Thanksgiving Week 2020 at PHL

Thanksgiving week is shaping up to be the busiest travel week at Philadelphia International Airport since the COVID-19 crisis began. PHL is expecting more than 351,000 passengers to pass through the airport between November 21-29, with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday slated to host more than 40,000 passengers each day. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued an order requiring a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth. Alternately, passengers can quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. PHL supports the Commonwealth's efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but airport staff will not screen passengers for test results or request quarantine attestation upon arrival. 

Most of these bookings are what the travel industry calls “VFR,” or Visiting Friends and Relatives, so the airport team is expecting that a number of passengers will be seeing the airport for the first time this year. 

We’re rounding up the top things you need to know about navigating the airport during Thanksgiving week below. Share these tips with a loved one to help make the busy week smooth and safe for all.  

Security checkpoint at the airport

You should still arrive 2 hours early. Between social distancing protocols and navigating new schedules and amenities, you'll appreciate the extra time to make the most of your visit.

the airport parking garage

Take advantage of discounted parkingThe PHL parking garages offer $16 per day rates on the upper levels for passengers staying 72 hours or longer. Please remember that parking on PHL's roadways is not permitted, and motorists meeting passengers should wait in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, located less than one minute from the Arrivals terminal. 

man wearing face protection while waiting at customs

Remember that TSA protocols have changedUpdates include placing items inside your carry-ons instead of bins, lowering your mask for your ID check, and staying 6 feet from others at all times. 

map of the airport

Locate PHL’s hands-free amenities. The airport offers water bottle refilling stations along with hand sanitizing stations in an easy to navigate map. 

food delivery at the airport

Get your food delivered through the Grab Airport app featuring delivery by AtYourGate. Download the app for a safe, contactless and convenient way to get food from anywhere in the airport. 

New Marketplace Signage

Sneak in some holiday shopping before your flight. From Chico’s to L’Occitane to White House Black Market, the PHL retail program is open for gift giving inspiration.  

Restroom facilities

Check out PHL’s brand new restrooms. Several new restroom sets have opened since the pandemic began, all of them featuring touchless technology and modernized designs.

Learn about PHL's cleaning standardsThe airport uses rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and has joined its travel and tourism partners by taking the PHL Hospitality Health Pledge.  

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Media Contacts

Christine Ottow
Director of Strategic Communications
267-760-3931
[email protected]
Heather Redfern
Public Affairs Manager
215-600-6105
[email protected]

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