Philadelphia international airport security wait times Information

Philadelphia International Airport security wait times are known to be quite short. This is because the airfield has regulated screening and TSA check procedures. However, at times, the waiting duration can be impacted due to higher passenger volume and rush hours. Also, each terminal at PHL in Pennsylvania, from A to F, can have varying wait times. Hence, to ensure a smooth travel experience as per the schedule, travelers can estimate the duration at the different checkpoints. During such estimation, the average time taken, the maximum and minimum durations, TSA, and CLEAR hours should be considered to streamline the security process. 

Average PHL Security Wait Times

Average PHL Security Wait Times

It may take about 10-30 minutes on average to clear security at Philadelphia Airport, PA, USA. For international flights, this duration can be slightly extended. However, a traveler flying during the morning hours might experience shorter durations. 

Philadelphia Airport (PHL) TSA Wait Times 

PHL TSA Wait Times
A.M. TimesPHL TSA Wait Times 
01:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. 31 minutes 
02:00 A.M. to 03:00 A.M.27 minutes
03:00 A.M. to 04:00 A.M. 24 minutes
04:00 A.M. to 05:00 A.M. 21 minutes
05:00 A.M. to 06:00 A.M. 18 minutes
06:00 A.M. to 07:00 A.M. 21 minutes
07:00 A.M. to 08:00 A.M. 11 minutes
08:00 A.M. to 09:00 A.M. 25 minutes
09:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. 6 minutes
10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. 18 minutes
12:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. 34 minutes
P.M. Times TSA Wait Times at Philadelphia Airport
11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M 17 minutes 
12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. 26 minutes
01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. 8 minutes
02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. 25 minutes
03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. 17 minutes
04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. 20 minutes
05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. 16 minutes
06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. 2 minutes
07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. 9 minutes
08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. 15 minutes
09:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. No wait time 

PHL/Philadelphia International Airport TSA Checkpoint Hours 

philadelphia international airport security wait times TSA Checkpoints hours

Each terminal of the PHL Airport has a specific checkpoint. Each of these screening points has standard operating hours. Due to this, the respective Philadelphia Airport wait times can also differ.  

PHL Terminal Checkpoint Operating Hours Standard Wait Time 
Terminal A – West 5:15 A.M. to 10:15 P.M. 5 minutes 
Terminal A – East 4:15 A.M. to 8:15 P.M. 4 minutes 
Terminal B 3:45 A.M. to 9:15 P.M. 
Terminal C 4:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. 
Terminal D/E 3:45 A.M. to 11:55 P.M. 28 minutes 
Terminal F 4:30 A.M. to 9:15 P.M. 

TSA PreCheck Wait Times at PHL or Philadelphia Airport, PA 

TSA Pre Check Location Estimated Wait Time 
Terminal A – East 5 minutes 
Terminal D/E 4 minutes 
Terminal C No waiting duration

PHL Security Wait Times for Customs 

When clearing customs, there can be a slight difference in the wait time. This is dependent on a citizen’s location, whether US or non-US. 

Customs Wait Time for US Citizens: 

P.M. Hours Average Customs Wait Time Maximum Customs Wait Time 
12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. 13 minutes 31 minutes 
01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. 9 minutes 21 minutes 
02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. 6 minutes 26 minutes 
03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. 10 minutes 36 minutes 
04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. 18 minutes 44 minutes 
05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. 23 minutes 39 minutes 
06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. 5 minutes 13 minutes 
07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. 8 minutes 17 minutes 
08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. 9 minutes 23 minutes 

Wait Time for Customs for Non-US Citizens: 

P.M. Hours Average Customs Wait Time Maximum Customs Wait Time 
12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. 14 minutes 31 minutes 
01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. 13 minutes 23 minutes 
02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. 8 minutes 24 minutes 
03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. 14 minutes 37 minutes 
04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. 19 minutes 42 minutes 
05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. 25 minutes 38 minutes 
06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. 6 minutes 13 minutes 
07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. 11 minutes 13 minutes 
08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. 12 minutes 23 minutes 

In sum, the Philadelphia Airport security wait times are less than an hour on average. They can fluctuate, based on the nature of a flight, time of the day, and the type of screening. TSA PreCheck tends to be faster than regular security procedures and is ideal amidst fluctuations.

How long does security take at Philadelphia Airport?

It can take about 10-30 minutes to clear security at Philadelphia Airport in the United States.

What is the busiest security time at Philadelphia International Airport?

Late afternoons and evenings are usually the busiest times at PHL Airport, Pennsylvania, for security screening.

How long does it take to get through PHL TSA PreCheck?

Philadelphia Airport TSA wait time while using Pre Check can be around 4 to 5 minutes. 

How to skip security lines at PHL Airport?

Though there is no CLEAR at Philadelphia Airport fliers can register for TSA PreCheck to skip the security lines.

Is 40 minutes enough for clearing security at Philadelphia Airport?

Usually, 40 minutes is sufficient for clearing security at Philadelphia International Airport in the US.

What is the customs wait time at PHL Airport Terminal A?

It can take between 8 minutes and 44 minutes to get through customs at PHL Airport Terminal A.