Labor Day means the unofficial end to Philadelphia’s historic summer of 2026 is here. Before suitcases are put away for the season, approximately 559,000 passengers are expected to travel through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) between September 3-8 for the holiday—including almost 110,000 anticipated guests on Friday, September 4. 

Summer 2026 was busy at PHL, with guests traveling to Philadelphia for the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250^th birthday celebration, Major League Baseball All-Star Game and more exciting festivals and activities.  While PHL’s final overall passenger numbers for July and August won’t be available for a few weeks, here are some highlights: 

• In June, PHL welcomed more than 3 million passengers, an increase of 8.5 percent over June 2025.
• More than 478,000 of PHL’s June travelers were international, an increase of almost 11 percent from June 2025.

“This has been a historic summer for Philadelphia and for PHL,” said PHL Interim CEO Tracy Borda. “We were proud to welcome millions of travelers to our city for world-class events and celebrations, and our employees delivered an exceptional experience every step of the way. As we head into the busy Labor Day holiday and beyond, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue connecting people to all that Philadelphia has to offer.”

For guests getting in one last getaway before the summer ends, here are some PHL travel tips:

Getting to PHL:

• On-site parking: Passengers can book valet and Economy Lot parking prior to their arrival with Park PHL, PHL’s parking program. (Guests are not required to reserve on-site parking.)
• The Economy Lot fee is $18 per day, and the complimentary Economy Lot shuttle buses operate to/from the terminals 24 hours every day, including holidays.
• Park PHL Valet starts at $60 per day when booked online ($70 if not reserved). First-time users can get a 25 percent discount when using code VAL25.
• PHL’s on-site garages are connected to the terminals via pedestrian bridges. PHL’s garage rate is $32 per day.
• Prior to heading to the airport, guests should also check the local traffic and transit reports to avoid delays en route to PHL.

Flight Check-In and Status Updates:

• Guests should visit their airlines’ websites for questions about check-in, baggage, traveling with pets and flight details.
• Passengers should also download their airlines’ apps or register for text/email updates for the latest flight statuses.

TSA Security Checks:

• Increased passenger volume could mean longer checkpoint wait times. The TSA advises all guests to arrive at the airport two hours before boarding times for domestic flights and three hours before international flights to avoid the risk of missing their planes.
• Guests enrolled in TSA Pre-Check can use dedicated security lanes at the Terminal A-East (from 4:15 am-6:30 pm), Terminal C (from 4:15 am-8 pm) and Terminal D/E (from 3:45 am-8 pm) checkpoints for expedited security checks.
• Passengers can access all PHL terminals through any TSA checkpoint. Updates of average wait times at each terminal checkpoint are posted at phl.org.
• Passengers are also reminded to learn what items can be taken through the checkpoint and what needs to be packed in checked baggage before they get to the airport. Items like firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags. A complete list of what to check and what can be packed in carry-on bags can be found here.
• Details and tips for being prepared for the screening process can be found here and via the free MyTSA app.

Passengers with Accessibility Needs

PHL recently introduced AccessPHL, a new online resource designed to make sure every traveler feels welcomed and supported and can access additional assistance to plan their journeys through the airport. AccessPHL serves as a central hub where travelers can easily find information about the airport's accessibility programs, services, and amenities before they arrive. 

• Passengers in need of wheelchairs or electric carts should make arrangements through their airlines prior to their day of departure.
• PHL offers Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards to raise awareness and increase accessibility for people with non-visible disabilities. This program helps others identify when support may be needed for those with disabilities such as memory loss, anxiety, or other conditions that may not be immediately obvious to other people. Lanyards are available at information counters. Guests can also email their names and addresses to [email protected] two weeks prior to their departure to request lanyards via mail.
• TSA Cares helps passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance better prepare for the security screening process. Information on the program is available on the TSA Cares webpage.

Enjoy a Taste of Philly

Once through security, guests will find more than 150 PHL Food & Shops food and retail concessions in all terminals open and ready to serve them. A list of concessionaires and operating hours can be found here.  

• Passengers can experience more than twenty local favorites via the Founded in Philly program which recently added Insomnia Cookies and Primo Hoagies to its roster.  
• Guests can also enjoy contactless ordering from select PHL Food & Shops merchants through PHLOrderNow.

Clubs

• PHL has several club options for guests, including the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Clubs, the American Express Centurion Lounge, British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, Delta SkyClub and United Club. Membership is required to access airline, the Chase Sapphire Lounge and the American Express Centurion Lounge. Priority Pass holders can access the Chase Sapphire Lounge and Minute Suites.