Every day, the more than 50 members of Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Volunteer Navigators Team go above and beyond for PHL’s passengers and staff, helping with food and shopping recommendations and assisting with travel and guest experience questions or concerns. PHL’s volunteers show dedication and commitment to making Philadelphia a welcoming and better place for visitors from around the world.  

The Department of Aviation’s Guest Experience Department leads the PHL Volunteer Navigator Program, which is managed by Travelers Aid International. During National Volunteer Week — April 21-27 — the airport expressed its appreciation for the volunteers.  

“There is nothing I can do to express the amount of gratitude and thankfulness I have for each of our volunteers. Every single volunteer is constantly finding ways to create positive interactions with our guests, and I can guarantee when someone steps foot in PHL their day will get better the moment they speak to one of our volunteers. They are the reason I am so excited to come to work each day. Each volunteer brings a different personality and perspective to the table, and they make my work meaningful,” says Morgan McBrearty Travelers Aid Program Manager.

So, what makes an outstanding PHL Volunteer Navigator?  

It is important for PHL volunteers to be eager to learn and ready to help. The airport is a unique place, equipped with volunteers who are understanding of their environment.  A great PHL volunteer is empathetic, friendly, accessible, and respectful. Having knowledge of Philadelphia and the surrounding area is also helpful. As Philadelphia hosts major events such as the recent WrestleMania, the Volunteer Navigators are very important to the airport and all travelers. The program is set up to make anyone who is interested in volunteering a successful one.

“Volunteers are the secret ingredient to excellent guest experience. They aren’t here for a paycheck; they are here to help with no strings attached,” says McBrearty.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a PHL Volunteer Navigator, fill out the Google application, PHL VOLUNTEER APPLICATION OF INTEREST, or email [email protected].