Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Guide & Facilities For Travellers

When you are traveling to and from Philadelphia International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

A Brief Overview of Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania, United States

Situated at a distance of about 11 km (7 miles) from the city of Philadelphia in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, lies the state’s main and largest airport called the Philadelphia International Airport.

IATA: PHL

Address:

8500 Essington Avenue

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) 19153

USA

Airport Contact: 215 937 6937

Website: https://www.phl.org

Operation Hours: Philadelphia International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Airport’s Terminal

Philadelphia International Airport has a total of seven terminals. These are Terminal A has two sections; Terminal A East (11 gates) and Terminal A West (13 gates), Terminals B (15 gates) and C (14 gates) combined, Terminal D (16 gates), Terminal E (17 gates), and Terminal F (36 gates), respectively. All terminals are inter-connected via concourses, corridors, and walkways for convenience.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for passengers with special needs, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

On-site and Off-site Parking Options

Philadelphia International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the terminals. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking. There is a 5 lots available for parking and one economy lot which is on-site parking available for the long term and short term parking. These on-site parking lots have easy access to the terminal. Passengers can reach the terminal by walking a short distance. Here we provide a rate chart for the Lots which is effective from April 21, 2022, at 12:01 AM.

Economy Parking: Economy parking is only available for long-term parking which is cost-effective and affordable if passengers want to go on long vacations or business trips. Economy lot is available on a first-come and first-serve basis. This lot is accessible from Island Avenue where a shuttle bus service is available for pick up and drop off. And the cost for the economy lot is effective from 21st April 2022.

• For parking in the economy lot, you have to pay a flat rate of $15 per day including all taxes.
• The total availability of space is around 1850 for parking where the first come first serve formula is applied.
• Complimentary shuttle bus service is available 24hrs a day including the holiday.
• Any vehicle which has a weight of over 9000 pounds GVM is restricted in this economy lot.
• Some complementary services are also included like flat-tire service battery jump start and auto lockout service.

Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period. Parking rates start at $4 for up to 30 minutes and are incremented by $2 for each half-hour.

For more assistance with parking at Philadelphia Parking Authority call o 215-683-9842.

Airlines Operating from Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport serves many domestic, international, charter, government, military, and cargo airlines. The main destinations are cities in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminals include:

Aer Lingus, Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun County Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.

Facilities and Services Available at Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania, USA, offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Philadelphia International Airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can enquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They can be found at the airside and landside of Terminal A West, Terminal B, and Terminal E.

There are also airport ambassadors that offer assistance to passengers and passengers with special needs.

Wi-Fi and Device Charging Stations

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi internet service is offered with unlimited usage.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available throughout the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. There are Power Up Cubes (power outlets), Power Tables (power outlets and USB ports), Charging Stations (power outlets), Window Outlets (power outlets and USB ports), and Charging Tables (power outlets) available throughout the airport. Also, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue sections provide charging stations at their gates.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are not available at the airport.

Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Luggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found throughout all terminals.

Porter Services: Porter services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.

Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Room

At Philadelphia International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:

American Airlines Admirals Club: The lounge is located along the corridor between Terminal A East and Terminal A West, and Terminal B/C connector.

British Airways Galleries Lounge: The lounge is located along the corridor between Terminal A-East and Terminal A-West.

American Express Centurion Lounge: The lounge is located along the corridor between Terminal A-East and Terminal A-West.

United Club: The lounge is located in Terminal D.

Delta Sky Club: The lounge is located in Terminal D.

USO Lounge: The lounge is offered for free to all members of the military, which also includes their family members. It is located in Terminal E.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located in Terminals A-East and West.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Philadelphia International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include the Philadelphia Marketplace, Good 2 Go, and many more.

Other Amenities Available at Philadelphia International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Children’s Play Area: The airport offers a play zone for children that are located in Terminal A-East.

Digital Library: Free Library offers digital content, which includes e-books, podcasts, and classic and non-classic titles. However, a Free Library member card is required. The library is located on the airside of the Terminals D/E connector.

Nursing Room: Passengers traveling with infants and children can use the courtesy Mamava Suites which are located in Terminal A West, Terminals B/C connector, and Terminal F. The facility provides a foldable table, benches, charging outlets, and more.

Spa: XpressSpa offers services, like massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures. It is located in Terminals C, D, and F.

Pet Relief Area: The airport provides a pet relief area called Pet Ports. These are located inside each terminal and outside of the Baggage Claim area and along the departing flight’s road.

Hospitality Program: The airport’s Hospitality Program service is offered to passengers, especially during events, like bad weather, flight delays, cancellation of an emergency, etc. Their assistance includes providing information with regard to ground transportation and hotels and also providing snacks, beverages, pillows, blankets, etc.

Observation Area: Passengers having a layover can take a good view of the airfield, and then take off and landing of flights via the observation area. It is located throughout all terminals.

Business Services: The UPS Store provides facilities, such as copy, fax, shipping, notary, and other business services. It is located on the airside of Terminals A/B walkway.

ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at airside and landside areas of all terminals.

Currency Exchange: The currency used in Pennsylvania is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange facilities are available at the airport. Travelex operates the service and has its kiosks located in Terminals A East and West and Terminal D.

