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Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia, United States · North America

Solid mid-tier US hub with good lounge options and transit but variable security and ongoing construction tradeoffs.

Airportist Score

7.3/ 10

Passengers

30M+

Security

20 min

11 photos

An aerial view shows Philadelphia International Airport's parallel runways, terminal buildings, and surrounding roads and parking areas. — Photo: Photo: Andreas Praefcke
Public domainSource

The glass-fronted entrance to Terminal A at Philadelphia International Airport, with doors, signage, and passengers approaching the building. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A long, bright concourse inside Terminal F with high ceilings, gate signage, seating areas, and travelers walking toward departure gates. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The indoor walkway linking Terminals D and E, with moving walkways, directional signs, and passengers carrying luggage. — Photo: TastyPoutine
CC BY-SA 3.0 Source

Terminal A and an enclosed pedestrian bridge seen from the SEPTA Regional Rail platform at the Airport station. — Photo: Xnatedawgx
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The curved facade of Terminal B at Philadelphia International Airport with the airport control tower rising behind it under a clear sky. — Photo: Xnatedawgx
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

Rows of blue upholstered seats in a gate hold room in Terminal A, with large windows overlooking the airfield. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

An enclosed glass footbridge connecting Terminals B and C, with the airfield and jet bridges visible through the windows. — Photo: Xnatedawgx
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A marked shuttle-bus stop inside Terminal F with signage directing passengers to remote gates and terminal connections. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A large LEGO sculpture of the Liberty Bell on display inside the airport terminal. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The Philadelphia downtown skyline at dawn, viewed across runways and taxiways from inside the airport. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2+ hours early for domestic, 3 for international

Mornings see longest security lines; check phl.org for live waits.

Peak 6-9am; PreCheck or Clear cuts time significantly.

Terminal

Use A-West for AA premium and Centurion access

Flagship Lounge and Centurion are in A-West near gates A14-A16.

Connectors link most terminals; F is separate for some regional flights.

Food

Hit local spots like Reading Terminal Market vendors airside

Better options in A/B/C connectors and D/E than generic chains.

Recent additions emphasize Philly flavors; check phlfoodandshops.com.

Status

Monitor phl.org or app for parking garage closures

Garage C often closed for upgrades; use alternatives and add buffer time.

Ongoing construction affects parking and some walkways.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for PHL.

Updated Jul 22, 2026

7 terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, F) connected by walkways
American Airlines hub with major international service
SEPTA Airport Line to Center City: $8.75 Key/contactless (~25 min)
Multiple Priority Pass-accessible lounges including Chase Sapphire
Garage upper levels max $32/24h (rates effective 1 May 2026)
Ongoing TransformPHL upgrades including terminal refreshes

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.2

Navigation7.0

Food7.5

Transport7.8

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

30M+

Terminals

7 active

On-time departures

75%

Avg security

20 min

Best For

AA hub connectionsLounge access via PP/CenturionSEPTA rail to cityLocal food options

Watch Out For

Morning security peaksParking garage closuresF terminal isolationVariable lounge access limits

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

11 photos

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2+ hours early for domestic, 3 for international

Mornings see longest security lines; check phl.org for live waits.

Peak 6-9am; PreCheck or Clear cuts time significantly.

Terminal

Use A-West for AA premium and Centurion access

Flagship Lounge and Centurion are in A-West near gates A14-A16.

Connectors link most terminals; F is separate for some regional flights.

Food

Hit local spots like Reading Terminal Market vendors airside

Better options in A/B/C connectors and D/E than generic chains.

Recent additions emphasize Philly flavors; check phlfoodandshops.com.

Status

Monitor phl.org or app for parking garage closures

Garage C often closed for upgrades; use alternatives and add buffer time.

Ongoing construction affects parking and some walkways.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for PHL.

Updated Jul 22, 2026

7 terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, F) connected by walkways
American Airlines hub with major international service
SEPTA Airport Line to Center City: $8.75 Key/contactless (~25 min)
Multiple Priority Pass-accessible lounges including Chase Sapphire
Garage upper levels max $32/24h (rates effective 1 May 2026)
Ongoing TransformPHL upgrades including terminal refreshes

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.2

Navigation7.0

Food7.5

Transport7.8

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

30M+

Terminals

7 active

On-time departures

75%

Avg security

20 min

Best For

AA hub connectionsLounge access via PP/CenturionSEPTA rail to cityLocal food options

Watch Out For

Morning security peaksParking garage closuresF terminal isolationVariable lounge access limits