Oct 10, 2013, 9:54 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
AA in PHL
Link to downloadable PDF PHL airport map
Philadelphia International Airport
This is a snapshot of post 1 of this thread, and has been revised over time. Feel free to add/modify what is here as needed. This thread originated in the legacy US Airways Dividend Miles forum. Link to older archived posts.
General Information
The airport is located at:
8000 Essington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Note: The baggage claim for terminal F has relocated to its own building on the arrivals roadway.
Passenger Information Guide: https://www.phl.org/Documents/Passen.../InfoGuide.pdf
Main airport website: http://www.phl.org
Link to contact phone numbers and email addresses for paging, parking, airport police, etc.
Check-In Times
Last confirmed 26 June 2017 (Click for link to source)
The following are recommended by AA:
Terminals
At PHL, AA operates from five terminals:
Ticket Counter Locations, Hours, and Kiosks
Last confirmed 15 January 2018 (Click for link to source)
Ticket Counters are staffed daily:
Note: It is possible to use any AA ticket counter to check in and drop baggage, regardless of your flight's departure terminal.
Security at PHL
Last confirmed 7 October 2017 (Click for link to source)
TSA staffs checkpoints at all PHL terminals. All gates are connected airside, so it may be faster to use a checkpoint that is not associated with your gates.
PreCheck is only available at Terminal A-East, C, and D/E checkpoints.
In the evening and overnight (observed after 11 PM), not all exits may be available. Looks for the visual paging displays (located by most Flight Info Displays and throughout the terminals) for exit closing announcements! Exit B is always open.
How to Change Terminals
Shuttle: AA offers the following shuttle routes:
Walking
ATMs
Bank of America provides 17 ATMs at the airport. A current list may be found here.
Prepaid SIM cards
You can buy prepaid SIM cards in the Airport Wireless stores. Those are airside. Not sure what is available landside as the only "retail" store is a newsstand in the International Arrivals hall.
Parking at PHL
On-site parking is managed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).
Link to current rates.
Estimated parking availability in the garages is available from the Airport's homepage, www.phl.org.
NEW in June 2017: AAdvantage Aviator Cardholders (Barclay's) now have access to reserved parking. See this link for more info.
For off-airport parking lot information,
see this thread...
Where to eat and drink in the airport
There are all manner of restaurants in PHL, from wine bar to bistro to Asian to fast food. In addition to the establishments in each terminal, there is a food court between terminals B and C.
Food options vary throughout the airport, but there is a wide selection. Many open as early as 5:00 am, most are closed by 11:00pm. Due to renovations, there is no longer a 24/7 restaurant behind security. Philadelphia's beverage tax must be collected in city limits, which comprises of everything except Terminal A-West. Pepsi appears to be the preferred soda vendor throughout most of the airport, including Chick-Fil-A and Smashburger in the B/C food court. Coke products are still sold in some parts of the airport, but it may take some searching.
See this link for the current directory.
Terminal B was renovated in 2017-2018 to add iPads to most seats in the gate areas to allow ordering at the gate. A similar arrangement is used in some portions of Terminal F. (link to FT thread)
Admirals Clubs and Other Lounges
Last confirmed 15 January 2018 (Click for link to source)
Admirals Club: Terminal A-East, Lower Level, between gates A4 and A6A.
Open Daily 6:30 am - 10:30 pm
Admirals Club: Terminal A-West, Mezzanine Level, between gates A15 and A16.
Currently closed for renovation. Expected to be rebranded as a Flagship Lounge
Admirals Club: Terminals B and C, Third Floor over Food Court
Open Daily 4:30 am - 10:30 pm
Admirals Club: Terminal F, Upper Level Food Court in the Central Hub
Open Daily 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
British Airways Galleries Club Lounge / First Lounge:Terminal A-West, Gate Level by A14.
Open Daily 3:15 pm to 8:20 pm
Also serves Qatar Airways customers daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
Note: This lounge has been known to disallow non BA passengers, regardless of OW entry rules.
