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Philadelphia International Airport, also known as PHL, is an important hub for the city of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley metropolitan region, and Pennsylvania. The airport covers 2,302 acres and has seven terminals, serving 25 airlines and around 30 million passengers annually. With ongoing improvements, the airport experience is looking up for travellers passing through this South Philly transit hub.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Philadelphia International Airport |
| Other Names | PHL, Philadelphia Municipal Airport |
| Location | South of South Philly, 7 miles from Center City |
| Airlines | 25 |
| Passengers | 30 million per year |
| Terminals | 7 |
| Runways | 4 |
| Area | 2,302 acres (932 ha) |
| History | Used by the Pennsylvania National Guard as a training airfield from 1925; dedicated as "Philadelphia Municipal Airport" in 1927; became Philadelphia International Airport in 1945 |
| Notable Features | Children's play area in Terminal A-East, nursing pods, pet relief areas, duty-free shops, designated smoking areas |
| Transport Options | SEPTA airport line, car-sharing, taxi |
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What You'll Learn
Philadelphia International Airport history
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has grown to become a significant aviation hub, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. However, its history dates back to the early days of aviation in the 1920s.
The City of Philadelphia took its first steps towards establishing an airport in 1925 when it provided 125 acres of land for the Pennsylvania National Guard's aviation training, located 6 miles southwest of the city. The following year, in 1926, the city signed an agreement with the Ludington Exhibition Company (the forerunner of Eastern Airlines) to operate the site as the "Municipal Aviation Landing Field". This field was officially inaugurated on October 22, 1927, when Charles Lindbergh landed his plane and ceremoniously raised the American flag. At that time, it was known as the Philadelphia Municipal Aviation Landing Field.
In the late 1930s, the city expanded its aviation ambitions by purchasing the Hog Island Shipyard from the federal government, intending to develop an airfield. Construction of the Philadelphia Municipal Airport took place between 1936 and 1940, and it officially opened on June 20, 1940. However, with the United States' entry into World War II, military operations took precedence, and the airport discontinued commercial flights in 1943 due to security concerns. During the war, the airport served as an Army Air Corps base.
After the war ended, the airport reopened for civilian use in 1945 and soon gained international status as travel restrictions to Europe were lifted. The city renamed it the Philadelphia International Airport, reflecting its new capabilities. The airport continued to expand and improve its facilities, with a new terminal opening in December 1953, along with longer runways and expanded terminal buildings. By the late 1950s, Philadelphia International Airport had gained more flights to other US cities and abroad, solidifying its place as a significant aviation hub.
Over the years, the airport has undergone multiple renovations and additions to accommodate growing passenger traffic and evolving aviation needs. In the 1980s and 1990s, US Airways became the dominant carrier at the airport, and it remains one of the largest hubs for American Airlines. The airport has also been an important economic driver for the region, contributing billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
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Terminals and gates
Philadelphia International Airport, also known as PHL, is located in the city of Philadelphia, with parts of Terminal A, the international terminal, and the airfield's western and southern ends in Tinicum Township, Delaware County. The airport covers 2,302 acres and has seven terminals.
Terminal A is divided into A-West and A-East. A-West is the main international terminal for airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, but it also operates some domestic flights. The terminal has 13 gates, numbered A14 to A26, on level 2, with the international arrivals area on level 3 and baggage claim on level 1. A-West has two security checkpoints and offers a selection of shops and restaurants, including the British Airways Galleries Lounge and Centurion Lounge. A-East features a children's play area and a duty-free shop.
Terminal B is connected to the Philadelphia Airport Marriott via a bridge, providing convenient access for travellers. Terminals A, B, and C form the oldest parts of the terminal complex, with their construction dating back to the 1950s.
While specific gate information is limited, it is known that Checkpoint A-East covers gates A1 to A13. Additionally, American Airlines operates from Terminals A-West, A-East, B, C, and F. The walk between Terminals F and C takes approximately 15 minutes.
The airport provides a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. It offers a free Cell Phone Lot located just a minute away from all baggage claim areas, and passengers can take advantage of the designated smoking areas outside each terminal. PHL also prioritises accessibility, with special assistance and services available for travellers who need them.
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Transport and parking
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located south of South Philly, about seven miles from Center City. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or car.
Train
The SEPTA airport line runs seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to midnight between Center City and the airport, stopping at all terminals. Trains operate from Center City to the airport between 4:25 a.m. and 11:25 p.m., and from the airport to Center City from 5:07 a.m. to 12:07 a.m. The Airport Line stops at Terminals A-East, B, C-D, and E, while Terminal F passengers board and exit at Terminal E. Connections to Amtrak and New Jersey Transit can be made at 30th Street Station.
