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.
Jan 6, 2019, 7:44 am
#1442
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 586
Jan 6, 2019, 8:33 am
#1443
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 16,871
Jan 9, 2019, 11:30 am
#1444
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA, WN
Posts: 32
39 minute PHL i'tnl to domestic connection
In August 2018, I booked a Y “milesaaver” award (and paid up to MCE) ROA-PHL-MUC, MUC-PHL-CLT-ROA for March 2019. As expected, there have been some schedule changes. The latest schedule change puts my return PHL international-domestic CLT connection at 39 minutes, and on the final PHL-CLT flight of the day. I will be in MCE near the front of the A332 with only a carryon, no checked bag. I have Global Entry and Precheck, though this will be my first time using GE, so I don’t really have a sense of how it works and how much time it saves. I’m AA Gold if that matters. My questions:
1. Do I have any real chance at this connection?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
Thanks, FT community!
JM
1. Do I have any real chance at this connection?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
Thanks, FT community!
JM
Jan 9, 2019, 11:34 am
#1445
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,479
In August 2018, I booked a Y “milesaaver” award (and paid up to MCE) ROA-PHL-MUC, MUC-PHL-CLT-ROA for March 2019. As expected, there have been some schedule changes. The latest schedule change puts my return PHL international-domestic CLT connection at 39 minutes, and on the final PHL-CLT flight of the day. I will be in MCE near the front of the A332 with only a carryon, no checked bag. I have Global Entry and Precheck, though this will be my first time using GE, so I don’t really have a sense of how it works and how much time it saves. I’m AA Gold if that matters. My questions:
1. Do I have any real chance at this connection?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
Thanks, FT community!
JM
1. Do I have any real chance at this connection?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
Thanks, FT community!
JM
Research what other options are available for MUC-ROA on your date of travel and give AA a call and ask to be switched due to their schedule change. I would push to be moved to a more direct MUC-PHL-ROA routing, in these instances you don't necessarily have to stick to your original routing.
Jan 9, 2019, 11:34 am
#1446
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,734
That is well below the International Domestic MCT. Expect the computers to catch it before your departure date and rebook you to something else. Look up what options would work and call now and get your flights changed before you aren't left with any options.
Jan 9, 2019, 11:37 am
#1447
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
1. Do I have any real chance at this connection?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
2. If I do miss for any reason, is AA on the hook for a hotel? Even if it is weather? Because at 39 minutes, seems like even the weather would have to be perfect to make the connection.
3. If I decide to use the schedule change clause to cancel the trip without charge, will I get my MCE buy-up fee back?
2. Potentially, but not for weather. With weather issues you're pretty SOL.
3. I would look into a CHANGE of flights rather than cancellation if I were you. If you call, they should be pretty open to accommodating you.
I thought the MUC-PHL/PHL-MUC routes were going away soon.
Oh also, this thread may be helpful:
AA Guide: PHL / Philadelphia International Airport - MCT, Connection, MCT, etc.
Jan 9, 2019, 11:39 am
#1448
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,248
The Minimum Connection Time at PHL AA-AA International to Domestic is 90 70 minutes. I doubt that your connection is valid after the schedule changes. I suggest you call the airline and speak with them about it.
Jan 9, 2019, 11:43 am
#1449
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA, WN
Posts: 32
Wow, this is why I love FT. Great and fast replies! I figured this would be illegal, but wanted to ask first.
Yes, PHL-MUC is switching to CLT-MUC just a couple weeks after I fly it. Would (and will) be much more convenient for me, but I miss this time by just a few days.
I'll call and find out what I can do. Thanks all!!
JM
Yes, PHL-MUC is switching to CLT-MUC just a couple weeks after I fly it. Would (and will) be much more convenient for me, but I miss this time by just a few days.
I'll call and find out what I can do. Thanks all!!
JM
Jan 9, 2019, 12:05 pm
#1450
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,479
Wow, this is why I love FT. Great and fast replies! I figured this would be illegal, but wanted to ask first.
Yes, PHL-MUC is switching to CLT-MUC just a couple weeks after I fly it. Would (and will) be much more convenient for me, but I miss this time by just a few days.
I'll call and find out what I can do. Thanks all!!
JM
Yes, PHL-MUC is switching to CLT-MUC just a couple weeks after I fly it. Would (and will) be much more convenient for me, but I miss this time by just a few days.
I'll call and find out what I can do. Thanks all!!
JM
"Hi, I have PNR ABCXYZ, there's been a schedule change and my connection is now 38 mins. This looks like an illegal connection, I see there is a PHL-ROA flight leaving at such and such time, can I be switched over to that?"
Jan 14, 2019, 2:19 pm
#1451
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
We thank @TSA for continuing to keep our airport and travelers safe during the shutdown. To show our appreciation, we have partnered with @marketplacephl to offer complimentary meals to all federal uniformed employees at #PHLairport every Monday from 8am to 8pm. Thank you!
PHL Airport response to the shutdown.... providing incentive for TSA not to call out sick on Mondays.
Jan 14, 2019, 2:40 pm
#1452
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,038
https://twitter.com/PHLAirport/statu...17090484715520
PHL Airport response to the shutdown.... providing incentive for TSA not to call out sick on Mondays.
PHL Airport response to the shutdown.... providing incentive for TSA not to call out sick on Mondays.
Jan 20, 2019, 11:48 pm
#1453
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
This thread is about PHL, MCT, ciponnectuins, etc.
If you wish to discuss TSA and general effects of the government shutdown, try the Travel Safety / Security forum.
If you wish to discuss the government shutdown, try OMNI/PR.
Neither of those topics is appropriate here, and as there were several dilatory posts in that vein, they’ve been deleted.
Thanks for keeping this thread on topic and helpful to PHL travelers.
Moderator
If you wish to discuss TSA and general effects of the government shutdown, try the Travel Safety / Security forum.
If you wish to discuss the government shutdown, try OMNI/PR.
Neither of those topics is appropriate here, and as there were several dilatory posts in that vein, they’ve been deleted.
Thanks for keeping this thread on topic and helpful to PHL travelers.
Moderator
Jan 21, 2019, 9:47 am
#1454
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: traveler
Posts: 3
Philadelphia Connection time 1 hour
We are traveling from State College PA on a smaller regional ER4-Embraer ERJ-145 to Philadelphia for a connection to San Francisco on a 321-Airbus A321....it say the connection time is 1 hour 1 minute with a terminal change but does not state which terminals. I have never been through Philadephia's airport, is that enough time to navigate and connect my next flight?
Jan 21, 2019, 10:09 am
#1455
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
The connection is possible. Please note that schedules are padded with extra time, however there are several factors in play here that could potentially make this a problem such as where you are seating, the closer upfront the higher chances to deplane earlier, familiarity with airport will help when transferring between terminals (look online for airport map so that you get an idea of the PHL layout), if carrying luggage might slow you down a bit. Please note that any delays in your first flight will cut into your connection time in PHL, AA will help if you misconnect, but it may not be an optimal time for you. Good luck.