American Express Centurion Lounge: Terminal A-West, Second Level by A14 (Over the BA Club).
Open daily 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
This is currently the only premium lounge at PHL with a shower facility. Shower is back in operation as of 25 May 2018.
The USO lounge is now (late April 2018) located in Terminal E. Showers are said to be available in this lounge as well.
Minute Suites is available airside in the A-East/B connector, and is a Priority Pass lounge. There are no showers.
First 30 minutes free for use by nursing mothers.
Open daily 24 hours.
Wireless in PHL
Airport Wifi was recently upgraded and is free for all passengers.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
Only in designated smoking areas on the pick up roadways outside baggage claim. There is no smoking airside at the airport.
Do I have time to go into Philadelphia?
If your layover is more than three hours (and I’m sure this is debatable), you may have time for a quick trip into the city.
Ground Transportation and How to Visit Philadelphia
The zones mentioned below refer to areas on either side of the baggage claims for each terminal. If you have hired a private car, or meeting with group transportation, it is common they will be waiting at the bottom of the escalators from your terminal. Zones 1-4 are typically on the Arrivals Roadway, Zones 5 through 8 are on the Commercial Roadway, adjacent to the railroad tracks.
It is against airport rules for any driver to solicit you from inside the terminal, but this is difficult to enforce.
AA in PHL
Link to downloadable PDF PHL airport map
Philadelphia International Airport
This is a snapshot of post 1 of this thread, and has been revised over time. Feel free to add/modify what is here as needed. This thread originated in the legacy US Airways Dividend Miles forum. Link to older archived posts.
General Information
The airport is located at:
8000 Essington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Note: The baggage claim for terminal F has relocated to its own building on the arrivals roadway.
Passenger Information Guide: https://www.phl.org/Documents/Passen.../InfoGuide.pdf
Main airport website: http://www.phl.org
Link to contact phone numbers and email addresses for paging, parking, airport police, etc.
Check-In Times
Last confirmed 26 June 2017 (Click for link to source)
The following are recommended by AA:
- For flights within the United States: 45 minutes before scheduled departure
- For all other flights: At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure
Terminals
At PHL, AA operates from five terminals:
- A-West for Gates A14 to A26
- A-East for Gates A2 to A13
- B for Gates B1 to B16
- C for Gates C16 to C30
- F for Gates F1 to F39
- Most flights in A-West and A-East are transatlantic (TATL) but there will be mainline domestic arrivals/departures and Republic regional flights, especially throughout the morning and early afternoon. If your flight is on an A330 or B767, it will almost certainly be at these gates.
- B and C are mainline domestic, Caribbean, and Canadian flights and also include E-170/E175 and E190 flights. Before the merger, international flights served by B757s would depart from either concourse.
- F is for regional flights (RJs with 50 seats or fewer as well as CRJ-700 and -900s and turboprops operate out of F) both domestic and Canadian.
- oneworld partners (British Airways and Qatar) check-in and gates are in A-West.
- AerLingus check-in and gate is in A-East.
- Alaska Airlines (and Virgin America) use terminal D.
Ticket Counter Locations, Hours, and Kiosks
Last confirmed 15 January 2018 (Click for link to source)
Ticket Counters are staffed daily:
- Terminal A-West: 4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
- Terminal A-East: 3:30 AM - 8:30 PM
- Terminals B and C: 3:30 AM - 9:00 PM
- Terminal F: 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Note: It is possible to use any AA ticket counter to check in and drop baggage, regardless of your flight's departure terminal.
Security at PHL
Last confirmed 7 October 2017 (Click for link to source)
TSA staffs checkpoints at all PHL terminals. All gates are connected airside, so it may be faster to use a checkpoint that is not associated with your gates.
PreCheck is only available at Terminal A-East, C, and D/E checkpoints.
