Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) projects almost 1,092,100 guests will pass through its terminals between December 21 and January 3— approximately 13.8 percent more than last year. If you are planning to fly during the holidays, make your checklist now. And like Santa, check your list twice.
Here’s what guests need to know prior to arriving at PHL:
Getting to PHL: On-site Parking
PHL offers approximately 13,800 on-site parking spots, including 1,850 in the Economy Lot. PHL’s garage rate is $28 per day, while the Economy Lot fee is $15 per day. The complimentary Economy Lot shuttle buses operate to/from the terminals 24 hours every day, including holidays.
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. 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 4:14 am-5 pm), Terminal C and Terminal D/E checkpoints for expedited security checks. Passengers can access all PHL terminals through any TSA checkpoint. If you already have a boarding pass, and have carry-on luggage, using another terminal entrance may be an option.
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.
What’s Open?
Once through security, guests will find more than 140 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. Guests can also enjoy contactless ordering from select PHL Food & Shops merchants through OrderAtPHL.com.
Guests traveling until December 24 will receive free PHL socks with any same day purchase of $75 or more. Also through December 24, guests can have their purchases wrapped free of charge between 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at the gift wrap booth in the B-C Connector.
Clubs
PHL has several club options for guests, including American Airlines Admirals Clubs, the American Express Centurion Lounge, British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, Delta SkyClub and United Club. Membership is required to access airline and the American Express Centurion Lounge. Priority Pass holders can access Be Relax Spa and Minute Suites.
PHL’s New Wingmate Guest Pass
Want to escort a family member to their gate or access the airport to explore? The Wingmate Pass is available for the personal use of non-ticketed airport guests that would like to access PHL’s terminals. The pass permits guests to assist family and friends to their gate, greet loved ones arriving on domestic flights, and discover PHL’s extensive offerings, including more than 140 restaurants, bars and shops, and award-winning arts exhibitions. Guests can apply for the Wingmate Pass here.
Passengers with Accessibility Needs
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.
Arriving Passengers
Guests needing transportation after retrieving their luggage, should note the following:
- Ride App pick-up zones (Zone 7) are located on the South Commercial Road outside of each baggage claim area. Exit through the doors onto the S. Commercial Rd. and continue to follow signs for Ride App/Zone 7.
- Rental car agency shuttles pick-up from Zone 2 on Arrivals Road.
- Information on taxi, hotel and parking courtesy shuttle, limousine and charter bus pick-up can be found here.
- Platforms for SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line and Bus Routes 37, 108 and 115 are also accessible from all baggage claims.
Passengers should not accept rides from drivers outside of the designated pick-up zones, or those that approach them inside the airport or cannot be identified as an authorized rideshare or taxi driver. Certified rideshare and taxi drivers will not enter PHL and approach travelers in need of transportation.
Drivers meeting arriving passengers should take advantage of PHL’s free Cell Phone Waiting Lot, conveniently located one minute from the baggage claim areas or park in the short term parking lots across from the baggage claims.
