April was National Volunteer Month and the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) community celebrated and recognized the contributions of its human and canine volunteers with two special events.
On April 24, members of the airport’s Volunteer Navigators team gathered for an awards ceremony and luncheon. Collectively, the Volunteer Navigators team assisted almost 200,000 guests, serving more than 10,500 hours in 2025.
During the ceremony, volunteers who have served 250, 500, 750, 1,000 and 2,500 hours at PHL were recognized with pins.
“Those of you in this room - our volunteers -- are often the first friendly face travelers see when they arrive at PHL. You are their first impression of the city -- offering comfort and a human connection,” said Interim CEO Tracy Borda. “This year is incredibly important. Guests will be arriving from all over the world, and they’ll be expecting nothing less than a true Philly welcome — bold, warm, and unmistakably authentic. Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you all very much.”
The Wagging Tails Brigade—PHL’s volunteer canine all-star team—was celebrated with a red carpet, doggie cake, Starbucks Pup Cups and treats on April 30, National Therapy Animal Day. There were plenty of “paw-parazzi” to take photos of the team, which has been part of the PHL family since 2019. In 2025, the 18 dogs and their handlers served almost 500 hours in the terminals, providing comfort to guests as they wait to board their flights.
“Our incredible volunteers generously give their time and energy to assist our guests and
employees and make PHL better for us all,” said Chief Strategy Officer Cassie Schmid, whose Strategy Division includes the Guest Experience Department and volunteer program. “Whether it’s the Volunteer Navigators helping travelers find their way in the terminals or the Wagging Tails Brigade who walk the terminals with their furry friends, all of our volunteers are vital to the guest experience ecosystem. Their efforts enhance the airport experience for thousands of travelers every single day.”
