Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) generally has moderate security and check-in wait times, but delays can increase during peak hours. Early mornings, late afternoons, and holiday periods often experience the longest lines.
Category
Details
Security Wait Times
Usually 10–30 minutes; may reach 45+ minutes during peak hours
Peak Hours
Early mornings (5–8 AM), late afternoons (3–6 PM), holiday travel days
Check-In Wait Times
10–25 minutes depending on airline and passenger volume
Baggage Claim Wait
10–30 minutes for domestic; 20–45 minutes for international
Immigration/Customs
20–60 minutes for international arrivals in Terminal A
TSA PreCheck
Significantly reduced wait times (often under 10 minutes)
CLEAR Lanes
Available at select checkpoints for faster security clearance
Terminal Crowding
Higher in Terminals A, B, C during peak flight operations
Recommended Arrival
2 hours before domestic flights; 3 hours before international