Bus
Local SEPTA bus routes 37 and 108, and CCT Connect, stop at all baggage claim areas except for Terminal F. Accessible bus service is provided by routes 37, 108, and 115. Buses board at Zone 1 outside the baggage claim at Terminals A-East, B, C, D, and E, while Terminal F passengers board and exit at Terminal E.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all baggage claim areas. WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicles) are also available through the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and can be requested by calling 215-683-9842.
Car
If you're driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including Short-Term, Garage, and Economy parking facilities operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Accessible parking spaces are located near the elevators in the garages, bus stops in the Economy Parking lot, and baggage claims in the Short-Term lot (ground level of the garages). Short-term parking is recommended for visits of up to 1 hour, while garage parking is more cost-effective for visits longer than 3.5 hours. For oversized vehicles, there is also an Economy Lot available. Additionally, private companies like Smart Park and Jet Stream Parking offer off-site parking options with free shuttle services to and from the airport.
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Amenities and entertainment
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers a range of amenities and entertainment options to cater to the needs of its millions of annual passengers. The airport is committed to providing a positive travel experience and offers various services, including special assistance, to ensure a smooth journey for all travellers.
For those with time to spare between flights or seeking a quick bite before departure, PHL has an array of dining options. From first-class sandwiches at Middle Child to exclusive airport-only surprises, there's something for every taste. The airport also caters to travellers looking for a more substantial meal, with hotels in the vicinity offering dining options. The Philadelphia Airport Marriott, connected directly to Terminal B, provides a convenient choice for travellers who want to stay close to the airport. Other nearby hotels, ranging from 2- to 4-star, are located within a 0.5- to 4-mile radius of the airport.
PHL also boasts a variety of shopping opportunities. Terminal A-West, for instance, features a good selection of shops and restaurants, while Terminals A-East, A-West, and D offer duty-free shopping. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the British Airways Galleries Lounge and Centurion Lounge in Terminal A-West provide exclusive amenities and services for eligible passengers.
Entertainment-wise, PHL delivers a range of options to keep travellers engaged. The airport ranks among the most kid-friendly in the US, offering entertainment such as magicians and caricaturists. The summer-long "Just Plane Fun" programme provides additional fun for families. For nursing mothers, PHL provides four Mamava nursing pods located across the airport. Additionally, designated smoking areas are available curbside outside each terminal.
PHL also provides essential amenities such as a free Cell Phone Lot, conveniently located just a minute away from all baggage claim areas, making it easy for passengers to coordinate pick-ups without causing congestion on the roadways. The airport also offers car rental services and easy connections to the SEPTA airport line, providing a seamless link to Center City and other destinations.
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Hotels
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located in South Philadelphia, just seven miles from Center City. The airport is easily accessible by train, with the SEPTA airport line running seven days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight, connecting the airport to Center City.
If you're looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are plenty of options available, ranging from 2- to 4-star hotels. The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is a convenient choice, as it is directly connected to Terminal B via a bridge or skywalk. This puts you just a quick trip away from the airport while also offering easy access to downtown Philadelphia's top attractions, such as Penn's Landing and the National Constitution Center. Award nights at the Marriott start at 32,000 points per night.
Another option is the Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, located just half a mile from the airport. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to venues such as Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Wells Fargo Center.
For those looking to explore beyond the airport, the Courtyard at the Marriott at the Navy Yard is about six miles away and offers a chance to get away while still being conveniently located.
PHL offers a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience. The airport ranks among the most kid-friendly in the US, featuring entertainment such as magicians and caricaturists, as well as a dedicated children's play area in Terminal A-East. Additionally, nursing mothers can make use of the four Mamava nursing pods located throughout the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a large airport with seven terminals spread across 2,302 acres. Terminal A, the international terminal, is located in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, while the rest of the airport is in the city of Philadelphia. The airport has four runways and is located just seven miles from Center City.
Philadelphia Airport has a range of amenities to cater to travellers' needs. Terminal A-West, the main international terminal, has 13 gates and a good selection of shops and restaurants. There is also a British Airways Galleries Lounge and a Centurion Lounge for eligible passengers. The airport also has a children's play area in Terminal A-East, nursing pods, pet relief areas, duty-free shops, and designated smoking areas outside of each terminal.
There are plenty of hotel options near Philadelphia Airport, ranging from 2- to 4-star accommodations. The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected directly to Terminal B via a bridge, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Other nearby hotels include the Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, located just half a mile from the airport, and the Courtyard at the Marriott at the Navy Yard, about six miles from the airport.
Travellers can get to Philadelphia Airport by car, train, or public transportation. The SEPTA airport line runs seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to midnight, between Center City and the airport, stopping at all terminals. If driving, travellers can check space availability in the garages and Economy Lot on the airport website.