Banking Services: Banking facilities are available at the airport.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Philadelphia International Airport

Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Philadelphia International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Philadelphia in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Minute Suites: Minute Suites offers 13 private suites and 2 workstation cubicles to relax, work or take a layover nap. Each suite also provides a sofa, pillows, fresh blankets, a sound masking system, TV, a desk, a phone, and Wi-Fi. It is located on the airside of Terminal A-B Link. The rates for the suites are charged at $42 up to 1 hour and $10.50 each for additional 15 minutes up to 2 hours, $84 up to 2 hours, $ 8.00 each for additional 15 minutes thereafter, and $155 for an overnight stay. When the suites are full, they rent air mattresses for $40 with no time limit. Pillows and blankets are provided when available.

Philadelphia Airport Marriott: The hotel is located on-site via the sky bridge from Terminal B. There is a scheduled airport shuttle service available which departs at a frequency of 20 minutes between 16:00 and 24:00 hours. The courtesy shuttles are available on-demand from 12:00 to 01:00 hours.

Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. There is a 24-hour airport shuttle service available at no additional cost. These shuttles operate at a frequency of 30 minutes.

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Airport: The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the airport. A 24-hour airport shuttle service is available free of cost.

Ground Transport Options To and From Philadelphia International Airport

Getting to and from Philadelphia International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Philadelphia International airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Airport Shuttle Service

There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the airport.

In addition to inter-terminal shuttle services, door-to-door and inter-city shuttles are also available to passengers. The services are operated by several companies or local agencies and are also available on request. You can contact these shuttle service providers from the airport.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle transfer services to their guests. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the hotel for more information with regard to pick-up and drop-off, besides accommodation.

Hotels that offer shuttle transfer services include Aloft Philadelphia Airport, Courtyard Philadelphia Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport, Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Airport, Fairfield Inn Philadelphia Airport, Hampton Inn Philadelphia-International Airport, Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia Airport Marriott, Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport, SpringHill Suites Philadelphia Airport/Ridley Park and Wyndham Garden Hotel-Philadelphia Airport.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the main operator of the public transit system in the city of Philadelphia. Their various bus routes include Route 37 serving South Philadelphia and Chester Transportation Center, Route 108 serving 69th Street Transportation Center and the UPS air hub, and Route 115 which serves Delaware County Community College and Darby Transportation Center.

Train and Metro Services

Philadelphia International Airport is connected to train and metro systems for commuting. SEPTA Regional Rail operates train services to and from Philadelphia International Airport via the Airport Line, which serves stations through all terminals. The stations are located at each terminal, next to the Baggage Claim facility, and can be accessed easily via elevators, escalators, and skywalks.

The SEPTA Regional Rail’s Airport Line connects to Center City Philadelphia, other SEPTA trains, Amtrak trains, and NJ Transit train at 30th Street Station. The ride from the airport to Center City Philadelphia takes about 25 minutes. Trains serve at a frequency of 30 minutes from 05:00 to 24:00 hours.

Limousine Service

Limousines are available for hire at the airport. Rates may depend on the destination you are headed to. The Ground Transportation Information desks can assist travelers with hiring a limousine or executive sedan vehicle. They are located in each Baggage Claim area of all terminals. Pick-ups are available from Zone 6.

Car Hire Service

You can hire a car at Philadelphia International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their pick-ups located on-site, at Zone 9, on South Commercial Road. Free shuttles are also available between all Baggage Claim areas and the rental car facility.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. All taxis are equipped with meters, with a fare starting at $10 from the airport to any destination. Taxi stands can be found on-site, at Zone 5, on the Commercial Transportation Roadway.

App-Based Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Philadelphia International Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered. Pick-ups are available at Zone 7.

Ground Transportation Pick-Up Zones at PHL Airport

Below is a quick run-down of all ground transportation pick-up zones available at the PHL airport.

• ZONE 1 – SEPTA bus
• ZONE 3 – Parking Courtesy Shuttle
• ZONE 4 – Hotel Courtesy Shuttle
• ZONE 5 – Taxicabs
• ZONE 6 – Limousines
• ZONE 7 – Van Service
• ZONE 8 – Charter Bus/Couriers
• ZONE 9 – Rental Car Shuttle

FAQs

Is it possible for me to accompany my travel companion to their door for safety?

As per Airport security rules and guidelines, Security officials only allowed the ticketed passengers to cross the security checkpoints. And if it is necessary then you may contact your airline for the gate pass which is under the authority of the airline but Security Department’s permission is obligatory.

Is there an availability of the page someone services?

Yes, page someone service is available at the airport and if passengers face problems getting an official desk then they may call on 215-937-6937 and ask to have their party paged. Here at the airport except for the audio paging service, visual paging service is also available through the LED monitors.

Is pre-check available at the Philadelphia Airport?

Yes, any passengers can check in at least 2 to 3 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure. This is recommendable that you have to reach the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before the flight departure for completing some security formalities and luggage check-ins and getting a boarding pass. Passengers have an option of online check-in through the airlines’ website.

Closure

The city of Philadelphia offers many places of interest to both national and foreign tourists. A few such attractions include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Fairmount Park, One Liberty Observation Deck, Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park, Museum of the American Revolution, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, Liberty Bell Center, Rodin Museum, City Hall, The Barnes Foundation Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary and many more.

Traveling to and from Philadelphia International Airport in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.