Lois Larson
Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country, serving as a gateway to the eastern seaboard. While some travellers have complained about the airport's facilities and staff, others have praised its charm and entertainment options. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of things to do at the airport and in the city itself, which is easily accessible by train.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. However, it is a smaller airport, which typically makes it easier to navigate than larger airports. |
| Transportation | The SEPTA Airport Line (Regional Rail) is the fastest way to reach Center City from the airport, with a travel time of about 25 minutes. Taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services are also available. |
| Security | Travelers report that clearing security can take longer than expected. It is recommended to leave plenty of time when returning to the airport and to be prepared for potential delays during peak hours. |
| Dining and shopping | The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, referred to as the Philadelphia Marketplace. Options include duty-free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, travel and technology boutiques, and well-known brands. |
| Relaxation | The airport provides free WiFi, and comfortable seating areas can be found in Terminal C and the virtual library. Terminal A's walkways and the International Arrivals Hall are also recommended for those seeking a quiet place to rest. |
| Art and culture | The airport features digitized art exhibitions, such as "Philadelphia's 100 History Makers of the 20th Century" and "Philadelphia: The First World Heritage in the City." |
| Pet-friendly | Philadelphia Airport has dedicated Animal Relief Areas in each terminal, allowing pets to run around, de-stress, and relieve themselves before boarding. |
| Overnight layovers | Overnight layovers can be spent in hotels near Center City, offering easy access to dining, entertainment, and historical sites. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Philadelphia Airport has a bad reputation for its rude staff and tedious passport checks
- The airport offers a range of shops, including Duty-Free, convenience stores, bookshops, and travel and technology boutiques
- There are various entertainment options, including an in-house entertainment program, showcasing local musicians and performers
- The airport features art exhibitions, such as 'Philadelphia's 100 History Makers of the 20th Century'
- If you have a long layover, you can explore Philadelphia's historic sites, museums, food scene, and live music
Philadelphia Airport has a bad reputation for its rude staff and tedious passport checks
Philadelphia Airport, one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country, has gained a negative reputation for its rude staff and tedious passport checks. While some sources claim that the airport is "not actually that bad" compared to other busy airports, others assert that the staff, particularly the TSA, are "really rude and nasty." One passenger even recounts an incident where TSA agents were yelling at people and using profanity.
The passport check process has also been described as tedious and time-consuming, with passengers having to wait in two separate lines: one for the initial check and another to hand over their paperwork to Homeland Security. This can be especially frustrating for international travellers, who may already be dealing with jet lag and long travel times.
Adding to the frustration, travellers have reported that clearing security can take much longer than expected, and US border security is known for asking numerous questions. As such, it is advisable to allow for extra time when passing through Philadelphia Airport, particularly when returning from international destinations.
Despite these negative aspects, Philadelphia Airport does offer some amenities to make layovers more bearable. The airport features the Philadelphia Marketplace, a collection of shops and dining options, including duty-free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, and technology boutiques. For those seeking relaxation, XpresSpa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. The airport also showcases rotating art exhibitions and digitized art installations, infusing culture into the travel experience.
Arriving Early: How Far Before Your Flight Should You Arrive?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.59 $16.99
The airport offers a range of shops, including Duty-Free, convenience stores, bookshops, and travel and technology boutiques
Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country, so you may find yourself spending time here during a layover. The airport itself has its charm, but if you have a layover of more than a few hours, you might want to head into the city to find some more interesting things to do.
In addition to shopping, there are several other things you can do during a layover at Philadelphia Airport. You can enjoy food, entertainment, and relaxation before your next flight. The airport features the in-house entertainment program Enjoy PHL, which showcases talented musicians and performers from Philadelphia. You can also check out the airport's digitized art exhibitions, such as 'Philadelphia's 100 History Makers of the 20th Century' between Terminal E and F, and 'Philadelphia: The First World Heritage in the City' between Terminals A-East and B. If you're travelling with a pet, there are dedicated Animal Relief Areas in each terminal where your furry friend can run around, de-stress, and relieve itself before your flight.
If you have a long layover, you might consider leaving the airport to explore Philadelphia. The city is steeped in history, with many important historical sites located within walking distance of each other, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The easiest way to get downtown is by taking the SEPTA Airport Line to Center City, which takes about 25 minutes. However, be sure to leave plenty of time to return to the airport, as travellers report that clearing security can sometimes take longer than expected.
Exploring the Vast Acreage of McCarran Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![BTS V - Layover album Ver. 3 + [BTS Photocards Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KkEcc4O5L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
There are various entertainment options, including an in-house entertainment program, showcasing local musicians and performers
Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. While some travellers have complained about the airport's facilities and staff, there are various entertainment options to keep you occupied during your layover.
