Mid-Atlantic - International Connection in Philly

Changed our plans and are traveling through Philly from Paris to Denver. Does Philly AP have baggage check right outside of customs like most other airports do?
Also, is the transportation from the International Terminal (A-W) to Terminal C airside, or will we need to exit and re-enter security?
Thanks in advance.

patditzel, welcome to FlyerTalk. I'll move this to our Travel->Mid Atlantic forum for assistance. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Changed our plans and are traveling through Philly from Paris to Denver. Does Philly AP have baggage check right outside of customs like most other airports do?
Also, is the transportation from the International Terminal (A-W) to Terminal C airside, or will we need to exit and re-enter security?
Thanks in advance.

Welcome to FT! :)

I'm not sure about rechecking bags as PHL is my final destination. However, you can walk from A to C no problem. It will take you about 15 minutes but it's all airside and no big deal, IMO.

This thread, A US guide to PHL (the airport) (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/958317-us-guide-phl-philadelphia-airport.html), should be helpful.

PHL is also my home airport, so I'm not positive about this, but after you claim your luggage you then clear customs. At that point you are landside. Follow the signs to recheck your luggage. You will now have to go back through security to get to C. (I wouldn't try walking from A to C outside of security...you can't do it inside the airport and the only option outside involves crazy Philly drivers.) (And the fact that you have been landside means that any liquids you kept from the plane or from duty-free must be checked.)

It may be helpful for a mod to move this to the US forum for additional detail.

bitburgr's info is correct. You will clear immigration first, then claim your bags, then clear customs. As you exit the customs area (you're now landside), transit passengers are directed to the bag re-check point. From there, you re-enter security and get routed back into Terminal A. It's about a 5-10 minute walk to Terminal C.

This post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11990502-post49.html) in bitburgr's excellent guide to PHL is even more comprehensive.

bitburgr's info is correct. You will clear immigration first, then claim your bags, then clear customs. As you exit the customs area (you're now landside), transit passengers are directed to the bag re-check point. From there, you re-enter security and get routed back into Terminal A. It's about a 5-10 minute walk to Terminal C.

This post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11990502-post49.html) in bitburgr's excellent guide to PHL is even more comprehensive.

I fly through PHL when I fly US and that's exactly how it is.

Again, thanks to all who responded. Not concerned about having to go back through security, I am just glad that there is baggae re-check there and that I don't have to schlep the bags to the regular check-in area. This is my first time traveling from Europe to the states in 22 years and my first time returning and connecting to another flight. Previously, I flew straight from Europe to my destination.
After my return in October, I'll post how it went in Philly for others to note.
Again, thanks.

Hi,

I'll be visiting the US soon and will be going to the same airport as a connection flight..

Sorry if I'm just repeating whats been already said, but I'd just like to get it all clear in my head.. like a step by step guide haha.

Once I land in Philidelphia, I clear immigration, then customs, collect my luggage and then I get directed into the main airport bit where I check in and hand over my luggage and show the check in person my e-ticket where I will get my boarding pass for the next plane? Just like I did at Gatwick for my first departure to Philidelphia?

Also on that guide it says the airport is notorious for delays.. my tickets were booked so that there is just under 3 hours for me to get off one plane and onto the next. Should that be enough time? I don't plan on having any shopping or cafe breaks, just straight to the gate once I've got my boarding pass.

Thanks.

Once I land in Philidelphia, I clear immigration, then customs, collect my luggage and then I get directed into the main airport bit where I check in and hand over my luggage and show the check in person my e-ticket where I will get my boarding pass for the next plane? Just like I did at Gatwick for my first departure to Philidelphia?Assuming you are flying one carrier (or one alliance codeshare) for the whole trip, you're likely to already have both boarding passes in hand as soon as you check in at Gatwick. So all you'll need to do is check your luggage back in and stroll to your gate.

PHL is not as bad for delays as some other major airports, although of course they can happen (we have had some severe thunderstorms in the last few weeks that have slowed things down on several days). Three hours should be plenty of time to do what you need to do. You ought to have time to park yourself and get a coffee, even. There's no real shopping here--the Philadelphia Airport Authority has not cottoned on to BAA's idea of making every airport into a mall!--so that won't distract you.

P.S. It is Philadelphia.

There's no real shopping here--the Philadelphia Airport Authority has not cottoned on to BAA's idea of making every airport into a mall!--so that won't distract you.


Actually, the connector between terminals B and C has some nice shopping, certainly better than other major US airports.

...Once I land in Philidelphia, I clear immigration, then customs, collect my luggage...You will collect your luggage before you clear customs. That is where they look at you to see if they want to look through your bags (so you need to have them with you). :)