Hey All --

Will be checking in @ PHL later this afternoon for a domestic flight and want to know how early I should arrive. Does PHL have a DM security line? I'm also on the TSA list, so I won't be able to use a Kiosk -- How long are the lines for agents, generally?

Thanks!

Yes there is a Preferred line at both B and C (can't comment on F). Surprisingly, over the past few months I haven't seen much in the way of security lines, including this past Monday morning (I was shocked). The Preferred check-in lines typically aren't that long, but there are usually only 1 or 2 agents working it and the Preferred Kiosks. Let us know how it goes.

I flew out on Sunday morning (9:00 AM), and the regular security line looked like it was running about 6-9 minutes. It could have been a little early or the weekend, but it looked really smooth. The airport was nowhere near empty, either.

This week Monday and Tuesday were HORRENDOUS at B and C. Same last Tuesday morning. I usually take a 730am flight out. We're talking backed up 2/3rds to the Marriott in B. The catch about the preferred line is that ANYONE can and WILL use it. After 20 non-moving minutes on Wednesday morning behind a family with "Group 6" boarding passes, I wandered over to A, which didn't have a line.

This week Monday and Tuesday were HORRENDOUS at B and C. Same last Tuesday morning. I usually take a 730am flight out. We're talking backed up 2/3rds to the Marriott in B. The catch about the preferred line is that ANYONE can and WILL use it. After 20 non-moving minutes on Wednesday morning behind a family with "Group 6" boarding passes, I wandered over to A, which didn't have a line.


What time were you there? No lines at B or C at 8am on Monday.

Probably around 0645 on Monday and Tuesday. Might be banking of flights? The 9:30 flight i occasionally grab is a walk in the park.

Probably around 0645 on Monday and Tuesday. Might be banking of flights? The 9:30 flight i occasionally grab is a walk in the park.

What a difference an hour makes!

This week Monday and Tuesday were HORRENDOUS at B and C. Same last Tuesday morning. I usually take a 730am flight out. We're talking backed up 2/3rds to the Marriott in B. The catch about the preferred line is that ANYONE can and WILL use it. After 20 non-moving minutes on Wednesday morning behind a family with "Group 6" boarding passes, I wandered over to A, which didn't have a line.

Good point about A. That is the Int'l terminal, right? That should be almost dead at that time of morning.

NO pref security and NO PREF CHECKIN at F. F is a NIGHTMARE if you have to checkin and can not use the kiosk. I have already waited with the rest of the fleas for an HOUR, they NEED a PREF checkin more then security at F!!!!

OP, how does one end up on the TSA list?

NO pref security and NO PREF CHECKIN at F. F is a NIGHTMARE if you have to checkin and can not use the kiosk. I have already waited with the rest of the fleas for an HOUR, they NEED a PREF checkin more then security at F!!!!

OP, how does one end up on the TSA list?

If flying from F when you pass by B/C if the lines look short (you can't see the line on the bridge over the access road) get off at B/C and go through security there and then take the bus to F.

The TSA lines at PHL vary with time of day. And 20 minutes or so can make a huge difference.

TSA maintains an airport wait time list (http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html). It gives an idea of what lines might be like at PHL or any airport.

The preferred line at B queues just behind where the regular line queues, and one should walk up to the agent and queue just to the other side. Sometimes the preferred sign is easily visible, other times it is not.

Barry

After 20 non-moving minutes on Wednesday morning behind a family with "Group 6" boarding passes, I wandered over to A, which didn't have a line.

I thought you can't go through security at terminal A if you have a scheduled departure for a different teminal because there is no internal connection between terminal A and the B/C terminal.
Can you go through security at terminal A and get to terminal B/C?

I thought you can't go through security at terminal A if you have a scheduled departure for a different teminal because there is no internal connection between terminal A and the B/C terminal.
Can you go through security at terminal A and get to terminal B/C?


There is a connection from A to B/C.

My god were the lines long this morning around 6:45. The non-preferred was out past the train at C, B was closed (?) they would let anyone up the escalators.

If flying from F when you pass by B/C if the lines look short (you can't see the line on the bridge over the access road) get off at B/C and go through security there and then take the bus to F.



Or they could put a pref line in???? What would that take, about 25 bucks for signs?

It is rediculous with the increase in F term flights that they could not possibly do that!

I thought you can't go through security at terminal A if you have a scheduled departure for a different teminal because there is no internal connection between terminal A and the B/C terminal.
Can you go through security at terminal A and get to terminal B/C?

It's a walk, but you can do it. It beats standing in a slow line.

Good point about A. That is the Int'l terminal, right? That should be almost dead at that time of morning.

It's intl (and there are some morning deptarutres from there). I usually use the line by AA (find admirals club, it's right there). They give me crap and won't let me use the preferred line there without my EXP card/tags from time to time, but a comment about "b/c could learn something from you guys" generally helps!

There is a connection from A to B/C.

Well, thats the first and the last time I listen to an airport employee.
They told me there was no interior connection and made me walk outside the terminals.