More than 60 potential future aviation industry leaders visited Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on April 23 for the airport’s Take Our Children to Work Day program. Parents and guardians from some of the more than 500 organizations that operate at PHL brought their 8–12-year-olds for a special behind-the-scenes tour to learn what it takes to keep the airport moving 24/7.

“This is an amazing day for the children, who get to experience where their parents and guardians work, and for our partners and volunteers, who may be inspiring the next generation of PHL staff members,” said PHL Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas. “Thank you to everyone who makes this incredible event possible.”

The morning started at International Arrivals Hall, where the children grabbed their special “passports” and headed to a TSA checkpoint to meet officers who demonstrated how they identify items that cannot be taken through airport security and the important role the K-9 team plays in keeping travelers safe; met with PHL Assistant Director for Air Service Development and Cargo Services Nicole Maddox to learn about the hundreds of destinations around the world they can fly to from Philadelphia; got a bird’s eye view of the airfield from the Ramp Tower; boarded and explored an American Airlines Dreamliner; and stopped at Customs to have their "passports" stamped by CBP officers. Along the way, the children met PHL Wagging Tails Brigade member Gladys and made buttons and participated in an art demonstration with Philadelphia cartoonist Meghan Turbitt.