- Terminal A West: 5:15 am - 9:25 pm
- Terminal A East: 3:30 am - 8:25 pm (PreCheck 3:30 am - 8:00 pm)
- Terminal B: Open 24 hours
- Terminal C: 4:15 am - 8:15 pm PreCheck ONLY
- Terminal D/E: 3:45 am - 9:25 pm (PreCheck 3:45 am - 8:00 pm)
- Terminal F: 4:15 am - 8:55 pm
In the evening and overnight (observed after 11 PM), not all exits may be available. Looks for the visual paging displays (located by most Flight Info Displays and throughout the terminals) for exit closing announcements! Exit B is always open.
How to Change Terminals
Shuttle: AA offers the following shuttle routes:
- Gate A1 (located between Terminal A-East and Terminal B) to Gate F10
- Gate C16 (located between Terminal C and Terminal D) to Gate F10
- Gate F10 (located in the Terminal F Food Hub) to Gate A1
- Gate F10 (located in the Terminal F Food Hub) to Gate C16
Walking
- Airside: It is possible to walk between all gates in all terminals. There are some moving walkways. "Normal" able-bodied adults can walk between almost any two gates in A, B, or C in about 15 minutes or less and between any two gates in F in about 5 minutes. Walking from F to A/B/C is longer; the distance from the furthest reaches of A-West to F is more than a mile.
- Landside: You must leave the parking garages/ticketing halls to move between terminals before security. An option is to use the SEPTA rail platforms to move between terminals, which are accessible on the walkways to each terminal from the garages, about half-way between TSA and baggage claim.
- Landside: It is also possible to use the Economy Parking Shuttle between terminals
ATMs
Bank of America provides 17 ATMs at the airport. A current list may be found here.
Prepaid SIM cards
You can buy prepaid SIM cards in the Airport Wireless stores. Those are airside. Not sure what is available landside as the only "retail" store is a newsstand in the International Arrivals hall.
Parking at PHL
On-site parking is managed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).
Link to current rates.
Estimated parking availability in the garages is available from the Airport's homepage, www.phl.org.
NEW in June 2017: AAdvantage Aviator Cardholders (Barclay's) now have access to reserved parking. See this link for more info.
For off-airport parking lot information,
see this thread...
Where to eat and drink in the airport
There are all manner of restaurants in PHL, from wine bar to bistro to Asian to fast food. In addition to the establishments in each terminal, there is a food court between terminals B and C.
Food options vary throughout the airport, but there is a wide selection. Many open as early as 5:00 am, most are closed by 11:00pm. Due to renovations, there is no longer a 24/7 restaurant behind security. Philadelphia's beverage tax must be collected in city limits, which comprises of everything except Terminal A-West. Pepsi appears to be the preferred soda vendor throughout most of the airport, including Chick-Fil-A and Smashburger in the B/C food court. Coke products are still sold in some parts of the airport, but it may take some searching.
See this link for the current directory.
Terminal B was renovated in 2017-2018 to add iPads to most seats in the gate areas to allow ordering at the gate. A similar arrangement is used in some portions of Terminal F. (link to FT thread)
Admirals Clubs and Other Lounges
Last confirmed 15 January 2018 (Click for link to source)
Admirals Club: Terminal A-East, Lower Level, between gates A4 and A6A.
Open Daily 6:30 am - 10:30 pm
Admirals Club: Terminal A-West, Mezzanine Level, between gates A15 and A16.
Currently closed for renovation. Expected to be rebranded as a Flagship Lounge
Admirals Club: Terminals B and C, Third Floor over Food Court
Open Daily 4:30 am - 10:30 pm
Admirals Club: Terminal F, Upper Level Food Court in the Central Hub
Open Daily 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
British Airways Galleries Club Lounge / First Lounge:Terminal A-West, Gate Level by A14.
Open Daily 3:15 pm to 8:20 pm
Also serves Qatar Airways customers daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
Note: This lounge has been known to disallow non BA passengers, regardless of OW entry rules.
