The airport experience has changed significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, so take a moment to learn what to expect when you're traveling through Philadelphia International Airport.
Face coverings are now required by PHL and its airline partners.
The TSA screening process is modified to protect passengers.
Keep possession of your boarding pass
Separate food for X-ray screening
Larger hand sanitizer bottles
Physical distance in lines
Arrive early! There may be less people in the airport, but physical distancing requirements do slow down some processes. The original rule of thumb recommending two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international, still applies.
Check out what's open at PHL. Each terminal offers food and travel essentials, so make sure you know which terminal you're traveling through so you know what your options are.
Try out the Grab app. Grab is a contactless food ordering platform that helps guests fly past the line and order food without ever pulling out a credit card.
Protecting Passengers
The safety of employees and passengers is PHL’s priority. PHL and its partners use a common response plan that outlines preventing the transmission and spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the United States and across state lines. Airport representatives are working closely with the CDC, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management and state officials to monitor the status of COVID-19 in our region and support a coordinated response. The PHL COVID-19 Recovery Playbook provides an overview into the changes PHL and its airport partners have implemented to prevent the transmission and spread of COVID-19 in passenger-facing locations throughout the airport.
Additionally, PHL has stepped up its cleaning and disinfecting procedures to include the use of Envirox Critical Care, a highly potent disinfectant formulated for critical disease transfer points. The chemical is known for its low toxicity and 24-hour residual bacterial killing abilities. We are using this chemical on handrails for steps, escalators and moving sidewalks, as well as elevators, handles, buttons, floors and restrooms.
PHL uses electrostatic technology called the Clorox Total 360 System to disinfect surfaces in less time and more comprehensively than traditional cleaning methods.
In order to reduce the number of passengers touching common areas, we have proactively installed motion sensor activated technology throughout public areas, including doors, faucets, soap dispensers, flush valves, paper towel dispensers and doors. Each terminal is stocked with hand sanitizer dispensers, and most of our 50 water bottle filling stations are hands free.
Airport Parking
Beginning on June 1, 2020, paid parking via our garages has resumed. Please see our current rates, including a daily parking discount for passengers who are parked in a garage for 72 or more hours. If you are a PHL team member, please check with your manager for the most up-to-date employee parking information and policies. The economy lot is closed.
Shops & Dining
The more than 160 PHL Food & Shops will right-size their terminal offerings to accommodate adjusted passenger volume levels. Throughout each section of the airport, food, drinks and travel essentials will continue to be available. Visit PHL.org/Open to see the latest store openings.
Amenities
PHL's Liberty USO Airport Center has re-opened to serve active members of the military. For details about the USO's health and safety updates, click here.
Health Screenings for Travelers
Health screenings for international travelers are initiated in PHL's Terminal A-West International Arrivals. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will initiate the screening process by visually inspecting arriving travelers, looking for visible signs of illness including appearing unwell, coughing or difficulty breathing. All international passengers from countries affected by COVID-19 will also receive a printed guide.
Some PHL airline partners are temperature screening passengers. Check with your airline for more information.
