are located at every bank of public payphones advising of the location of the nearest TDD/TTY; the location of the nearest TDD/TTY phone is also located on the visual paging monitors throughout the Airport. Wheelchair accessible telephones are located throughout the terminals. All pay telephones and TDD/TTYs in the Airport can access the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711.” This service permits persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a TDD/TTY or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities.

Video Phones

The Airport has two video phones: Across from Gate C-16 and in the Terminal F hub area. These units provide Video Relay Service (VRS) and Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). VRS uses a video interpreter to help people who have hearing and speech impairments communicate with anyone anywhere. TRS provides a similar service but utilizes a text/typing interpreter to communicate instead of video. The VRS and TRS services are free for domestic calls; international calls may be made using a calling card.

Pay Email Internet Access Units are available throughout the terminals. These units provide computer and Internet access as well as domestic and international calling. They also provide access to free Video Relay Service (VRS) and Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) to persons with hearing/speech disabilities.

Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs.

New state-of-the-art Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs, have been installed in 17 locations throughout the Airport. These “talking ATM’s” are all equipped with earphone jacks for audio access. Braille identifiers are also provided in many different areas of the machines. For your convenience, directions are provided in multiple languages. Additional ATMs are scheduled for installation in new locations throughout the Airport.

Visual Paging

The Airport has installed 140 new, large, easy-to-read LCD monitors throughout the terminals that visually convey information broadcast over the public address system. Like audio announcements, visual messages can be presented in several languages. The monitors also direct persons to the nearest TDD/TTY phone to obtain messages. The Airport has approximately 30 TDD/TTY phones that can contact the Airport Communications Center at no cost. Callers wishing to page someone in the Airport can call (215) 937-6937 (TDD/TTY: 215-937-6755), or 6937 from a white courtesy phone inside the Airport.

Parking & Ground Transportation

Dropping off and picking up passengers at the Airport is facilitated by the existence of designated areas in front of each terminal on both the Departures Flights road and outside each bag claim in the passenger pick-up area on the Arrivals Flights road. The Short-Term parking lots on the ground level across from bag claim areas contain Handicapped Parking spaces; these areas are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility and are on accessible routes equipped with curb ramps to facilitate entering the terminal.

Vehicles such as wheelchair-lift equipped vans that are unable to enter garages due to height restrictions can park in the Short-Term Parking spaces on the ground level across from the bag claim areas. These oversized vehicles that have Handicapped license plates or a placard can park in the Short-Term spaces at the Garage rate.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority operates Short-Term, Garage and Economy parking facilities at the Airport. Handicapped parking spaces are located close to the elevators in the garages, bus stops in the Economy Parking lot and bag claims in Short-Term (ground level of the garages) lots. Some helpful tips for deciding which parking option to use are as follows:

• Short-Term (ground level of the garages) parking is recommended for brief visits of up to 1 hour.
• Garage parking is less expensive that Short-Term parking for visits of more than 3 and 1/2 hours.
• Economy Parking Lot - The Airport operates a free shuttle bus that is wheelchair accessible and has "kneeling" capability.

For more information on the Airport's parking facilities, contact the Philadelphia Parking Authority at 215-683-9842; TDD/TTY, 215-683-9825; Fax, 215-683-9828; or visit www.philapark.org. Your comments and suggestions can also be sent to airport@philapark.org. The mailing address is: One Main Toll Plaza, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA 19153.

Travelers who will need ground transportation in wheelchair accessible vehicles from the Airport should make arrangements in advance of their arrival. The Airport’s website, www.phl.org, has a list of these providers.

Additional information is available by calling the Ground Transportation hotline at 215-937-6958 or visiting a ground transportation counter in the bag claim areas (Terminal F passengers can access ground transportation and information in Terminal E bag claim).

• Find out which terminal your party will be arriving at before you come to the Airport. Up-to-date flight information can be obtained by dialing 1-800-PHL-GATE (1-800-745-4283), or by checking flight information at www.phl.org to learn the anticipated departure or arrival time and the terminal gate. Passengers can be picked up outside the bag claim on the Arrivals Road at the terminal where the flight arrived. Terminal F passengers can be picked up on the Arrivals Road at Terminal E bag claim. US Airways passengers who have checked bags and are arriving on domestic flights at Terminal A-West/A-East can be met at B/C bag claim.
• Economy Parking is an ideal selection for lengthy visits. Parking in these areas requires use of free shuttle buses, all of which are wheelchair accessible and have “kneeling” capability. These buses are available 24 hours a day and circulate between the Economy Lot and the terminals every 10 minutes. The Airport provides a free Cell Phone Waiting Lot on Airport less than one minute from the baggage claim areas. To reach the lot from I-95 North or South or Route 291, follow the signs to Philadelphia International Airport. Take the Arriving Flights roadway into the Airport and follow the signs for the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.

SEPTA’s Airport Rail Line can be accessed off the pedestrian walkway between the main terminal and the bag claim area in Terminals A-East, B, C, D, E. Elevators are located on the SEPTA platforms and pedestrian bridges. The train platforms are equipped with bridge plates to assist people who use wheelchairs in crossing the gap between the train and the platform. Yellow safety stripes are at the edges of all platforms.

The SEPTA Airport Line runs every 30 minutes between the Airport and Center City. Trains operate from Center City to the Airport between 4:25 AM and 11:25 PM, and from the Airport to Center City from 5:09 AM to 12:09 AM. The Airport Line stops at Terminals A-East, B, C-D, and E. Fare is $7.00 one way and tickets can be purchased on board the train; tickets may be purchased at off-Airport SEPTA ticket counters for a lesser rate. Connections can be made for an additional fee to other regional rail lines at 30th Street, Suburban Station and Market East stations. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit connections can be made at 30th Street Station. Connections to the Market Frankford El can be made at 30th Street, Suburban and Market East Stations. Connections to the Broad Street Subway can be made at Suburban Station.

