Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is not only projecting the 2024 Fourth of July holiday week to be on par with 2019, PHL is anticipating a record number of passengers to travel through the airport July 1-7. During that span, PHL could potentially welcome more than 698,500 arriving and departing guests; 26 percent more than 2023 and eight percent higher than the holiday period during PHL’s record-breaking year of 2019.
The busiest days during the holiday week are expected to be Wednesday, July 3 (110,100 total passengers); Saturday, July 6 (109,000); and Sunday, July 7 (105,600).
As the summer heats up, PHL’s terminals will continue to be filled. The projected summer (June-August) passenger volume is just over 4.7 million — up almost 18 percent from 2023’s 3.99 million and .2 percent higher than 2019’s 4.69 million.
Non-ticketed guests can also create special memories at PHL this summer with the airport’s Wingmate Guest Pass. After completing an application via wingmate-pass.com/phl and receiving approval from the TSA, Wingmate pass holders can support their loved ones in their journey to their gate, provide assistance to family members with special needs or greet a passenger arriving on a domestic flight. Pass holders can also take advantage of PHL’s restaurants and shops and explore the award-winning art exhibitions. Since this amenity was launched on November 1, 2023, more than 5,100 Wingmate passes have been issued. For more information on how the program works, visit phl.org/wingmate.
While packing their bags, travelers should also make a PHL pre-arrival checklist:
Getting to PHL: On-site Parking
PHL offers approximately 15,500 on-site parking spots, including 3,600 in the Economy Lot. PHL’s garage rate is $28 per day, while the Economy Lot fee is $15 per day. The complimentary Economy Lot shuttle buses operate to/from the terminals 24 hours every day, including holidays.
Prior to heading to the airport, guests should check the local traffic and transit reports to avoid delays en route to PHL and allow extra travel time, especially during the holiday week.
Flight Check-In and Status Updates
Guests should visit their airlines’ websites for questions about check-in, baggage, traveling with pets and flight details.
Passengers should also download their airlines’ apps or register for text/email updates for the latest flight statuses.
TSA Security Checks
Increased passenger volume could mean longer checkpoint wait times. TSA advises all guests to arrive at the airport two hours before boarding times for domestic flights and three hours before international flights to avoid the risk of missing their planes. Guests enrolled in TSA Pre-Check can use dedicated security lanes at the Terminal A-East (from 4:14 am-5 pm), Terminal C and Terminal D/E checkpoints for expedited security checks. Passengers can access all PHL terminals through any TSA checkpoint. If you already have a boarding pass, and have carry-on luggage, using another terminal entrance may be an option.
Passengers are also reminded to learn what items can be taken through the checkpoint and what needs to be packed in checked baggage before they get to the airport. Items like firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags. A complete list of what to check and what can be packed in carry-on bags can be found here. Details and tips for being prepared for the screening process can be found here and via the free MyTSA app.
What’s Open?
Once through security, guests will find more than 170 PHL Food & Shops stores, restaurants and services in all terminals open and ready to serve them, including recently opened local favorite Sabrina’s Cafe in Terminal C, La Colombe in Terminal F and ExpreSpa in Terminal B. Information on open concessions and operating hours can be found here. Guests can also enjoy contactless ordering from select PHL Food & Shops merchants through OrderAtPHL.com.
Clubs
PHL has several club options for guests, including American Airlines Admirals Clubs, the American Express Centurion Lounge, British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, Delta SkyClub and United Club. Membership is required to access airline and the American Express Centurion Lounge. Priority Pass holders can access Be Relax Spa and Minute Suites.
Passengers in need of wheelchairs or electric carts should make arrangements through their airlines prior to their day of departure.
PHL offers Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards to raise awareness and increase accessibility for people with non-visible disabilities. This program helps others identify when support may be needed for those with disabilities such as memory loss, anxiety, or other conditions that may not be immediately obvious to other people. Lanyards are available at information counters.
Arriving Passengers
Guests needing transportation after retrieving their luggage, should note the following:
Ride App pick-up zones (Zone 7) are located on the South Commercial Road outside of each baggage claim area. Exit through the doors onto the S. Commercial Rd. and continue to follow signs for Ride App/Zone 7.
Rental car agency shuttles pick-up from Zone 2 on Arrivals Road. Information on taxi, hotel and parking courtesy shuttle, limousine and charter bus pick-up can be found here.
Platforms for SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line and Bus Routes 37, 108 and 115 are also accessible from all baggage claims.
Drivers meeting arriving passengers should take advantage of PHL’s free Cell Phone Waiting Lot, conveniently located one minute from the baggage claim areas or park in the short term parking lots across from the baggage claims.