American Express Centurion Lounge: Terminal A-West, Second Level by A14 (Over the BA Club).
Open daily 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
This is currently the only premium lounge at PHL with a shower facility. Shower is back in operation as of 25 May 2018.
The USO lounge is now (late April 2018) located in Terminal E. Showers are said to be available in this lounge as well.
Minute Suites is available airside in the A-East/B connector, and is a Priority Pass lounge. There are no showers.
First 30 minutes free for use by nursing mothers.
Open daily 24 hours.
Wireless in PHL
Airport Wifi was recently upgraded and is free for all passengers.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
Only in designated smoking areas on the pick up roadways outside baggage claim. There is no smoking airside at the airport.
Do I have time to go into Philadelphia?
If your layover is more than three hours (and I’m sure this is debatable), you may have time for a quick trip into the city.
Ground Transportation and How to Visit Philadelphia
The zones mentioned below refer to areas on either side of the baggage claims for each terminal. If you have hired a private car, or meeting with group transportation, it is common they will be waiting at the bottom of the escalators from your terminal. Zones 1-4 are typically on the Arrivals Roadway, Zones 5 through 8 are on the Commercial Roadway, adjacent to the railroad tracks.
It is against airport rules for any driver to solicit you from inside the terminal, but this is difficult to enforce.
- Rental Cars: Both On- and Off-Airport agencies use company shuttle busses to their respective lots. Pickup is outside baggage claim, Zone 2.
- SEPTA Regional Rail's Airport Line travels between each of the PHL terminals, Penn Medicine (formerly University City) and three Center City stops. This train runs every half-hour (currently every hour on weekends due to pandemic related service reductions) and takes about 20 minutes to get to 30th Street Station. Train fare is $6.50 from Quick Trip machines at the airport stations or Ticket offices at Center City stations (cash or credit/debit card) or $8 cash only (change is available) on board to Center City. Fare is $8.50 from machines or ticket offices or $9 cash on board to all other Regional Rail stations. If you are traveling to one of the three Center City stops, be sure to hold on to your ticket as you now need it to exit through the kiosks at those stations.
- SEPTA Bus: Two city buses also serve the airport ($2.25 cash fare; exact change only). Bus berths are at Zone 1.
- Center City Taxi: Accessed at Zone 5. A base flat-rate $28.50 + up to $3 in passenger charges (based on number of passengers 12+) is in effect for all fares to and from the airport and the Center City area. This area encompasses: Fairmount Ave (North), South Street (South) Delaware River (East) and University City/ 38th Street (West).All cabs are supposed to accept Credit Cards, verify with your driver at the start of the trip.
- Metered Taxi: Metered rates are in effect for all destinations not in the Center City zone. Tolls and other surcharges may apply. All cabs are supposed to accept Credit Cards, verify with your driver at the start of the trip.
- Uber and Lyft both operate at the airport, follow their directions provided to request a ride.
AA Guide: PHL / Philadelphia International Airport - MCT, Connection, MCT, etc.
Apr 23, 2018, 3:48 am
#1231
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
My my point was a 2 hour transfer from international to domestic on separate tickets is very tight if WN requires OP to exit landside and get to terminal E.
Apr 23, 2018, 5:14 am
#1232
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,106
But how do you get the WN bag tag in the first place to return the luggage back? You'd have to get the luggage to Terminal E to check it in.
Apr 26, 2018, 12:09 pm
#1233
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP / HH Diamond
Posts: 592
Lounge updates: A-East is open, Flagship lounge construction has not started.
The USO lounge has moved again, now lives in Terminal E. For long-time PHL flyers, the old NWA Lounge has been converted. http://www.phl.org/Press%20Releases/...ss_Release.pdf
The USO lounge has moved again, now lives in Terminal E. For long-time PHL flyers, the old NWA Lounge has been converted. http://www.phl.org/Press%20Releases/...ss_Release.pdf
Apr 26, 2018, 5:34 pm
#1234
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PIT
Posts: 759
The Airport Interactive Map (PHL Maps) has very recently been significantly updated/improved and appears to include just about every detail. How do I know it's very recent - The new USO in E (see previous post) and several other recent adds are included. The Map is also available via the airport web site: phl.org/Terminal Information/Navigate PHL Interactive Map. It's fun to play with.