The SEPTA Route 37 bus provides service from the Airport to South Philadelphia, and the Route 108 bus provides service from the Airport to the 69th Street Terminal. Buses on both routes are accessible. Bus fare costs $2.00, transfers are $1.00.

For more information on schedules and fares, contact SEPTA at 215-580-7800 (TDD/TTY, 215-580-7853), or visit www.septa.org.

SEPTA’s Customized Community Transport (CCT Connect) service picks up registered passengers, seniors and individuals with disabilities at Zone 1 located outside of each bag claim area. To schedule a pick-up, registered users may call 215-580-7700 (TDD/TTY 215-580-7712), or log onto www.septa.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I go about getting wheelchairs or electric cart service?
A. Individual airlines provide wheelchair service; US Airways provides electric cart as well as wheelchair service to its passengers. When making an airline reservation, advise your airline that this service will be needed at the Airport. It is advisable to confirm this request prior to your departure day. Airline personnel at the Airport will facilitate this service.

Q. Does the Airport have bus service that’s equipped for wheelchairs?
A. Yes. An Airport shuttle bus provides service to and from the Economy Parking Lot and between the various terminals and is fully equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. The buses are operated by First Transit, which can be contacted at 215-365-3477. Any problems regarding the shuttle bus should be reported to the Airport Communications Center at 215-937-6937 (TDD/TTY, 215-937-6755). Comments can be e-mailed to: comments@phl.org.

Q. What is the recommended procedure for dropping off passengers with disabilities?
A. Designated temporary loading and unloading spaces are located on the Departures Road in front of each terminal. These areas are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility and are on accessible routes equipped with curb ramps to facilitate entering the terminal. These spaces are designated areas only for dropping off or picking up passengers and vehicles may never be left unattended in front of the terminal building due to safety and security regulations, or they will be ticketed and towed.

Q. Can I rent a car with hand controls?
A. Yes. Most rental car agencies require at least 72 hours notice for vehicles with hand controls. You should contact the car rental company directly.

Q. What is the recommended procedure for picking up passengers with disabilities?
A. Those picking up passengers with disabilities are encouraged to park in the garages and meet passengers in bag claim areas or just before the security checkpoints. Designated spaces for picking up passengers with disabilities are located on the Arrivals Road and are marked “Reserved Loading.” Elevators, which are located in all bag claim areas, can be used to access the garages. If assistance is needed with transporting luggage, skycap service is available in all bag claim areas.

Q. Does the Airport have moving walkways?
A. Yes. Moving walkways are available in 10 locations: On the link between Terminal A-East and Terminal A-West, on the connector bridge between the Terminal A-West bag re-check area and Terminal A-East, on the 3rd floor walkway in Terminal A-West, on the link between Terminals A-East and B, between Terminals B and C behind the row of shops, on the link between Terminals C and D and along the pedestrian bridges on the way to bag claim in Terminals B, C, D and E.

Q. Can I get prescriptions filled in the Airport?
A. The Airport does not have a pharmacy. CNBC News, Hudson News, and Stellar News sell a variety of non-prescription medications.

Q. Does the Airport offer a facility where one can lie down and take a nap before boarding their flight?
A. Minute Suites, located on the Terminal A/B walkway post-security, offers private suites for an hourly fee that include a sofa, a workstation and TV.

Q. Are there public transportation services at the Airport accessible to persons with disabilities?
A. Yes. The SEPTA Airport Rail Line platforms are accessible from the pedestrian walkway between the terminal and the bag claim areas. The Airport Rail Line, which provides service between the Airport and Center City, has stations accessible to persons with disabilities at Terminals A-East, B, C-D, and E at the Airport and Eastwick, University City, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Market East. The SEPTA Airport Line runs every 30 minutes between the Airport and Center City. Trains operate from Center City to the Airport between 4:25 AM and 11:25 PM, and from the Airport to Center City from 5:09 AM to 12:09 AM. The Airport Rail Line stops at Terminals A-East, B, C-D, and E, Eastwick, University City, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Market East. Connections can be made to other regional rail lines for an additional fee at 30th Street, Suburban and Market East. Cash only is accepted for fares boarding at the Airport. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit connections can be made at 30th Street Station. Connections to the Market Frankford El can be made at 30th Street, Suburban and Market East Stations. Connections to the Broad Street Subway can be made at Suburban Station.

SEPTA bus service is provided by the Routes 37 (to/from South Philadelphia), 108 (to/from 69th Street Terminal) and 115 (to/from Suburban Square in Ardmore) buses, which are accessible. Bus fare costs $2.00, transfers are $1.00. For more information, contact SEPTA at 215-580-7800 (TDD/TTY, 215-580-7853), or visit www.septa.org.

In addition, SEPTA’s CCT Connect service picks up passengers at Zone 1 located outside of each bag claim area. To schedule a pick-up, call 215-580-7700 (TDD/TTY, 215-580-7712).

Philadelphia International Airport
Terminal D-E, Third Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19153
1-800-PHL-GATE (1-800-745-4283)
TDD/TTY: (215) 937-6755
www.phl.org

Complaints and Comments

Complaints and comments about this information and/or about ADA/Accessibility services and facilities at Philadelphia International Airport may be directed to the following:

Richard T. Dempsey
ADA Coordinator
215-937-5513 (Telephone)
215-863-3844 (Fax)
215-863-3969 (TDD/TTY)
accessibility@phl.org

ADA Grievance Form >>