Travelers' Guide to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

February 16, 2022
ABOUT PHL
The only major airport in the nation's seventh largest metropolitan area, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a large hub airport and serves 32.24 million passengers annually. PHL covers 2,302 acres and has four runways.

In June 1940, the National Weather Service began using the airport's weather station as the official point for Philadelphia weather observations and records. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces used the airport as a First Air Force training airfield. In 1925, the Pennsylvania National Guard began using the present airport site, then called Hog Island, as a training airfield.

Today, PHL reports that it generates $16.8 billion to the economy annually and accounts for 106,000 full-time jobs.

Over 25 airlines, including all major domestic carriers, offer nearly 500 daily departures to more than 140 destinations worldwide. Airlines flying out of PHL include Aer Lingus, Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.

AIRPORT DINING AND AMENITIES
PHL features several dining and shopping options

 Seven specially-designed Service Animal Relief Areas (“Pet Ports”) are located in every terminal. There are also animal relief areas located outside the airport on the Departing Flights road and outside the baggage claim buildings. 

 Nursing parents can find a Mamava suite post-security in Terminal A-West, the B/C Connector, and Terminal F. The suites are available at no charge. Minute Suites are located on the secure-side walkway between Terminals B and A-East. The suites are free of charge for the first 30 minutes. 

PHL offers free wireless internet access, provided by AT&T. Find a complete list of additional services and amenities here

PHL AIRPORT PARKING
With a convenient location at 7601 Essington Avenue, The Parking Spot provides travelers with the best, most convenient, and most cost-effective parking option. On average, parking with The Parking Spot is up to 50% less expensive than parking at the airport. The TPS lot is within mere minutes from PHL, and parking includes complimentary door-to-door shuttle service.

  • Access to the lowest rates via reservation and pre-pay on The Parking Spot app or TheParkingSpot.com
  • Shuttle service every 5-7 minutes from the parking lot to the airport
  • Shuttle tracking through The Parking Spot app
  • Luggage assistance
  • Free bottled water
  • Soft Hands Car Care for select parking types
  • EV charging stations
  • Covered and uncovered parking options
  • Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Express check-in and check-out through The Parking Spot app
  • Accepts reservations to save a spot ahead of time
  • Valet parking option with your car waiting upon your return

HOTELS NEAR PHL


ATTRACTIONS NEAR PHL
Liberty Bell (526 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106) - The Liberty Bell is a historic symbol of American independence and is located in Independence National Historical Park. Notably, it rang on July 8, 1776, to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence. (12 miles from PHL) 

Independence Hall (520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106) - History buffs of all ages will not want to miss this iconic landmark where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. (12.2 miles PHL) 

King of Prussia Mall (160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406) - Shopping lovers will enjoy a visit to this massive mall, which is the second-largest in the United States. (27.5 miles from PHL) 

FAQ
Q. Does PHL airport ever close?
A. The security checkpoint at Terminal A-West is open 4:15 am - 9:15 pm. A-East is open 4:00 am - 8:15 pm. Terminal B is open 3:30 am - 9:15 pm. Terminal C is open 4:30 am - 8:00 pm and is a TSA precheck only terminal. Terminals D/E are open 3:45 am - 12:15 am. Terminal F is open 6:15 am - 9:00 pm. Hours are subject to change, especially during the holidays.
Q. Is PHL an international airport?
A. PHL is an international airport with service to over 140 destinations worldwide and over 500 departures daily.
Q. Where is PHL airport?
A. PHL is located about 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia in Tinicum Township.
Q. Who owns PHL airport?
A. PHL is owned by the city of Philadelphia and operated by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Division of Aviation.
Q. How far is PHL airport from Liberty Bell Center?
A. PHL is about 12 miles from the Liberty Bell Center.
Q. What airlines fly to PHL?
A. Over 25 airlines offer service to PHL including Aer Lingus, Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.
Q. Is there a nursing area for moms inside PHL?
A. There are nursing suites and pods available at PHL. Mamava and Minute Suite lactation pods are available at no charge.
Q. Is there a kid friendly or play area inside PHL?
A. There is a kid-friendly area at PHL. A kids zone with a jumbo jet, a control tower, and tug for children is located in Terminal A-East.
Q. How many passengers travel from PHL every year?
A. On average, 32.24 million passengers traveled through PHL annually.

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