Last edited by perseus11; Apr 26, 2018 at 10:29 pm
Apr 29, 2018, 8:38 am
#1235
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: BAEC Blue
Posts: 247
There is a Free, frequent inter-terminal Shuttle Bus that runs between Terminal AEast - Gate A1 (Closest to International Arrivals/Customs/Immigration), Terminal C - Gate C-16 and Terminal F - Gate F14 (Closest to your Southwest flight in Terminal E). The Bus runs inside the secure area, so you never actually leave the airport. Check with American for directions after your arrival. Walking (without the Bus) should take no more than 20 minutes, without luggage.
After clearing immigration and re-checking bags in PHL Terminal A, I'm assuming I need to re-clear security in Terminal A and then make my way over to Terminal F on the airside bus. Am I correct? If I were feeling adventurous, is it possible to walk A to F airside?
It's my first time connecting in PHL, so I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thanks.
Apr 29, 2018, 9:03 am
#1236
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
I'm flying MAN - PHL - CLE. All flights are operated by AA and all on one ticket. The MAN flight lands at PHL Terminal A and the CLE flight departs PHL Terminal F.
After clearing immigration and re-checking bags in PHL Terminal A, I'm assuming I need to re-clear security in Terminal A and then make my way over to Terminal F on the airside bus. Am I correct? If I were feeling adventurous, is it possible to walk A to F airside?
It's my first time connecting in PHL, so I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thanks.
After clearing immigration and re-checking bags in PHL Terminal A, I'm assuming I need to re-clear security in Terminal A and then make my way over to Terminal F on the airside bus. Am I correct? If I were feeling adventurous, is it possible to walk A to F airside?
It's my first time connecting in PHL, so I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thanks.
Last edited by Uncle Nonny; Apr 29, 2018 at 10:05 am
Apr 29, 2018, 11:04 am
#1237
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,460
I got lucky, was able to get a June flight landing at 6:30 pm out at 6:20 pm the next day to Budapest, will take the train downtown to stay at the DT. My question is what time should we plan to leave the city to catch the train back? We of course would like to spend as much time downtown as feasible, flying J with carry on - thinking 4 pm but don’t want to feel rushed we can hang at the lounge a bit.
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 29, 2018, 2:58 pm
#1238
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, AAdvantage Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 263
I got lucky, was able to get a June flight landing at 6:30 pm out at 6:20 pm the next day to Budapest, will take the train downtown to stay at the DT. My question is what time should we plan to leave the city to catch the train back? We of course would like to spend as much time downtown as feasible, flying J with carry on - thinking 4 pm but don’t want to feel rushed we can hang at the lounge a bit.
Thanks
Thanks
- Rittenhouse Square: The snobbiest part of town (snobby by Philly standards, at least). High-end restaurants, some nightlife, closest to the museums (the Barnes Museum is incredible). As a Hilton elite, I would recommend The Logan (Hilton Curio), which was formerly a Four Seasons and they treat elites very well.
- Around City Hall - This is mostly office buildings, theaters, and the convention center (not even many restaurants). The biggest attraction here is Love Park (recently renovated). There are TONS of hotels around here (including the Doubletree you plan on staying at).
- Old City - As the name suggests, it's the oldest part of the city (some cobblestone streets, not many high-rises). This is where Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are, along with a hopping nightlife scene and trendy restaurants. There aren't any Hilton properties around here, but Hotel Monaco (Kimpton / IHG) is the place to be and The Franklin (Marriott Renaissance) is a good fallback.