The airport offers an in-house entertainment program, Enjoy PHL, which showcases local musicians and performers. This program ensures that spending time in the terminal is not a boring experience. You can also enjoy visual stimulation through rotating art exhibitions featuring works from various artists. The airport's website lists the art currently on display.
If you're travelling with a pet, you'll be relieved to know that Philly Airport has dedicated Animal Relief Areas in each terminal, allowing your furry friend to run around and de-stress before your flight.
For those seeking relaxation, XpresSpa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. You can also take advantage of the free WiFi to entertain yourself online during your layover. If you need a quiet place to rest, Terminal C reportedly offers the most comfortable spots inside Security. If you're pre-Security, Terminal A's walkways and the International Arrivals Hall are recommended.
The airport also has a Philadelphia Marketplace, featuring a range of shops, including duty-free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, and travel and technology boutiques. You can browse well-known brands such as Kiehl's, L'Occitane, and The Body Shop, or clothing stores like the Gap and Victoria's Secret.
If you have a long layover, you might consider venturing beyond the airport to explore the city of Philadelphia. The SEPTA Airport Line provides easy access to Center City, where you can visit historical sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as world-class museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute.
Southwest's Airport Choice: Why Utah?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![David Hasselhoff - Layover [2007] - [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61upmH0BCWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The airport features art exhibitions, such as 'Philadelphia's 100 History Makers of the 20th Century'
Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country, serving as a gateway to the eastern seaboard. While some travellers have complained about the airport's facilities and staff, others have praised the ease of transit and the range of entertainment and shopping options available.
If you have a long layover at Philadelphia Airport, there are several things you can do to pass the time. The airport itself offers various amenities, including art exhibitions, such as 'Philadelphia's 100 History Makers of the 20th Century' between Terminal E and F, and 'Philadelphia: The First World Heritage City' between Terminals A-East and B. These digitized art exhibitions provide a cultural experience for travellers, infusing the airport's interiors with a touch of 'travelling art'.
In addition to the art exhibitions, Philadelphia Airport also features the in-house entertainment program, Enjoy PHL, which showcases local musicians and performers. The airport also has a variety of shops and dining options, dubbed the Philadelphia Marketplace. Here, travellers can browse through duty-free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, and technology boutiques. There are also skincare shops like Kiehl's and L'Occitane, as well as familiar brands such as the Gap and Victoria's Secret.
If you have a longer layover of at least 7 hours, you might consider venturing outside the airport to explore Philadelphia's historic sites and attractions. The city is known for its rich history, with landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall located within walking distance of each other. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute are also popular destinations, offering cultural and interactive experiences, respectively. To get into the city, travellers can take the SEPTA Airport Line, which connects the airport directly to Center City, with stops at Market East Station (Jefferson Station) and Suburban Station. Taxis and rideshares are also available, but traffic can be an issue.
Logan Airport: UPS Services Available?
You may want to see also
If you have a long layover, you can explore Philadelphia's historic sites, museums, food scene, and live music
Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. While some travellers find the airport charming, others have complained about the long security lines and rude staff. However, if you have a long layover, you can explore Philadelphia's historic sites, museums, food scene, and live music.
The city is known for its rich history, with many important historical sites located within walking distance of each other, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Museum of the American Revolution and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are also must-visits. The Franklin Institute is great for those travelling with kids, offering interactive science exhibits.
If you're a foodie, Philadelphia has a lot to offer. The city is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, with options ranging from classic American fare to international cuisine. You can also check out the Philadelphia Marketplace at the airport, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options. There are the usual airport spots, like Duty-Free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, and travel and technology boutiques.
For music lovers, Philadelphia has a vibrant live music scene. You can catch performances by local musicians and bands at various venues throughout the city. The in-house entertainment program at the airport, Enjoy PHL, also showcases talented musicians and performers from Philadelphia.
To get around, you can use the SEPTA Airport Line, which connects the airport to Center City, with stops at Market East Station (Jefferson Station) and Suburban Station. The ride takes about 25 minutes, making it a convenient option for those with a few hours to explore. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available, but traffic can be an issue. Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport and clear security, as travellers have reported longer-than-usual wait times.
Airports in Himachal Pradesh: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
While some travellers have complained about the airport's facilities, staff and long security lines, others have found it charming. The Philadelphia Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country, so it's likely you'll spend some time there. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city, which is easily accessible by the SEPTA Airport Line.
The airport has a range of shops, including Duty-Free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, travel and technology boutiques, and skincare shops like Kiehl's, L'Occitane and The Body Shop. There are also art exhibitions, a virtual library and an in-house entertainment program, Enjoy PHL, showcasing local musicians and performers. If you need a nap, Terminal C has the most comfortable spots inside Security.
If you have a short layover of 2-3 hours, it's best to stay at the airport. For longer layovers, you can head into the city. Remember to give yourself enough time to go through security, especially during peak hours.
