Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · ICAO KPHL
American Airlines' East Coast hub, PHL has seven terminals (A-West through F) in a connected single-building layout, making it walkable end to end.
PHL Airport Overview
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL / ICAO: KPHL) is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. American Airlines' East Coast hub, PHL has seven terminals (A-West through F) in a connected single-building layout, making it walkable end to end.
Hub for: American Airlines
💡 PHL Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from PHL, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 31 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: PHL is a hub for American Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
PHL TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at PHL average about 15 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Wednesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at PHL
- Terminals A-West & A-East: Terminal A Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
- Terminals B & C: Terminal B/C Checkpoint
- Terminal D: Terminal D Checkpoint
- Terminal E: Terminal E Checkpoint
- Terminal F: Terminal F Checkpoint — international screening
PHL Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Philadelphia International Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminals A-West & A-East
Terminals B & C
Terminal D
Terminal E
Terminal F
Airlines at PHL — Terminal & Gate Directory
Philadelphia International Airport is served by 9+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines (Regional/Express) | Terminals A-West & A-East | A1–A30 |
| American Airlines (Domestic) | Terminals B & C | B1–B20, C1–C30 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal D | D1–D16 |
| United Airlines | Terminal D | D1–D16 |
| JetBlue | Terminal D | D1–D16 |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E12 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E12 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E12 |
| American Airlines (International) | Terminal F | F1–F14 |
| British Airways | Terminal F | F1–F14 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal F | F1–F14 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve PHL:
Where to Eat at PHL — Dining & Food Guide
Philadelphia International Airport has 7+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From PHL — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Philadelphia from Philadelphia International Airport:
- SEPTA Airport Line — regional rail to Center City Philadelphia (~25 min)
- SEPTA bus — route 37 to South Philly, route 108 to 69th St Terminal
- Ride-share & taxi — Arrivals Level of each terminal
PHL Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Philadelphia International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Garages
Attached to each terminal
Economy Lot
Free shuttle
Airport Lounges at PHL
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Philadelphia International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- American Admirals Club (Terminals B/C)
- Centurion Lounge (Terminal B)
PHL Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Philadelphia International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Chickie's & Pete's, Starbucks, Di Bruno Bros..
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. PHL has 2 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Philadelphia International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
PHL Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at PHL?
Typical TSA security wait times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) average around 15 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest wednesday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our PHL TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from PHL. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at PHL are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of PHL?
PHL is served by carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines and others. Philadelphia International Airport is a hub for American Airlines.
How many terminals does PHL have?
Philadelphia International Airport has 5 terminal areas: Terminals A-West & A-East; Terminals B & C; Terminal D; Terminal E; Terminal F. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from PHL to downtown Philadelphia?
Popular ways to reach downtown Philadelphia from Philadelphia International Airport include SEPTA Airport Line; SEPTA bus; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does PHL have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Philadelphia International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like PHL also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at PHL?
Philadelphia International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Chickie's & Pete's, Starbucks, Di Bruno Bros., Field House Sports Bar, Smoked on Philly, Iron Hill Brewery. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is PHL located?
Philadelphia International Airport is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA). Its IATA code is PHL and its ICAO code is KPHL. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.