- Penn's Landing - This is Philly's waterfront district, but it's cut-off from the rest of the city by I-95, and is underdeveloped because of this. Penn's Landing in the summer seems tempting, but there's slim pickings of stuff to actually do there. There is a Hilton located here for what it's worth.
Apr 29, 2018, 4:33 pm
#1239
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: American Ex Plat, Avis Presidents, Hertz - Preidents Circle, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 176
I got lucky, was able to get a June flight landing at 6:30 pm out at 6:20 pm the next day to Budapest, will take the train downtown to stay at the DT. My question is what time should we plan to leave the city to catch the train back? We of course would like to spend as much time downtown as feasible, flying J with carry on - thinking 4 pm but don’t want to feel rushed we can hang at the lounge a bit.
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 29, 2018, 5:02 pm
#1240
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
Really is a great city. Hit the Reading Market for lunch, it's a must. The Parkway is nice, great photo ops and museums (Rocky steps). Rittenhouse Square area has nice restaurants and upscale shopping. South Street has a quirky nightlife. Comcast building has a unique video display/show in it's lobby. Eastern State Penitentiary gives tours (see Al Capone's humble abode). There's a great zoo a few minutes from downtown (Zoo Balloon is another great photo op). Great jogging/biking along the Schuylkill River. Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, Betsy Ross house, the US Mint, and Elfreth's Alley are highlights of Olde City. You'll have no problem filling your time.
May 1, 2018, 7:39 am
#1242
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 2
Dear Flyertalk community,
I will be flying MUC>>PHL>>LAX>>HNL in august with AA. After an itinerary change the connection time in PHL is now only 1 hour 50 minutes. I am really worried to make the connection flight to LAX as we (wife, 1-year old) have to make it through immigration and customs, re-check my baggage and make it through security again. Therefore, I would like to know if there is a dedicated family/stroller lane to make it through immigration? Can you help me with that information?
Cheers,
Bjarn
I will be flying MUC>>PHL>>LAX>>HNL in august with AA. After an itinerary change the connection time in PHL is now only 1 hour 50 minutes. I am really worried to make the connection flight to LAX as we (wife, 1-year old) have to make it through immigration and customs, re-check my baggage and make it through security again. Therefore, I would like to know if there is a dedicated family/stroller lane to make it through immigration? Can you help me with that information?
Cheers,
Bjarn
May 1, 2018, 9:51 am
#1243
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
The Airport Interactive Map (PHL Maps) has very recently been significantly updated/improved and appears to include just about every detail. How do I know it's very recent - The new USO in E (see previous post) and several other recent adds are included. The Map is also available via the airport web site: phl.org/Terminal Information/Navigate PHL Interactive Map. It's fun to play with.
An I do love the construction notices! Not! Maybe they can add the construction zones to the map and show the closed restrooms, restaurants, and sidewalks!
Last edited by Dublin_rfk; May 1, 2018 at 9:57 am
May 1, 2018, 10:04 am
#1244
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
Dear Flyertalk community,
I will be flying MUC>>PHL>>LAX>>HNL in august with AA. After an itinerary change the connection time in PHL is now only 1 hour 50 minutes. I am really worried to make the connection flight to LAX as we (wife, 1-year old) have to make it through immigration and customs, re-check my baggage and make it through security again. Therefore, I would like to know if there is a dedicated family/stroller lane to make it through immigration? Can you help me with that information?
Cheers,
Bjarn
I will be flying MUC>>PHL>>LAX>>HNL in august with AA. After an itinerary change the connection time in PHL is now only 1 hour 50 minutes. I am really worried to make the connection flight to LAX as we (wife, 1-year old) have to make it through immigration and customs, re-check my baggage and make it through security again. Therefore, I would like to know if there is a dedicated family/stroller lane to make it through immigration? Can you help me with that information?
Cheers,
Bjarn
May 1, 2018, 12:40 pm
#1245
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 2
I am indeed flying with AA. So just to get this right: There is a family/stroller lane for immigration?