Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Overview

Philadelphia’s primary airport is PHL or Philadelphia International airport. The airport serves millions of passengers each year, making it the 20th busiest in the United States of America.

It is a popular airport that operates around 500 departures daily to over 130 destinations, both international and domestic. 

About 25 airlines operate from Philadelphia International Airport, including the hub air carriers of American Airlines, and UPS Airlines.

Also, if you plan to pass through the largest airport in the state of Pennsylvania, or book flight tickets to Philadelphia, this article will help you.

Read on to for a brief overview of the Philadelphia International Airport terminals and facilities.

Terminals and Services

Philadelphia is a huge airport with a massive terminal that boasts over 120 dining and shopping choices. 

In all, there are seven terminal buildings with six lettered concourses. The total number of boarding gates is 126. Shuttle services are available to transport passengers between terminals.

1. Terminal A

Terminal A is divided into east and west sections. There are 13 boarding gates in the Terminal A West section, whereas the Terminal A East section has 11 gates.

(a) Terminal A West:

Terminal A West features an innovative and state-of-the-art design. It was designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, Kelly/Maiello, and Pierce Goodwin Alexander and Linville. Moreover, this terminal started operation in 2003 as an international terminal.

Airlines that use this terminal include American Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Icelandair, and Qatar Airways. Moreover, there are several international dining options throughout the terminal, excluding the Customs preclearance area.

If you book flights to Philadelphia from India or other international locations, you will arrive at Terminal A. 

(b) Terminal A-East:

This was the international terminal before Terminal A West came into existence. However, most of the gates are well-equipped to handle international arrivals.

Today, this section of terminal A facilitates movement by the airline such as Aer Lingus, American Airlines, and Frontier. This terminal is very well-maintained, as you will observe when you land here. Its baggage claim area underwent a recent upgrade.

 (c) Facilities:

Passengers can chill at any of the three lounges situated between the Terminal A West and Terminal A East.

These are the American Airlines Admirals Club, American Express Centurion Lounge, and British Airways Gallery Lounge. You will also find a children’s play area in the east terminal. 

Terminals B and C: 

Both of these terminals are used by American Airlines. Terminal B is equipped with 15 gates, whereas Terminal C has 14. Over two decades ago, these terminals underwent a major makeover.

At the cost of $135 million, DPK&A Architects Ltd. designed the renovation. Terminals B and Care the oldest terminals of the airport. They came into existence in the early 1950s. Moreover, currently, the terminals look modern and well-designed.

(a) Facilities:

Both of the terminals connect to each other by a shopping mall and Philadelphia Marketplace, a food court.

You will also find American Airlines Admirals Club at the B/C connector.

Terminal D

Started in the year 1973, Terminal D has 16 gates. A new concourse was added to the terminal in the year 2008 as part of the expansion and renovation program. This concourse connected the terminal to Terminal E.

Also include combined security, and multiple shops and restaurants for passengers to enjoy during layovers.

The layout of this terminal is opposite to Terminals B and C as the latter consists of separate security facilities and a combined ticketing hall.

Terminal D is also home to airlines such as Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.

(a) Facilities:

When you book airline tickets to Philadelphia and explore Terminal D, you will find lounges by airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Moreover, the terminal connects the shopping area at the B/C connector via a post-security walkway.

Terminal E

Terminal E commenced operations four years after Terminal D, in the year 1977. Many airlines such as Frontier, Southwest, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue use this terminal. A total of 17 gates facilitate the movement of passengers and aircraft.

There are not many facilities at terminal E. However; there is a USO lounge or United Services Organizations Inc. Lounge. This facility is available for military personnel and their family members.

Terminal F

Terminal F is a regional terminal for American Eagle flights. If you book flight tickets for American Eagle, you will be using this terminal.

However, thanks to the well-organized layout of the Terminal F, you can board the regional flights without walking on the apron. It is possible through special jet bridges.

Termin