We have a trip scheduled end of December, starting the track in central jersey (1.5-2h) to parking, then PHL (AA).

I was planning to book a hotel the night before, but every "reasonably" priced one nighter in airport vicinity is a terrible dumpster dump according to reviews.. So I am back to thinking of starting the track at 5am directly to parking lot.

Is this unwise?

everyone is GE/precheck in the party, no bags checked most likely