The Big Picture
As a rul, PHL is a great place to wait (because of its many nice features), but a terrible place to try to get to or leave due to heavy traffic, few runways, and "delay at the slightest breeze" operations. That said, here are some hints for navigating the airport.
Places to Eat
Places worth eating / getting a decent meal
- The Philly Rocks are good. In both Term B and F. The burger is particularly good.
Wifi
Where to find a wifi connection
- Available in most parts of the airport, and in the food court between Term B and C.
Getting Through Security
Tips for getting through security quickly
- Good luck. Here's one hint: if walking in from the garage look at the skybridges for both B and C. One nearly always has a much shorter line, and it's easy to just hoof it to the lesser of two evils.
- Term F, usually a breeze, is awful when it's slammed. I've actually made the walk to Term E, passed through security there, then walked over to C and taken the shuttle to F. It takes 15 minutes, but that's probably less time than a huge line in F.
- Term E usually has the frequent flyer lane blocked or half-blocked with a rope. Just pass through it; they expect you to (and keep it blocked so non-frequent-flyers go into the appropriate lane).
Parking
Tips for parking at this airport
- There are always spots in Term E/F parking, especially on level 5 or 6.
Getting a Cocktail
Where to find a good drink and atmosphere
Clubs
Tips about frequent flyer clubs at this airport
- The Northwest Club in Term E is closed (presumably forever).
- You can get a wifi signal in the US Airways club between B and C if you sit by the windows that look out onto the food court.
- The Crown room club is pretty lame, since it is before security, so if you end up with a flight delay you have to go back through security
Killing a few Hours
Ideas for how to spend a few hours of delay or layover
- It's a 25 minute train ride to Center City Philly.
Other Comments
Any other local commentary worth knowing about this airport
- If flying US Airways, avoid checking your bags at all costs. US Airways baggage in Philly takes 30-45 minutes upon arrival.
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