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
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
| A.M. Times | PHL 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
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. |
Note: The Philadelphia Airport map is functional for navigating reaching and these TSA checkpoints.
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.
Frequently Asked Question
It can take about 10-30 minutes to clear security at Philadelphia Airport in the United States.
Late afternoons and evenings are usually the busiest times at PHL Airport, Pennsylvania, for security screening.
Philadelphia Airport TSA wait time while using Pre Check can be around 4 to 5 minutes.
Though there is no CLEAR at Philadelphia Airport fliers can register for TSA PreCheck to skip the security lines.
Usually, 40 minutes is sufficient for clearing security at Philadelphia International Airport in the US.
It can take between 8 minutes and 44 minutes to get through customs at PHL Airport Terminal A.