Originally Posted by
thomwithanh
PHL has a special security checkpoint for incoming international arrivals right after the customs exit/ baggage recheck. IME its fairly quick (I've never had to wait more than 10-15 min) so 2-3 hours should be plenty to clear immigration, customs, and security if everything is running on time.
If for some reason the security line to get into the main terminal from the int'l terminal has a long line, one trick is to leave the terminal as if you're going to the curb (kerb?) and then re-enter as if you were a domestic passenger. I can't imagine anyone giving you a hard time but you could always say you wanted a quick smoke.